The word “Perelik” is of Turkish-Persian origin. Translated from Turkish, “Perilik” means “a gathering place of fairies.”
Golyam Perelik is easily accessible, but cannot be climbed because a Bulgarian Army unit is stationed there. Its base can be reached from the Perilik hut in about 40 minutes. The actual peak of Golyam Perilik falls within the zone of a secret military unit located in the area. Access to it is prohibited, but nearby lies its sibling peak, Malak Perilik, which is only 45 meters lower. From the vast meadow, which is crossed lengthwise by a gravel road, a beautiful view of Smolyan and the folds of the Rhodopes unfolds.
The mountain ridge is covered with beautiful coniferous forests, among which lie picturesque meadows. The area around the peak is exceptionally attractive in all seasons and offers a variety of opportunities for hiking, caving, and ski touring. Nearby is Shirokolushki Snezhnik Peak—the second-highest peak in the Rhodopes, also known as Orpheus—as well as the “Lednitsata” Cave. At the foot of Perelik lie the villages of Gela, Solishta, Stikle, and Shiroka Laka. Carpets of fragrant flowers and herbs, mushrooms, and wild berries abound here.
