Kabul and Otovitsa - a Circuit in North-Western Rila
A circular one-day walk in north-western Rila over Kabul peak (2,531 m), Otovitsa peak (2,696 m) and the upper Rila lakes, descending to the Skakavitsa hut.
We set off from the Zeleni Preslap locality and climb through ancient conifer forest on a steep path that gradually brings us out onto an open ridge with views towards Vitosha, Verila and the Balkan range. Our first objective is Kabul peak (~2,531 m), and the ridge then runs gently on to its neighbour, the higher Otovitsa (2,696 m), from which the cirque of the upper Rila lakes opens up. We pass several of them and descend into the valley to the Skakavitsa hut - and if the group is going well, a short detour to the waterfall of the same name can be added.
Tour Highlights
- Kabul peak
- Otovitsa peak
- The Skakavitsa hut
What's included
Included
- Complete organization and coordination of the program
Tour Itinerary
Kabul peak - we climb a path through ancient forest; the gradient makes itself felt almost at once and continues with barely a break to the summit. The ascent is physically demanding, but made easier mentally by the views that gradually open up behind us towards Verila and Vitosha.
From Kabul we continue to Otovitsa peak. The ridge to Otovitsa is short and more gently angled. The summit offers the most striking view of the whole day - the cirque of the upper Rila lakes and the valley of Pazardere.
We descend along the ridge, passing Okoto lake (the deepest in the Balkans, at 37.7 m) and Babreka. Here we pass only through the upper part of the complex - not the full Seven Lakes route.
At Babreka we turn off towards the valley and the Skakavitsa hut - the first hut ever built in Bulgaria. The detour to the waterfall of the same name is optional and depends on the group's pace and the daylight left. From the hut we return to the car park on the „motorway“ path.
Important:
Three seasons trekking equipment
Shoes
Suitable shoes for the mountain, according to the weather forecast. High ankle or low shoes. You may wear sneakers to change into at the end of the program
Spare socks
Lighting
Headlamp - An absolute must-have accessory for every mountaineer. It may be necessary for the group to start a trek very early or finish the trek in the dark (force majeure). In these situations, each participant must have a headlamp. We recommend going with a proven brand like Petzl or BlackDiamond
Spare batteries
Backpack
About 40 liters backpack - Quite enough for one or two day hikes.
Backpack cover - in case of rain
Clothing top
Depending on the season and weather conditions
T-shirt or thin thermal base layer - from merino or synthetic. In no case cotton material
Fleece
A down jacket or other jacket with synthetic insulation - a thin down jacket is recommended. Evenings and mornings in the mountains, temperatures are low. No expensive down jacket needed
Wind and water proof jacket
Thin hat and gloves
Buff
Clothing bottom
Depending on the season and weather conditions
Comfortable long pants - in the perfect case with zippers for ventilation
Sun protection
Sunglasses
Summer hat
Sun cream with high protection
Buff with UPF protection
Rain protection
Raincoat
-or-
Waterproof top and bottom
Water and food
Water (1.5 liters)
Food for the trek
Money and documents
Money
ID or passport
Other
First aid kit
Trekking poles
Cancellation Policy:
Чл. 89. (Изм. – ДВ, бр. 37 от 2018 г., в сила от 01.07.2018 г.) (1) Пътуващият има право да прекрати договора за туристически пакет по всяко време преди започването на изпълнението на туристическия пакет. The tourist owes a penalty as follows: