Kaimakchal Peak (Izvorets)

Picture: Sevdelin Atanasov

Kaimakchal Peak or Izvorets, is found on the northern part of Pirin mountain, at the Polejansko side ridge. The peak has an altitude of 8439 ft (2573 m) and is composed of granite.

Four of the cirques of the Polejansko part of Pirin come together at this peak. West of Kaimakchal Peak lies the Gazey cirque, north-northwest lies Ulen cirque, north-northeast lies Perlesh cirque and the Desilishki cirque spreads out east of the peak.

Picture: Sevdelin Atanasov

The rocky ridge Ushicite lies southeast from Kaimakchal Peak. There is a long saddle between that peak and the first peak of Ushicite - Golyama Straja, which connects them.

North of Kaimakchal Peak sits Konarevo Peak, which is one of the last peaks along the Polejansko side ridge.

North-northwest of Kaimakchal there is a rock hill which encircles Ulen cirque from the west and forms the right coastal slope of Demyanitsa River.

Picture: Sevdelin Atanasov

Northwest of Kaimakchal Peak, the mountain splits off into the rock ridge Stragata (Desilitsa). This ridge ends with Desilitsa peak and shapes the southern and southeastern slopes of Perlesh cirque.

From a mountain climbing perspective, Kaimakchal Peak is easy to reach. There are your typical routes along its southern slopes from Gazey cirque, without any marked trail, through Ulen cirque.

Climbers can also try for the peak from Desilishki cirque and Pleshivo Lake.

Kaimakchal Peak and its surrounding areas are part of the territory of Ulen nature reserve in Pirin National Park. As such there are no marked climbing trails or routes.

Before climbing to the top it's advised to get permission from the park rangers.