Vertical Vector

The Devil’s Spires – the most inaccessible group of jagged peaks in Bulgaria towering above the valley of Rila Monastery – a more than a thousand years old orthodox structure. Join us on this stunning 2 days adventure of traversing the spires and descending the truly wild grounds towards the Rila monastery. You will experience both an extreme day and cultural sightseeing.           

Depending on your climbing level we can avoid the main climbing difficulties and stick to the stunning abseil line of the Red Devil’s spire. On the way down we will witness the daring lines of rusty pitons left behind by the first ascensionists of the hardest granite face in Bulgaria!

* The itinerary is dependent on your skill level, speed and overall endurance and on the current weather conditions.
 
Day 1

We arrive at Malyovitza hut and spend the day on the nearby training crag to improve the needed skills for the spires – abseiling, belaying, gear management, rock climbing basics etc. Overnight at the hut or BAK refuge /1:30 hours from the hut/ depending on our preferences.

Day 2

With an early morning start we head for the NE ridge of Zlia Zab peak /2678asl, 3+, 200m/. From the summit we descent with abseils and downclimbing to the top of the Red Devil’s spire and abseil its south face – a 200m of completely overhanging red granite. From the base we continue down to the Rila monastery or scramble up to gain the approach path and return to the car.

All items marked with * can be rented from the guide.

Equipment

• Approach choes with climbing zone
• Climbing shoes
• Climbing harness*
• Climbing helmet*
• 2 carabiners; belay sling; belaying device*
• 30l backpack
• Glasses*

Clothes

• Warm jacket
• Shell jacket
• Pair of thin technical gloves
• Hat/Buff 

Other Items

• Thermos
• Sunscreen
• Headlamp
• Snacks
• Personal items /prescription medicine; contact lenses; blister kit; maintenance equipment etc./

Hut / Refuge Lodging*

• Spare socks; underwear
• Light sleeping bag liner
• Toiletries
• Ear plugs
• Phone charger
• Sleeping bag*

Pricing

• 1 person: 300 EUR
• 2 people: 200 EUR

* The prices cover the guiding fee. Yours and the guide’s expenses for logistics and accommodation are on you.

* The prices may vary based on the length of the trip and the specific topics tailored for your personal preferences.

Insurance

Having an insurance is mandatory for the booking. You must be insured for your chosen activity and the cover must include medical expenses, personal accident, personal liability, third party risks and rescue (including helicopter rescue). You are strongly advised also to opt for coverage against cancellations and curtailment as the outdoor activities are strongly dependent of constantly changing meteorological conditions

Guides

All programs of Vertical Vector are led by IFMGA mountain guides with substantial experience in the fields of skiing, climbing & mountaineering. The guide to client ratio for this trip is 1:2 for the Dent du Geant and 1:1 for Aretes de Rochefort

Accommodation

During the program we will sleep at Malyovitsa hut / BAK refuge depending on our choice. The hut offers cooked food and snacks at a low price, but is located at an hour and a half distance from the refuge which is at the base of our main goal.

Getting There

We can pick you up from Sofia airport or meet you directly at the parking where the route for the hut starts. A short equipment check will be done before departure

Cancelation by the client prior to the trip

If you book your Tour more than 30 days in advance, you will have a 48-hour span after booking to cancel and receive a full refund without any deductions. After that period of time, if you decide to cancel the Tour, you will have the possibility to do so in accordance with the following indemnity scheme (refunded or to be paid depending on whether the payment was made and received) plus covering the non-reimbursable expenses the Guide paid to organize the Tour.

• 100% refunded (or 0% paid) if the cancellation is notified in writing by email to the Guide up to 60 days before the first day of the Tour.
• 75% refunded (or 25% paid) if the cancellation is notified in writing by email to the Guide between 59 and 30 days before the first day of the Tour.
• 50% refunded (or 50% paid) if the cancellation is notified in writing by email to the Guide between 29 and 21 days before the first day of the Tour.
• 0% refunded (or 100% paid) if the cancellation is notified in writing by email to the Guide less than 21 days before the first day of the Tour.

Cancelation by the guide prior to the trip

If the guide receives injury, illness or is somehow unable to attend and also to find a replacement, he will reimburse the full amount of money invested by the client in the form of advance payment and other expenses like hut bookings. However the Guide would not cover your transportation costs (booked flight tickets, car rental, etc.) You are strongly advised to insure such investments.

Trip cancelation due to external circumstances

• In case of possible bad weather or unsuitable conditions recognized up to 7 days prior the trip, the guide will:
  Propose a similar or different activity in line with the weather/conditions possibilities. If you refuse this option you will receive 0% refund.
• If similar activity is impossible and cancelation occurs, the guide is to be paid the minimum daily fee (380EUR) for each day canceled.

Trip cancelation on terrain

In case of unexpected or unforeseen weather / terrain conditions or client skill deficiency, the Guide keeps the right to cancel the trip in order to guarantee safety. In this case you will receive 0% refund unless the Guide offers you otherwise. If there is mutual agreement of cancelation due to bad weather the day before the guide is to be paid the minimum daily fee for each day canceled.