Malyovitsa Peak from Malyovitsa Training Center

Malyovitsa Peak (2729 m) is in the north-western part of Rila, in the Malyovishki section. It lies within Rila National Park and is one of the most iconic peaks in the mountain.

Malyovitsa Training Center (CPSH) is reached by an asphalt road. The parking is paid, so it’s a good idea to arrive earlier on weekends.

The peak has an alpine character: the northern and eastern slopes are steeper, while the southern slopes are gentler and grassy. On the classic summer route the trails are clear and, in good weather, navigation is straightforward.

This hike is easy to follow in four parts: CPSH → Malyovitsa Hut, Malyovitsa Hut → Second Terrace, Second Terrace → Elenino Lake, Elenino Lake → Malyovitsa Peak.

The route starts from Malyovitsa Training Center on a clear uphill trail. The first section is the easiest and feels like a walk. You reach Malyovitsa Hut by following the blue marking, usually in about 1 hour.

After the hut the climb becomes more demanding. Here you follow the blue-red marking. After around 30 minutes you reach the First Terrace, and after another ~30 minutes you reach the Second Terrace.

From the Second Terrace onward the marking stays red. The trail becomes rockier and there can be scree, so move calmly and step securely, especially if the rocks are wet.

After roughly 1 hour of climbing you reach Elenino Lake. This is a great place for a longer break and a snack before the final stage.

From the lake to the ridge it takes about 40–50 minutes on steep rocky ground and scree. Once on the ridge, there is an ⚠️ important junction: the red marking continues left toward Dodov Peak and Ivan Vazov Hut, while the route to Malyovitsa Peak goes right.

Along the ridge the path is narrower but well defined, with solid rock for support. In clear weather the views are very wide.

The return is typically the same way back to the training center.