Bha Guidebook

BALKAN HIKING ADVENTURE
Experience the hidden charm of the mountains of

Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo

mountain
• SHAR PLANINA
• BISTRA
• DESHAT
www.balkanhikingadventure.com • KRCHIN
• STOGOVO
• JABLANICA
ISBN:978-608-4536-05-5 • GALICHICA
• BABA GUIDEBOOK
GUIDEBOOK
GUIDEBOOK
Text processing: Kostantin Ciriviri and Jovan Bozinoski

Biodiversity text: Ljupco Melovski, PhD
Translation: Congress Service Centre, Skopje

Proofreading: Jason Brown
Edited by: Jovan Bozinoski and Kostantin Ciriviri
Map expert: Vasko Avukatov
Photography: Jovan Bozinoski, Daut Jashari, Dejan Kukoski, Ljupco Melovski,

Slavco Hristovski, Goran Filipovski, Goran Petrovski, Stefan Petrovski,
Jonce Ilievski, Denis Rahimoski, Antonio Dodevski and Bobi Kjosev
Front cover photo: Jovan Bozinoski
Graphic design & prepress: Bobi Kjosev
GIZ project: Sustainable Tourism for Support

of Regional Economic Development in Structurally Weak Regions
Programme manager: Gerold Schwarz

Project coordinator: Anica Palazzo
Press: Evropa 92, Macedonia

Copies: 3.000
Published by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GIZ
A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the

National and University Library "St. Clement of Ohrid" – Macedonia
ISBN: 978-608-4536-05-5
Copyright © 2015
All rights reserved
GUIDEBOOK

November, 2015
content:
6 INTRODUCTION – BALKAN HIKING ADVENTURE
8 REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
12 Information for the users of this guideBOOK
20 SHAR MOUNTAIN
24 BHA M1. VILLAGE STARE SELO – Ljuboten peak – Mountain HUT "Ljuboten"
28 BHA M2. Mountain Hut "Ljuboten" – village Vratnica – village Belovishte
32 BHA M3. Village Belovishte – Kuchinagledski Vrv peak (Piribeg PASS)
36 BHA K1. Ski Center "Brezovica" – Kuchinagledski Vrv Peak (Piribeg PASS) (KOSOVO)
40 BHA M4. Village Leshok – Village Varvara – "Tri Vode" – Village Brezno
44 BHA M5. village Brezno – Crn Vrv PEAK – village Vejce
48 BHA K2. Prevalla – Crn Vrv Peak (KOSOVO)
52 BHA M6. village Vejce – Kobilica PASS
56 BHA M7. village Bozovce – Leshnica – Krivoshijski Vodopad
60 BHA M8. Village Bozovce – LAKE KaranikolICHKO EZERO – Village Veshala
64 BHA M9. village Veshala – Vrtop PASS
68 BHA K3. Village Zaplluzha – "Karaulla Building" – VRTop PASS (KOSOVO)
72 BHA M10. village Gurgeviste – LAKE Crno Ezero – Rudoka peak
76 BHA K4. Village Brod – Rudoka Peak (Kosovo)
80 BHA M11. village Pozarane – "Kuci Baba" – "Budimov Grob"
84 BISTRA MOUNTAIN
88 BHA M12. Galicnik – Starci peak – village Susica – "Elen Skok"
92 DESHAT & KRCHIN MOUNTAINs
96 BHA M13. Village Zhirovnica – Shkrtec PASS
100 BHA M14. Village Zhirovnica – Velivar Peak
105 BHA A1. Velivar Peak (Macedonia) to village Zagrad (Albania)
105 BHA A2. Velivar Peak (Macedonia) to village Ilnice (Albania)
106 BHA M15. Village Bitushe – Velivar Peak
110 BHA M16. Village Gorno Kosovrasti – Crvena Plocha Peak
114 BHA M17. Village Banishte – Krchin Peak
119 BHA A3. Krchin Peak (Macedonia) to village Kerchisht i Siperim (Albania)
120 STOGOVO MOUNTAIN
124 BHA M18. Village Gari – Babin Srt Peak – Village Kodzhadzhik –
– Village Dolgash – "HEC Globochica"
128 JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
132 BHA M19. Village Modrich – Strmnica Peak – Village Jablanica
136 BHA M20. Village Podgorci – Podgorechko Lake – Crn Kamen Peak –
– "Vevchanska Lokva" – Vevchani
141 BHA A4. Crn Kamen Peak (Macedonia) to village Stebleve (Albania)
142 BHA M21. VevcHani Springs – Crven Kladenec – Jankov Kamen – VevcHani Springs
146 BHA M22. VevcHani – Vajtos – St. Clement – Pisanik Peak – Jankov Kamen –
– VevcHani Springs
150 BHA M23. VevcHani – St. Spas – VevcHani
154 BHA M24. VevcHani – village Gorna Belica – CHumin Vrv – Tri SHilka – village VisHni
158 GALICHICA MOUNTAIN
162 BHA M25. village PesHtani – Magaro Peak
166 BHA M26. village StenJe – Magaro Peak
170 BABA MOUNTAIN
174 BHA M27. Village Dihovo – "Jorgov Kamen" – hotel "Molika"
178 BHA M28. hotel "Molika" – Village MalovishtE – monastery "St. Ana"
182 BHA M29. Monastery "St. Ana" – Village Kurbinovo
GUIDEBOOK
INTRODUCTION – BALKAN HIKING ADVENTURE

The BALKAN HIKING ADVENTURE tourism product is a result of the proj-
ect Sustainable Tourism for Support of Regional Economic Devel-
opment in Structurally Weak Regions implemented by the Deutsche
Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GIZ on behalf of the
German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development
BMZ over the course of 2015. The project’s aim was to develop a new
mountain tourism product as a means for generating income for the
targeted local communities. The development of the product included:
marking and signposting of 29 hiking trails on 7 mountain ranges in the
western part of Macedonia and their connections through green passes
to trails in Kosovo and Albania; identification, selection and inclusion of
accommodation and catering services as well as points of interest linked
to cultural and natural heritage. In order to improve the standard of of-
6
GUIDEBOOK
fered services, the project supported the renovation and equipping of

selected facilities along the trails and organized awareness-raising work-
shops and training for service providers and local stakeholders. Within
the project, 15 young people from all targeted regions were trained to
be professional mountain leaders in accordance with the IML standard.
During the implementation of the project a large network of actors ac-
tive in adventure tourism from national, regional and local level was
developed. In addition, the project facilitated cross border cooperation
among mountain tourism experts from Macedonia, Kosovo and Alba-
nia as well as the creation of a cross border coordination group for the
purpose of the Balkan Hiking Adventure product and future mountain
tourism projects.
The Balkan Hiking Adventure product is presented and promoted in a
guidebook, maps, website and android application.
7
REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
The Republic of Macedonia is a country located in the southern part of
the Balkan Peninsula. It is one of the successor countries of the former
Yugoslavia, which became an independent, sovereign and democratic
state in 1991.
The tumultuous events which had been occurring on the territory of the
Republic of Macedonia during the prehistoric period, Antiquity, the Ro-
man period, the Middle Ages and in the Modern Age had left indelible
marks on the material and spiritual culture, which led to the creation of
numerous values such as: tourism localities, settlements, communica-
tions facilities, etc.
The Republic of Macedonia covers an area of 25.713 km2 and has a popu-
lation of approximately 2.114.550 (2009 estimate), of whom the major-
ity are ethnic Macedonians (65%), followed by ethnic Albanians (25%),
Turks (4%), Roma (3%), Serbs (2%) and 1% miscellaneous. The capital of
the country is the city of Skopje with a population of 506.926 (2009 esti-
mate). The official language is the Macedonian, and the official currency
is the Macedonian denar.
Macedonia borders five countries: Serbia and Kosovo to the north, Bul-
garia to the east, Greece to the south, and Albania to the west. The total
length of its borders is 766 km.
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GUIDEBOOK
Due to the relief characteristics, there are various climate types within the
territory of Macedonia, ranging from typically mediterranean to typi-
cally continental climate. The specific topography and climate and the
varying hydrography have enabled the development of diverse flora
and fauna.
Macedonia has a well-developed air, rail and road transport infrastruc-
ture. The transport infrastructure is predominantly oriented along ba-
sins of the major rivers. In the direction north-south, the most important
communications are those along the valley of the River Vardar, where
Belgrade, Nis, Skopje, Thessalonica, and Athens are connected via high-
way and railway lines, followed by the Skopje – Kicevo – Ohrid – Albania
route and the Kumanovo – Stip – Strumica – Greece, i.e. Bulgaria route.
The air transport in the Republic of Macedonia is carried out at two air-
ports, "Alexander the Great" Airport in Skopje (used by 90% of the pas-
sengers) and "St. Paul the Apostle" Airport in Ohrid (used by 10% of the
passengers).
Macedonia has a railway network with a total length of 699 km, out of
which 234 km of the track is electrified. The main railway route traverses
the country primarily along the valley of the River Vardar and connects
the country with Kosovo and Serbia to the north and with Greece to the
south. There are railway lines to the west and to the east branching out
from this route.
9
10
GUIDEBOOK
The most important motorway passing through Macedonia is the inter

