Urdini Lakes

Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the Rila Mountains, the Urdini Lakes are like a series of blue eyes watching the world from above. They are not as famous as the Seven Rila Lakes, but that's precisely what makes them even more exciting – here you will find tranquility, wild views, and the feeling that you have discovered a secret kept by the mountain.

If you love authentic, off-the-beaten-path routes and are not afraid of a little climbing, the Urdini Lakes are your place. The nature here captivates you with its raw beauty – rocks, waterfalls, lakes, and alpine peaks in complete harmony.

How to get there

🏁 Start
and end: Maljovitsa Central Mountain School

⛰️ Highest
point: Zeleni Rid – ~2,600 m

 🔁 Total length (round trip): ~17–18 km

 ⬆️ Elevation gain (total): ~900 m

 🕒 Duration:

·       
Walking (without
breaks): ~7–7.5 h

·       
With breaks and
photos: up to 10–11 h

💧 Number of
lakes: 6 (Ribnoto, Golyama Panitsa, Malka Panitsa, Suhoto, Triagylnika,
Udavnika)

🌲 River
crossings: 4–6

 🥾 Difficulty: Medium to high (for prepared hikers)

Route

🗺️ Route: Central Mountain School "Malyovitsa" → Yavorova Polyana
→ Zeleni Rid → Urdini Lakes → Central Mountain School "Malyovitsa"

1. From Central Mountain School to Yavorova Polyana (40–50 min)

·       
Starting point: Approximately
300m below the parking lot of Central Mountain School "Malyovitsa", on the road to Govedartsi, there is a
mini-trail, marked as "Friends of Plants Eco-trail"

·       
Follow a wide dirt road for about
40–50 min over easy terrain; the trail will lead you to Yavorova Polyana — recognizable by its
massive tables and benches for relaxation

2. Yavorova Polyana → Zeleni Rid (30–40 min)

·       
From the meadow, continue along a
dirt path with red
markings (towards "Ivan Vazov" hut and Zeleni Rid) The path starts behind
Mimi Pramatarova's plaque, ascending
through a forest that gradually transitions into dwarf pine and an open ridge

·       
After about 30–40 min of
climbing, you reach Zeleni Rid – a mountain ridge with panoramic views of many peaks and
some of the lakes

3. Zeleni Rid – first contact with the lakes (up to 1
h)

·       
You finish the climb –
by this point you have covered about 9–10
km with an elevation gain of over 500m .

·       
On the ridge, you get your first visual connection with
some of the Urdini Lakes (Ribnoto, Triagalnika, Suhoto) and – in good weather – with
"Seven Lakes" and "Rila Lakes" huts

·       
It is recommended to take
a break and enjoy the views of Musala, Pirin, and Stara Planina

4. Zeleni Rid ↓ to Ribnoto Urdino Lake (~45
min)

·       
You begin the descent –
the trail down is unmarked, the landmark is Urdina River

·       
After about 45 min, you reach
the first Urdino Lake — called Ribnoto
(Damga) — a true emerald, a mirror of the surrounding
peaks

5. Tour of the group of lakes (1–2 h)

·       
From Ribnoto, you move
to the others: Golyama Panitsa, Malka Panitsa, Suhoto, Triagalnika, Udavnika

·       
The paths connect the lakes,
often with stone bridges and streams, transverse crossings over streams and waterfalls

·       
Recommended time for
exploring them is 1–2 hours, depending on the pace and how many lakes you wish to see
.

6. Back along the Urdina River valley (~2.5–3
h)

·       
You return the same way — descending through the valley,
crossing the river several times (at least 4–5), both on small bridges and over stones

·       
In this section, be aware of
rocky, steep areas, possible slippery logs, and essential high boots and trekking poles

7. Valley → Yavorova Polyana → Central Mountain School (1–1.5 h)

·       
After exiting the valley
there is a slight ascent around the meadow, then a flat road towards Yavorova Polyana, where
you can rest at tables and benches

·       
The final stage – 30–40 min to Central Mountain School
"Malyovitsa" along the familiar dirt road

What not to miss

The view from the small peninsula – the western part of the lake forms a picturesque peninsula, overgrown with dwarf pine. This is a great place for a picnic, photos, or simply contemplating the water and the surrounding peaks.
Photographing reflections – in calm weather, the peaks of Vihren and Todorka are clearly reflected in the lake, creating ideal conditions for landscape photography.
Spring flower spectacle – in June and July, mountain flowers and herbs, including edelweiss and rhododendron, bloom around the lake.
Continuing the route – if you have more time, from the lake you can continue to Muratovo Lake, Dalgoto Lake, Zhabeshkoto Lake, or even join a circular route around the Banderishki Lakes. The trails are unmarked but well-trodden, often marked with stone cairns.

Fun fact


🧚 The Magic by the Lake: According to the tale, when the river splits and leaves the tree on an islet in its midst, it is as if a forest nymph has chosen this spot for quiet meditation. It is said that if you are pure in spirit and heart, you might catch a glimpse of her – she guards this pristine part of Rila. So, look with purity into every lake, because it might be her tear 😊.