Quick facts

🏔️ Pirin | 📍 2669 m | 🥾 8 km | 📈 +850 m | ⏱️ 7-8 h | 💪 Level 4 | ☀️ Summer
Learn about the difficulty levels

👤 Suitable for hikers in good physical condition with some mountain experience.

Highlights

✅ Muratov Peak
✅ Hvoynati Peak
✅ Muratovo Lake
✅ Banderishka Porta
✅ Circular route
✅ Wild goats
✅ Some of the finest views in Northern Pirin

About the Hike

This route takes us to two beautiful summits in Northern Pirin: Muratov Peak and Hvoynati Peak. The hike follows a circular route, starting and ending at Vihren Hut, allowing us to experience the area from different perspectives throughout the day. The hike is rated as moderately challenging and is suitable for hikers with good physical fitness. A short section during the descent from Muratov Peak requires extra attention due to the steeper and more rocky terrain.

We begin along one of the most popular trails in Pirin, following the left bank of the Banderitsa River towards the beautiful Muratovo Lake. After a short break by the lake, we continue to Banderishka Porta, before tackling the final ascent to our first summit of the day, Muratov Peak (2669 m).

After a well-deserved break, we will enjoy magnificent views towards Vihren, Koncheto, Kutelo, Gredaro, Donchovi Karauli, Banderishki Chukar, Bashliyski Chukar, Sinanitsa, Todorka, and many other Pirin peaks. Surrounded by dozens of glacial lakes, we will also hear some of the legends connected to this remarkable mountain landscape.

From Muratov Peak, we descend towards Vlahinski Pass – the most technical section of the route. Taking our time and moving carefully, we reach the pass and make a short ascent to our second summit of the day, Hvoynati Peak (2635 m), situated just below the imposing massif of Vihren.

The final stage of the hike takes us through the area known as Kabata and back to Vihren Hut. Along the way, we will likely meet many hikers heading towards Pirin’s highest peak, and with a bit of luck, we may even spot a curious Balkan chamois or mountain goat. We will finish the day with a well-earned late lunch near Banderitsa Hut.

Required Equipment

Clothing

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

Gear

• Daypack 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

Gallery

Upcoming Dates