It lies east of Malyovitsa Peak and north of the Rilska Reka valley, within the borders of Rila National Park. Its height is 2,678 m.
A hike to the Zliya Zab region usually starts from Tse-Pe-She Malyovitsa (ЦПШ "Мальовица")—a mountaineering training facility built before the fall of communism in 1989. This facility is located in the Malyovitsa River valley at an altitude of around 1,700 m a.s.l. An asphalt road connects it to settlements at the mountain's base. If you don’t have a car, the nearest town, Samokov, is accessible by bus from Sofia in about an hour. Buses from Plovdiv and several other major towns are also available. Once at Samokov Bus Station, minibuses to Tse-Pe-She Malyovitsa run twice daily—at 08:15 in the morning and 16:15 in the afternoon. For up-to-date schedules, it's best to call Samokov Bus Station at 0722 / 6-65-40. Hiring a taxi from Samokov is another option, though the 25 km journey will likely depend on your bargaining skills.
The minibus stops next to the Tse-Pe-She Malyovitsa building. The marked trail starting there crosses the meadow in front of the building and ascends the Malyovitsa River valley. Following the white-blue-white trail markers, you will reach Orlovets Shelter in about two hours. From there, the summit of Zliya Zab is clearly visible—it’s the peak behind the building and slightly to the right.
The area around the peak is popular among landscape photographers and those who enjoy witnessing sunrises from mountain summits. From the nearby Orlovets Peak, there is a breathtaking panoramic view of much of the Rila Mountains. To get there, follow the unmarked trail that climbs steeply up the slope south of the shelter. The ascent takes about 30-40 minutes, but be cautious—there are many loose rocks and slippery sections, so take your time and choose your steps carefully.
Another excellent vantage point for panoramic shots is the nearby Kamilata summit. It is more easily accessible, though the trail is steep. From the shelter, head east for about 100 meters, then take the left-hand path. Once you reach the saddle, do not descend—turn left and follow the narrow path to the top.
In the area around Orlovets Shelter, you may spot wild goats (Rupicapra), a protected species whose population has been severely reduced due to poaching and habitat destruction. Early in the morning or late in the evening, when fewer tourists are around, the wild goats often venture close to the shelter. If you have a long focal-length lens, you may capture some great shots. Please remember that Rila National Park, where Orlovets Shelter is located, is a protected area. Its purpose is not only to offer visitors an unspoiled mountain environment but also to ensure the protection and preservation of wildlife. Avoid disturbing the animals—getting too close or following them may cause stress, especially during their mating season (October-November), which can negatively impact their population.
Zliya Zab Peak also features numerous climbing routes on its steep slopes. The southeast rock face rises up to 250 m, with Diretisima (6+ A4) being the most challenging route. The easiest way to the top follows the southern ridge. Although the most difficult section of this route (2nd category, 20 m) is relatively easy to climb, it is not recommended without a rope. This is because the route begins at the edge of a precipice—falling here would likely result in serious injury or death.
More details on available climbing routes, their difficulty, and length can be found on the Climbingguidebg website. However, please note that reaching the top of Zliya Zab Peak violates park regulations, as visitors are prohibited from leaving marked trails within Rila National Park.