Home › Trails › ST504 Belchin - Samokov vs ST506 khiza Mechit - Rila Monastery

ST504 Belchin - Samokov vs ST506 khiza Mechit - Rila Monastery

A side-by-side look at distance, elevation, difficulty and the best time to hike each — so you can pick the right route.

ST504 Belchin - Samokov ST506 khiza Mechit - Rila Monastery
Distance 19 km 22 km
Elevation gain 161 m 972 m
Typical duration — —
Difficulty Expert Moderate
Route type Point-to-point Point-to-point
Network International International
Country Bulgaria Bulgaria
Best time to hike Best months: June, July, September Best from June to August
map Route & GPX map Route & GPX

ST504 Belchin - Samokov vs ST506 khiza Mechit - Rila Monastery: which should you hike?

At 22 km, ST506 khiza Mechit - Rila Monastery is the longer route — roughly 4 km more than ST504 Belchin - Samokov (19 km). If you want the bigger challenge or a longer trip, that's the one; for a shorter or first multi-day hike, ST504 Belchin - Samokov is the gentler pick. Check the elevation and best-season rows above, then open each route for the full guide and a free GPX download.