Hike and explore North Macedonia
Exciting hiking experience along North Macedonia’s mountainous western edge, hiking among the most beautiful peaks in the three National parks of Macedonia.Macedonia is still rather unknown to tourists and not as crowded as other regions, you can still discover real untouched nature and lonely hiking trails. Mountains not only offer beautiful views they are also full of history and culture, interesting flora and fauna including many endemic species. Six days will be dedicated to the hike among these fantastic mountain ranges. The extra experience will be to learn about Macedonian culture while staying in historic towns and villages, the traditional warm hospitality of your hosts, and the taste of traditional food and wine.
First day-Arrival in Macedonia, pick up from the airport and transfer to Mavrovo national park 1.30h. drive to the hotel in the village Galicnik at the foot of the Bistra mountain. If time alowed we will have a short guided tour to explore Skopje.
Second day we are in National Park Mavrovo The first peak for this hiking trip is Medenica Peak 2.163m We start with hiking from the hotel in village Galicnik from 1560m.The duration of the hike is 4 to 5 hours, with a total length of 10km. and altitude change of 603m. After descending from the peak we have 2h.transfer to Ohrid city. As part of our transfer to Ohrid, we will stop for some refreshment and coffee, visit the old monastery, St.John Baptist.
Day Three-Ohrid will be our base for the next few days. Today we to Jablanica mountain to hike the highest peak called Crn Kamen or Black Stone 2257m. It's on the border with Macedonia and Albania. The trail is 12km. long, with a height difference of 837 meters, and with a 5-6 hour hike.
Day Four-After breakfast, we have a 20min. transfer to the village of Velestovo at 1070m. above the city, round hike first we go the peak Tri Mazi (Tree man) than we will pas village Konjsko and back to Velestovo. After we have picknik lunch to Bay of Bones is a reconstructed neolithic settlement with beautiful views. After lunch we go to manastery Sv. Naum optional is swimming in the lake and with small both we go back to the city. The trail is 12km. long, with a height difference of 600 meters, and with a 4-5 hour hike.
Day Five-Today is for hiking on Magaro Peak 2255m. Galicica National park. We will have 40min. drive to the starting point of the hike at 1600m. Duration of the today's hike is 4 to 5 hours total length of 8.5km. with an altitude change of 700m. and beautiful views of the two biggest lakes in Macedonia Ohridsko and Pespansko Lake. Back from the peak and swim in the lake.
Day Six-In the morning we check out from the hotel in Ohrid and drive 1h. to the village of Maloviste this hike is In the region of the old village called Maloviste. The peak above the village is called Vrteska 2010m. With beautiful views of the Prespa lake and surrounding mountains in Albania and Grece. We descend from the peak and go to the monastery called Sv. Ana where we will have some traditional food made by locals from the village. The length of the hike is 12km. with an 870m. altitude difference. After the hike, we drive to Bitola City short visit to the ancient city called Heraclea Lyncestis, accommodation In the hotel, and later a short walk on the pedestrian main street called Sirok Sokak to see the city.
Day Seven-On the last hiking day, we go to the big mountain lake at 2218m. in the National park Pelister. The duration of the hike for today is 6-7h. Length 12km. 1048m.altitude difference. When we end the hike we have the option to have homemade lunch in the local village. After we have to 2h.drive to Skopje city where we will spend the last night of this trip.
Day Eight-Departure day,transfer to Skopje Airport.
It's good to known-This is a short version of the itinerary. The tour can also be adapted to your specifications like difficulty, vertical meters,number of hiking days rest day if needed. Contact us and request a quote for a tailored experience.
Group size: Suited for 2 to 12 People.
Duration: 6 days hiking / 8 days total.
Best season is: End of May to beginning of November for best conditions.
Physical Fitness: Participants must be in good physical condition, and comfortable for day hiking.
Equipment: Participants must additionally be prepared with essential hiking equipment. We will distribute a mandatory gear list closer to the start dateof the hiking trip.