7 Lakes and more - Sapareva Banya to Rila Monastir

Prelude to this hike:
- I took a bus from Sofia to Dupnica at 3pm (~1:15)
- In Dupnica station I immediately took another one to Sapareva Banya (~30min)
- Then I started the hike at 5pm

This is an amazing 2 day hike. Lakes and mountains views are incredible !! I was really stunned! Even the load of local tourists near the main ones didn’t affect me - it usually does! I highly recommend it ! It’s a good option for people who want to allow only one day or two in Rila Mountains

# Day 1 - Sapareva Banya to Lovna Hut #
It was a 15km hike, 1000+ and took me like 4h30
I fully walked up to this hut where I had planned to I stayed the night in order to be closer from the lakes on the morning.
There alternatives : you can take a bus up to the lift and then keep walking 45 min on an easy path to reach this hut if it is also your plan. It could be relevant if you arrive late or if you want to preserve yourself for the other days because it isn’t the most rewarding part.
They are many huts, it’s affordable and nice quality. It is better to book in advance

# Day 2 - Lovna Hut to Rila Monastery through the lakes #
First, signs are really frequent and clear.
About this amazing second day. It took me nearly 9h walk. It was a close to 20km hike and it was also a bit more than 1000m cumulative increase.
The path I took to go down to Rila is great because it enables to see further lakes, all the more amazing. It could also enable to reach the Malyovitsa which is very close from it. Though it is quite steep. I personally never like to go down and prefer smooth descent to this kind. So it took me a lot of energy. Nonetheless, as said the advantages are many. Moreover, contrary to the other path, it is less touristic and way shorter.

I let my pics do the talk.
Feel free ask me question.