Hike To The Koncheto Ridge: Everything You Need To Know

I have hiked a lot in Pirin National Park, and one of the most thrilling hikes is the Koncheto Ridge. Even if you are not a hiker, if you are in Bansko you must have heard people talking about it. This knife-edge trail is a true test for adventurous hikers, offering breathtaking views and an adrenaline rush like no other.

The Koncheto ridge connects some of the highest peaks in the Pirin Mountains; Kutelo (2908m) and Banski Suhodol (2884m). The ridge is considered one of the most dangerous hikes in Bulgaria. Not sure if I agree with it, but it is definitely not a hike for people with a fear of heights!

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to safely enjoy this spectacular hike when you’re in Bansko.

Last update & prices in the article are from November 2025.

Practical info for the hike to Koncheto Ridge: 2 options

There are multiple places where you can start the route to Koncheto Ridge, but I will share the 2 most common options for hiking routes to Koncheto Ridge here.

1. Start and finish at Vihren Hut (loop hike)

For this hike you start and finish at the Vihren Hut. You can park your car close to the mountain hut or take a taxi/shuttle up to the hut from Bansko. These are the Google Maps coordinates for Vihren Hut.

Total kilometers: about 12 kilometers

Elevation: 1170 meters up and down

Hiking time: I would suggest 6 to 7 hours in total, depends how far you keep walking over the ridge (after the Koncheto ridge point)

Type of hike: circulair route, you start and finish at the Vihren Hut. You can either hike exactly the same way back, or go via the Vihren peak. The part from Premkata to Vihren peak is not for people who are easily afraid in the mountains though, it’s a bit of scrambling while going up. The part from Vihren peak down to the hut is not technical and fairly easy.

Dog friendly: I would not recommend it. The ridge is extremely exposed and narrow, and dogs are not allowed on the most dangerous sections. I usually trust my dog Bella during most hikes, but I left her at home for this one.

Hiking trail #1: You can open this route for the Koncheto ridge on Mapy via this link.

2. Start at Banderitza Hut, finish below Yavorov Hut (point-to-point hike; my preference)

I prefer this second option for hiking to the Koncheto Ridge, as you will see more of the ridge and you can visit some other peaks that you otherwise have to skip.

For this hike you start at the Banderitza Hut and you finish below Yavorov Hut (close to Pirin Golf). For this hike you do need 2 cars though, so you need to convince some friends to join. Alternatively you can take taxis to the starting point and from the finish point, but it’s a bit of a hussle. Hitchhiking is quite common as well, but requires some time. These are the Google Maps coordinates for Banderitza Hut.

Total kilometers: about 18 kilometers

Elevation: 1250 meters up and 1900 meters down

Hiking time: I would suggest to start as early as possible (a friend and I started at 6am and hiked up during sunrise in summer). The hike will take you 8 to 9 hours without breaks, so lots of people are doing this in 10-11 hours with breaks.

Type of hike: point-to-point (A to B)

Hiking trail #2: You can open this route for the Koncheto ridge on Mapy via this link.

Everything you need to know for the hike to the Koncheto Ridge

1. Where is the Koncheto Ridge?

Koncheto Ridge is located in Pirin National Park, close to Bansko. The ridge is a dramatic marble and limestone formation that stretches about 400 meters between the peaks of Kutelo and Banski Suhodol. The name “Koncheto” means “little horse” in Bulgarian.

2. What should you bring for this hike?

The time of the year influences what you have to bring for this hike. I would recommend to use layers for your clothes, since you’re high in the mountains and most of the year it’s quite chilly. Don’t underestimate the wind on the mountain peaks, where you’re in open space! I did this hike in September and although it was warm in the town of Bansko (t-shirt weather), we needed multiple layers – and a beanie and a buff – to stay warm.

I would recommend bringing the following for your hike:

• Camera gear, since the area of Koncheto Ridge is quite photogenic and you want to capture that beauty!

