Muratov Peak or Muratov Versh (Bulgarian) is located in the chain of peaks of the Pirin mountain range in southwestern Bulgaria. The nearest town is Bansko (one of the popular ski resorts). The height of the peak is 2669 m. Travel time (round trip) is about 4.5 hours. This article will describe in detail the independent climb to Muratov Top and the route to Lake Muratov.
Brief description of the route
The entire path to Muratov Peak can be divided into 4 parts:
- Khizha Vihren - Lake Muratovo. Plateau.
- Lake Muratovo - Pass. Climbing over rocks.
- Pass - ascent to the peak. Sharp climb over rocks.
- Reverse path.
Muratov Verkh (peak) on the map
Route markings (pyteka)
The marking color - yellow-white-blue will accompany you along the entire path. If you follow the marks, it is almost impossible to get lost. There are several dead-end branches on the road: if you get lost, don’t panic, go back to where you last saw the markings. Climbing Muratov Peak is a fairly popular destination, so you can always follow groups or ask passers-by for directions (it gets especially crowded on weekends). The locals are quite friendly and will be happy to point you in the direction.
Route marks. Muratov Peak and Muratovo Lake
What is important to know about parking
The starting point of the route is the Vihren hut. A large number of high mountain routes start from here, so in the summer season access to the hut is limited. At 9 a.m., road inspectors block the final section of the route, since there is not enough parking space near the Vihren hut for everyone. If you are late, you will have to spend a decent amount of energy just climbing up to the Vihren hut, which is about 1 hour of walking.
What to take with you
- Water. On the way there are two places where you can replenish water supplies.
- Walking poles. Although this is a rather controversial point, they help some people save energy, while others move more confidently and faster without them. In any case, if you have a pair of folding poles, and the backpack provides a place for attaching them, take them without hesitation.
- A hat is required, otherwise you will get sunstroke or a headache the next day.
- Sunglasses. There is almost no shade on the route.
- Comfortable shoes. Mountain boots are best, otherwise you will feel every pebble through the sole.
- Replacement socks and T-shirt (underwear optional). Oddly enough, changing your clothes on the way back gives you a burst of energy.
- Light snack.
- A few dry or wet wipes.
- Warm clothes. It’s cool in the mountains in the morning, and it can be windy at the peak.
Route description
The first part of the route - Khizha Vikhren - Muratovo the lake lies along the plateau along the stream. At the end of the plain in front of Muratov Lake, a small rocky climb awaits you. Sometimes here you can meet a herd of happy cows with graceful alpine colors like on the packaging of Milka chocolate.
The next part is Muratovo Lake - Pass. The lake is a good place to stop, so it is almost always crowded. In addition to the road to Muratov Verkh, there are routes to the huts of Sinanitsa, Begovitsa and Yana Sandanski. Muratov Peak rises directly above the lake. Having overcome the first rise after the lake, you will see the magical landscape of the valley “in full view”, the Vihren hut and even the city of Bansko in the distance. Great place for pictures. The further path will be somewhat more difficult; you will have to be more attentive to the markings and climb over rocks in places. In August and September, a large number of blueberries ripen along the trail.
Pass - climbing to the peak. The pass is marked with a striped black-yellow post. It offers an interesting view of Todorka Peak (the peak where the ski slopes are located) and the surrounding