Discover the beauty of Bulgaria! Winter hike to mount Malyovitsa

Upcoming dates: January 31, March 28

Mount Malyovitsa mercilessly dominates the landscape above the cradle of Bulgarian alpinism, capturing your gaze the moment you reach the parking lot of the Malyovitsa Mountain School (CPSH). The sharp contours and the adventure-laden history of this bastion throw down the gauntlet so boldly that you can find no peace until you finally decide: “I will climb this peak!”

Enjoy a winter fairy tale in the most alpine part of the Rila Mountains!

The experience includes:

• Licensed mountain guide
• Mountain insurance for the duration of the program
• Individual avalanche transceiver – for the highest safety standard
• Organizational fee

Program:

CPSH Malyovitsa – Malyovitsa Hut – Elenino Lake – Mt. Malyovitsa – Malyovitsa Hut – CPSH

Meeting point at CPSH Malyovitsa at 07:30.
You set off up the valley along the well-known trail to the beloved Malyovitsa Hut. After a short break, you continue climbing toward the first and second terraces, accompanied by the proud rock faces of Kuklata, Malkа Malyovitsa, Black Rock, and Kamila. From the second terrace you head straight toward the fearsome spires of Petlite and Orlovets, and just below them you begin ascending the steep slope toward Elenino Lake.

Once you reach the cirque, a break is mandatory—there’s simply no way not to admire the surrounding peaks!

When you’ve gathered your strength, you tackle the climb toward your main goal: the panoramic summit of Malyovitsa. After a demanding ascent you reach the ridge and are rewarded with magnificent views of Dvuglav, Iglata, the Kupenite, Vodniya Chal, and Musala. On the other side, deep down in the valley, lies the Rila Monastery. To the south, the snowy giants of Pirin stretch out in the distance…

All that remains is to cross the summit ridge and the final flat section before standing humbly atop Malyovitsa and enjoying the view of the snow-covered Malyovitsa and Urdini Lakes, Dodov Peak, and Vazov Peak.

After a well-earned food break, you retrace your steps all the way back to CPSH Malyovitsa. Of course, you won’t miss the stop for hot tea at the hut along the way!

Distance: 14 km
Duration: 8–10 hours

Mandatory personal equipment and requirements:

• Backpack 30–40 liters
• High winter or four-season boots
• Gaiters
• Snowshoes – depending on conditions; rental may be available
• Alpine crampons – rental may be available
• Spare socks (2–3 pairs)
• Appropriate winter mountain clothing: comfortable long trousers, quick-dry T-shirt/top, thermal base layer (top and leggings), fleece, rain jacket, windproof jacket, down jacket or synthetic insulated jacket with hood; spare dry clothes for changing
• Winter hat
• Summer hat
• Gloves – 2 pairs
• Buff or other head/neck covering
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Personal first-aid kit as needed
• Trekking poles

Important: The hike is suitable for hikers with extensive experience in summer mountain trekking and at least several winter ascents on Vitosha. Good physical condition and endurance are required. All hikes are conducted in compliance with necessary safety measures and are led by a licensed mountain guide.

Group hikes on fixed dates are carried out with a minimum of 4 participants. If you purchase a dated voucher for a mixed group hike and the group does not form for that date, or if weather conditions do not allow the hike to take place, the organizers will offer an alternative date and your voucher will remain valid.