About this place
About Eye Lake
Eye Lake, also known as Ravnashko Lake, is the lowest of the main named Banderishki Lakes. It lies very close to Vihren Hut and is one of the easiest high-mountain lake destinations in the area.
The lake is small and almost circular, hidden among dwarf pine on a rocky terrace above the Banderitsa valley. Its rounded shape and reflective surface inspired the name 'Eye', meaning 'The Eye'.
Because of the short approach, the lake works equally well as a destination for a brief mountain walk or as a small detour on the way toward the higher Banderishki Lakes.
Access
How to get there
1
BEST APPROACH: The hike starts at Vihren Hut. This is one of the shortest walks to a high-mountain lake in the area.
2
START OF THE HIKE: From Vihren Hut, head south along the marked trail toward the Banderishki cirque. The initial section is shared with trails leading to several other destinations in this part of Pirin.
3
TOWARD THE BANDERITSA RIVER: After approximately 10–15 minutes, the trail reaches the river area and a small bridge. Cross the bridge and continue a short distance along the main trail.
4
TURN-OFF FOR OKOTO: Watch carefully for a short side path branching to the left toward the lake. Okoto is hidden behind dwarf pine and is difficult to see from the main trail even though it lies very close to it.
5
FINAL APPROACH: From the turn-off, a short climb leads onto the rocky terrace where the lake is situated. The water appears only a few minutes after leaving the main path.
6
TIME: Allow approximately 15–30 minutes from Vihren Hut to the lake in one direction. The exact time depends on walking pace, the chosen line along the shared trail and how quickly the side path is located.
7
DIFFICULTY: In dry summer conditions the walk is easy and contains no technical sections. It is suitable for hikers looking for a short excursion, although it still takes place in high-mountain terrain.
8
NAVIGATION: Because the lake is small and surrounded by dwarf pine, it can easily be passed without noticing it from the main trail. Watch for signs and use the BGMountains map in the app to locate the turn-off.
9
EQUIPMENT: Even for this short walk, suitable hiking footwear and an extra layer are recommended. Weather around Vihren Hut can change very quickly.
10
WINTER CONDITIONS: This description applies to snow-free terrain. In winter, slopes around Vihren Hut and the Banderishki cirque can be exposed to avalanche danger. The short distance to the lake should never be interpreted as meaning the route is automatically safe in snow.
Map
BGMountains
Interactive topographic map showing the location of the lake.
Details
Basic information
Mountain
Pirin
Elevation
2026 m
Area
2.6 decares
Max. depth
5.4 m
Interesting
Interesting facts
1
Okoto is a glacial lake belonging to the Banderishki lake group.
2
It is the lowest of the main named Banderishki Lakes.
3
The lake measures approximately 65 by 57 metres and is almost circular in shape.
4
Despite its small surface area, it reaches a maximum depth of approximately 5.4 metres.
5
The lake is also known as Ravnashko Lake.
6
Sediment carried down from the surrounding slopes gradually accumulates in the lake.
Nearby
Nearby places
Vihren HutMuratovo LakeRibno Banderishko LakeZhabeshko LakeDalgoto Banderishko LakeTodorka PeakHvoynati Peak
BGMountainGuide
Take the lake with you
Map, access and useful information directly in the app.