Jamdzhiev Edge - WINTER January 2026

Program:
- 04:00 am Аrrival in front of the Central mountain school, Rila mountain
- Hike to Malyovitsa hut: ~60 min.
- Hike and Malyovitsa ridge traverse: ~ 6 hrs
- hike to Malyovitsa hut and back to the car: ~120 ÷ 150 min

MALYOVITSA NORTHEASTERN RIDGE – WINTER ASCENT

The Malyovitsa region is the cradle of Bulgarian rock climbing and mountaineering. “Going at Malyovitsa northeastern ridge is one of the most rewarding day hikes in Bulgaria.

From the meadow (1,770 m above the sea), the route goes further into the Malyovitsa Valley, gently gaining altitude following a stony path. The first half of this section traverses old pine forest, on the left bank of the Malyovitsa river. And the second part offers more exposure after crossing the bridge and travels above the trees along the river bank. The final point of this stage is Malyovitsa hut – the true home of the Bulgarian alpinists – located at 1,962 m above the sea, surrounded by the vertical faces of the “Puppet” to the west and the “Black Rock” to the east. You can typically do the first stage in an hour.

From the hut, the route continues with its second stage, following the glacial valley, climbing to the First Balcony (2,100 m above the sea), and then to the Second Balcony (2,220 m above the sea). The two balconies are typical glacial shapes–two flat areas, which emulate a staircase. On the Second Balcony, there is a very well recognizable mark–a massive rock in the middle of the flat area, covered in memorial monuments of Bulgarian climbers, who lost their lives in the mountains. From the hut up to that place, it usually takes 30 minutes.

The third stage of the route is the steepest one! From the Second Balcony, the path climbs to the cirque of Elenino Lake (2,465 m above the sea). The terrain is rocky, and it does go up to 40 degrees of steepness, it requires patience and fitness, but there is no scrambling, so no special skills or equipment is needed. Elenino Lake is a glacial lake –one of more than 150 in the Rila mountains. It is located in a beautiful cirque, surrounded by the summits of Malyovitsa (2,729 m), Small Malyovitsa (2,610 m) Eleni peak (2,654 m), and Orlovets (2,686 m). Hiking from the Second Balcony to Elenino Lake normally takes around 45 minutes. The fourth stage will bring you to the main ridge of the
mountain.

The biggest challenge of this route is the second, less steep part, as the ridge becomes quite exposed here, and it is not suitable for people with vertigo or general lack of experience, because of the existing 183 m drop on the right-hand side. This route is used by advanced hikers and mountaineers, mostly in winter, because it’s free from any avalanche risk. The Northeast ridge of Mount Malyovitsa is not recommended to go without a guide unless you know what you are doing. The first half is where the crest is quite narrow, yet not too exposed and dangerous. The second half is where the ridge becomes very wide, almost like a football stadium, and with a very gentle ascent reaches the summit point at 2,729 m above the sea. From the summit of Malyovitsa, expect an array of rewarding views of the surplus of mountain ranges dotting the area.”

Note: the indicated crossing times are approximate and depend on the pace of movement of the group, meteorological conditions and snow cover.

Important!
In case of worsening weather conditions and / or other force majeure circumstances, the guide may return the group or change the route to ensure the safety of participants.

Necessary personal equipment:
- A backpack that holds the items below
- Hat - 2 pcs.
- Gloves – 2 pairs
- Water and windproof jacket and pants (overalls)
- Down jacket
- Thermal underwear - upper and lower
- Warm garment - fleece type / polar top
- Comfortable hiking boots with hard soles
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen lotion/cream
- Food and drinks according to personal needs for a day with a long hike and intense workload
- Mobile phone with charged battery
- Headlamp with new / charged batteries
- Climbing helmet
- Climbing harness
- Ice axe
- Crampons
- Avalanche set - beacon, shovel, probe

Price:
For one participant: 700 BGN (357,90 EUR)
For two participants: 500 BGN per person (255,65 EUR per person)

Note:
- to ensure the maximum level of safety, one guide leads a maximum of two participants.

The price includes: guide, general equipment
The price does not include: insurance, food, drinks and other personal expenses, personal equipment.

Equipment rental:
- crampons: 20 BGN per day, per pair
- ice axe: 20 BGN per day per person
- helmet: 10 BGN per day per person

Requirements for participation:
- To be at least 18 years old.
- Do not have health problems related to the specifics of mountaineering and the resulting burdens
- Extreme insurance for the days of the program (Participants without insurance are not allowed!)
- Good mountaineering skills
- It is recommended that each participant has a personal first aid kit.

Your guide
Grigor Vatev
Member of Mountains and People - Association of Mountain Leaders in Bulgaria.