Out of all the Rila mountain villages in the Samokov and Borovets region, Govedartsi is the largest. As it has ski facilities, it is a mini-resort in its own right. The scenery around is truly breath-taking and the village benefits from having numerous facilities which includes ski rentals, restaurants, hotels and shops. The basic amenities and more are readily available here. The beautiful Cherni Iskar river flows through the centre of the village and it is typical of Rila Mountain rivers.

  Many overlook the fact that Govedartsi is the closed residential area to the budding ski resort of Malyiovitsa. This resort is not well known to Western tourists but should not be overlooked as the skiing is very good quality. There are ski lifts and quality ski runs that benefit from having substantial snow coverage from December through until beginning of April. In summer, Malyiovitsa is equally worth visiting aswell as the scenery is truly stunning. Why not take a trek up to the unique 7 Rila lakes as well? These are sure to impress even the most experienced mountain walker!

  Govedartsi village is the starting point for many treks into the Rila mountain. As mentioned before, you can visit the beautiful Seven Rila Lakes but other popular and unique destinations include:

• "Budachki kamuk" top /2447 m - 2.30hours
• "Maluk Mechit" top /2535 m - 2.30 hours
• "Goliam Mechit" top /2568 m - 3 hours
• CMS "Maliovitsa" through "Ovnarsko" - 4 hours
• "Kobilino Branishte" shelter - 4 hours
• "Strashnoto ezero" shelter - 5 hours
• "Vada" hut through "Ovnarsko" - 4.45 hours
• "Maliovitsa" hut through "Strashnoto ezero" shelter - 7.30 hours
• Rila monastery through "Kobilino Branishte" shelter and "Suhoto ezero" - 8 hours
• "Ribni ezera" chalet - 8.30 hours
• 7 Rila Lakes

  Budachki Kamuk, Maluk Mechit and Goliam Mechik are definitely worth a visit as the settings of these large chalets are stunning. Definitely an amazing place to have a coffee and lunch! For any rambler, mountain walker or anyone considering taking up such activities, then Govedartsi certainly is the place to be.

  The thick pine forests that surround Govedartsi are definitely worth a mention too. They hold a diverse flora and fauna quite unique to this

  Public Transport

  Public transport systems are good with buses leaving regularly for Samokov and then onto Borovets. From Samokov, Sofia can be accessed (buses leave every 30 minutes) as well as other destinations.

  Transport to the picturesque resort of Malyiovitsa is also available. Good value taxis are also available too. Sofia is situated 80kms away, Samokov is 13kms away and Borovets ski resort is around 20kms away.

  Ski Facilities

  Govedartsi has a large ski run at the end of the village which is m in length. The ski rental facilities may not be the most cutting edge, however; value for money is excellent and Govedartsi ski run is definitely recommended for a great day out.