Overview
The most exciting and physically demanding hike in Pelister National Park is the one to the peak Pelister (2.601m) by the Rocky trail of 21km and 1.300mD+ (return). This route takes you by a notable geographical feature - stone rivers – moraines that reveal the geological composition and glacial legacy of Mount Baba. The return hike to the peak and back will take 8-9 hours, or, if you have one more day for the mountains, you can combine it with the trail
from the peak to Golemo ezero another 6,5km, and spend the night in the mountain hut by the lake.
Highlights
Rising above the city of Bitola in the Southern part of North Macedonia lays
Baba Mountain - it dominates the Pelagonija valley like a rooftop. The
national park Pelister, where Mt Baba belongs, is the first and the oldest officially protected natural reserve in N.Macedonia since 1948. There are many peaks above 2000m asl here that are separated by deep valleys and springs, streams and rivers - the highest being Pelister peak (2601m). The most exciting and physically demanding hike to
Peak Pelister is by the Rocky trail (thus the local name of the path – Pateka po kamenjarot) that partially goes through a
moraine that spreads out from the summit of Pelister via Ilinden (2500) and Stiv peaks (2468m asl) down to the Molika pine forest line. The moraine is consisted of smaller and larger boulders - a remnant of the ice age processes that had shaped this mountain many-a-millennia ago.
The hike to Pelister begins through well-establish single-track nested in pine forest slopes. After a kilometer you will reach
mountain hut “Kopanki” (1.610m) which currently is being renovated, and the next two kilometers will take you across a
stone river – moraine that has also a
mountain spring water source.
The rocky trail is marked with waymarks and info boards are placed along the trail. The trail has a panorama point (
Vanguard 1998m asl) where you can take a break and enjoy the captivating panoramas of Pelagonija valley, Prespa Lake, Mountains Galicica, Nidze and so on.
The return trip is by the same route you came – roughly it takes 5 hours to climb up and 3-4 more to get back to your starting point. Get ready for unforgettable adventures in this extraordinary mountain region.
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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Experienced hikers who love a good challenge. Should be ready to walk all day with more elevation gain
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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 h. Molika 3*: from 22 €/ per person sharing double room. Single supplement: 8 €.
- In a village guesthouse with private rooms (10km / 22min drive to h. Molika): from 25 €/ per person sharing double room. Single supplement 10 €
- In Bitola, boutique hotel in the pedestrian area: from 25 € / per person sharing double room. Single supplement: 8 €
. - Rent of Global Positioning System (GPS) console: 45 €
Arrival & Departure
By bus & car transfer from Skopje:
Buses start from
Skopje Central Bus Station to
Bitola Intercity Bus Station, which is on 30min/ 15km drive from hotel Molika where the tour starts. From Bitola train station we can arrange your transfer to hotel Molika. Please contact the agency for transfer arrangements.
By train & car transfer from Skopje:
Trains start from
Skopje Railway Station to
Bitola Train Station, which is on 30min/ 15km drive from hotel Molika where the tour starts. From Bitola train station we can arrange your transfer to hotel Molika. Please contact the agency for transfer arrangements.
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
