Hiking Tour Via Dinarica - Sharr Mountains

6 Nights

Max 21 km hike per day

Moderate & Challenging

6 days of hiking

May to October

Overview

Shar Planina (Sharr Mountains) is the southernmost part of the “Via Dinarica” — the mega hiking trail of 2,000 km connecting the countries of the Western Balkans. It is situated in the northwestern part of North Macedonia, sharing its 80 km long main ridgeline with Kosovo.

Sharr is one of the largest mountain massifs, covering an area of 840 km². Almost five-sixths of its territory lies above 1,000 meters above sea level, and 20% consists of peaks and ridges above 2,000 m. Geomorphologically, the mountain as it appears today was shaped around 20 million years ago. It is characterized by glaciers that formed the current mesh-like relief, creating many cirques and glacial valleys.

The mountain’s water wealth consists of many springs, steep mountain creeks, and two dozen glacial lakes. Most creeks originate in cirques where pure mountain water gushes into glacial valleys at temperatures of 1–5 °C. These springs are located at elevations between 1,900 and 2,400 meters above sea level.

On this tour, we will explore two geographical regions of Sharr Mountain and its most notable peaks: in the northeastern part — Peak Ljuboten (2,499 m), and in the central part — Titov Vrv (2,748 m), Bakardan (2,700 m), and Plat (2,398 m).

You will hike from one mountain hut to another, with only one transfer connecting these two parts of the range. You will also camp for two nights in the most beautiful region of the Sharr Mountains — Leshnica Valley, a pure alpine glacial valley of Leshnica Creek and the Pena River, surrounded by steep, almost vertical 1,000-meter-high mountainsides.

The trails range from moderate to challenging, and a good physical condition is required if you wish to fully enjoy this wonderful hiking holiday.

Highlights:

Peak Ljuboten – Macedonians call it “the Macedonian Matterhorn” for its pyramidal shape.

Livadicko Glacial Lake – One of the most beautiful and deepest glacial lakes in the Sharr range.

Popova Shapka Ski Center

Titov Vrv – Named after Marshal Tito, the highest peak in the Sharr Mountain range. The ascent follows a scenic extreme route, while the descent takes an easier traverse across pastures and green meadows.

Peak Plat – Looming over Leshnica Valley.

The waterfall of Gorna (Upper) Leshnica

Leshnica Valley – A green beauty enclosed by massive natural formations: tall coniferous trees, overhanging rock faces, limestone cathedrals, and almost vertical couloirs.

Difficulty Grading

This tour combines moderate and challenging hikes.

MODERATE:

Up to 23 km / 14 mi
4–7 hours
Longer but manageable hikes with more elevation change. Suitable for hikers with a good level of fitness who don’t mind a challenge.

CHALLENGING:

Up to 30 km / 19 mi
5–9 hours
Long hikes with possible long and steep ascents and descents. Trails may be rough and rugged. Suitable for experienced hikers who enjoy a serious challenge and are prepared to walk all day with significant elevation gain.

Itinerary:

DAY 1: SKOPJE – MOUNTAIN HUT LJUBOTEN (1,630 m)

Mountain Hut Ljuboten dates from 1931 and is the oldest active hut in North Macedonia. It is located just above the tree line at 1,630 m and takes about 2–2.5 hours to reach from the village of Staro Selo. At the beginning of the hike, after the village church, there is a spring where you can refill your water.

As soon as you leave the village at 900 m above sea level, a chestnut forest — a rare sight in the Sharr Mountains — begins. Following the main jeep road, with occasional single-track shortcuts, you will be accompanied by a chorus of birds.

Occasionally, a cold breeze from Ljuboten Peak will offer glimpses of the summit through the beech forest as you approach the hut. Overnight in Villa Ljuboten below the mountain hut.

Hike: 6.3 km / 982 m ascent

DAY 2: PEAK LJUBOTEN

Ljuboten Peak is a significant summit in the Sharr range with a pyramidal shape dominating the skyline when seen from the Skopje Valley. It is therefore no coincidence that it appears on the city’s coat of arms.

The hike is 4 km one way (7.8 km return) with 870 m of climbing and usually takes 4–5 hours.

As you start hiking from the hut, the trail immediately enters the sub-alpine zone, consisting of rock scree, pastures, and alpine shrubs. The route follows the northeastern ridge of the summit and, near the top, offers a true alpine ridge experience.

