Overview
North Macedonia in its geography has its own Massif Central in the mountain range of Jakupica. The mountain massif is centrally located in the heart of the country and its composed of several constituent mountains: Jakupica-Mundzica, Goleshnica, Dautica, Karadzica, Kitka and Osoj. The most prominent peak and actually its highest peak is Solunska Glava (2540m asl). One of the best hikes in order to begin exploring this natural treasure is taking this hike from Preslap saddle to mountain hut “Karadzica”.
Highlights
We suggest this easy to moderate hike of 17km and 600D+ will require 6 hours of walking. On the way to the mountain hut the route takes you mostly through beech-wood forests and well established jeep-roads and hiking trails. An
awesome panorama opens-up of the northern slopes of the massif particularly toward Mount Karadzica and Mount Kitka, and also in the far north Mount Vodno and the capital city of Skopje are visible.
Passing through the undeveloped village of Aldinci you will enjoy the tranquility and bird songs of mixed forests. Jakupica is rich with flora and fauna typical for sub-alpine regions, pastures and torrents, where many water springs spread all over the mountain offering the cleanest water for drinking and refreshment thus the alternate name of the mountain – Mokra Planina (Wet Mountain). On the way to the hut you can treat yourself with
wild strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and look for mushrooms and tea herbs.
The mountain hut “Karadzica” is one of the most beautiful huts in N. Macedonia located at 1455m asl in midst of beech-wood forest open all year long. The builders of the hut have chosen the perfect spot because the object is placed on a natural terrace from which an amazing panorama of the western flank of the massif opens up – with Solunska Glava peak dominating the horizon. Mind you that you’ll need to plan an hour or two more for this hiking tour only because of this awestruck view.
Enjoying the all-day-long sun that warms the hut you will notice the limestone – dolomite geological composition of the mountain and many cirques and few glacial lakes remnants of the ice age. The mountain hut is an intersection point of many paths that may lead you to most notable landmarks in this part of the massif: Begovo Pole (a wide pasture filled with thousands of sheep, cows and horses settled at 2000m asl), Peak Lisec, Salakovi Lakes (glacial lakes at 2180m asl), Solunska Glava peak at 2540m asl and many more places near and far away.
Thus mountain hut “Karadzica” seems to be the perfect basecamp from where you can explore Mount Jakupica massif in several single-day excursions:
Hike Karadzica Solunska Glava Peak;
Hiking Central Mountain Massif from Skopje. However, for this hike we suggest you to return back to your starting point Preslap saddle by a variation again through village Aldinci.
Difficulty Grading
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EASY/MODERATE |
up to 18km / 11mi
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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 April – 14 May and 15 October to 15 November
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Recommended
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15 May – 15 October
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Not available
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All other dates
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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 upon request
- Extra night in Skopje before or after the tour
3* hotel: from 26 € / per person sharing double room; Single supplement from 15 €
4* hotel: from 40 € / per person sharing double room; Single supplement from 20 €
- Rent of Global Positioning System (GPS) console: 45 €
- Extra night in mountain hut Karadzica / 15 € / per person –dorm accommodation
- Extra night in villa in Mala Reka village / 20 € / per person sharing double room
- Rent of Global Positioning System (GPS) console: 45 €
Arrival & Departure
By bus: Buses start from
Skopje Central Bus Station to
village Dolno Kolichani bus stop, where you can take transfer to Preslap saddle. Please contact the agency for current bus departure and for transfer organization.
By Taxi / private transfer:
Available on request
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