national route Е-75. It starts in Ostend, Belgium, and passes through
Brussels, Nuremberg, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, and Thessalonica, and
terminates in Athens, Greece. Its total length in Macedonia is 201 km.
It traverses the central part of the country, along the route of the River
Vardar, and presents the main artery of the country's road network.
The more important border crossing points are: Tabanovce (Serbia) –
12 km from Kumanovo, Blace (Serbia) – 20 km from Skopje, Jazince (Koso-
vo) – 27 km from Tetovo, Deve Bair (Bulgaria) – 16 km from Kriva Palanka,
Bogorodica (Greece) – 5 km from Gevgelija, Medjitlija (Greece) – 15 km
from Bitola, Kafasan (Albania) – 14 km from Struga.
There are three natural lakes in Macedonia: Lake Ohrid (358 km2), Lake
Prespa (274 km2) and Lake Dojran (43 km2). They are situated in the south-
ern cross-border region with Albania and Greece. There are developed
tourism settlements around them: Ohrid, Struga, Oteshevo, Dojran, etc.
There are also glacial lakes in the high mountains, the greatest number
of which is located on Shar Mountan, Pelister, Jablanica, etc.
The territory of the Republic of Macedonia is characterized by many
specific natural resources with the potential for tourism. Around 65% of
the territory accounts for mountains, with altitudes ranging from 50 to
2.754 m. There are five mountain massifs each with an altitude above
2.500 m: Shar Mountain with its peak Titov Vrv (2.747 m), Korab with its
peak Golem Korab (2.754 m), Jakupica with Solunska Glava (2.540 m),
Baba Mountain with Pelister (2.601 m) and Nidje with its peak Kajmakt-
calan (2.521 m).
The main features of Macedonia tourism belong to the category of rural
tourism, with pronounced mountain tourism.
Situated at the crossroads between the East and the West, several kilo-
metres from the Mediterranean, on ancient and Byzantine remains, the
site of the first Christian empires and the long-lasting Ottoman period,
Macedonia is distinctive for its incredibly opulent cultural heritage.
The fostering of traditions and the legendary sense for hospitality will
reveal to you a way of life that has become quite rare worldwide.
This guide book will help you become acquainted with the most seclud-
ed parts of Macedonia, with sites that will astonish you with their beauty,
diverse plant, animal life and uniqueness.
11
Information for the users of this guideBOOK

BALKAN HIKING ADVENTURE (BHA) is a platform for development of
mountain tourism in the border area of Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania.
Currently, the main product which has the same name Balkan hiking ad-
venture consists of 37 one day hiking trails, of which 8 are transnational
and make hiking from Macedonia to Kosovo and from Macedonia to Al-
bania and vice versa possible, by using green passes. The main tourism
product contains several components i.e. micro products, which can be
used and combined as day or extended hiking tours.
BHA platform is established as partnership of several stakeholders from
Macedonia. The main drivers of the activities are professional mountain
leaders from Macedonia that are united in their own national association
Macedonian Association of International Mountain Leaders (MAIML).
In the implementation of the activities for marking and signposting of
the hiking trails the association had active cooperation with mountain
and alpine clubs in which professional mountain leaders are active as
mountaineers or alpinists. The mountain clubs are: Ljuboten from Teto-
vo, Burimi Shar from Vranjovce, Bistra from Gostivar, Dibra from Debar,
Cern Kamen from Vevcani, Dimitar Ilievski Murato from Bitola and the
alpine club Patagonija from Ohrid.
This cooperation will continue also in the future for the purpose of up-
grading the Balkan hiking adventure product with new content, all with
the aim to present to the tourists undiscovered mountain highlands
from the region, which offer excellent conditions for development of
mountain tourism.
The present guide describes 37 mountain hiking trails located on 7 (sev-
en) mountain massifs in the western part of Macedonia (Shar Mountain,
Bistra, Deshat & Krchin, Stogovo, Jablanica, Galichica and Baba Moun-
tain). Furthermore, the guide book also describes 4 trails located on the
Kosovo side of the Shar Mountain and 4 trails located on the Albanian
side of Krchin and Jablanica mountains.
The name of each trail starts with the acronym BHA (Balkan Hiking
Adventure). This acronym is followed by the letter M for Macedonia,
А for Albania or the letter K for Kosovo, and by enumeration with or-
dinal numbers from 1 to 29 for the trails on Macedonian territory, 1 to
4 for the trails on the Albanian territory and from 1 to 4 for the trails
located on the territory of Kosovo. (e.g. the hiking trail from the village
of Brezno, leading to Crn Vrv and ending in the village of Vejce has been
designated BHA M5).
12
GUIDEBOOK
Information boards, containing a brief textual description of the trail

and a topographic map thereof, are placed at the starting point of each
hiking trail. In the vicinity of the information board there are signposts
indicating the way, i.e. direction of the trail. The signposts are shaped as
arrows with tips painted in white and red. The signposts, in line with the
topographic toponyms, contain designations of the destinations, the
time required to reach a specific location, in hours and minutes, and/or
the distance to be travelled in kilometres.
The trails, along their entire length, i.e. from the information boards to
the very end, are marked by horizontal white and red stripe marking.
Within residential areas the markings are placed at the corners of houses
and courtyards, at courtyard fences and on the wooden street lighting
poles. Within the forest zones, the markings are placed along the trail,
on the trees and at prominent boulders placed at the sides of the trail.
Outside of the forests, in the pasture areas, the markings are placed
on stepping-stones or on prominent boulders on the sides of the trail.
Please note that some sequences are shared between different trails,
hence, different markings may be seen on the same trail. In essence, the
markings are always in a combination of red and white, with the surface
stripe markings being most frequently used.
Outside of the forest zone, at the locations where there are no stones
and boulders, marking posts, which are in fact 1.5 m high wooden posts
buried in the ground, the upper part of the marking posts is painted
(red – white – red).
13
Signposts (referred to above) are placed at the points where the trails
divide, overlap or merge so as to verify the direction and provide infor-
mation about the remaining time, i.e. distance to a particular location.
Some of these trails, via GREEN PASS border crossing points, can cross
the administrative border of the Republic of Macedonia and terminate
in Kosovo or Albania. The procedure for crossing the administrative bor-
der at such crossing points is currently being developed. You should
mandatorily contact the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Macedo-
nia to obtain more information about crossing the border at such GREEN
PASSES.
Aside from the maps that are presented in the present guide, additional
(hard copy) detailed maps of the trails have been made, to a scale of
1:25.000 to 1:40.000. We are speaking about 6 (six) different maps of
trails located in specific regions (Shar Mountain – North-eastern seg-
ment; Shar Mountain - Central & Southern segment; Bistra & Stogovo;
Deshat & Krchin; Jablanica and Galichica & Baba Mountain).
Android and iOS mobile apps named Balkan Hiking Adventure, which
are available free of charge from the Apple Store and Google Play, have
been developed as a digital support to this project.
Further information about the BALKAN HIKING ADVENTIURE brand and
the tourism products which have been developed under this project
may be obtained at www.balkanhikingadventure.com
14
GUIDEBOOK
Name of the trail

Indication of the acronym of the trail and its ordinal number, and below
the acronym there is an inscription of the name of the trail and the start-
ing, middle or highest and ending point.
Description of the trail
A brief textual description of the trail. It describes the places and the en
vironment along the trail, from the start to the end point.
Panoramas and landscapes
A brief textual description of the vantage points, spots that offer parti
cular views on specific locations, as well as a description of the locations
viewed.
Starting point altitude
The altitude at the start point of the trail, expressed in meters.
Highest point
The altitude at the highest point of the trail, expressed in meters.
Altitude at the end point
The altitude at the end point of the trail, expressed in meters.
Height Difference
The differences of the elevation from the lowest to the highest point of
the trail.
Duration of the trail
The total time required to complete the described trail, expressed in
hours and minutes.
Length of the trail
The length of the trail in one direction, expressed in kilometres.
Difficulty of the tour and required fitness level
The table below provides a graphic presentation of the trail difficulty and
the required level of physical fitness, as defined by the colour of the stars.
Graphic
presentation
Trail Total Required of the trail
Trail
length/ altitude level of difficulty and
difficulty the required
duration gain fitness
level of
physical fitness
Easy 1 – 5 km / 0 – 3 h 10 – 500 m Low 
Moderate 5 – 10 km / 3 – 6 h 500 – 1,000 m Medium 
Difficult 10 – 15 km / 6 – 10 h 1,000 – 1,500 m High 
Advanced More than 15 km / 10 h More than 1.500 m Very high 
15
Biodiversity pinpoints
A description, using popular and Latin names of the specific plants that
may be encountered along the trail, or a description of the flora and fa
una of the region where the trail passes.
Cultural, historical and characteristic localities
A brief textual description of the cultural, historical or characteristic lo-
calities (if any) along the trail or in the vicinity of the trail's start or end
point.
Accommodation and food
It lists the accommodation facilities, mountain huts, restaurants and pri-
vate accommodation facilities offering B&B services that are operational
at the time of publication of the guide.
Access to the start and ending points
It indicates the regional or local roads to be used to access the start and
ending points.
Advice
• Always be well informed and prepared for the trail that you are tra
versing (Professional Mountain Leaders; Guidebook; Map; mob.APP)
• If you do not have enough mountaineering experience, hire a pro-
fessional mountain guide - www.maiml.mk
• Never hike alone
• Be informed about the weather conditions
• Always wear appropriate hiking clothes and equipment that is suit-
able for the actual weather conditions
• Always carry sufficient quantities of water and food
• Respect the environment
• Follow the existing signalling (markings and signposts)
• Do not make new obstacles on the trails (since it exposes the exist-
ing trails to erosion and destruction)
• Do not pick flowers
• Do not disturb wild animals and grazing livestock
• Beware of sheep-dogs. Do not attack them, remain calm and call for
the shepherd
• Do not trespass on private properties and meadow grass fields
• Do not drop litter
• The best time for hiking on the trails listed in the guide book is the
period from April to November
16
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point Hotel
Ending point Mountain hut
Peak Restaurant
Info point Bed and breakfast
Information board Coffee
Drinking water Shop / market
Junction / crossroad Church
Saddle Monastery
Forest Mosque
Glacial Lake Fortress
Waterfall Highway
Panoramic viewpoint Regional / Local road
Point of interest Dirt road
Picnic area Railway
Green pass Urban / Rural area
Ski Center Rivers
Camping location National border
Sheepfold Water body
Off road parking Mountain trail

17
KOSOVO R
SE
Shar Planina Mt.
ALBANIA
Tetovo Skopje
Gostivar
Deshat and
Krchin Mts. MACEDONIA
Bistra Mt.
Kichevo
Debar
Stogovo Mt.
Prilep
Demir Hisar
Struga
Ohrid
Bitola
Jablanica Mt.
Baba Mt.
Galichica Mt.
18
GUIDEBOOK
Moving along the trails you traverse the western part of the Republic of
Macedonia. You will pass through residential areas and villages popu-
lated individually, or in communities, by ethnic Macedonians, Albanians,
Turks and Serbs. The majority of the population are Orthodox Christians
and Muslims, and the languages spoken are Macedonian, Albanian and
Turkish.
Each local resident would undoubtedly provide you a warm welcome
and invite you in for a cup of traditional coffee. Do not miss the opportu-
nity of chatting with each local resident that you encounter, in particular
the wise elderly people, who will tell you anecdotes that will help you
become better acquainted with the region's traditional values.
Furthermore, you can enrich the hikes through the mountains by visiting
the monuments of culture, the ancient churches, monasteries, mosques
and Dervish tekkies. Pay a visit to the local, family workshops, where the
trades for manufacture of home-made products, handcrafts and fabrics
that are specific for the region are being passed from one generation to
the next.
Finally, do not forget to get a taste of all that you will experience. The
taste of tradition represented through Macedonian or Albanian cuisine.
Try the food made using produce from the unpolluted environment and
the wine from the best Macedonian grape varieties.
19
SHAR MOUNTAIN
SHAR MOUNTAIN
Shar Mountain is situated in the northwestern part of the Republic of
Macedonia. The massif extends from the northeast to the southwest for
80 km with a total surface area of around 1.600 km2, making it one of the
largest massifs in the Balkans.
Shar Mountain can be divided into three segments (though heteroge-
neous), according to its geological composition and its common geo-
graphical characteristics:
• Northeastern segment;
• Northwestern or central segment;
• Southern segment.
The approximate height of the mountain range is 2.200 m with Titov Vrv
being the highest peak (2.747 m). It begins with the River Lepenec and
with the peak of Ljuboten, 2.499 m. It ends with Morava summit, 2.147 m,
and Lake Mavrovo. Shara Mountain massif belongs to a group of young
mountain chains and is characterized by a mountainous climate with
20
GUIDEBOOK
SHAR MOUNTAIN
cold winters and pleasant summers. At an elevation of 1.300 m the snow
averages a depth of 1m and usually lasts for four months. The Eyes of
Shar Mountain, as its glacial lakes are popularly known, are its special
characteristic. There are 25 lakes that are constant, over 150 occasional
lakes and as many smaller ponds. The water potential of this massif is
huge and it has 200 springs of pure water. Among others, the mineral
richness is represented by manganese, iron, chrome, molybdenum, and
copper.
The massif is very rich with flora and fauna. It has an abundance of high-
mountain pasture of about 45.000 hectares and high-trunk conifer woods.
Fir and juniper trees are most common, and in the lower parts beech and
chestnut forests are plentiful. Shar Mountain is a large massif that fea-
tures a variety of habitats, home to around 2.000 different plant spe-
cies. The total number of vascular plants in Macedonia is around 3.700
species; therefore Shar holds two-thirds of the national plant diversity.
Additionally, with nearly 200 endemic and sub endemic plant taxa, this
mountain is an important Balkan and European centre for floral endemism.
21
KOSOVO
Shar Planina Mt.
Skopje
SHAR MOUNTAIN
Tetovo
ALBANIA
Gostivar
MACEDONIA
Debar Kichevo
Prilep
Demir Hisar
Struga
Ohrid
Bitola
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GUIDEBOOK
The flora of Shar Mountain is very diverse and interesting. Here, you can
see species from arctic and sub-Mediterranean regions. The arctic spe-
cies are unique, in that they originated from a former geological epoch
– and are known as glacial relicts. Shar Mountain is a perfect home for
some of these glacial relicts that adapted to survive in harsh weather con
ditions such as cold winds and snow throughout most of the year.
The fauna of Shar Mountain has over 44 species of wild animals, which
are present on this mountain including the critically endangered Balkan
lynx, bear, wolf and the Balkan chamois. Eagles, falcons, and hawks are
SHAR MOUNTAIN
also common on Shar Mountain. Although not as numerous as in the 1950s,
the mountain pastures are still grazed by domestic breed of sheep. They
are guarded by the widely known Sharplaninec, a shepherd dog which
is a symbol of this mountain and is named after it.
Tourist sites to visit in the Shar Mountain Region
• Ski centre "Popova Shapka".
• "Sharena Dzamija" mosque, Tetovo.
• "Turkish Hammam", Tetovo.
• Gallery of icons in the church of "St. Cyril and Methodius", Tetovo.
• Dervish tekke or "Arabati Baba-tekke", Tetovo.
• Monastery complex of "St. Atanasij", the village of Leshok.
• "The Smallest Ethno Museum in the World", the village of Dzep-
chishte.
• Xylographer’s workshop by Budimir Apostoloski, Tetovo.
• Traditional workshop for the production of stringed musical instru-
ments (folk), the village of Vejce.
• Picnic area "Kalugjer", the village of Rogachevo.
• Picnic area "Petachko Vodiche", the village of Belovishte.
• Picnic area "Studenec", the village of Varvara.
• Lake Vratnica, the village of Vratnica.
• Lake Livadica, 3.30 hours walking distance from the mountain
lodge "Ljuboten".
• Belovishte waterfalls, 2 hours walking distance from the village of
Belovishte.
• River "Kadi na Krivoshiska", 3 hours walking distance from the vil-
lage of Bozovce.
• Lake Bogovinje, 3 hours walking distance from the village of Novo
Selo.
23
BHA M1
SHAR MOUNTAIN
THE VILLAGE OF STARE SELO – Ljuboten peak – Mountain

