Monument
Route Belmeken dam - Balabanitsa...

The starting point of the route is the lake " Belmeken " , located 1923 meters above sea level. Ponds was built Sestrimska River and is the highest of embankment dam on the Balkan peninsula and most high mountainous reservoir in Eastern Rila. It is part of the cascade " Belmeken - Sestrimo - PSHPP " and captures the waters of some of the tributaries of Mesta and Struma River Maritsa . The area of the lake is an attractive place for tourism, especially during the summer months because it allows to relax away from the heat of the plain and the city buzz .

Climbing Mount Balabanitsa ( also known as Golemitsa ; 2156 m ) has a serious length (about 16 km ) , but instead it is extremely light and easy and allows tourists to get acquainted with the area, located southeast of the lake. From " Belmeken " heads to the east and reaches a junction near which has a nice fountain where you can relax , even if you have time to kill .

The transition is almost no ascents , the displacement between the lowest ( dam side ) and the highest point ( peak Balabanitsa ) is less than 250 meters. The only steep section is at a barely visible against the crest plateau tip , which has no name .

Larger concerns slope creates the fact that the path to the top is very overgrown with scrub and especially in the last few meters before it causes serious problems for tourists. However, the effort is definitely worth it - Balabanitsa Peak is the easternmost dvuhilyadnik the territory of Rila mountain in the east ( to the mountains ) is a wonderful panoramic view. The peak itself has a dual profile , as the elevation is on the eastern crest.

In general the transition from the dam " Belmeken " to peak Balabanitsa is quite light and pleasant , suitable for adults and inexperienced travelers and for groups with small children. The only thing you should consider is the weather forecast for the area of the lake is characterized by sudden changes in weather . Of course , you should take into account the duration of the transition , since , although lightweight, it takes about 6-7 hours in both directions.

• Route
• Dam
• Mountain Peak