Orlovets Peak from Malyovitsa Mountain School

Orlovets Peak (2,685 m) is one of the most distinctive rocky summits in the Malyovitsa section of Rila. It rises beside Zliya Zab and forms part of the dramatic granite skyline above the Malyovitsa Valley.

The approach moves from the broad valley and Malyovitsa Hut into increasingly rugged rocky terrain around BAK Shelter. Higher up, the landscape becomes fully alpine — rock walls, gullies and narrow ridges.

In clear weather, Orlovets offers views toward Malyovitsa, Dvuglav, Zliya Zab, Lovnitsa, Kamila and distant parts of Rila.

Beyond BAK Shelter, the route leaves the standard marked hiking trails and is suitable only for people with experience in navigation and movement on steep rocky terrain.

The route starts from the Malyovitsa Mountain School area. Follow the broad and clearly defined trail uphill toward Malyovitsa Hut. The first section follows the blue trail marking and normally takes approximately 50–60 minutes.

Malyovitsa Hut is a convenient place for a short rest before the main ascent. Make sure you have enough water before continuing. Do not rely on a guaranteed water source higher on the route, and BAK Shelter itself has no water supply.

From the hut, continue uphill through the Malyovitsa valley toward the First and Second Terraces. The trail remains clear but gradually becomes steeper and rockier. Through this section, follow the combined red-and-blue trail marking.

Approximately 45–60 minutes beyond the hut you will reach the Second Terrace. The main landmark here is the large rock carrying memorial plaques dedicated to fallen mountaineers and climbers.

⚠️ This is where the route to Orlovets leaves the main trail toward Malyovitsa Peak. At the memorial rock, turn left onto the blue-marked trail toward BAK Shelter. Do not continue uphill on the red trail toward Elenino Lake and Malyovitsa Peak.

After the junction, the path crosses the Malyovitsa River area and gradually enters steeper terrain. It initially passes through dwarf pine before becoming increasingly rocky. Follow the blue marking carefully as the slope becomes steeper.

Allow approximately 50–60 minutes from the Second Terrace to BAK Shelter. The shelter lies high in the cirque beneath Orlovets, Zliya Zab, Lovnitsa and Kamila and is a good place for a short break before the most demanding part of the route.

⚠️ Standard hiking markings end beyond BAK Shelter. Orlovets and Zliya Zab rise above the shelter, with a clearly defined steep rocky gully running between them. This gully leads toward the saddle separating the two peaks.

Enter the gully and begin climbing steadily upward. The terrain is steep and contains scree, large rocks and unstable stones. Move slowly and place your feet carefully. Avoid dislodging rocks toward hikers below and keep sufficient distance if other people are climbing in the gully.

⚠️ This section becomes considerably more dangerous when wet. If the rocks are wet, residual snow remains in the gully, visibility is poor or the weather begins to deteriorate, consider turning back before committing to the upper section.

Continue along the natural line of the gully until you reach the saddle between Orlovets and Zliya Zab. From the upper section, views open toward the southern side of the ridge and the dramatic rocky summits around Dvuglav and Iglata.

⚠️ The saddle is the key point for the final direction. For Orlovets Peak, turn right and follow the clearly defined ridge. Do not continue toward Zliya Zab – it is a separate summit involving alpine terrain and is not part of this hiking route.

From the saddle, follow the natural ridge and the GPX track toward Orlovets. The final ascent is relatively short but remains steep and exposed. In dry summer conditions technical climbing equipment is normally not required, but confidence and careful movement on steep rocky terrain are essential.

Allow approximately 45–60 minutes from BAK Shelter to Orlovets Peak, depending on pace and conditions.

Orlovets Peak stands at 2,685 m and offers wide views toward Malyovitsa, Zliya Zab, Dvuglav, Lovnitsa and the surrounding Rila ridges.

Return along the same route. Descend back to the saddle between Orlovets and Zliya Zab and then carefully descend the rocky gully toward BAK Shelter. ⚠️ The scree descent is often more difficult than the ascent, so do not rush and keep a safe distance from hikers below you. From BAK Shelter, follow the blue-marked trail back to the Second Terrace, then return via Malyovitsa Hut to the Malyovitsa Mountain School.