HUT "Ljuboten"
The trail starts from the information board at the upper part of the vil-
lage of Stare Sello, just below the church, near the village fountain.
Spatially, the trail can be divided into three parts. The first part of the
trail is through the beech forest, on a wide dirt road, combined with the
mountain path and ends at the mountain hut "Ljuboten". The second
part of the trail starts from the "Ljuboten" hut and continues to the very
top. In this part, the trail moves sharply uphill, and the ground is a com-
bination of pasture and rocky terrain. The third part of the track is the
descent from the top. The descending path is on the western ridge of
the peak Ljuboten and is quite steep; the ground being covered with
tiny limestone rocks. The descending path continues until the saddle on
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GUIDEBOOK
BHA M1
SHAR MOUNTAIN
the top or the so called "Ljubotenska Shija", after which by a contour line
the trail passes through the largest rocky area in Macedonia or under
"Kozja Stena". Once you pass this area, the trail descends gently to the
mountain hut.
Panoramas and landscapes:
• Along the first part of the trail you can enjoy the panoramic views
to the River Vratnichka Falls and Ljuboten peak.
• Along the second part of trail, when you move along the ridge,
there are viewpoints offering a panoramic view towards Kosovo
(Kachanik, Lepenec and Uroshevac).
• From the very top you can enjoy the panoramic view towards the
Pollog valley, ridge of Shar Mountain with Lake Livadichko and
Sirinichka area in Kosovo (Brezovica and Shtrpce).
25
BHA M1 00 150
0
20
0 0 21 0 0
Ljuboten
2
21
30 (2498) 16
2 3 00
0 00
22
(2231) 0
Kozja Stena
2 20
0
21 0
2 200 0
0
20 0 (2255)
0
(2192)
(2156) Kjafa e Kejpit

00 (1800)
SHAR MOUNTAIN
18 (2046)
160
(2012)
0
0
170
1 90 0
160
0
Mountain hut ''Ljuboten''
Shija
(1997)
14 0
(1724)
0
(1687)
1500
(1599)
13
(1607) (1623)
00
(1606)
Kukudarka
(1474)
(1464)
Shopko
(1546) Kosmatica
12
±
(1359)
900
00
Gradishta
10 (1197)
0
0
110
0
(978)
Surin
Meters 80
0
(975)
(1135)
0 300 600 1.200 V. Staro Selo
26
GUIDEBOOK
Name of the path / acronym BHA M1 BHA M1
Starting point altitude The village of Stare Sello – 900 masl.
Highest point Peak Ljuboten – 2.499 masl.
Ending point altitude Mountain Hut "Ljuboten" – 1.635 masl.
Height difference 1.650 m.
Duration of the TRAIL 7 h.
SHAR MOUNTAIN
Length of the TRAIL 14 km.
difficulty of the TRAIL 
Required fitness level 
Biodiversity pinpoints:
The mountain peak Ljuboten is a typical limestone peak with significant
limestone screes and stony sites, which provide for the development of
specific vegetation. On the limestone slopes of the Ljuboten peak, in
particular those to the west and southwest, you will come across the re-
nowned Shar Mountain tea (Sideritis scardica), scientifically described for the
first time by August Grisebach in 1846 with the plant specimen coming
precisely from Ljuboten. On the limestone areas near the peak itself one
may also encounter Grisebach’s pansy (Viola grisebachiana), which is a
rare mountain violet that usually grows on a limestone ground on the
highest mountains in the central parts of the Balkan Peninsula.
Cultural and historical / characteristic sites:
A typical site on this pathway is the mountain hut "Ljuboten". This facil-
ity is the oldest mountain building, which was built in 1931 as the first
mountain hut in Macedonia. According to its position, architecture and
ambiance, this building is a historic monument of mountaineering in
Macedonia.
Accommodation and food:
• Mountain hut "Ljuboten" – at the foot of Ljuboten peak.
• Villa "Ljuboten" – at the foot of Ljuboten peak.
Access to starting and ending points:
• Highway Skopje – Tetovo, 43 km.
• Local road Tetovo – The village of Stare Sello, 25 km.
• Dirt road from the village of Stare Sello – Mountain hut "Ljuboten",
7 km (accessible for 4x4 vehicles ).
27
BHA M2
SHAR MOUNTAIN
Mountain Hut "Ljuboten" – the village of Vratnica –

– the village of Belovishte
The trail starts from the information board placed in front of the moun-
tain hut "Ljuboten" and it is again divided into two parts. The first part
of the trail, at its start, passes across a small rocky terrain, then through a
pasture. From the hut it continues to a place called "Dzhandarska Buka",
from which the trail leads to the foot of the peak of Ljuboten. Crossing
the River Ljubotenska the trail continues to the section of Livadica. This
section traverses a height from 1.600 to 1.700 meters. The second part of
the trail is the descent to village of Vratnica. The descending path passes
28
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M2
SHAR MOUNTAIN
through a beech forest and the picnic area Senokos. In this area, in the
forest we can find the mountain lake "Senokos". From this point, the trail
leads to the village of Vratnica, and from there, by following the rural
road we reach the village of Belovishte.
• At the first part of the trail, at shepherd Bekim’s sheep-farm, there
is a beautiful view towards Ljuboten peak and Kozja Stena.
• At the second part of the trail, in the place called Kamche, you can
find a viewpoint offering beautiful panoramic view to the lower part
of Pollog and Lake Vratnichko.
29
BHA M2 210
0 (2156)
0
0 (1800)
20 0 200
0
20
Kule
00
19
2
00
0
21
170
180
(2324) 0
2300 00
22 Bekim’s sheepfold
0 0
21
180 0
Mountain hut "Ljuboten"
00
(1997)
20
SHAR MOUNTAIN
1600
00
19
(1607)
1400
00
13
(1654)
0
50
20
1
0
Slabica
Shopko
(1753)
(1546)
0
11 0
900
Senokos
1 7 00
(978)
Popovo (1135) 80
0
1 0 00 (852)
Garishta
(1057)
700
±
Vratnica
(1028) (863)
V. Belovishte
Meters
0 9300
00 600 1.200 60
0
30
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude Mountain Hut "Ljuboten" – 1.635 masl.
Highest point Bekim’s sheep-farm – 1700 masl.
Ending point altitude The village of Bellovishte – 710 masl.
Height difference 925 m.
Duration of the TRAIL 5.30 h.
SHAR MOUNTAIN
Length of the TRAIL 13.5 km.
The upper portion of the trail passes through an area of high mountain
pastures on a silicate ground, where some endemic plants that bear the
name of Shar Mountain (Scardus, in Latin) can be met, such as the Shar
Mountain pink (Dianthus scardicus). The lower portions of the trail tra-
verse vast forest complexes, with beech woods in the upper belt and
oak and chestnut woods in the lower belt. Here, mostly in the clearings
of the oak woods, one may find the Shar Mountain woundwort (Stachys
scardica).
Locations that must be seen on this trail include the sheep-farm Gradska
Livadica run by the head shepherd Bekim, where you will always be served
with white, fresh cheese from Shara Mountain. At the end of the trail, in
the village of Vratnica, it is interesting to visit the memorial placed in
honor of dead American soldiers from a plane crash in World War II. The
story is complete if, in the shadows near the monument, several older
local folks are resting, and you can ask them to tell you the story how the
US troops were rescued.
• Mountain hut "Ljuboten" – at the foot of Ljuboten peak.
• Villa "Ljuboten" – at the foot of Ljuboten peak.
• Restaurant "Belovishki Biser" – The village of Belovishte.
• Dirt road from the village of Stare Sello – Mountain hut "Ljuboten",
7 km (accessible for 4x4 vehicles ).
• Local road Tetovo – The village of Belovishte, 20 km.
31
BHA M3
SHAR MOUNTAIN
THE Village OF Belovishte – Kuchinagledski Vrv peak (Piri-

