Route No. 21: From Bezbog Hut through Desilishki Circus to Demyanitsa Hut – the secret trail of Yulen Reserve

Are you looking for solitude and want to escape the commercial Pirin trails without breaking the park's rules? Route No. 21 is one of the newest officially permitted trails in Pirin. It connects the Bezbog and Demyanitsa huts, but unlike the popular options, it cuts through the extremely wild Desilishki Circus, crossing the heart of the strict Yulen reserve. Prepare yourself for an encounter with untouched nature, crystal lakes and rugged granite peaks.

21. ROUTE No. 21 — h. "Godless" - Desiliski Circus - h. "Demyanitsa"„

💡 Interesting information

• The Desilishka Circus is surrounded by the imposing slopes of the peaks of Desilitsa, Kaimakchal, Ushitsite and Polezhan. Here are the Desilishka Lakes, giving rise to the turbulent Desilitsa River.
• One of the most interesting lakes along the route is Bald Lake. Its name comes from the harsh, bare and rocky landscape that surrounds it.
• The Yulen Reserve, which you are passing through, was established in 1994 to preserve unique alpine ecosystems, relict forests and endemic species. Here, human intervention is kept to an absolute minimum.

🚗 How to get there? (Logistics)

This is a classic linear transition that transfers tourists from the eastern (Dobrinishte) to the northern part (Bansko) on the mountain.
The start is from "Bezbog" hut„, which is most easily and quickly reached by the double chairlift from the Gotse Delchev hut.
The final is on Demyanitsa chalet„. Keep in mind that from the hut you will have another 1.5 – 2 hours of easy hiking down a forest road to the Todorova Ornitsa area (above Bansko), from where you will need transportation to get back to civilization.

🥾 Description of the route

1. From the Bezbog hut to the Desilitsa River
The route starts from the Bezbog hut, but instead of taking the main trail to Popovo Lake, you head northwest/west. The trail winds through juniper forests and alpine pastures until it reaches the Desilitsa River valley. Its murmur will accompany you during the first serious climb.

2. Bald Lake and the reserve boundary
Reaching the invisible border of the Yulen reserve, you follow the small stream that flows from the Bald Lake. The climb becomes steeper, and the terrain is mostly rocky. Coming out at the lake, you will find yourself in an extremely wild and harsh area, surrounded by granite peaks.

3. Ridge transfer
After the lake, you will have to overcome the high mountain saddle (in the area between Kaimakchal and the Polezhan/Ushitsite massif). Here you will move entirely on moraines, carefully following the stone pyramids (little men). The views of the neighboring circuses are dizzying.

4. Descent to the Demyanitsa hut„
Once you cross the ridge, the long descent to the Demyanitsa River valley begins. You enter the Yulenski Circus. The trail gradually loses altitude, passing from alpine pastures back into the dense juniper belt, until it merges with the main trails along the river, shortly before the Demyanitsa hut itself.

🛖 Basic information about the sites (Yulen Reserve)

Since most of the hike passes through strictly protected territory, it is critically important to follow the rules of Pirin National Park.

• 📌 Tip: Only follow the path marked with pyramids. Deviating from the route in the reserve is strictly prohibited and subject to serious fines!
• 🔥 Fire and camping: Absolutely prohibited on the territory of the reserve.
• 🌺 Flora and fauna: It is prohibited to pick flowers, herbs and disturb wild animals (which are common here).
• 📱 Orientation: Be sure to bring a charged phone with an offline GPS map and a pre-downloaded route track.

⚠️ Important to know

The route is new and lightly trodden. In many places there is no classic trail and you walk directly through grass and moraines. When thick fog falls (which often happens in the Desilishki Circus in the afternoon), orientation becomes extremely difficult. Leave as early as possible in the morning from Bezbog hut. Stock up on at least 1.5 liters of water, as there are no water sources when crossing the ridge.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I take my dog on this route?
No. The passage of pets (even on a leash) through the territory of strict reserves in Bulgaria (such as "Yulen") is prohibited by law.

Is the hike suitable for children?
Due to the wild terrain, difficult orientation, and walking on moraines, this route is only suitable for very experienced hikers. It is not recommended for children.

🔗 Nearby routes

• Hiking from Bezbog hut through Polezhan peak to Demyanitsa hut (Route 20)
• Climbing Polezhan Peak from Bezbog Hut
• From Demyanitsa hut to Vasilashki lakes and Todora gate