Dry Lake (Rila Monastery)
FAQFrequently asked questions
What kind of lake is this and where is it?
Sukhoti (Bulgarian: Suhoto ezero) is a glacial lake in the central part of the Rila Mountains in Bulgaria, not far from the Rila Monastery. It lies at an altitude of about 1,891 meters, is almost rectangular in shape, up to 270 meters long and up to 120 meters wide.
Why was he called Dry?
The name does not deceive: in autumn the lake dries up almost completely. The water level fluctuates a lot throughout the year, so whether you see a pond or a wet depression depends on the season.
When is the best time to come?
In the spring, when the snow melts - then the lake is the largest, with an area of about 30 hectares. If you want to see water, and not the bare bottom, autumn is definitely not your option.
Where does the water in the lake come from, if nothing flows out of it?
It is fed by two small rivers - from the north and east. There is no visible drain: the water seeps through the moraine rampart along the western bank and further feeds the Rylska River.
How to get there?
The lake is hidden in central Rila, about one and a half kilometers southeast of Popova peak. It is most convenient to enter from the side of the Rila Monastery - from there a mountain route leads deep into the massif.
