Kovach Peak and the Yakoruda Lakes NEW
A circular one-day trek in Eastern Rila to Kovach peak (2634 m) and the picturesque Yakoruda lakes, hidden in a deep cirque below the rocky ridge. We start from the Nehtenitsa locality, pass the three Yakoruda lakes, climb a steep gully to the ridge and drop down to Granchar hut before returning along a broad forest road to the starting point. The trek combines mountain solitude, panoramas over almost the whole of Rila, and a touch of challenge on the unmarked section below the summit.
Price Includes / Excludes
Price Includes
- Complete organization and coordination of the program
- Travel insurance with limit - 500 euro. The insurance is concluded with the insurance company Euroins
- Transportation during the program
- Licensed guide
Price Excludes
- Food
- Personal expenses
Tour Itinerary
The transfer to Yakoruda takes around 2 hours 45 minutes. We set off from the Nehtenitsa forestry station, the last point reachable by asphalt above Yakoruda. A broad forest road takes us into the valley of the Golyama Banenska river, and after about 3 km we reach the dam wall of Ribnoto Lake – the lowest and largest of the Yakoruda lakes. We continue on a path through dwarf pine to Mrtvoto Lake, so named for the gas that periodically escapes from its bed (or so the locals say), which once made it inhospitable to fish.
From here the terrain changes abruptly - we skirt the lake and take to an unmarked, steep section: first a rocky slope that brings us out onto the main ridge of Rila. This is the most technically demanding part of the day - and there is no waymarking.
From the ridge the climb to Kovach peak (Nalbant) is short and easy. The panorama takes in most of Rila - Musala, the Beli Iskar reservoir, Skakavtsite.
After Kovach, if the group is feeling good and we have the time, we will also climb Sua Vapa peak. We descend towards Granchar hut, where we stop to rest and eat. The return to Nehtenitsa follows a broad dirt road - easy, pleasant walking, a contrast to the morning's climb.
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: