Route No. 22: From Yavorov Hut via Pogledets to the Main Ridge – the panoramic alternative to the North

Are you ready for a wild and breathtaking climb to the marble giants of Northern Pirin? Route No. 22 offers a magnificent, albeit less popular, alternative to the classic trail (E4). Starting from the first-class Yavorov hut, the route will take you to the iconic Pogledets viewpoint, will take you through the rugged Kamenitsa Circus (below Kamenitsa Peak) and will take you directly to the Main Pirin Ridge. Here is everything you need to know about this hike.

22. ROUTE No. 22 – Yavorov hut – Pogledets village – Kamenishki circus – to the main ridge

💡 Interesting information

• The area Viewer fully justifies its name. From this rocky platform one of the most perfect views of the Sabites, Razlogji Suhodol peak and the marble edge of the Steps opens.
• The Kamenishki Circus (or Kamenitishki Circus) is located at the foot of the Kamenititsa peak (2726 m) – a massive and imposing peak that often remains in the shadow of Vihren, but is just as respectable.
• Yavorov Hut, from which you start, has been repeatedly declared the best and most well-maintained high-mountain hut in Bulgaria.

🚗 How to get there? (Logistics)

The starting point is Yavorov chalet„ (1740 m). It is most easily reached from the town of Razlog. From the town, take a car to the Betolovoto area, where the asphalt turns into a forest road. If you have an all-terrain vehicle, you can almost reach the hut itself. If you have a car, it is advisable to leave it on the designated extensions below and walk (about 1.5 - 2 hours of gentle ascent through a beautiful forest).

🥾 Description of the route

1. From Yavorov hut to Pogledets area
The hike starts from the meadow in front of the hut. You leave the main red marking (E4) and take the yellow trail steeply up through the centuries-old forest. After about 40-50 minutes of hard climbing, you will reach the rocky edge of Pogledets. Here, a photo break is absolutely mandatory!

2. To the Kamenishki Circus
From Pogledets the trail continues upwards, as the forest quickly turns into dense scrub. You enter the harsh Kamenishki Circus. Here the official markings become rarer and you have to carefully follow the clearing formed in the scrub and the stone pyramids. The surrounding landscape becomes increasingly alpine and rocky.

3. Exiting the Main Ridge
The last part is a steep climb along the rocky slopes and scree to the marble ridge itself. The trail takes you to the Main Ridge in the area between the peaks of Kamenititsa and Razlogji Suhodol. From here, there are stunning panoramas of the Vlahina River valley to the west and the rest of the marble ridge to the south.

🛖 Basic information about the site (Yavorov Hut)

The hut is a true oasis and a perfect base camp for exploring Northern Pirin.

• 📌 Tip: The hut's restaurant offers phenomenally delicious food – don't miss out on a hot soup before or after the hike!
• 🕒 Working hours: Open year-round. Reservations for weekends in the summer must be made months in advance.
• ☀️ Season: Optimal period for the transition to the ridge: July - September.
• 🛏️ Beds: It has excellent facilities, including rooms with private bathrooms (in the new building).
• 🐕 Dogs: They are allowed mainly in the area around the hut, for inside, ask explicitly when booking.
• ☎️ Reservations phone: 0896 688 566 (check for current number before leaving).

⚠️ Important to know

After the Pogledets area water sources are missing. Stock up on at least 1.5 – 2 liters of water from the hut. The terrain in the cirque and towards the ridge is rocky, with unstable scree – requires sturdy hiking shoes and increased caution when descending.

Attention: In winter, the area above Pogledets and the entire Kamenishki Circus are extremely avalanche-prone. This route is only practiced in summer conditions!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make a circular route?
Yes! This is one of the most common reasons why tourists choose this route. You climb to the ridge via Pogledets and Kamenishki Circus, then take the Main Ridge (red marking) south towards Suhodolski Pass and Stupalata, to descend back to the Yavorov Hut along the classic trail.

Is the path to Pogledets suitable for children?
The section itself from Yavorov hut to Pogledets (about 40-50 min.) is steep, but completely accessible for older children and is a great destination for a short walk from the hut.

🔗 Nearby routes

• Classic hike: From Yavorov hut to Vihren hut along the Main Ridge
• Climbing Pirin Peak from Yavorov Hut (via Suhodolski Pass)
• Walk from Yavorov hut to the Haidushka fountain