Malak Polezhan (2,823 m), also called Malak Mangartepe, is a granite peak in northern Pirin, on the Polezhan side ridge; bg.wikipedia gives 2,822 m and ranks it among the ten highest Pirin peaks.
The peak is on a rocky crest between Polezhan and Dzhangal; a short, shallow, passable saddle separates it from Polezhan. Right next to that saddle to the east is the Upper Polezhan lake, the highest lake in the Bulgarian mountains. To the south, towards Dzhangalska Porta, follow several lower points called the Obidimski Ushitsi.
The eastern slopes are very steep, with scree of loose material and sheer in places. The north-western slope is a massive scree of slabs reaching the Upper Gazey lake, and to the south-west is a small hanging cirque above the Valyavitsa valley. To the west a short ridge leads to the neighbouring peak Gazey. The waymarked Bezbog hut – Demyanitsa hut path crosses the area; we found no separate path to the summit in the sources.
Blagoevgrad region
0.6 km away
Blagoevgrad region
0.6 km away
Blagoevgrad region
1.0 km away
Malak Polezhan is located in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria.
Malak Polezhan is most easily reached by car. Use the coordinates above to navigate, or open the location in OpenStreetMap or your preferred maps app for turn-by-turn directions. Public transport options vary by region — for remote destinations a rental car gives the most flexibility.
Late spring through early autumn (May–September) is best for Malak Polezhan, when trails are clear of snow and weather is most stable. Higher peaks may hold snow into June and see fresh snow as early as October. Winter visits are for experienced mountaineers with proper gear.
Malak Polezhan reaches an elevation of 2,823 metres above sea level.
Hiking boots, layered clothing, water (1.5–2 L per person), sun protection, and a windproof jacket — mountain weather changes quickly. For longer routes also bring a map (paper or offline), a head torch, and emergency rations. Tell someone your planned route and expected return time.