Views include Skopska Crna Gora and Vodno in the east, the Jakupica massif with Solunska Glava to the southeast, and the Polog Valley below. To the south stretches the entire Sharr ridgeline, while to the north lies the Kosovo Plain.

Descent is along the same trail back to the hut. Overnight in the same villa.

Hike: 7.8 km / 888 m ascent, 888 m descent

DAY 3: LJUBOTEN HUT TO BELOVISHTE VILLAGE

Today you hike along the eastern side of Ljuboten Peak, passing Kozja Stena (“Goat’s Rock”), a notable rocky landmark visible even from Skopje.

You will walk along a rocky path among boulders — careful footing is essential — while your gaze is drawn to Ljuboten above, the Sharr ridgeline to your left, and the Polog Valley below.

Once on the ridge, you will see Livadicko Lake, one of the most beautiful and deepest glacial lakes in the Sharr Mountains, situated in a rocky cirque at 2,137 m.

Continuing along the ridge leads to Livadica Peak. From here, the trail descends across green pastures and mixed beech-chestnut forest — a rarity in the region — toward Belovishte, the end point of today’s hike.

At a local restaurant, reward yourself with fresh trout for lunch and perhaps a swim in the shaded pool. Late afternoon transfer to Popova Shapka Ski Center. Overnight in a mountain lodge in Popova Shapka.
Hike: 15.7 km / 945 m ascent, 1,708 m descent

DAY 4: TITOV VRV

One of the most challenging — and arguably most beautiful — routes in the Sharr Mountains is the hike from Popova Shapka to Titov Vrv via the ridgeline.

This demanding yet rewarding hike covers 21 km with 1,800 m ascent and usually takes about 8 hours. Along the way, the ridge offers a 360-degree panorama of the entire Shar Planina massif.

On the route to the second-highest peak in North Macedonia (2,747 m), you will cross several summits, including Sin Vrv, Karabunar, and Bakardan.

At the summit stands a three-storey brick tower serving as a symbolic lighthouse for exhausted but exhilarated hikers.

The return to Popova Shapka follows the easier Vakaf trail, traversing Bakardan’s base at about 2,200 m. From here, the pristine alpine wilderness of the Upper Leshnica region unfolds in a network of glacial valleys.

The first half of the descent crosses alpine pastures; the second follows ski pistes and jeep roads. Overnight in the same lodge.

Hike: 21 km / 1,800 m ascent, 1,264 m descent

DAY 5: PEAK PLAT & LESHNICA WATERFALL

Leave Popova Shapka in the morning and head toward the most beautiful part of the Sharr Mountains — Leshnica Valley.

The trail climbs gradually around Ceripashina Mountain before turning into a jeep road and later returning to a hiking path leading to a plateau at 2,050 m.

The final 350 vertical meters to reach Plat reward you with breathtaking views over the glacial valleys of Leshnica Creek and the Pena River, opposite the dramatic couloirs of Sreden Kamen (2,465 m).

From here, descend to Upper Leshnica at 1,700 m — a landscape sculpted by the last Ice Age. Soon, the sound of Leshnicki Waterfall can be heard nearby.

Further down, the valley widens into Dolna (Lower) Leshnica at 1,450 m. The next two nights will be spent camping in this stunning valley.

Hike: 13.4 km / 858 m ascent, 752 m descent

DAY 6: LESHNICA VALLEY

A well-deserved rest day in Dolna Leshnica, a pristine alpine valley enclosed by dramatic natural formations: tall conifers, limestone cliffs, overhanging rock faces, and steep couloirs.

Several springs provide pure drinking water, and the river may reward skilled anglers with trout. Another overnight under the stars.

Hike: No hiking

DAY 7: RETURN TO POPOVA SHAPKA

Return to Popova Shapka either along the same trail or via the jeep road through conifer forests until reaching the sheepfold.

Be mindful of shepherd dogs — call out to the shepherd if needed. These indigenous Sharplaninec dogs protect flocks from wolves and bears, as this area hosts abundant wildlife.

The route is 14.5 km with 873 m ascent and takes about 4–5 hours. A transfer will meet you at Popova Shapka and take you to the bus station in Tetovo.

Hike: 14.5 km / 873 m ascent