# Chernopolyanski / Karaalanishki Lakes: Hike H05 Canonical page: https://semkovo.org/routes/h05-chernopolyanski-karaalanishki-lakes/ Updated: 2026-10-19 Publisher: Matthias Zeitler Experienced 17.5 km hike near Semkovo: Chernopolyanski / Karaalanishki Lakes. Directions, a topographic map and elevation profile; 7–9 hours. Starts at Coliving Semkovo. [Hiking](https://semkovo.org/hiking/) / H05 Follow forest roads to Karaalanitsa meadow and climb into the Chernopolyanski basin, with extra shore paths beyond the mapped approach. **Time**: 7–9 hours **Difficulty**: Experienced **Distance**: 17.5 km + shore spur **Ascent**: ↑ 870 m **Start**: Coliving Semkovo **Route**: Return walk Confident route-finders on rough ground and dwarf-pine paths. [Map & elevation profile](https://semkovo.org/routes/h05-chernopolyanski-karaalanishki-lakes/#route-map)[Route directions](https://semkovo.org/routes/h05-chernopolyanski-karaalanishki-lakes/#directions)[Interactive route map](https://semkovo.org/map/?route=H05) ## Route map Follow the line marked H05. Return walk. [![T03 / Karaalanitsa & western lakes](https://semkovo.org/maps/T03-960.webp)](https://semkovo.org/maps/T03.webp) T03 / Karaalanitsa & western lakes · H04 starts at Karaalanitsa meadow. H05 traces the basin approach; the final shore spur is extra. [View full map](https://semkovo.org/maps/T03.webp) Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors, Open Database Licence; terrain produced using Copernicus data and information funded by the European Union, EU-DEM layers [Open the selected route on the interactive map](https://semkovo.org/map/?route=H05) ## Elevation profile ![H05 elevation profile](https://semkovo.org/maps/H05.webp) H05 elevation profile · Mapped basin approach & return · shore spur extra Terrain produced using Copernicus data and information funded by the European Union, EU-DEM layers Distance and ascent above follow the mapped route using terrain-model heights. Elevation: 1528–2296 m. Lakeshore spurs are additional. Route measurements & alternative starts **Start/finish:** Coliving Semkovo. **About 18 km return, plus the lakeshore visits · roughly 870 m ascent · allow 7–9 hours.** The map and profile follow the Karaalanitsa meadow approach to the path east of the lower lake; the final shore spur is additional. Mapped profile: 17.51 km, 870 m terrain-model ascent. Original guide estimate: about 18 km return plus the lakeshore visits, roughly 870 m ascent. The mapped line returns from the path east of the lower lake; the final shore spur and visits to the lakes are additional. Mapped basin approach & return · shore spur extra. Rounded labels on the original map or profile may differ slightly. The original guide estimates are retained here for comparison; use the full figures for your chosen starting point. ## Route directions **Who it’s for: Experienced.** Confident route-finders on rough ground and dwarf-pine paths. These western lakes reward a quieter kind of ambition. The larger lake comes first, round and open; the smaller lies about **10 minutes farther on**, tucked among rocks. The names **Chernopolyanski** and **Karaalanishki** refer to the same lake basin. **The way:** follow the forest-road approach west to **Karaalanitsa meadow**, as for [H07](https://semkovo.org/routes/h07-karaalnitsa-karaalanitsa-waterfall/). Continue towards the water intake, where the lake path begins about **20 m to its left**. Climb through meadow and dwarf pine into the basin. The highlighted line stops on the mapped path east of the larger, lower lake; take the local shore path to the water, then continue about **10 minutes** to the smaller lake. Retrace the same approach. Another access route runs through **Semkovo Hut → Vapa canton → the waterworks track → Karaalanitsa**; its distance is different. The approach choice matters: settle it before leaving, and use a local guide if these upper junctions are unfamiliar. A much bigger circuit links **Semkovo → Vapski → Kanarata sector → Karaalanishki → Semkovo**: **23.03 km, 1,133 m ascent and about 10 hours**. That is a separate hard day, and it does not necessarily visit Kanarata's summit. ## Before you set off Check weather and access, carry the map offline and leave your route and expected return with someone at Coliving. Grades describe dry summer conditions. Snow or ice changes the route. [Mountain preparation](https://semkovo.org/essentials/#mountain-safety-and-insurance)[Find a local guide](https://semkovo.org/providers/#mountain-guides)[Save the full PDF guide](https://semkovo.org/guide/) ## Other walks to consider [Back to all hikes](https://semkovo.org/hiking/) [![Macedonia Hut across an open mountain meadow.](https://semkovo.org/images/local-06-macedonia-hut-6-8h-06-960.webp)](https://semkovo.org/routes/h08-macedonia-makedonia-hut/) Experienced · H08 ### [Macedonia / Makedonia Hut](https://semkovo.org/routes/h08-macedonia-makedonia-hut/) 6–8 hours 16.7 km · ↑ 800 m · Return walk From Coliving Semkovo Fit hillwalkers able to manage a long day and steep final climb. [View route and map](https://semkovo.org/routes/h08-macedonia-makedonia-hut/) [![Walker among rocks on the Kanarata outing, looking across Rila.](https://semkovo.org/images/local-07-kanarata-peak-2700m-8h-03-960.webp)](https://semkovo.org/routes/h09-kanarata-summit-via-the-waterfall/) Expert · H09 ### [Kanarata Summit via the Waterfall](https://semkovo.org/routes/h09-kanarata-summit-via-the-waterfall/) 7–8 hours at a strong, steady pace 20.9 km · ↑ 1210 m · Loop From Coliving Semkovo Strong mountain walkers with exposed-ridge and navigation experience. [View route and map](https://semkovo.org/routes/h09-kanarata-summit-via-the-waterfall/) [![Walkers picnicking beside Vapsko Lake in its rocky mountain bowl.](https://semkovo.org/images/local-05-vapsko-lake-6-7h-01-960.webp)](https://semkovo.org/routes/h03-vapski-lakes/) Experienced · H03 ### [Vapski Lakes](https://semkovo.org/routes/h03-vapski-lakes/) 6–7 hours 15.4 km · ↑ 750 m · Return walk From Coliving Semkovo Fit hillwalkers with a full day and mountain navigation skills. [View route and map](https://semkovo.org/routes/h03-vapski-lakes/)