Discover the beauty of Bulgaria! Mountain trek to Kabul Peak, Otvitsa Peak, Ivan Vazov Hut, Seven Rila Lakes and Skakavitsa Waterfall

Upcoming dates: 25-26 October

There is only one way to describe this hike – an absolute immersion in Timelessness...

Over the course of two days, you will climb peaks of varying difficulty and wander through vast valleys, surrounded by the rusty colors of autumn landscapes, discovering the classic beauty of this part of Rila in a completely new light. You will once again feel the unmatched coziness of Ivan Vazov Hut, where you will feel completely cut off from the rest of the world, and as a grand finale, you’ll witness the freezing mirrors of the Seven Rila Lakes and the majesty of the great Skakavitsa Waterfall.
The experience includes: participation in the program, a licensed mountain guide, mountain insurance for the duration of the program with coverage of 2000 BGN, and an overnight stay in a high-mountain hut.

Program:

Day 1: Zeleni Preslap area – Kabul Peak – Otovitsa Peak – Ivan Vazov Hut (overnight stay)
Meeting the group at 8:30 AM at Zeleni Preslap, near Panichishte. From here, your adventure begins with a steep ascent through ancient coniferous forests, leading you up to the main ridge of the mountain, where you’ll enjoy views stretching from Musala all the way to Vitosha, Konyavska, and Osogovska mountains! Step by step, as you approach Kabul Peak, you’ll catch sight of the jagged ridges of the Malyovitsa range, as well as the spectacular Skakavitsa Waterfall. Once you conquer your first summit, a new challenge will rise before you – the sharp Otovitsa Peak (2696 m), irresistibly drawing you in! Soon you’ll be scrambling up its steep slopes, and once you reach its crest, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the entire Pazar Dere valley, the rugged Kalinite ridge, Ivan Vazov Hut below, and even the highest peaks of Pirin rising in the distance! After a well-deserved rest for lunch and panoramic photos, you descend toward your shelter for the night – a hut so remote that timelessness and silence here are almost deafening. If time and energy allow, you can take a short sunset hike in the area to catch the last fiery colors of the day.

Day 2: Ivan Vazov Hut – Razdela – Ezeren Peak – Kidney Lake – Skakavitsa Hut – Skakavitsa Waterfall – Zeleni Preslap
Although you might not feel like leaving, after breakfast you’ll head down the magical Pazar Dere valley to reach Razdela – a mountain pass offering views toward the Urdini Lakes cirque and the towering walls of Malyovitsa and Ushite peaks! From there, the trail descends to Tear Lake, panoramic Ezeren Peak, Eye Lake, and Kidney Lake. Here, you’ll leave the classic route and descend toward Skakavitsa Hut for a short walk to the Skakavitsa Waterfall. Depending on conditions, you may even see this mighty cascade dressed in ice! After returning to the hut for a warm cup of tea, you’ll continue down to Zeleni Preslap and your cars, wrapping up your autumn adventure in Rila.

Mandatory personal equipment:

• Backpack (approximately 30–40 liters)
• High three-season hiking boots
• 2 pairs of spare socks
• Appropriate clothing: comfortable long pants, quick-drying T-shirt or top, thermal underwear (top and bottom), fleece, rain jacket, windbreaker, down or synthetic insulated jacket with hood, spare dry clothes for changing
• Winter hat
• Summer hat
• Gloves
• Buff or other head/neck scarf
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Personal first aid kit (as needed)
• Trekking poles (recommended)

The trek is more advanced and is suitable for people with good physical training.

All treks are carried out in compliance with the necessary safety measures and are led by a licensed mountain guide. The trek takes place in a group of min. 4 people.