The Seven Rila Lakes

It's been almost two weeks, since we went to the Seven Rila Lakes, but I've been so busy these days, that I simply can't find the energy to blog.

Still, I can't skip posting about this hike, which is usually the height of our hiking year. I've said it many times and it is still true - this place is my favourite hiking spot and this year we composed an especially interesting and rewarding route, passing along both of our favourite ridges and by all of our favourite lakes, while avoiding the crowds of tourists around the lakes in high season.

:This time we started from the Seven Rila Lakes hut along the lower trail towards the Fish lake.

:The Lower lake

Hike info:

Destination: Mt. otovitza (2696 m)

Mountain: Rila

Total length: 17 km

Elevation gain: 600 m

Total duration (plus picnic and rests): 6 and a half hours

Average difficulty: 6.5 / 10 

 

:The Fish lake.

:From here we deviated from the usual trail and took the steep path towards peak Haramiyata.

:This was probably the steepest part of the route. As we climbed, one after the other the lakes became visible

:After the saddle under haramiyata peak we descended to one of our favourite lakes and had some power snacks, enjoying the view of its beautiful waters

:And up we continued towards Zeleni Rid

:On top of the ridge, with Urdini lakes behind me. From here we continued along the ridge until we reached Razdela - the crossroad of several major routes in Rila.

Me-made items, worn on this hike:

Husband: boxers, Knipmode cargo pants, Grey Burda hoodie

I: lingerie, Sabrina Slims, Burda henley blouse, hoodie

 

 

 

 

:The other side of the mountain - Kalinite peaks and Pazar dere

:We continued along the Otovitza ridge towards peak Otovitza

:All of the Seven lakes at a glance

:The highest point of our hike - peak Otovitza (2696 m)

:On the peak. Here we had our lunch. It is always surreal to me to dine on top of a high peak, with a view to the lakes

:From Otovitza we took the very steep trail downwards to the Eye lake

:The Eye

:The Kidney. We took the trail by the other four lakes and closed the loop at the Seven Rila Lakes hut, from where we had started. This was probably our best hike to the lakes so far, definitely the ultimate route!

:On the way back to Sofia