Macedonia Travel

Overview

Easy to moderate hike of 12km and 1000mD+, a short exploration of the oldest protected natural area in North Macedonia – Pelister National Park. It begins at village Nizepole and through Lak Potok and Debel Rid locales it leads you to Golemo Ezero glacial lake and the mountain hut there (2218m asl). Almost all the hike travels through shrubs and open-spaces allowing you to enjoy the awesome views at the other prominent peaks and ridges of Mount Baba.

Highlights

The first significant landmark looming on the right above your head located at altitude of 1500-2000m asl is the locale known as Crveni Steni (Red rocks) – its name is a reminder of the frontline and battles that took part here in WWI. Today Crveni Steni is the most popular recreational area in the National Park.

Another significant point of interest is The Rock at 3,9 km from the start. This is the most usual place where hikers take a break and enjoy the beautiful vistas of the surrounding ridgelines and peaks as well as a glimpse of Pelagonija valley. The hike takes you in total 6km by the ridgeline directly to Golemo Ezero (Big Lake) mountain hut during which several potable water sources are close by. Take your time to enjoy the tranquility and the “isolation” of this wonderful place.

Golemo Ezero is the larger of the two glacial lakes in Pelister National Park called “The eyes of Pelister”. It is situated in a cirque at altitude of 2.218m asl – with an average dimension of 220m by 190m and depth of 15m it marks it as one of the largest glacial lakes in North Macedonia. It is a popular off-road and hiking destination and many nature enthusiasts come here regularly.

The return trip is by the same route you came – get ready for more adventures in this extraordinary mountain region.

Difficulty Grading

EASY / MODERATE

up to 18km / 11mi/ 3-6 hours

Terrain may be rugged, with some hills, but not too strenuous.

Suitable for fit and active people, with some hiking experience

Map

When To Go

Possible	15 May – 31 May and 01 October to 15 November
Recommended	01 June – 30 September
Not available	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:

Meals
Personal medical and travel insurance (mandatory)
Any extra expenses not mentioned under „included in price“

OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS:

Private arrival / departure transfers available on request
Extra night before or after the tour
- In mountain hut “Golemo Ezero” by the lake: from 20 €/ dorm accommodation
- In guesthouse in v. Nizepole: from 22 €/ per person sharing double room. Single supplement: 8 €.
- Hotel 3* in Pelister national park: from 22 €/ per person sharing double room. Single supplement: 8 €.
- 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 20min/ 12km drive from hotel village Nizhepole where the hike starts. Taxi from Bitola bus station to Nizhepole costs ca 10 €.

By train & car transfer from Skopje:

Trains start from Skopje Railway Station to Bitola Train Station, which is on 20min/ 12km drive from hotel village Nizhepole where the hike starts. Taxi from Bitola train station to Nizhepole costs ca 10 €.

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

To the big lake