Kadiitsa and Ilov Peak - the Highest Points of the Vlahina and Maleshevska Mountains
Kadiitsa (1,924 m) and Ilov peak (1,803 m) - the highest points of the Vlahina and Maleshevska mountains - in one unforgettable day out along the border with the Republic of North Macedonia. We will follow a circular route from the village of Brestovo, 20 km on forest paths with 825 m of ascent, intended for hillwalkers in good physical condition.
Vlahina and Maleshevska are the ninth and tenth highest mountains in Bulgaria - wild, untouched and rarely visited. Here nature has kept its authentic character thanks to the border character of the area, and the views from the summits we reach take in Rila, Pirin, Slavyanka, Belasitsa, Ograzhden and Osogovo - a panorama worthy of any hillwalker looking for something other than the well-trodden routes.
Price Includes / Excludes
Price Includes
- Complete organization and coordination of the program
Tour Itinerary
Our route starts from the village of Brestovo - a picturesque, scattered mountain village in the municipality of Simitli, Blagoevgrad province, set across the slopes of Vlahina at 904 m above sea level. At the start of the walk we are met by the legendary Komatinski rocks, an imposing rock wall up to 100 m high, formed of Palaeogene conglomerates over 35 to 40 million years old. These rocks are a site of national importance, bound up with many tales of outlaws, rebels and buried treasure - legends still alive today among the local people.
From Brestovo we take forest paths through the dense broadleaf woods typical of these parts. Up to about 1,600 m we walk among beech forest, after which the ground opens out into subalpine pasture and clearings with wide views. We navigate by GPS track, as waymarking is absent over most of the route.
Our first objective is Kadiitsa peak (1,924 m) - officially known as Ogreyak, though the local people have kept its older, more romantic name. This is the highest point of Vlahina, the ninth highest mountain in Bulgaria. The state border between Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia runs along the ridge, and a border pyramid stands right beside the summit marker. The view that opens in front of us is breathtaking: the whole of south-western Bulgaria spreads out, with Rila, Pirin, Osogovo, Ograzhden, Belasitsa and the Macedonian mountains outlined in the distance.
From there we continue along the ridge to Ilov peak (1,803 m) - the highest point of the Maleshevska mountains, also known by its older name, Dzhama. The summit is marked by an imposing cross of stacked stones, and from it we enjoy a magnificent view of the neighbouring massifs, and of Kadiitsa itself, rising proudly in the distance.
Required Documents !
- Valid Bulgarian ID
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: