Overview
A challenging hiking adventure that will take in some of the best of the 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, chamoix, 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 it’s 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
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CHALLENGING |
up to 30km / 19mi / 5-9 hours |
Long hikes with possible long and steep ascents and descents. Trails may be rough and rugged.
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Suitable for experienced hikers who love a good challenge. Should be ready to walk all day with more elevation gain.
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Map
ITINERARY
DAY:1-4
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 which 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 of Polog valley.
DAY:5-6
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 on 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 yoghurt. Descend to Mavrovo Lake and visit ‘Sharkova Dupka’ cave before heading onwards to Bitola.
DAY:7
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 of 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 takes 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 ‘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 water.
When To Go
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Possible
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15 May – 31 October
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Recommended
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June and September
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Not available
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01 November - 15 May
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Price
From 970 € / per person in double room
INCLUDED IN PRICE:
- Accommodation on bed & breakfast basis in double room
- Rent-a-car
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3 x dinner, 3 x lunchbox
- 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:
OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS:
- Extra night in Skopje: from 42 euro/ per person sharing double room
- Extra night in Ohrid: from 38 euro/ per person sharing double room
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
