Marble Lake
Welcome to the mystical and majestic Karakashevo Lake – one of the Musala Lakes in Rila! This is the largest among them, with an area of 26.2 decares and a depth of up to 6.6 m. Located below Irechek Peak, the lake invites you to enjoy crystal clear waters reflecting the granite ridges of Rila. An ideal place for a picnic, deep breathing and – why not – quiet contemplation.
How to get there
🚗 Sofia – Borovets: ~70 km / ~1 h
🚡 Borovets – Yastrebets Lift: 6 km / 25 min
🥾 Yastrebets – Musala Hut:
3.5 km / ~1 h
🥾 Musala Hut – Karakashevo Lake: ~0.5 km / 10–15 min
⏱️ Total one way (with lift):
~10 km / ~1 h 40 min
⏱️ Total one way (entirely on foot):
~10 km / ~4.5–5.5 h
🏔️ Elevation gain: ~1000 m (if on foot from
Borovets)
Route
🔰 Starting Point: Borovets Resort (approx. 1300 m a.s.l.)
The easiest way to reach Borovets is by car from Sofia (~70 km, about 1 hour).
There is a large parking lot near the lower station of the Yastrebets lift.
Here you have two choices:
Lift (gondola) – the most convenient and popular way.
The Yastrebets gondola lift takes you to the upper station (at 2369 m) in about 25 minutes.
It operates daily during the active season (summer and winter), but check the schedule in advance!
On foot – the route follows a trail through the forest, relatively steep and with over 1000 m of ascent.
It takes between 3.5 and 4.5 hours one way.
It requires good physical fitness, sturdy shoes, and plenty of water.
🏔️ From Yastrebets Hut to Musala Hut (~1 hour)
You exit the lift onto a high plateau with panoramic views – the entire Musala massif is visible to the south.
The trail is well marked with red tourist markings, leading to Musala Peak.
The hike is almost flat, gently descending at the beginning, and passes through alpine grasses and low dwarf pines.
You will encounter streams with crystal clear water – you can fill your bottle directly from nature.
After about 3.5 km and 1 hour of walking, you reach:
🛖 Musala Hut (approx. 2389 m)
Located on the shore of Dolno Musalensko Ezero (Lower Musala Lake) – the first in the cascade.
The hut is cozy, offering tea, hot soup, and a place for a short break.
If you have more time and desire – an overnight stay is also possible (reservation is advisable).
🐟 From the hut to Karakashevo Lake (~10–15 minutes)
Leaving the hut, continue along the red markings towards Musala Peak.
Karakashevo Lake is located a few minutes uphill, to the right of the main trail.
There is a small path that branches off to the lake and passes through rocky but easy-to-traverse terrain.
You will recognize it by:
its large area (over 26 decares),
the wide granite blocks that seem to form a natural stone alley in the water,
and the impressive reflections of Irechek Peak and Musala Peak on the lake's surface.
⛺ If you decide to continue…
From Karakashevo Lake you can climb to:
Ledenoto Ezero (Ice Lake) (and further up – to Musala Peak, if you have the strength and time).
Or return to the hut and the lift.
🔄 Back to Borovets:
The return journey follows the same route – 1 hour to Yastrebets Hut + 25 minutes with the lift.
If on foot: 3-4 hours descent to Borovets.
What not to miss
·
The Stone Path in the Lake – a tempting walk on the large stones
in the water, providing an ethereal sense of balance and peace.
·
The Reflections – granite peaks mirrored on the water's
surface – perfect for an Instagram moment!
·
The Fish – in the Lower Lake, miniature fish gather with every
movement in the water.
·
Photo Break at Yastrebets Hut – drink tea with a view before
heading upwards.
Fun fact
Karakashevo Lake is named after a young man, Karakash, who, according to legend, drowned in its cold waters. This gives the place a slightly mystical, yet touching, atmosphere.
Imagine an evening camp—a fire, alpine® silence, and the whisper of Karakash's story… intriguing, isn't it?