Back to Rila routes
RilaSummer route
From Zeleni Preslap to Otovishki Peak via Kabul Peak
Kabul Peak (2,531 m) and Otovishki Peak (2,696 m) form a beautiful panoramic route in northwestern Rila. The two summits have different characters — Kabul is broad and rounded, while Otovishki rises higher above the deep lake cirques.
Time
4 h (one way)
Distance
8 km
Elevation gain
+1108 m
Difficulty
Difficult
Risk
4/5
Route
Description
Kabul Peak (2,531 m) and Otovishki Peak (2,696 m) form a beautiful panoramic route in northwestern Rila. The two summits have different characters — Kabul is broad and rounded, while Otovishki rises higher above the deep lake cirques.
As the route climbs from Zeleni Preslap, the forest gradually drops away and the landscape opens into spacious high-mountain terrain. The ridge between the two peaks is exposed and offers continuous views.
In clear weather, you can see the Seven Rila Lakes, Otovishko Lake, Kalinite, the Malyovitsa section, Vitosha and distant parts of Rila.
The hike is sustained and gains significant elevation, but in stable summer conditions it does not include technical climbing sections.
Access
How to get there
From Zeleni Preslap, take the right road through the forest. The left road is not for this route – it leads toward Skakavitsa Hut and Rilski Ezera Hut. At the beginning, follow the green marking along a wider road that gradually turns into a steeper forest trail.
After about 1:30–2:00 hours, the route leaves the forest and reaches shepherd shelters with a fountain – the first major landmark. From here, the trail gradually turns toward the slope of Kabul Peak. The marking changes to blue, but it becomes sparser, so GPX is very useful in this section.
A long and demanding climb follows toward Kabul Peak. This is the harder part of the route – the slope is constant, and the open terrain feels more tiring, especially in warm weather.
From Kabul Peak to Otovishki Peak, the route becomes easier and more enjoyable. You cross the long saddle between the two summits with a slight descent and a relatively clear path.
The final climb to Otovishki Peak is short, but steeper and partly scree-covered. The last 15–20 minutes require a bit more careful footing, but they are not technically difficult.
If you still have time and energy on the way back, you can make a detour to Skakavitsa Hut and Skakavishki Waterfall, but this is an optional extra and not part of the main route line.
Navigation
Key points
1
Zeleni Preslap – route start; reached by car from Sapareva Banya.
2
The right road at the beginning – the correct choice for Kabul and Otovishki; the left road is for Skakavitsa Hut and Rilski Ezera Hut.
3
Forest section on green marking – the first part is a steady ascent.
4
Shepherd shelters with fountain – first major landmark and a good short break point.
5
Transition from green to blue marking – after the shelters, navigation becomes more important.
6
Kabul Peak – the harder part of the route ends here.
7
The saddle between Kabul and Otovishki – a lighter and more pleasant section.
8
The final steep and scree section – short but important final climb.
9
Otovishki Peak – finish with wide views.
10
💧 Water: there is a fountain at the shepherd huts after leaving the forest. This is the main refill point; do not rely on water on the high ridge toward Kabul and Otovishki Peak.
Map
BGMountains route
Interactive topographic map with the full route, start and finish.
Зареждане на маршрута…
Mountain weather
Loading forecast…
Details
Trail markingBasic information
Trail marking
Green → Blue
Time
4 h (one way)
Distance
8 km
Elevation gain
+1108 m
Difficulty
Difficult
Risk
4/5
Preparation
Equipment
Water
Hiking shoes
Windproof jacket / warmer layer
Phone with offline map + power bank
Trekking poles (optional)
Sunglasses
Hat
Food
Help us keep the information up to date
Found a problem?
Report incorrect information, a route issue or a change at a place. We will review the report as soon as possible.
BGMountainGuide
Take the route with you
Offline map, navigation and information directly in the app.