Strashnoto and Yonchevo Lakes - the Full Route from Malyovitsa
Strashnoto and Yonchevo are two of the many beautiful lakes in Rila, specifically in the Malyovitsa section of the range. Lying at 2,465 m and 2,013 m, they open superb views towards the sharp summits that surround them. The names of both lakes are connected with the painter Hristo Yonchev - Kriskarets. He loved the mountains and was known for his Rila landscapes. Once, when he was at Strashnoto lake, a fearsome storm caught him and he ran down. On the way he was met by other walkers, calling out "It is fearsome up there, the lake is fearsome". So the upper lake was named Strashnoto - the fearsome one - and the lower one after the painter himself, Yonchevo.
Tour Highlights
- Strashnoto lake
- Yonchevo lake
Price Includes / Excludes
Price Includes
- Complete organization and coordination of the program
Tour Itinerary
Departure at 06:30 from the car park in front of the Vasil Levski stadium in Sofia. The transfer to the Malyovitsa mountaineering school takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. On arrival we sort our packs, run through what lies ahead and set off along the route. The walk itself divides into 4 stages:
Stage 1: Malyovitsa mountaineering school - Yonchevo lake (1:30 - 2:00 hours)
This is where our walk begins. First we climb onto the Razhdavitsa ridge, then cross the Gorna Preka river and climb again onto the Golechitsa ridge; coming down from it we meet the Sredna Preka river. Beyond it the way continues through a section of dwarf pine just before we reach the lake.
Stage 2: Yonchevo lake - Strashnoto lake (1:30 hours)
This stage is the hardest of the whole walk. The climb steepens, we follow switchbacks, cross the stony bed of a small stream and then climb rock steps to reach the lake itself.
Stage 3: Strashnoto lake - Malyovitsa hut (2 hours)
The return route heads west, passes through the cirque of the Malomalyovishki lakes and follows the Malka Malyovitsa river down to Malyovitsa hut. This stage is a long descent.
Stage 4: Malyovitsa hut - Malyovitsa mountaineering school (1 hour)
The last part of the route descends a broad, well-trodden path to the car park.
This is the easiest part of our walk.
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: