Strashno and Yonchevo lakes
Nestled amidst the wild and beautiful nature of the Rila Mountains, Yonchevo Lake and Strashnoto Lake are two very different, yet equally magical destinations. One – calm and green, nestled among pine trees, and the other – hauntingly beautiful, a grey-blue mirror surrounded by steep jagged peaks. If you're looking for a route that will surprise you with views, variety, and a bit of a challenge – this is your choice!
How to get there
📏 Distance:
~12.2 km (circular route)
🧗 Elevation gain/loss:
+933 m / −933 m
⏱ Duration:
5 h 30 min – 6 h moving time
⚠️ Difficulty:
4/6 (moderate to hard; includes a technical section)
🥾 Type:
circular route with panoramic views and lakes
📌 Highest
point: Strashno Lake (~2460 m a.s.l.)
Route
1. Malyovitsa Central Mountain School → Strashnoto Lake
·
Follow the markings – green, then blue – towards Malyovitsa Hut and Strashnoto Lake Shelter.
·
The path passes through forested sections, small streams, and meadows. After about 1 hour 30 minutes, you reach the beginning of the steeper part:
o Rocky terrain, steep ascent
o A short but technical section with rock climbing (20–30 minutes).
·
After the shelter, the grandeur of Strashnoto Lake unfolds before you – nestled beneath majestic ridge peaks.
2. Strashnoto Lake → Yonchevo Lake
·
After a well-deserved rest, continue downhill following the red-yellow marking towards Yonchevo Lake, passing through Tikoto Lake and Kamilski Lakes.
·
This section is less demanding and pleasant for the feet – a walk with a gentle incline, typical for forest terrain.
3. Yonchevo Lake → Malyovitsa Central Mountain School
·
From Yonchevo Lake, follow the green marking back, leading to Malyovitsa Central Mountain School.
·
The path passes through blueberries, streams, and meadows and offers an easier but picturesque walk until the end of the route.
What not to miss
📸 Panorama above Scary Lake – the shelter is great for photos with the peaks of Popova Kapa, Golyamo Kupen, and Lovnitsa as a backdrop.
🍃 Picnic by Yonchevo Lake – peace and quiet, emerald green waters, and a picnic in nature.
🍇 Easy surprises along the trail – meadows with wild berries and babbling brooks to refresh you.
Fun fact
It's interesting how the lakes got their names!
The artist Hristo Yonchev-Kriskares was the first to photograph and paint them. They say that during a fierce storm around the Scary Lake, Yonchev exclaimed: "Scary, the lake, scary!", and that's where its name comes from. The artist's spirit seems to still roam among the rocky peaks – so keep silent and show respect!
