I stayed in Bansko for a week in an apartment at the start of October 2022. I took the fast train from Sofia to Septembri and changed there to the narrow gauge train to Bansko. This is a pretty, enjoyable ride but it takes all day to get to Bansko.

The gondola did not work at this time of the year except for one ride at 8.00h on weekdays but I preferred to hike up. I chose the side valley one day towards Demianitsa hut which is nicer as there is no ski slope in this valley. My plan was to cross the pass to Vihren hut but just below the pass it started to rain and I decided to turn back. I found the lakes and the old trees really beautiful and unspoilt. Though in the lower areas there are also clear signs of human presence, garbage and signs of small scale logging which I assume is illegal.

After a few rainy days I hiked up to Vihren hut and now the mountain tops were covered by a light powder snow. I walked on to the lakes and it was rather busy on this sunny Saturday. But by 16.00h I was alone in the mountains. I took a path back which turned out to be rather challenging but very beautiful with views of a lake down below and a waterfall next to me. I was happy to return unscathed at Vihren hut before dusk. For the way down I decided to hitchhike and the first car stopped and took me back to Bansko.

Next day, Sunday, I took the train to Dobrinishte and hitchhiked to the chairlift at Gotse Delchev hut as there was no bus at this time of the year. I did not see any taxi either in this village. Also here, the first car stopped and drove me straight to the lift. The lift would close next day for maintenance and I saw no other passengers on the way up.

Up at Bezbog, there was a very little bit of snow but the real challenge was the mud, as to deeper earth was still frozen which made climbing a rather slippery affair. Still, I could easily make it to the Popov lake, along with several other hikers. It was rather hot in the sun. After eating my sandwiches at the lake, I returned to the chairlift and went down. I walked back all the way down to Dobrinishte on a rather abandoned track with many different types of mushrooms and was just in time for the last train back to Bansko.