European Mountains,
Bulgaria

Malyovitsa, 2729m (Мальовица)
Malka Malyovitsa,  2640m (Малка Мальовица)


 

Maps : GPS: bgmountains.org
Primary factor : Malyovitsa: 279m
Malka Malyovitsa: 50m
Hiked : July 2011
See also :
Musala Cherni Vrah
Vihren  
See also : Other European mountains on westcoastpeaks.com

Malka Malyovitsa and Malyovitsa

Malka Malyovitsa and Malyovitsa
(Click for larger image)

Introduction

The Malyovitsa region is located in the northwest part of the Rila mountain range - the largest in Bulgaria. Malyovitsa is considered to be the cradle of Bulgarian mountaineering and rock climbing and the valley offers numerous climbing routes (some legendary), as well as popular skiing routes.

The main Malyovitsa peak is the second highest peak in the northwest part of the Rila range - only 2 meters lower than Golyam Kupen (2731m). Malyovitsa peak is easily reached through a nice hike up the valley and offers no difficulties or airy sections. Malka Malyovitsa (the small Malyovitsa peak) is found 0,43km northeast of the main peak and is also a fairly easy hike from the Malyovitsa route. However, this route calls for some easy scrambling, and sections of the summit ridge can be perceived as slightly airy. The peak between the two Malyovitsa peaks is called Orleto (little eagle) and is not described on this page.

 

Orleto and Malka Malyovitsa

Orleto and Malka Malyovitsa
(Click for larger image)

 

Primary factor:

Malyovitsa (2729m, N42.17385 E23.36308) has a primary factor of 249m towards the higher parent Golyam Kupen (2731m). The defining saddle (N42.17016 E23.37625) is found between Elenin Vrah and Orlovets. Ref. the GPS map from bgmountains.com (20m contours), the saddle is within the range 2440-2460m, interpolated to 2450m.

Based on the GPS track log, I have set the following (rounded) primary factor for Malka Malyovitsa (2640m, N42.17570 E23.36774); 50m.

 

 

GPS profile

GPS profile
(Click for larger image)

 

Google map

Google's interactive map. You can zoom, pan and click on the markers.
 

 

Google maps
Google maps
(Click on image)

 

Trail descriptions

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The route descriptions are valid per July 2011.

Route 1: Malyovitsa - Malyovitsa peak (summer/autumn)

Difficulty : YDS Class 1
Exposure : No!
Distance : Approx. 7km to the top
Time : Approx. 3,5-4 hours to the top
Starting Elev.: Approx. 1770m
Vertical Gain : Approx. 970m

GPS map + tracks

GPS map + tracks
(No Javascript)

Access

(all distances are approx. distances)

The starting point for this route description is the Malyovitsa village. Use Google Maps to get the road description from Sofia Airport, Sofia, Bulgaria (if this is your starting point) to Govedartsi, Samokov, Bulgaria. From the centre of Govedartsi, proceed approx. 6,8km to the southwest. Turn left in a junction (N42.23831 E23.40588) and follow the road approx. 6,3km up to the Malyovitsa parking area (N42.21129 E23.38689). Here you will find the Central Mountain School Malyovitsa, in addition to the Malyovitsa hotel.

The route - To Malyovitsa

 

The route, seen in Googlhe Earth

The route, seen in Googlhe Earth
(Click for larger image)

 

Follow the trail across the meadow south of the parking, and enter the Rila National Park on the far side of the meadow. Follow a well-worn trail (actually, it's a 4WD road...). After approx. 2,8km, you reach the Malyovitsa hut. You can buy drinks here. And perhaps they have something to eat, too.

From the hut, follow the mountain path up the valley. The path is marked by two white and one red stripe, painted on rocks. The upper part of the valley is divided into the first and second terrace. At the second terrace, you'll pass a large rock with plaques for dead climbers and mountaineers.

The path now climbs up to lake Elenski (2480m, N42.17181 E23.36960). If you want to hike Malka Malyovitsa, this is your starting point. See below. From the lake, the path climbs up to the watershed ridge, from where you can see the Rila Monastery. Malyovitsa (N42.17385 E23.36308) summit is now only a 0,7km walk away.

 

The upper part of the route

The upper part of the route
(Click for larger image)

Malka Malyovitsa

From lake Elenski, head north - between the two lakes. Then aim for the northeast ridge (see picture below). The summit ridge requires some minor, easy scrambling. From the summit (N42.17570 E23.36774), you have a great view down the valley.

 

The route to Malka Malyovitsa

The route to Malka Malyovitsa
(Click for larger image)

 


Pictures and Trip reports:

 


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