Zabat and Yalovarnika Peaks - Pirin for Connoisseurs
Yalovarnika is a massive granite peak on the Kamenitsa side ridge. It rises to 2,763 metres, which places it ninth in Pirin. Its distinctive twin summit stands out among the other giants of the ridge - one of which is our other objective, Zabat.
The programme suits people with experience of the mountains in summer and in good physical condition.
Tour Highlights
- The ascent of Yalovarnika peak, 2,763 m
- The ascent of Zabat peak, 2,688 m
What's included
Included
- Complete organization and coordination of the program
Tour Itinerary
Departure at 06:00 from the car park in front of the Vasil Levski stadium in Sofia. The transfer to Popina Laka takes about 2:30 hours. On arrival we sort out our packs, go over what lies ahead and set off along the route.
Stage 1: Popina Laka – Begovitsa hut ~ 2:00 h / ~ + 475 m / ~ 3 km
We pick up the path marked in blue, which leads directly to the Begovitsa hut. The whole way is through wooded, shaded ground. On reaching the hut we will have time to rest and recover our strength. We alternate between wooded and open ground.
Stage 2: Begovitsa hut – Tri Reki hut ~ 5:00 h / ~ + 600, ~ − 800 m / ~ 11–12 km
Once we have recovered, we start the second part of the day's walk. Ahead of us is about 580 m of ascent to reach the Solishteto col, after which a long descent begins to the Tri Reki hut, where we spend the night.
Today we rise early, have breakfast and sort out our packs so that we can set off as soon as possible. The real body of the weekend's trek awaits, with considerable ascent and distance to cover.
Stage 1: Tri Reki hut – Kuklite col – Zabat ~ 3:30 h / ~ + 960 m / ~ 5.5 km
On this stage we gain almost all of the day's height. At the very start we set off through the forest alongside the middle Bashmandra river, and before long come out into the open. From there the big climb to the Kuklite–Zabat col begins. Here we take a well-earned rest, enjoying the views over the Begovitsa cirque and the Kuklensko lake.
Stage 2: Kuklite col – Zabat peak – Yalovarnika peak ~ 1:30 h / ~ + 340, ~ − 150 m / ~ 1 km
After the break it is time to head on, first to Zabat, then down to the gap between it and Yalovarnika, where we rest again before the final climb to Yalovarnika's two summit points. On this stage we are entirely in the open, on stony ground marked only by cairns. Once we have enjoyed the views from the summit we head back to the col.
Stage 3: Kuklite col – Begovitsa hut – Popina Laka ~ (3:30) h / ~ − 1,250 m / ~ 8 km
Here we descend past the Kuklensko lake, after which we join the path coming from the Demyanitsa hut towards the Begovitsa hut and Popina Laka.
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: