Discover the Beauty of Bulgaria! Mountain Hike to Strashnoto Lake, Lovnitsa, and the Kupenite Peaks

Upcoming dates: 18.07.2026

22.09.2026

Treat yourself to breathtaking views and a hike in one of Bulgaria’s most beautiful mountains – Rila. You will enjoy the otherworldly beauty that finds its most alpine expression in the Malyovitsa region of Rila. You will visit the eastern side of the Malyovitsa Valley – Strashnoto Lake, the Kupenite peaks, Lovnitsa, and the BAK shelter.

The experience includes:

• participation in the program
• licensed mountain guide
• mountain insurance for the duration of the program with coverage up to €1000
• organizational fee

Group meeting at 8:30 AM at the Malyovitsa Central Mountain School (CPSH Malyovitsa). You will head up the valley and within no more than an hour reach Malyovitsa Hut for a short break along the way. From here, the actual hike begins. You will continue along the steep trail toward Strashnoto Lake. Along the route, you will enjoy views of the Prekorechki Lakes and the sheer northern walls of the impressive Kamilata and Lovnitsa peaks.

As the hike continues, the jagged ridges of the Kupenite peaks will gradually reveal themselves before your eyes, with Strashnoto Lake lying at their foot.

You will stay here for a rest and learn where the name of this enchanting Rila lake comes from. This will be followed by an exciting ascent of the highest peak in the Malyovitsa region – Golyam Kupen Peak (2731 m), offering unforgettable views of the most alpine part of Rila – the peaks Zliya Zab, Orlovets, and Malyovitsa. Musala, the Riletski Ridge, and other peaks of Central Rila can also be seen from here.

After Golyam Kupen, you will continue along the alpine ridge of the Malyovitsa region toward the next Rila giant – Lovnitsa Peak (2695 m). On the descent, you will pass by the iconic BAK shelter, legendary in Bulgarian mountaineering, where you will stop for a rest. Afterwards, you will descend toward Second Terrace and return to CPSH Malyovitsa.

Mandatory personal equipment and requirements:

• backpack around 30–40 liters
• high three-season hiking boots
• 2 pairs of spare socks
• suitable clothing:
• comfortable long hiking pants
• quick-dry T-shirt/blouse
• thermal base layer top and leggings
• fleece
• raincoat
• windproof jacket
• down jacket 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 according to your needs
• trekking poles (recommended)

The trek is suitable for intermediate hikers in good physical condition. All hikes are conducted in compliance with the necessary safety measures and are led by a licensed mountain guide.

Group hikes with fixed dates are organized with a minimum of 4 participants. If you purchase a voucher for a scheduled group hike but the minimum group size is not reached for the selected date, or weather conditions do not allow the hike to take place, the organizers will offer you an alternative date and your voucher will remain valid.