Tevno Lake and Kamenitsa Peak - a Winter Trek into the Heart of Pirin
Reaching the Tevno Lake shelter in winter conditions is a genuine challenge. In return the mountain gives back extraordinary landscapes, opening from the summits of Momini Dvori and Valyavishki Chukar. Watching the sun go down from up here is a dream fulfilled. Take on the challenge and step into the snowy embrace of Pirin.
What we offer is a winter classic, for connoisseurs only.
Weather permitting, the programme also includes the ascent of Kamenitsa peak (2,822 m) - one of the most striking and wildest of Pirin's high summits, with a 360 panorama over the whole massif.
The programme suits people in good physical condition with previous experience in the mountains, summer or winter.
Tour Highlights
- The Tevno Lake shelter
- Sunset from Momini Dvori peak
Tour Itinerary
We set off for the Popina Laka area above Sandanski. If you choose to travel under your own steam we will send you the exact location to wait for us.
On arrival the guides give the group a short briefing and run through the safety points and an equipment check. Packs on our backs, and we set off for our goal for the weekend.
The first part of the walk is reaching Begovitsa hut (1,750 m). The hut is about 2 hours from the car park, on a well-waymarked path. Here we stop for tea and something to eat.
Beyond the hut we gradually leave the forest belt and enter the Begovitsa valley, starting to gain height steadily. The views are something else. Whichever way you turn there are snow-covered pinnacles and summits. We get superb views towards the emblematic Yalovarnika, Zaba, Kamenitsa and Kuklite.
From the Begovitsa col we catch sight in the distance of the Tevno Lake shelter, tucked under a blanket of snow and ringed by the summits of Malka and Golyama Kamenitsa, Valyavishki Chukar, Momin Dvor and Kralev Dvor. Spurred on by the beauty around us we press on towards the shelter.
We are on the last stretch now and cannot wait to open the shelter door and be met by our hosts. Good food is waiting. We leave you to rest, and anyone with the will and the energy can come out to see the sun down. It is worth it.
In the evening, over good conversation and a drink, we share the day between us.
An early start for the sunrise - for the most motivated only, and entirely as you wish. Once we have taken in the first colours of the day, breakfast awaits at the Tevno Lake shelter... but the adventure is far from over.
This will not be simply the way back.
After breakfast we head for the Begovitsa col, where the real highlight of the day begins - the ascent of Kamenitsa peak (2,822 m), one of the most magnificent and steepest of Pirin's high summits.
At the col we fit crampons and prepare for a serious winter climb, then set off up the characteristic stony ridge. With every step the views over the cirque country of Valyavitsa and Kamenitsa grow more imposing.
After a successful ascent and a short break for photographs and for the panorama, we descend back to the Begovitsa col and continue to Begovitsa hut, where a well-earned hot lunch is waiting.
An ending that properly befits a winter classic for connoisseurs.
Important:
Winter trekking equipment
Shoes
High shoes with hard sole and membrane
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. Please come to treks with a backpack suitable for trekking. Very often, each participant needs to attach snowshoes to their backpack, and this cannot happen with urban backpacks
Backpack cover - in case of rain or snowfall
Clothing top
Тhermal base layer
Fleece
A down jacket or other jacket with synthetic insulation
Wind and water proof jacket
Hat
Gloves - 3 pairs of gloves, one thin, one medium thick and one for very bad conditions
Buff
Clothing bottom
Тhermal bottom base layer
Winter pants
Gaiters
Sun protection
Sunglasses
Sun cream with high protection
Water and food
Water (1.5 liters)
Food for the trek
Money and documents
Money
ID or passport
Other
First aid kit
Trekking poles with winter feathers
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: