Quick Facts

Highlights

✅ Visit four of the most beautiful Banderishki Lakes
✅ Easy route suitable for beginners
✅ Beautiful views of Northern Pirin
✅ Opportunity for a picnic by Long Lake
✅ Visit to the famous Baykushev’s Pine
✅ A quieter experience on a weekday

About the Hike

The Banderishki Lakes are a group of 16 glacial lakes arranged on a series of terraces within the Banderishki Cirque. During this hike, we will visit four of the most beautiful and popular lakes in the area: Eye Lake, Frog Lake, Long Lake, and Fish Lake.

To enjoy the lakes in a more peaceful atmosphere, we will visit on a weekday. The route starts from Vihren Hut and initially follows the right bank of the Banderitsa River. After approximately thirty minutes, we reach our first stop, Eye Lake.

We then continue through the wide river valley before gradually ascending towards Frog Lake and nearby Long Lake. This is an ideal place for a break, photographs, or a picnic while enjoying the views of the surrounding peaks of Northern Pirin.

On our descent, we will spend time at Fish Lake, the largest of the Banderishki Lakes. After returning to the trailhead, we will visit Baykushev’s Pine, the oldest coniferous tree in Bulgaria and one of the most iconic landmarks of the Pirin Mountains.

Required Equipment

Clothing

• Appropriate mountain clothing
• Insulated jacket and windproof layer
• Sun hat or buff
• Warm hat and gloves
• Hiking boots

Gear

• Backpack suitable for a one-day hike
• Hiking poles

Food & Water

• At least 1.5 litres of water
• Food and drinks according to personal preferences

Safety

• Personal first-aid kit

What You’ll See

Upcoming Dates

Price Includes

✅ Guiding by a licensed mountain guide
✅ Trip planning and organisation
✅ Mountain insurance

Price Does Not Include

❌ Transportation
❌ Food and drinks
❌ Personal expenses