Spano Pole Shelter – Tevno Ezero Shelter via the Chairski Lakes

The hike from Spano Pole to Tevno Ezero via the Chairski Lakes passes through a quieter and less frequently visited part of Pirin.

The broad grassy slopes around Spano Pole gradually give way to high mountain valleys and the beautiful group of Chairski Lakes. As elevation increases, the terrain becomes rockier and more rugged.

In clear weather, views open toward Kamenitsa, Yalovarnika, the Tipits peaks and the surrounding ridges, while the finish at Tevno Ezero is among the most impressive in Pirin.

The route is long and exposed, and fog or strong wind can make the hike considerably more demanding.

From Spano Pole Shelter, head south along the broad track following the brown trail markings. The first section is relatively gentle and crosses open terrain before reaching the area known as Arnautski Grobishta.

Pay close attention to the markings here. The main track may appear to continue naturally ahead, but the hiking route branches to the left. A blue-marked trail towards Popina Luka and Yane Sandanski Hut is also present in this area and should not be followed.

The route continues through a short coniferous forest section and descends towards an open meadow. Several well-used paths cross this area, many of them created by grazing animals. Stay with the brown markings. At the first junction with a green-marked trail, remain on the brown route because this green trail leads in a different direction.

After a short climb, the trail returns to open terrain and reaches a second, better-signposted junction. Here the brown markings continue towards Begovitsa Hut. For Tevno Ezero, turn left and begin following the green trail markings.

The trail now gradually descends towards the Bashliytsa River. Cross the river by the bridge. Beyond it begins the main sustained ascent towards the Chairski cirque.

The path initially winds through sections of dwarf pine before entering increasingly open high-mountain terrain. Continue following the green markings past the Chairski Lakes. This is one of the most scenic parts of the route, although navigation can become considerably harder in fog.

Beyond the lakes, climb towards the saddle known as Chairski Pass or Prevala, which separates the Chairski and Prevalski cirques. At the pass, the green markings continue in another direction. The route to Tevno Ezero now joins the red-marked E4 high-mountain trail.

Turn right and follow the red markings. The terrain becomes noticeably rockier as the trail continues towards Mozgovishka Porta.

After crossing Mozgovishka Porta, views open towards the Kamenitsa massif, Yalovarnika, Zabat and Kuklite. Continue along the red trail as it traverses below the northern slopes of Valyavishki Chukar.

The final section enters the Mozgovishki cirque. Tevno Ezero soon appears ahead, with Tevno Ezero Shelter standing directly beside the lake and marking the end of the route.