Ovcharets (2,775 m) is a granite peak in the Maritsa section of Eastern Rila, on the Musala ridge south of Marishki chal. Pesokliva vapa stands on a short spur to the east. Its long southern slope runs down to the Dzhanka (Dolni kuki) saddle. Until 1942 it was called Yurushki chal, after the Yuruks, nomadic shepherds of Ottoman times.
Clear rocky humps line its crest. The top and the western slope are covered in broken stone, and the western wall drops almost vertically to the Beli Iskar valley. The eastern slope is grassy and steep.
Golyam and Malak Bliznak are 2–3 km to the north, and Musala about 4 km.
Sofia region
1.2 km away
Sofia region
2.1 km away
Sofia region
2.7 km away
Blagoevgrad region
3.5 km away
Ovcharets is located in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria.
Ovcharets 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 Ovcharets, 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.
Ovcharets reaches an elevation of 2,775 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.
