Overview
Thе most scenic route to climb the awestriking peak of Solunska Glava (2.540m) is from mountain hut “Ceples”, at 1.407m. It takes 4 hours to reach the summit from this side, passing by Gorna and Dolna Babina Dupka locale. Amazing views of Nezilovi Spili - a natural amphitheater of dolomite and limestone rocks with height of 500-1000meters makes this hike an unforgettable experience.
Highlights
As you begin your hike the first impression near the mountain hut, in between beech-wood trees, are many wild fern fields – even a nearby village is named as such – Papradishte (Fernville). The first significant point of interest and the most impressive and beautiful spot as usual is found in the heart of the mountain range, at a height of 1.680m asl – the locale known as
Dolna Babina Dupka (Granny’s lower hole).
As you are getting close to it, among the centuries old pine and beech-wood tree tops the massive eastern rock face of Mount Jakupica is looming in the distance known as
Nezilovi Spili. This natural amphitheater of dolomite and limestone rocks with height of 500-1000meters is bathed in the sun colors – projecting at times silverish sometimes goldish tones over the horizon – making
Solunska Glava peak look like the head on a huge body (the rock face) that hugs with its hands the Babuna river valley at the heart of the amphitheater.
Take a rest here, enjoy this natural masterpiece and drink up from the water source that is built in the memory of a fallen partisan many years ago. As you continue your hike and reach higher ground - the forest is gradually replaced with shrub vegetation and pastures. Stop for a moment and give a minute of silence at
Gorna Babina dupka at the fallen alpinists memorial there. A gradual climb takes you by the edge of the amphitheater and it reveals up close the might of the rock face – stay at a safe distance here! As there are many alpine birds that roam the heights making you jealous of their freedom.
As you get near the summit of Solunska Glava (2540m asl) there will reveal a small military base at its peak, but the soldiers there may be very friendly and may offer you a tea and a pleasant conversation. At the top, panoramas open-up over the Pelagonija valley as well as the southern mountains of North Macedonia and the rest of the Jakupica massif – the high grassy plateau placed between Solunska Glava and Dautica and Karadjica massifs. The return way is by the same path to mountain hut “Ceples” in an 3 hours.
Difficulty Grading
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EASY / MODERATE |
up to 18km / 11mi/ 3-6 hours |
Terrain may be rugged, with some hills, but not too strenuous.
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Suitable for fit and active people, with some hiking experience
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Map
When To Go
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Possible
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15 May – 30 May and 16 October to 15 November
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Recommended
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01 June – 15 October
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Not available
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16 November – 30 April |
Price
Available on request
INCLUDED IN PRICE:
- Mobile app with maps and route descriptions
- Detailed hiking route descriptions and maps
- Local safety information and contacts
- Stand-by support
- Organization and logistic by Macedonia Travel
NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE:
OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS:
- Private arrival / departure transfers available on request
- Extra night before or after the tour
- In Cheples mountain hut (base for hikes to Solunska Glava): private rooms: from 15 €/ per person sharing double room. Single supplement: 10 €.
- Rent of Global Positioning System (GPS) console: 45 €
Arrival & Departure
By train & car transfer / walk from Skopje:
Trains start from
Skopje Railway Station to village
Bogomila train station, which is on 9km (20min) drive from village Papradishte, and 9km (20min) drive from village Nezhilovo. Transfer to any of these two villages can be arranged on request.
From these two villages you can either walk to mountain hut Cheples (6,7km from Papradishte - and 10,6km from Nezhilovo fishpond or we can arrange this transfer as well at additional cost.
Taxi / private transfer from Skopje: Available on request.
Please contact the agency for current bus / train schedules
Why Travel With Us?
LOCAL EXPERTS
Since 2004 we create authentic, high quality tours in the Balkans. North Macedonia is our homeland, we have walked and biked every corner of the country and we make sure that the balance between the activities, the "must see" attractions and the "off-the-beaten-track" experiences gives you the true Balkan - intense, hearth warming and often life changing experience.
SAFETY
* Strict company risk management on each tour that we operate available
* 24/7 for anything from enquiries to emergencies
* Macedonia Travel has liability insurance by Winner - Vienna Group
* "A" licensed by the Ministery of Economy of North Macedonia UP 113-101
* IATA license No. 76-3 2058
FLEXIBLE BOOKINGS
* Change your travel plans up to 30 days before departure, with no fees.
*After you pay the deposit, the rest of the amount can be paid any time until 30 days before departure