beg PASS)
The trail starts at the information board placed in the village of Belov-
ishte. This path can be spatially divided into two parts. The first part of
the trail moves into the forest belt, on an old unpaved forest road. Then
it continues through the beech forest, which has large meadows over-
grown with ferns. At the exit of the forest you pass along the remains of
the buildings of the oldest sheep-farm on the Shar Mountain. The first
part of the trail ends at the place called "Slabica"; the second part of the
trail starts from this point. The second part of the trail moves through
the pastures at a broad ridge at the top of Livadica. Before you climb the
peak, the trail veers south and climbs the ridge of Shar Mountain. After
another half hour, you climb the peak Piribeg or Kuchinagledski Vrv. The
return trek is along the same path. This trail continues, ending on the
32
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M3
SHAR MOUNTAIN
Kosovo side, through the green pass marked on the map. The instruc-
tions for passing along the green passes are given in the relevant chap-
ter of this guidebook. The path from the Kosovo side, in this guidebook
is given as the trail under the name BHA K1.
• On the first part of the trail, Slabica is a viewpoint with excellent
panoramic view towards the lower part of Pollog and Lake Vrat-
nichko.
• On the second part of the trail, moving along the ridge of Livadica,
Ljuboten peak can be seen to the north and Piribeg peak to the
south side.
• Piriberg peak gives a glimpse of the ski center Brezovica in Kosovo,
and on the southwestern part a view over the whole Pollog valley,
with the cities Tetovo and Gostivar.
33
BHA M3 00
24
00
21 2000
0
2 40
Piribeg
00
00
22 2 3 00
23
(2449)
180
0
Kuchinagledski vrv (2181)
00
0
SHAR MOUNTAIN
20
21
2
0
24 90
1
(2197)
00
17 Slabica
00
Bajrak
16 (1753)
00
(2265) 00
15
Popovo
(1741)
1100
1400
Garishta
Stog
1 300 (1057)
(1656)
1 20
0
(1028)
±
900
100
0
8 00
11
00
10
(868)
00
V. Belovishte
Meters
Prvce 700
0 300 600 1.200 Odri
900
34
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude The village of Bellovishte – 710 masl.
Highest point Kuchinagledski Vrv – 2.524 masl.
Ending point altitude Village Bellovishte – 710 masl.
SHAR MOUNTAIN
This trail is characterized by dense beech woods in the lower sections,
and high mountain pastures on a silicate ground in the upper sections.
In the vicinity of the famous Beloviste Waterfall, in the beech forest on
the rocky terrain, one may find the ancient (relict) Visiani’s maple (Acer
heldreichii subsp. visianii). The pastures have the same endemic plant
species as the preceding trail (BHA M2).
During a walk through the village of Belovishte, especially when you go
through the narrow streets, you'll see the traditional construction of
Macedonian houses. A large number of houses, some as old as 150 years
give a unique picture of this village. When you continue from the village
to "Petachko Vodiche", you will move along a path that passes through
the River Belovishka area, an area which has several fish restaurants. A
nice picnic spot, with a spring nearby, a spring that is said to have heal-
ing powers for those with visual impairments or eye problems. There is
a church here, built in honor of "Sveta Petka". This place is unforgettably
pleasant, and offers a fresh atmosphere on the warmest summer days.
• Restaurant "Belovishki Biser" – The village of Belovishte.
• Local road Tetovo – The village of Belovishte, 20 km.
35
BHA K1
SHAR MOUNTAIN
Ski Center "Brezovica" – Kuchinagledski Vrv Peak (Piri-

beg PASS) (KOSOVO)
The trail begins at Brezovica ski center and ends on Kucinagledski Vrv or
Piribeg. It moves along a dirt road, on pasture on the northern slopes of
Shar Mountain. From the dirt road, it continues along a mountain path
that leads to the ridge of Shar Mountain, between the Livaditsa peak and
Kuhinagledski peak. The exit path from the ridge is also the connection
36
GUIDEBOOK
BHA K1
SHAR MOUNTAIN
with the path that leads from the Macedonian side. From this position,
you can climb the peak by heading south.
• From the Piribeg peak to the northwest, the view opens up over-
looking the Brezovica ski resort in Kosovo, and on the southwestern
side we have a view of the Polog valley cities of Tetovo and Gostivar.
37
BHA K1 Meters
8
0 300 600 1.2001 00
±
00
17
Shtrbachka Crna Chuka
(2034)
SHAR MOUNTAIN
0
0
18
Ski center "Brezovica"
1900
1 70
0
0 00
2
Piribeg
(2449)
2100
2 20 0
00
23 00
0
240
24
Kuchinagledski vrv
(2419) (2521)
(2197)
2 20
0
2200
400 0
(2420)
2
0
21
Rafsha 0
00
0
23
2100
20
38
GUIDEBOOK
Name of the path / acronym BHA K1 BHA K1
Starting point altitude Ski center Brezovica (Kosovo) 1.720 masl.
Highest point Kuchinagledski Peak 2.524 masl.
Ending point altitude Kuchinagledski Peak 2.524 masl.
SHAR MOUNTAIN
Biodiversity, particularly vegetation, along the trail which crosses the
western and north-western slopes of the Shar Mountain – Piribeg is dif-
ferent when compared with the vegetation on the opposite slopes (the
Macedonian side of the mountain). Of particular interest for the upper
part of the trail area are the relict plant species from the periods of glaci-
ations: Creeping avens (Geum reptans), Dwarf primrose (Primula minima),
Mossy saxifrage (Saxifraga bryoides) and other herb species, as well as
the shrubs: Lapponian willow (Salix lapponum), Rusty-leaved alpenrose
(Rhododendron ferrugineum) and four species of dwarf willows.
• Hotel "Bucan" – Brezovica.
• Hotel "Molika" – Brezovica.
• Hotel "Breza" – Brezovica.
• Woodland Hotel – Brezovica.
• Highway Pristina – Shtrpce, 62 km.
• Local road Shterpce – Ski center Brezovica, 12 km.
39
BHA M4
SHAR MOUNTAIN
THE Village of Leshok – THE Village of Varvara – "Tri Vode" –

– THE Village of Brezno
The trail, that we spatially divide into three parts, starts at the informa-
tion board in the village of Leshok. The first part of the trail starts from
the village of Leshok, and after passing the village of Varvara it continues
on a dirt road that passes through a beech forest. This part of the trail
ends when we go out of the edge of the woods and along the trail line
towards Brezjanski Kule. This is the second part of the trail. From here,
the trail traverses to the saddle below the place called "Brezjanski Kule".
From this saddle you can climb "Brezjanski Kule", which actually are sili-
cate rock inclines limited on both sides. The third part of the trail starts
40
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M4
SHAR MOUNTAIN
from the saddle, and it descends sharply to the picnic area of "Tri Vode",
and from here, along a wide dirt road, the trail passes Lake Brezjansko
and ends in the village of Brezno.
• Along the second part of the track, when you arrive at the springs
of the River Leshok, there is a beautiful view of the valley of this ri
ver and the lower part of the Pollog valley.
• At the end of the second part of the trail, under the saddle of Brez-
janski Kule there is a wonderful view of northern part of the Shar
Mountain, the Chaushichki massif with the peaks Peskov, Ezerski
Vrv and Gabrovnica, and at the bottom part the River Tearechka
Bistrica.
41
BHA M4 220Meters
±
22
00 0 1 5 00
0 300 600 21
1.200
00 (2244)
2000
0
0
0
14
150
1 90
0 Tri Vode
18
00
17
00
Brezjanski Kule
16 11
SHAR MOUNTAIN
0 00
(1933)
0
(1843)
14
00
1700
00
(1547)
13
1500
Bilo
(1204)
(1685)
Brezjansko Ezero
Adjino Koshtanje
(1106) V. Brezno
(1236) 0
0
12
0
100
1100(1175)
Chuka
0
90
(1076)
80
0
Varvara
(903) (855)
0
70
00 Slatino Tearce
6
Jedoarce V. Lesok
42
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude The village of Leshok – 620 masl.
Highest point Brezjanski Kule – 1.949 masl.
Ending point altitude The village of Brezno 975 masl.
Height difference 1,329 m.
SHAR MOUNTAIN
Near the village of Brezno, as well as on the slopes down toward the vil-
lage of Tearce, there are well preserved forest complexes dominated by
sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa). This region holds a tradition of making
various sweet chestnut specialties, and each year it organizes an event,
the so-called ‘chestnut days’, where it promotes those specialties.
The village of Leshok is home to the monastery "St. Atanasij", dating from
the 13th century. The frescoes in the church "St. Bogorodica" are part of
the unique works of masters of that time. The stream "Studenec" is in the
village of Varvara. According to legend, the water from this spring has
healing powers. The third part of the trail brings us to "Tri Vode", a picnic
area with many private holiday homes, taking its name from the fact that
this place the three largest rivers in the valley merge. At the end of the trail
we have the village of Brezno, one of the few villages in Macedonia where
we still have traditional architecture. It is worth a stroll along the village
streets, to soak up the atmosphere and to photograph the old buildings.
• Complex of monasteries "St. Atanasij", the village of Leshok (inns
and a restaurant).
• The inns of the church "St. Petka", the village of Varvara.
• Local road Tetovo – The village of Leshok, 9 km
• Local road Tetovo – The village of Brezno, 17 km.
43
BHA M5
SHAR MOUNTAIN
The village of Brezno – Crn Vrv PEAK – the village of Vejce

The trail starts at the information board in the village of Brezno. It is spa-
tially divided into two parts. The first part starts from the village of Brez-
no to the peak of Crn Vrv. From the beginning of the village until Tri Vode,
the trail is a wide dirt road. From Tri Vode onwards, the path continues
for some time, and then turns into a mountain trail that passes through
the well-preserved beech forest. Moving along the trail, you exit the for-
est belt and come across several sheep farms. At the last crossing of the
river the trail goes into the top of Tearechka Bistrica, which is quite broad
and widespread. From here on, the trail rises on the ridge that connects
the peaks Suva Dupka and Crn Vrv. From this saddle, the trail continues
west to the top of Crn Vrv and returns to the same point where we begin
the descent to the village of Vejce.
The trail continues to end on the Kosovo side. One can continue by cross-
ing the administrative border between Macedonia and Kosovo, through
the green pass marked on the map. The instructions for going through the
44
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M5
SHAR MOUNTAIN
green passes are given in the chapter of this guidebook. The path from
the Kosovo side, in this guidebook is presented as a path under the name
of BHA K2.
The descent towards the village of Vejce or the second part of the trail
follows the ridge of the pastures, where we arrive at the village of Vejce.
From the only sheep-farm located along this part of the trail, we move to
the left and enter the beech forest above the village. After leaving the for-
est, the road leads through meadows and arable land which the locals
cultivate - a rare example of an active mountain village in the Republic
Macedonia. The trail ends in the village of Vejce.
• On the first part of the trail, there is a wonderful view of the top
Chaushichka Valley with the peak of Ezerski Vrv, from Tri Vode.
• The second part of the trail, starting from the saddle until the vil-
lage of Vejce offers an unforgettable view of the valley of the River
Pena, The Leshnichki Karpi and peaks Titov Vrv and Kobilica on the
right-hand side.
45
BHA M5 1 9 00 2 3 00 00 1 90 0
2 200
0 00 22
2000
0
23 2200 2100 20
(2585) 2100
(2218)
(2311) 2
(2464) 40
Konjushka 0
0
0 240
220 (2570)
0
0
23
0
240
00
(1896) (2461)
22
(2533)
240
0
Guzhbaba
SHAR MOUNTAIN
(2515)
(1977)
V. Vejce Suva Dupka
1 2 00 (2551)
1 300
1400
(2147)
(1413)15 0 0 00
23Kuchibaba
1600
(2066)
1 7 00 (2454)
1800
Dupin Kamen (2375)
180
0
2100
(1904)
(2244)
(2223)
0
200
Vrchik
Tri Vode
Brezjanski Kule
00
17
1900
14
1 8 0 0(1935)
00
(1843)
1600
Gjermo
0
(1666)
170
1500
(1204) Bilo (1547)
0
(1685)
90
Adjino Koshtanje
(1236) (1106) 1 30Brezjansko

0 Ezero
80 Setole
9 00
±
0 12
Otunje 00
Chuka 11 00
Kilometers 1000 (1175)
0
60
80
0 7 00 (903) (1076)
5 (855) (742)
0 0,5
00
1
Djepchishte 2 600 Slatino V. Brezno
700
46
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude The village of Brezno 975 masl.
Highest point Crn Vrv 2.585 masl.
Ending point altitude The village of Vejce – 1.065 masl.
SHAR MOUNTAIN
Most likely the highest peat bogs in Macedonia are located under the
Crn Vrv peak, above the cirque of the spring area of the River Bistrica.
The highest peat bog is populated by the white cotton grass (Eriopho-
rum scheuchzeri), a plant species that, until recently, was unknown to
the Macedonian flora. This plant of circumpolar distribution (Alaska,
Canada, the Arctic islands, Greenland, Siberia, as well as the Alps) can be
found in our country only at this site.
In the village of Vejce, on the upper northern segment of the village
there is a workshop that produces the traditional Albanian string instru-
ment known as "Chiftelii". The family that produces these instruments
has done so for many years. While visiting this house, you can see the
process of making the instruments, and hear the music that comes from
combining multiple types of instruments, as well as being able to buy
souvenirs made in the shape of the instruments. Let’s not forget the hos-
pitality of the locals, and the coffee that will be offered to you by every
local.
• You can find food and beverages in the private local shops or local
coffee houses through the villages.
• Local road Tetovo – The village of Brezno, 17 km.
• Local road Tetovo – The village of Vejce, 13 km.
47
BHA K2
SHAR MOUNTAIN
Prevalla – Crn Vrv Peak (KOSOVO)

The trail starts from Prevala, the place that divides the town and Sirin-
icka, and the mid area in Kosovo. Prevala is at an altitude of 1.527 meters,
the local asphalt road from Shtrpce to Prizren passes through here and
along this saddle crossing there are quite a few private holiday homes
and parking places. The trail starts to follow a southeast direction. Uphill
from passing the canyon of the River Bukoravachka we have Mala Plani-
na and the entrance to the valley of the highest springs of the River Bis-
trica. The path continues on the northwestern slope of Konjuska peak.
48
GUIDEBOOK
BHA K2
SHAR MOUNTAIN
From this place through rocky terrain, the trail continues uphill along the
ridge of Shar Mountain where the green pass is located. From here you
can climb the Crn Vrv peak by moving westward.
• Looking south from the top, a wonderful view to the highest peaks
of Shar and the valley of River Pena opens up, west you can see the
city of Prizren and the mid area and to the north you can see the
stoniest part of the ridge of Shar Mountain, Causica or Losata Stra-
na with Bistrica peak visible, too.
49
BHA K2 1100 Meters 0

1 50
0 300 600 1.200
±
1 20
0
Prevalla
130
0
SHAR MOUNTAIN
14
00
00
15
1600
1700
(1716)
180
(2081)
1900
2 000
0
210
0
40
0
2500
2 30
2
Konjushka
00
Guzhbaba
22
(2533)
(2570)
(2572)
(2473) 230 0
2200
400
2
Crn Vrv peak 2 10 0

2 00 0
(2464) 1 9 00
(2585)
(2509)
2400
(2464)
230 0 (2385)
2200 2400
50
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude Prevala– 1.527 masl.
Highest point Crn Vrv peak – 2.585 masl.
Ending point altitude Prevala– 1.527 masl.
SHAR MOUNTAIN
The area around this trail is similar to that along the trail BHA K1 in terms
of biodiversity. It is specific that large complexes of Macedonian (Molika)
pine forest, well known on Pelister, are distributed on the slopes towards
Brezovica and Prevalec.
• Hotel "Sharri" - Prevala.
• Highway Pristina – Shterpce, 62 km.
• Local road Shterpce – Prevala, 14 km.
51
BHA M6
SHAR MOUNTAIN
The village of Vejce – Kobilica PASS

The path starts from the village of Vejce and ends on the ridge of the
Shar Mountain, specifically, on the trail leading to the village of Dolno
Ljubinje in Kosovo. It starts from the information board placed at the
entrance of the village of Vejce and the trail moves from the right hand
side of the River Dojranska, under the peak Kobilica. The entrance is in
the upper part of the village and from here on it continues as a dirt road,
under rocks below Kobilica peak, where there is a fountain. From here,
on the right, the trail bypasses the rock below Kobilica peak and begins
52
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M6
SHAR MOUNTAIN
to move toward the lowest saddle between the peaks Kobilica and Crn
Vrv. The trail ends at the saddle on the north side of Kobilica Peak and is
a green pass. From here, the trail leads to the village of Dolno Ljubinje in
Kosovo, this path is not covered in this guide. The return to the village of
Vejce is along the same path.
• After climbing the first 300 meters above the village of Vejce, there
is a magnificent view of the village, of the River Vejachka valley and
the peaks Kobilica, Crn Vrv, Suva Dupka, Kuchibaba, Dupnat Kamen
and Orloec.
53
BHA M6 0
0
24
Crn Vrv
2 4 00 (2464)
(2585)
(2509)
00
14
2400
(2464)
1 50 0 2300 (2385)
1600
SHAR MOUNTAIN
1 7 00
(2311)
0
1 80 0
0
22
1900
00
00
20
18
0 0
21 0
0
(1896)
20
00
1 1700
9
0
2 20
(2218)
Kobilica pass
00
0
23
18
210
00
00
15
16
00
±
00
13
1400
120
0
00
12
(1241)
Meters
(1591)
00
V. Vejce
13
0 300 600 1.200

