There are places in the mountains that are beautiful. And there are ones that make you stop, fall silent, and simply look. The Malyovitsa area of Rila is exactly that.
Here rugged granite peaks rise above deep valleys, crystal-clear lakes are hidden far from busy trails, and from the high ridges the horizon seems to have no end.
We invite you on a three-day mountain journey through some of the most striking corners of Rila — an adventure that begins in the legendary Malyovitsa valley and takes us over Malyovitsa peak, Mermerite, and Dodov Vrah to Ivan Vazov Hut, and then into the fairy-tale world of the Urdini Lakes.
Day 1 (Friday): Malyovitsa resort – Malyovitsa valley – Malyovitsa Hut. We gather at the Malyovitsa resort and head up the beautiful Malyovitsa valley — a place steeped in the history of Bulgarian alpinism. After about 1 hour 30 minutes we reach Malyovitsa Hut, settle in, and spend our first evening in the mountains. Duration: around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Day 2 (Saturday): Malyovitsa Hut – Elenino Lake – Malyovitsa peak (2729 m) – Mermerite – Dodov Vrah – Golyamo and Malko Pazardere – Ivan Vazov Hut. We head up past the beautiful Elenino Lake and climb the legendary Malyovitsa — a symbol of Bulgarian alpinism. We continue over Mermerite and Dodov Vrah, then through Golyamo and Malko Pazardere, until we reach Ivan Vazov Hut — our home for the second night. After dinner we head to a special panoramic spot to watch the sunset high in Rila, far from the lights and noise of the city. Elevation: +1300 m / -1000 m, 13 km.
Day 3 (Sunday): Ivan Vazov Hut – Razdela – Zeleni Kamak – Urdini Lakes – Vada Hut – Malyovitsa resort. We leave Ivan Vazov Hut and head to the Razdela area, then continue to Zeleni Kamak. We leave the high ridge and head down to the valley of the Urdini Lakes — one of the most beautiful, wild, and peaceful places in Rila, far from the most popular tourist routes. We descend into the valley and visit some of the beautiful Urdini Lakes — Golyama Panitsa, Malka Panitsa, Triangela, and Plitkoto Lake. After the lakes we continue the long descent down the valley to Vada Hut, and from there the final stretch takes us back to the Malyovitsa resort. Elevation: +1050 m / -1650 m, 18 km.
Price: 144 € per person.
Not included in the price: accommodation and overnight stay at Malyovitsa Hut, accommodation and overnight stay at Ivan Vazov Hut, transport, food and drinks, personal consumables and other expenses of a personal nature.
Important: This program is physically demanding and includes extended movement in the high mountains, significant elevation changes, open ridges, and rugged terrain. It is suitable for people with good physical preparation, previous mountain experience, and suitable high-mountain gear. The route may be changed according to weather conditions, terrain conditions, and the group's abilities. Safety always remains the top priority.
Three days. One Rila. Countless memories. Malyovitsa, Mermerite, Dodov Vrah, Ivan Vazov, Zeleni Kamak, the Urdini Lakes — places we'll connect to stories, smiles, tiredness, friendships, and moments we won't forget. Rila awaits us.
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