Malak Mermer

Mount Malak Mermer (2,562 m) is situated along the main ridge of the Northwestern Rila Mountains, flanked by Dodov Peak to the west and Golyam Mermer to the east. Composed of several low summits divided by shallow saddles, its highest point is marked by a winter stakes and a stone cairn. The mountain’s slopes offer striking scenery: its northern face drops dramatically into the Urdini Lakes cirque, while its southern flanks descend steeply into the Manastirska River valley toward the Rila Monastery. Critical Safety Warning: This guide outlines the summer route only! During winter and whenever snow cover is present, the entire Malyovitsa River valley becomes highly prone to dangerous avalanches. Do not attempt this route under winter conditions. Route Essentials - Starting Point: Malyovitsa Central Mountain School (CPS), Mecha Polyana. - Trail Marking: Blue markers (to the Second Terrace), then Red markers (along the main ridge). - Total Duration: Approximately 4 hours to 4 hours and 30 minutes one way. - Difficulty: High (a prolonged high-altitude trek requiring proper preparation and stable weather). Trail Breakdown 1. CPS Malyovitsa – Malyovitsa Hut (~1 hour) Head south from Mecha Polyana, enter the Rila National Park, and follow the blue trail along the right bank of the Malyovitsa River. After 35 minutes (2 km), cross the river over a stone bridge featuring a fresh drinking water spring. Continue along the left bank for 15 minutes to reach Malyovitsa Hut. 2. Malyovitsa Hut – Elenino Lake (~1 hour 40 minutes) From the hut, push south following both the red and blue markers through a cleared dwarf pine zone. After 10 minutes, hop across the exposed rocks in the riverbed to cross to the other side. The path ascends to the First Terrace, crosses the stream once more, and reaches the flat meadow of the Second Terrace (marked by the memorial plaque rock) in about 50 minutes from the hut. Here, the blue trail splits left toward the BAK Shelter. Continue south along the red trail, cross a small stream, and begin a steep, rocky zigzag to the right. A steady 50-minute climb brings you to the shores of the main Elenino Lake. 3. Elenino Lake – Malyovitsa Ridge Junction (~45 minutes) From the lake, head south and southwest, climbing steeply up a rocky path. In about 35 minutes, you will reach the high saddle between Elenin Peak and Mount Malyovitsa, indicated by a stone cairn and a metal stake. Turn right onto the ridge. Traverse a few rocky sections carefully (especially when wet) for 10 minutes to reach the southern foothills of Mount Malyovitsa (the trail to the summit branches off to the right). 4. Mount Malyovitsa Foothills – Mount Malak Mermer (~1 hour 5 minutes) Continue straight across the grassy terrain, following the winter stakes westward. The trail descends for about 20 minutes before flattening out and skirting the northern slopes of Golyam Mermer. After tackling a brief rocky step, the red trail begins descending the western flank of Golyam Mermer. Within 10 minutes, you will reach a prominent saddle (where a trail to the Rila Monastery branches left). Stay on the ridge path ahead, climbing gently until you spot the winter marker stake of Malak Mermer. Turn right off the main path and hike up the grassy slope for a few minutes to reach the true summit.