54
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude The village of Vejce 1.065 masl.
Highest point Kobilica passage – 2.182 masl.
Ending point altitude The village of Vejce 1.065 masl.
SHAR MOUNTAIN
The high sections of the trail above the village of Vejce are predominant-
ly covered by high mountain pastures on a silicate ground, while the Ko-
bilica peak itself (as well as the lower peak Golem Kamen) are composed
of limestone rocks and stony sites with distinctly different vegetation.
What is specific about this site is the fact that it was the exact site where,
way back in 1892, Wettstein collected, at an altitude of around 2.400 m
above sea level, and described a new species of pansies (Viola latisepala).
The village of Vejce is a very characteristic village, situated at a height
starting from 1.065 meters up to 1.250 meters, the composition of the
Rivers Dojranska and Kupinica and just below the peaks Crn Vrv and Ko-
bilica. This village is characteristic because it is a rare example of an ac-
tive mountain village in Republic Macedonia. Vejce has potatoes, honey
from the slopes above Vejce on Shar Mountain and Vejce white cheese
brands that are distinctive and unique in flavor or as the locals like to say,
and is quite true, "represent the taste of Shar Mountain".
• Local road Tetovo – The village of Vejce, 13 km.
55
BHA M7
SHAR MOUNTAIN
The village of Bozovce – Leshnica – Krivoshijski Vodopad

A trail that leads to the most picturesque part of the Shar Mountain. It
starts with the information board placed before the entry in the village
of Bozovce. The trail is spatially divided into two parts. The first part is
from the village of Bozovce to Leshnica. The track moves from the right
side, above the village of Bozovce and continues as a dirt road. The trail
moves onto the southern slope of Sheremetnica and passes through mead-
ows that were once cultivated by the villagers. Descending to Leshnica,
the trail enters a belt of beech forest. Here the trail passes through Lesh-
nica, located in the heart of the Shar Mountain and represents the most
picturesque spot of Shar Mountain. The second part of the trail continues
to Krivoshija or the valley between the second and third Leshnichka Kar-
pa. After passing the River Krivoshiska and going deep into Krivoshija the
56
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M7
SHAR MOUNTAIN
trail continues to the waterfall. Moving along this path, every step offers a
new view of the Leshnichki Karpi and Titov Vrv. An ubiquitous part of this
trail are the mountain goats. The trail ends at the Krivoshiski Falls. Visiting
this place in the summer is wonderfully refreshing. The trail then continues
back along the same road up to the village of Bozovce.
• This trail offers unforgettable landscape views from the very start.
Every step reveals a new prospect. On the first part of the trail, you
can see the three Leshnichki Karpi and the River Pena valley from
the left side. In the background, we have the highest peak of the
Shar Mountain range, Titov Vrv.
• The second part of the trail offers beautiful landscapes of Leshnich-
ki Karpi and the River Krivoshija.
57
BHA M7 2 1 00
19
00
00
18
2000 (1751)
00
17
V. Bozovce
2 00
0 (1832)
0 1 2 00
10 130
2
00
(1679)
14
(1754) 1600 (1229)
00
(2071)
15
SHAR MOUNTAIN
(1805)
(1502)
00
18
Leshnica(1817)
Plat
22
1600
00
(2398)
(1497) 0
0
17
00
18
00
400
2 3
2
Sreden Kamen
1900
(2465)
20
2200
00
21
00
21
0 0
0
Krivoshija waterfall 23 0
23
00 2500
(2398)
24 2400
00
±
0 0
22
(2569)
2400
2500
Meters
23
50 0
2
0
0
0 300 600 1.200 2600 230

0
58
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude The village of Bozovce – 1.325 masl.
Highest point Krivoshija waterfalls– 1.895 masl.
Ending point altitude The village of Bozovce – 1.325 masl.
SHAR MOUNTAIN
The biggest limestone complexes on the Shar Mountain (which is oth-
erwise predominantly a silicate mountain) are located in the region of
Leshnica (together with the range Titov Vrv-Bakrdan and Ceripashina).
The Leshnica rocks are most famous for the chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra
balcanica). Unfortunately, the population of the chamois today is severe
ly threatened by excessive hunting and poaching. The serious man in-
duced disturbances of the wilderness in these parts of the Shar Moun-
tain led to the extinction of the largest bird in the country - the bearded
vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) which used to nest here until twenty odd
years ago.
Down the steep slopes of Plat, toward the valley of the River Pena, the
only typical spruce woods in Macedonia (Picea abies) develop.
Leshnica is a place where if you go once, you will want to go back again!
A breathtakingly beautiful place, set in the heart of the Shar Mountain
range. It is a temple for climbers, a starting point for hiking for the whole
middle section of the Shar Mountain range. In order to experience Lesh-
nica in the right light, you need to stay for a few days, go camping, tra-
verse all the mountain trails and see all the big and small hidden sights.
• Local road Tetovo – The village of Bozovce, 22 km.
59
BHA M8
SHAR MOUNTAIN
THE Village of Bozovce – LAKE KaranikolICHKO EZERO –

– THE Village of Veshala
The trail starts at the information board placed outside the village of Bo-
zovce. Spatially, this trail can be divided into two parts. The first part of
the trail passes on the right, upper side of the village and comes out on
a dirt road moving towards Leshnica. Moving along the road, after you
pass the River Skakalichka, the marking leads to right. The trail passes an
active sheep-farm and continues on to Skakalo. The trail divides here.
The trail leading to Lake Karanikolichko Ezero passes the River Skaka-
lichka, and rises on the right to Sheremetnica, moving along the western
ridge of Sheremetnica. Before the top of Sheremetnica, the trail moves
60
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M8
SHAR MOUNTAIN
to the left by a broad saddle and descends to Lake Karanikolichko Ezero.
The second part of the trail moves from the lake to the village of Veshal-
la, along the River Karanikolochka. The mountain trail before the village
extends into a wide dirt road that ends in the village of Veshalla.
• The first part the trail offers beautiful landscape views towards Lesh
nichki Karpi, Titov Vrv and the midflow of the River Pena.
• The second part of the trail, specifically the place where the saddle
of Sheremetnica is passed and descending towards the lake, offers
a breathtaking view of the Shar Mountain ridge, with the peaks Ka-
ranikola, Vrtop, Shilidzhe and Kobilica. Of course, the view to Lake
Karanikolichko Ezero only enriches this landscape.
61
BHA M8 2 20
0 1 30 0
V. Veshala
0
(2046)
0
11
(1546)
00
18
(2191)
(1277)
0
210
2000
16
00
190 0
(1488)
13
17
00
SHAR MOUNTAIN
0
(2124)
0
(1724)
13
00
12
0
0
1 80 0
(1593)
V. Bozovce
1500
20
0
0
21
(2154) 00 Sheremetica (1229)
2200
1 400
Karanikolicko Ezero
(1751)
2300
24
00
Guri i Sheremetnica
240
0
(2476)
(1679)
Brinja Shahit
(2480) (1832)
230
0
190
(1754)
0
15
00
(1805)
00 (2071)
20
±
2 10 0
2 2 00
Meters
2400
0 300 600 1.200 2 3

00
2400
62
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude The village of Bozovce – 1,325 masl.
Highest point Lake Karanikolichko Ezero – 2.210 masl.
Ending point altitude The village of Veshala – 1.245 masl.
SHAR MOUNTAIN
The trail passes through high mountain pastures on a silicate ground.
The higher part toward the lake is the home of the endemic Shar Moun-
tain mullein (Verbascum scardicolum) – scientifically described by Born-
mueller. The steepest section of the trail, ascending up the Sheremetica
ridge, is a rocky limestone area where a specific flora develops. Here
one may find the Balkan endemic Shar Mountain sainfoin (Onobrychis
scardica).
Lake Kranikolichko Ezero, also known as "Golem Gjolj" is located at a
height of 2.210 meters in the area of Karanikola. It is the third-largest lake
in the Shar Mountain range, with an area of 26.240 m2. The view of the
lake when descending is breathtaking. The wind that moves the surface
of the lake can steal the attention of the visitor and aim it towards the
lake. The play of colors of the lake, from light blue to dark blue, through
turquoise and violet are unique to the Shar Mountain range.
• "The House of Veshala" – The village of Veshala.
• Local road Tetovo – The village of Bozovce, 22 km.
• Local road Tetovo – The village of Veshala, 20 km.
63
BHA M9
SHAR MOUNTAIN
The village of Veshala – Vrtop PASS

