Orelyak (Bulgarian: Ореляк), also known as Orelek or Orlovi skali, is a peak in the Pirin mountain range, south-western Bulgaria. Reaching height of 2,099 m, it is the highest summit of Central Pirin, the second-highest subdivision of the mountain range.[1][2] Orelayk is situated on Pirin's main ridge to the north of the Baba Peak and to the north-west of the Chala Peak.[1] It has the shape of a triangular dome. The western slopes descend steeply, at places vertically, to the valley of the Pirinska Bistritsa river.[1] Orelayk is built up of karstified marbles. Near its highest point is located a 96 m-high radio and television repeater.[1] The lower part of the northern slopes falls within the territory of the Orelyak Reserve, created to protect the old growth beech forests of Central Pirin.
| Orelyak (Ореляк) | |
|---|---|
 A view of Orelyak in winter | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,099 m (6,886 ft) |
| Coordinates | 41°34′13.99″N 23°36′46.38″E / 41.5705528°N 23.6128833°E |
| Geography | |
| Location | Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria |
| Parent range | Pirin Mountains |
The main starting point for climbing Orelyak is the Popovi Livadi refuge. There is a marked trail, through which the peak may be reached for about 2 hours. A 10 km gravel road beginning from the same refuge leads to the very top of Orelyak.
Gallery edit
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Citations edit
- ^ a b c d Dushkov 1972, p. 120
- ^ Geographic Dictionary of Bulgaria 1980, p. 346
References edit
- Мичев (Michev), Николай (Nikolay); Михайлов (Mihaylov), Цветко (Tsvetko); Вапцаров (Vaptsarov), Иван (Ivan); Кираджиев (Kiradzhiev), Светлин (Svetlin) (1980). Географски речник на България [Geographic Dictionary of Bulgaria] (in Bulgarian). София (Sofia): Наука и култура (Nauka i kultura).
- Душков (Dushkov), Добри (Dobri) (1972). Пирин. Туристически речник [Pirin. Tourist Dictionary] (in Bulgarian). София (Sofia): Наука и култура (Nauka i kultura).