Overview
Sharr Mountain (as it is known since XIX c.) is situated in the northwestern part of North Macedonia, sharing its 80 km long main ridge-line with Kosovo. It is one of the largest mountain massifs taking an area of 840 km2. Almost 5/6 of its territory has a height of 1000 meters above sea level, and 20% are peaks and ridges above 2000m asl. According to its geography, Shar Mountain is divided by into three segments: Northeastern part (most notable peaks: Ljuboten 2499m, Piribeg 2524m, Ezerski Peak 2586), Central part (peaks: Titov Vrv 2748m, Bakardan 2700m, Plat, Kobilica 2528m) and Southern part (Vraca 2582m, Rudoka 2658m).
Mount Ljuboten is the ultimate part of Shara mountain range. It is a significant summit with a pyramidal shape dominating the far background when seen from Skopje valley. Hence, it is not a coincidence that it is one of the symbols of the city represented on its coat of arms.
Highlights
Reaching Ljuboten peak (2499m asl) can be achieved by many routes but the most common is from the oldest mountain hut in North Macedonia – Ljuboten hut built in 1931 and located just above the forest line at 1630m asl.
The hike is 4km long one way (7,8 return) with 870 meters of climbing and it usually takes 3-4 hours of hiking. It begins from the mountain hut just above the beech-wood forest and it’s a well-established and marked single track up to the summit. The hike takes you immediately into the sub-alpine zone of Shar Mountain, consisting of rock scree, pastures and occasional alpine bushes. The route follows the northeastern arm of the summit, and as it gets near the top it offers a real experience of hiking a typical alpine ridge.
The sights during the hike are amazing. At east, mount Skopska Crna Gora and Vodno can be seen piercing up from the fog of evaporation (or smog in winter months) in Skopje valley. South-east is the Jakupica massif with Solunska Glava peak – below the Polog valley. Southern views open the whole Shara ridgeline with dozen of peaks looming above 2500m asl. West are the Kosovo and Albanian mountains and up north – as a contrast to everything described before is Kosovo plain.
Enjoy one of the most popular hikes in North Macedonia, summer time can be magical refreshment from the heat in the valleys but winter offers a true alpine hiking experience.
Difficulty Grading
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MODERATE |
up to 23km / 14mi / 4-7 hours |
Longer, but still manageable hikes with more elevation change.
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For hikers with good level of fitness (regular exercise) who don’t mind the challenge
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Map
When To Go
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Possible
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15 May – 31 May and 01 October to 15 November
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Recommended
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01 June – 30 September
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Not available
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16 November – 14 May |
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 mountain hut “Ljuboten” : from 15 €/ dorm accommodation
- In villa “Ljuboten” (shared facilities): from 15 €/ per person sharing double room. Single supplement: 10 €. - Rent of Global Positioning System (GPS) console: 45 €
Arrival & Departure
By bus, van and jeep from Skopje:
Buses start from
Skopje Central Bus Station to the
van stop in Tetovo. From here there is regular van service to village Staro Selo. Price: 10 €
You can either
walk to the mountain hut Ljuboten or, we can arrange a jeep transfer to the hut where you can start hiking to the peak. It is also possible to hike to peak Ljuboten from Staro Selo, but if you plan to do it in one day it will probably take ca 9 hours hiking to complete the hike Staro Selo – Ljuboten Peak – Staro Selo.
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
