There are places you don't just visit — they stay with you. Places where the morning begins among granite peaks, the sky reflects in the crystal waters of high-mountain lakes, and every step reveals a new, even more striking view.
The Malyovitsa area of Rila is exactly that kind of place — the cradle of Bulgarian alpinism, a land of sheer walls, jagged spires, hidden lakes, and peaks from which the world looks different.
We invite you to two days of real mountain adventure, crossing some of the most beautiful and wild places in Rila, climbing iconic peaks, and reaching Yonchevo Lake, the magnetic Strashnoto (Fearsome) Lake, Popova Kapa, Kupenite, Lovnitsa, the Malyovitsa lakes, and the majestic Malyovitsa peak.
Day 1: Yonchevo Lake – Strashnoto Lake – Popova Kapa – Kupenite – Lovnitsa – Malyovitsa Hut. We set off from the Malyovitsa resort area toward the beautiful Yonchevo Lake, then continue to one of the most striking spots in the area — Strashnoto Lake, hushed at the foot of a huge rock amphitheater. From there we enter the more challenging part of the route and head toward a sequence of peaks — Popova Kapa, Kupenite, and Lovnitsa — from which majestic panoramas open toward the Malyovitsa massif. We descend to the BAK shelter — Second Terrace — and continue to Malyovitsa Hut for the night. Elevation: +1350 m / -1100 m, duration around 7–8 hours.
Day 2: The Malyovitsa Lakes – Malyovitsa peak (2729 m) – Malyovitsa Hut. We head for Malyovitsa peak by a less conventional and remarkably beautiful route past the Malyovitsa lakes. From the summit, the view stretches endlessly across Rila ridges, peaks, and valleys. We descend back to Malyovitsa Hut, and from there a roughly 40-minute walk to the cars completes our two-day adventure. Elevation: +1150 m / -1300 m, duration around 7–8 hours.
Price: 120 € per person.
Not included in the price: overnight stay at Malyovitsa Hut, transport, food and drinks, expenses of a personal nature.
Important: This adventure is designed for people who want a true high-mountain experience. The route is physically demanding and crosses high-mountain, rugged, and in places technical terrain. Good physical preparation, suitable mountain gear, and readiness for two full days in the high mountains are needed. The route and the climb of additional peaks may be changed according to weather conditions, terrain conditions, and the group's abilities, because safety always comes first.
Two days. Wild Rila lakes. Jagged granite spires. Iconic peaks. Sunrises and endless panoramas. The Malyovitsa area of Rila isn't just a destination. It's an experience.
Mandatory Equipment
- Backpack (up to 40 liters)
- Windproof and waterproof jacket
- High hiking boots with ankle support and water resistance
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Sun hat or cap
- Long hiking trousers
- Warm fleece layer
- Insulated down or synthetic jacket
- Flip-flops or lightweight sandals for the hut
- Sleeping sheet / travel sheet
- Lightweight gloves
- Warm hat or beanie
- Water bottle (minimum 1.5 liter)
- Additional underwear, t-shirts, and socks (depending on trek duration)
- Compact high-energy food (nuts, bars, etc.)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Power bank for charging your phone