Karkam Lakes

🚩 1. Starting Point and Dirt Road

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The parking area is in a meadow with benches next to the "Sv.sv. Teodor Tiron and Teodor Stratilat" chapel, about 2-3 km along a dirt road from the "Banderitsa"/"Vihren" chalets in the direction of Demianitsa chalet.

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From there, take the well-maintained dirt road, which gently leads you towards the Demyanitsa River valley – the walk through the pine forest is a calm start, perfect for relaxing before the hike.

🗺️ 2. From the Start of the Trail – the Exciting Part Begins

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After passing the Yulenski Skok waterfall, which can be heard and is marked with a sign, look for the second hairpin turn on the dirt road.

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At this turn, you turn right and uphill between the trees, onto a sparsely marked trail. This is where the wild part of the route begins.

🔍 3. Follow the Cairns and Natural Landmarks

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The first 200–300 m are the least clear, but you immediately enter an area with small stone piles (cairns), arranged by previous hikers.

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Next comes an increase in elevation gain: about 40–50 min of ascent, gaining 300 m in height. The trail varies – clearly defined sections alternate with more bushy ones.

🌲 4. Forest Glade and Feeder

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You emerge onto a small glade with an animal feeder – a key landmark for the correct spot on the route.

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You can take a break, eat blueberries – the place is peaceful, pleasant, and cool.

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5. Final Push to the Lakes

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After the glade, the trail gets lost/found – again, the easily noticeable cairn and arrows on the trees provide signs.

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At the beginning there is a fork: left (which turns out to be better for the lakes) and right. All paths lead to the lakes, but the most picturesque one is the one that goes around the large lake from the correct side.

🌄 6. To the Karkam Lakes

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Approaching the lakes, the trail becomes clearer and rockier. You reach the beautiful main lake, nestled among dwarf pines, with an excellent spot for lunch and photos.

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The views are unique – "Todorini Ochi," Stragite peaks, Gazey, Kaymakchal are before your eyes with every step upwards.

🔄 7. Return by the Same Route

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After a well-deserved rest and soaking in the views, you return along the same trail, following the cairns, arrows, and the glade.

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After descending into the valley, you follow the dirt road back to the chapel.