Yalovarnika and Zabat – the Granite Giants of the Begovitsa Cirque
Yalovarnika and Zabat are two of the most striking granite peaks in northern Pirin, rising above the wild Begovitsa cirque - one of the less visited and more authentic corners of the range. A one-day trek from Popina Laka up to Begovitsa hut and on to both summits, for those after a true mountain experience far from the tourist routes.
What's included
Included
- Complete organization and coordination of the program
Tour Itinerary
We leave Sofia early in the morning and after about three hours of transfer reach the locality of Popina Laka above Sandanski - the gateway to northern Pirin. From here we follow the blue waymarks up through steep, shaded forest that slowly lifts us above the Begovitsa valley. After about an hour and a half on foot we come out at Begovitsa hut, a welcoming mountain refuge hidden in the wild heart of the range.
From the hut the route follows the path towards the Tevno Ezero shelter. We walk beside the river, cross the bridge and enter the broad green pastures of the Begovitsa cirque. The massif of Kuklite gradually opens in front of us, and to the right the sharp silhouette of Zabat. The climb gathers pace after the turning for Pirin hut, where the Kuklensko lake appears before us - a quiet alpine mirror set in the lap of the peaks.
We reach the Kuklite–Zabat col, from which a panorama opens over both cirques, Begovitsa and Bashmandra. From here we go on in turn: first to Zabat (2,688 m), then down to the gap between the two summits and up onto Yalovarnika (2,763 m) - the ninth highest peak in Pirin, with the distinctive twin summit that stands out across the whole horizon.
The descent follows the normal route back to Begovitsa hut, from where we continue down through the forest to Popina Laka and the transfer back to Sofia.
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: