Hiking Challenging Tour

Overview

A challenging hiking adventure that will take in some of the best mountain scenery in the Shar, Bistra, and Pelister ranges. These ranges are magical landscapes of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, glacial lakes, medieval villages, and mature forests. The wildlife is rare with wolves, bears, boar, Chamonix, golden eagles, and lynx - all still resident in the mountains.

You will be walking for 5 to 8 hours daily, and staying overnight in a combination of mountain lodges, guesthouses, and small family—run hotels. The food will be authentically Macedonian, and EXCELLENT.

Highlights:

- Titov Vrv Peak and Ljuboten Peak – two of the highest peaks along the Via Dinarica Mega Trail

- Livadichko glacial lake in Shar Mountain range

- Hiking in Mavrovo National Park will take you to mountain villages and farms where you can breakfast Balkan style - a shot of local brandy rakiya and cheese.

- Hike in the oldest national park in Macedonia, famous for its ancient Molika pine trees, lynx, and bearded eagle.

- Explore Bitola and its colorful, neo-classical architecture

- Dine at the fisherman’s home in Ohrid and explore the hidden alleys of this ancient town on the UNESCO World Heritage list

Difficulty Grading:

CHALLENGING
up to 30km / 19mi / 5-9 hours
Long hikes with possible long and steep ascents and descents. Trails may be rough and rugged.Suitable for experienced hikers who love a good challenge. Should be ready to walk all day with more elevation gain.

Itinerary:

DAY 1-4: Hiking - Sharr Mountains Range

Start your hiking adventure in the Sharr Mountains range. Next three days you will conquer two of the highest peaks along Via Dinarica Mega Hiking Trail: Peak Titov Vrv (2.748m) and Peak Ljuboten (2.498m). On Day 4 you will hike on a 16km long trail that traverses the eastern side of Ljuboten peak – by Livadichko glacial lake and offers fantastic views of the peak Ljuboten, the entire ridge of Sharr mountains, and Polog valley.

DAY 5-6: Long Trail - Galichnik Village

The first part of the 22km long trail takes you to the charming mountain village Galichnik (with a permanent population of only 2), and to a farm where you can taste the Balkan sheep cheese and possibly try a hand at goat-milking before continuing to the peak Medenica (2.163m).

You will stay overnight with a local family in Galichnik where you can taste the traditional ‘bakardan’, ‘pita’ with spinach and sorrel, and stuffed dock leaves paired with thick homemade yogurt. Descend to Mavrovo Lake and visit ‘the Sharkova Dupka’ cave before heading onwards to Bitola.

DAY 7: Hike in Pelister National Park

Rising above the city of Bitola in the Southern part of Macedonia lays Baba Mountain. It dominates the Pelagonija valley like a rooftop and it is home to the oldest national park in Macedonia – Pelister.

The most exciting and physically demanding hike in Pelister National Park is the one to Peak Pelister (2.601m) that is taken by the Rocky trail (thus the local name of the path – Pateka po kamenjarot).

The route takes you by a notable geographical feature - stone rivers – moraines that reveal the geological composition and glacial legacy of Mount Baba. Back in Bitola, join the evening promenade in the old town and dine in one of the many restaurants along the ‘Shirok Sokak’ pedestrian street.

DAY:8-10

Explore Ohrid and Ohrid Lake: see the most photographed church of the Balkans and walk around the ancient Theater, built 2200 years ago and still used today for outside performances. Visit the handmade papermaker, shop for world-famous Ohrid pearls, or find a hidden restaurant behind a cliff wall and sip a drink staring out at the serene lake.

If you prefer to take it active, hike to Peak Magaro (2.255m) on Galichica Mountain, or get on a kayak and visit the Bay of Bones archeological settlement on water, snorkel for lake sponges and swim on a hidden beach accessible only from the water.

When To Go

Possible: 15 May – 31 October
Recommended: June and September
Not available: 01 November - 15 May

Price:

Available on request

INCLUDED IN PRICE:

Accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis in double rooms: guesthouses & boutique hotels

Meals: 9 Breakfasts, 3 Lunch Boxes, 3 Dinners

Rent-a-car

Orientation materials for the self-guided hiking: topographic map, detailed route descriptions with photographs of each waypoint, and a .gpx track

Extensive manual with tips and recommendations

24/7 support by Macedonia Travel agents

NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE:

Transport to and from North Macedonia

Other meals

Petrol costs

Optional excursions and entrance tickets

Personal medical and travel insurance (mandatory)

Any extra expenses not mentioned under ‘included in the price’

OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS:

Extra night in Skopje: Please contact us for the price per person sharing a double room.

Extra night in Ohrid: Please contact us for the price per person sharing a double room.