The Skakavtsi are a group of several peaks located in the easternmost part of Central Rila, directly across the Beli Iskar River valley from Musala, the highest peak in the Rila Mountains.

I had never explored this part of the Rhodope Mountains between the villages of Avramovo and Ortsevo, so it was about time to finally do it – this time by bike.

We started from Vihren Hut, climbed Muratov Peak and spent the night at Sinanitsa Hut. The next day, we climbed Sinanitsa Peak before making our way back to Vihren Hut.

Our hike started at Bezbog Hut. From there, we followed the marked trail to Popovo Lake, where we left the main path and began climbing Mount Sivria (2,591 m).

Mount Haramiyata is one of the best viewpoints near the famous Seven Rila Lakes, yet surprisingly few hikers include it in their itinerary.

One of the Best Circular Hikes in Northern Pirin
✔ Four peaks above 2,500 metres
✔ Beautiful ridge walk
✔ Dautovo Lake
✔ Excellent panoramic views
✔ Blagata Voda Spring

Riding from Blagoevgrad to Macedonia Hut is something we do several times a year, but we don't often continue the route down to the Ilina River valley and the Rila Monastery.

The hike to the Manastirski Lakes and then along the ridge toward the peaks of Teodosievi Karauli, Rilets, and Kyoravitsa is one of the most scenic routes in the northwestern part of the Rila Mountains.