• Water bottle or Camelbak
• Snacks and lunch: there is the Vihren Hut (route option 1) at the beginning where you can buy food and drinks or Yavorov Hut close to the end (route option 2). The rest of the hike you won’t have the option to buy anything, so bring enough snacks.
• Water- and windproof jacket
• Hiking shoes or trail run shoes to walk comfortable on the rocky ridge
• Hiking poles to stabilize yourself on the big rocks (not necessary, but some people love it)
• Beanie to keep your head warm or a cap to keep the sun out of your face
• Sunglasses for a sunny day
• Sunscreen, since the sun can be quite intense in the mountains
• First Aid Kit, because you never know when you need it

3. When is the best time to hike to the Koncheto ridge?

Technically you can do the hike to Koncheto Ridge all year round, but the best time is between mid June and beginning of October. Between November and May there is usually snow in the mountains. Not only is it more dangerous with a chance of avalanches, but the snow will slow you down a lot as well. Only experienced hikers with equipment should do this hike in winter.

October used to be good, but the last few years there is already snow in October on some of the peaks as well.

In my opinion, June and September are the best months, since it is less busy in the mountains, but the weather is good and you have enough daylight to make this hike in a comfortable way.

4. Accommodation for this hike to the Koncheto Ridge

Stay in a mountain hut

It is possible to sleep in the Vihren Hut, at the start of the hike to Koncheto ridge (route option 1). This is great if you don’t have your own transportation and you want to make the trip a bit more relaxed. Sleeping in the Vihren Hut is about 25 leva (€13) per person.

You can also sleep at the Banderitza Hut, the start of route option 2. This hut also has a camping area for pitching tents and campervans.

And last but not least you can stay at the Yavorov Hut (route option 2).

Wild camping & camping
There is a designated camping area called Banderitsa Camping. The camping area is half way between Banderiska Polyana and Vihren Hut, next to the BanderitsaHut. You can camp here (or stay with a camper van). There are toilets, but no bathrooms. As far as I know there is no electricity, so make sure you bring a powerbank.

Although wild camping is not allowed in Pirin (since it’s a national park), I have seen numerous people staying in the shelters on the trail. The Kazana shelter is a very small hut in the valley before you start climbing up to Kutelo.

The Koncheto shelter is a little bit bigger (you can sleep with 6 to 8 people) and is located on the ridge. If you bring a warm sleeping bag it can be quite a cool experience to spend the night here. Always make sure you leave the place exactly how it is and bring your trash with you.

5. Staying in Bansko

Of course you can also stay in Bansko if you want to hike in Pirin National Park. A few recommendations when you want to stay in Bansko (accommodations that are open all year, not only in the winter season):

• Belvedere Holiday Club: nice hotel with spa facilities and a pool. I have seen multiple apartments in this complex and it always looks nice and clean. Just a few minutes walk to the gondola.
• Parklands Hotel & Pool: great value for money in this hotel in the gondola area. It has a good location and it has facilities like an indoor swimming pool, a sauna and a fitness area.
• Kempinski Hotel: if you want to splurge and indulge in some luxury, you should go for Kempinski, right next to the gondola. Most rooms have a lovely view on the ski road and the mountains. The shuttle bus to Vihren Hut stops right in front of the hotel and the spa facilities are amazing – great after a long day of hiking!

6. How difficult is the hike to the Koncheto ridge?

The hike to the Koncheto Ridge is a difficult hike. I would say you need a high level of fitness and comfort with heights, as the ridge is extremely exposed and narrow. There is not really anything technical along the way, but you need to be comfortable with climbing big boulders and walking on narrow paths with steep drops. In general, I would not say that this is a technical hike, you just need a decent level of fitness to avoid muscle pain the next day.

This is everything you need to know about the hike to Koncheto Ridge. Are you excited about this hike, but are you still missing essential information? Please let us know via the comments below or by emailing jessica@explorebulgarianow.com.

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