The trail towards the passage Vrtop is very important because a part of
the trail lies along the old road which used to connect the cities of Teto-
vo and Prizren. It starts on the right of the bend of the tarmac road just
before the village of Veshala. From here, the trail gently climbs to the ar-
eas which once cultivated by the villagers. This trail offers beautiful land-
scape views of the peaks Kobilica, Shilidzhe and Vrtop. Once you come
over the hill "Long Rock" or "Guri i Djat" the trail continues along an old
unfinished route, which in the past used to connect the cities of Prizren
and Tetovo. From this point on, the road leads to the crossing; essen-
tially to the western saddle below the peak Vrtop, which is a few meters
higher than the lowest passage to the Shar Mountains. The track ends
at this passage and the descent is along the same trail. The trail may
64
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M9
SHAR MOUNTAIN
be continued towards the Kosovo side through the green pass, which is
marked on the map. The instructions for passing green areas are given
in the relevant chapter of this guidebook. The trail from the Kosovo side,
in this guidebook is explained as the following trail by the title BHA K3.
• Going along the first third of the trail there are viewpoints from which
you can see the middle flow of the River Pena and the first Leshnic
ka Karpa (Plat).
• The second third offers a remarkable view over the peaks of Kobi
lica, Silidzhe and Vrtop.
• The third part, where the trail goes towards the old road, opens up
a view towards the Jelacki Crn Vrv, Leshnici Karpi, the flow of the
River Pena, the areas of Skakalo and Karanikola.
65
2 200
BHA M9
2 10
00
22
0
220
0 0 Shiledje
16
00
0
24
2300 (2473)
0
(2555)
0
0
17
2 50
00
18
00
210
0
22
0
190
00
0
200
20
(2478)
2100
SHAR MOUNTAIN
00
19
(2306)
Vrtop pass
0
220
210
0
(2191) (2001)
(1938)
Guri i Gjat
1
(2046)
80
00
0
17
(1852)
1 (1724)
80
0
1500
(1546)
(1488)
1600
V. Veshala 1300
00
14
(1277) (1302)
(1593) 00 1100
12 0 11 0 0
11 0
± 14
00
1 50
0
Kjafa e Bajramit 1 50 0
00
13
(1563)
(1229)
Meters 1700
0 300 600 1.200 1800

00
00
16
14
66
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude The village of Veshala – 1245 masl.
Highest point Passage Vrtop PASS – 2.110 masl.
Ending point altitude The village of Veshala – 1,245 masl.
SHAR MOUNTAIN
Similar to most of the trails in this guide (BHA M2, 3, 5, 6, and 8) the spe-
cific vegetation is represented by high mountain pastures on a silicate
ground, which include several endemic plant species, such as the Shar
Mountain alyssum (Alyssum scardicum).
A typical place to visit while you are in the village of Veshala is the first
section of the River Karanikolichka, specifically, right after the lake, the
river dives into a deep rocky landscape. Since nature gives us every-
thing, and it really does in this place, just above where the water dives
down there is a natural stone bridge which makes the view to this place
unforgettable. Another place to visit is "Dolg Kamen" or "Guri i Djat",
which actually presents a high cliff located just above the village and
from which we get a wonderful view towards Leshnica.
• "House of Veshala" – The village of Veshala.
• Highway Skopje – Tetovo, 43 km
• Local road Tetovo – The village of Veshala, 20 km.
67
BHA K3
SHAR MOUNTAIN
THE Village of Zaplluzha – "Karaulla Building" –

– VRTop PASS (KOSOVO)
The trail starts from "Karaula Building" located on the ridge that separates
the villages Struzje and Zapluzha. Up to this point you have access via
a dirt road from both villages. From here on, the trail leads to the Vrtop
pass crossing. From the very beginning, the track heads south and con-
tinues slightly uphill to the ridge of Shar Mountain where it merges with
the trail on the Macedonian side.
68
GUIDEBOOK
BHA K3
SHAR MOUNTAIN

• From the very start, your sight is drawn to the Vrtop peak, which is
on the right side of the trail for the duration of the trek. The pan-
oramic views of the villages Manastiritsa and Struzje with the back-
ground of the town of Prizren are simply beautiful.
69
BHA K3
1 0 00
V. Zaplluzha 150
0
1300
14
(1140)
Kraulla building
00
SHAR MOUNTAIN
16
0
11 0
1300
0
0
1 40 0
12 0
0
Crni Kamen
1 60 0
(1779)
0
1 70
1 8 00
0
19 0
(1770)
(2079)
00
20
0
±
210
22
00
Vrtop pass
2 3 00
Karanikola
(2037)
2400
(2409)
Skarpa 210
Meters (2124)
0
0 300 600 (2469)

1.200 20 0
0
70
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude "Karaula Building" – 1.602 masl.
Highest point Vtrop PASS crossing – 2.110 masl.
Ending point altitude "Karaula Building" – 1.602 masl.
SHAR MOUNTAIN
The flora and vegetation that grows on limestone rocks and stony
grounds on Vrtop and Kobilica is specific and different to flora on the
larger silicate part of Shar Mountain. One can find here one of the most
specific glacial relict plants – white dryad (Dryas octopetala). It is charac-
terized by very unique leaves with finely crenate leaf edges, so it can be
easily recognized in fossil deposits.
• Accommodation and food can be found in Karaula Building, in
three bungalows with 15 beds in total. It is advisable to make a res-
ervation in advance.
• Highway Pristina – Prizren, 82 km.
• Local road Prizren – The village of Zapluzha, 18 km.
• Village of Zapluzha – Karaula Bulding, 22 km (off road).
71
BHA M10
SHAR MOUNTAIN
The village of Gurgeviste – LAKE Crno Ezero – Rudoka peak

The trail starts at the information board, which is placed in front of the
village of Gurgeviste, at the place where a dirt road splits off and leads
to the channel "Sharski Vodi". Moving along the wide dirt road, we go
through a forest belt. The trail goes on the southern slope of the Bris-
tavec peak. The villages of Gurgeviste and Lomnica remain on the left-
hand side of the trail. Once you climb to a height of 400 meters, you exit
the channel "Sharski Vodi". Along the channel there is a wide dirt road.
From this place, the trail continues along an old dirt road that leads to
the foot of Bristavec. Leaving the forest, we go onto a dirt road that starts
climbing slightly to the foot of the peak. You can also get to this point by
using an off-road vehicle. At an altitude of 2.000 meters, the trail moves
along a mountain path that bypasses the Bristavec peak and leads to
Lake Crno Ezero. Bypassing the right hand side of Lake Crno Ezero, we
move towards the Rudoka peak. It passes the rocky cirque from the lake
and reaches a plateau below the peak where there are more non-per-
manent lakes. From this place, it reaches the ridge of the Sar Mountain
72
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M10
SHAR MOUNTAIN
where moving left in an arc toward the south, we arrive at Rudoka peak,
the highest peak in Kosovo. The return to route follows the same path.
The trail may be continued towards the Kosovo side through the green
pass which is marked on the map. The instructions for passing the green
areas are given in the relevant chapter of this guidebook. The trail on
the Kosovo side is explained as the following trail with the title BHA K4.
• The first panorama of this trail is at the foot of the Bristavec peak,
where towards the southeast you have a beautiful view of the part
of the Polog area including the city of Gostivar.
• Climbing over Lake Crno Ezero, you’ll find the landscape to be re-
markable. A dark lake surrounded by steep dark rocks, which dis-
play the wilderness of the mountain.
• The reef of the Sar is a view towards the Kosovo part of the moun-
tain. The view towards the Sutmanska plateau is enriched by Lakes
Chelepinski and Ginivoda.
• An absolute must is the view from the top.
73
24
BHA M10 Rudoka peak 00
0 2
2 50
2600
50
260 0
(2591)
2
0
Borislavec
50
40
0
(2658) 0
(2675)
230
0
(2463) (2182)
220
20
2 10
(2009)
0
00
SHAR MOUNTAIN
0
19
(2195)
(1858) 00
00 (1905)
18
00
17
(1814)
(1588)
11
00 00
10
160
0
(1583)
(1626) 1 50
0
1 400
1 300
1 5 00
(1439)
1 40
12
0
00
800
90
Crn Kamen 12
00
0
10
11
1300
(1541)
00
00
(1183)
80
0
(1072)
±
700
(1437) 80
0
Meters V. Gjurgjevishte
0 400 800 1.600
900
74
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude The village of Gurgeviste – 890 masl.
Highest point Rudoka peak – 2,658 masl.
Ending point altitude The village of Gurgeviste – 890 masl.
SHAR MOUNTAIN
In addition to the high mountain pastures, this trail is characterized by
the large areas made up of silicate rocks and stony sites with specific
vegetation and a few small chamois herds (Rupicapra rupicapra balca-
nica). At Lake Crno Ezero one may see the local Shar Mountain endemic
plant – Doerfler’s cinquefoil (Potentilla doerfleri). At Rudoka, according
to one German botanist, one may also find the sub-Arctic and Alpine
azalea (Loiseleuria procumbens), which, unfortunately, has not been ob-
served by any Macedonian botanists since 1954.
The characteristics of this trail are the channel "Sharski Vodi" and Lake
Crno Ezero. The channel is actually a system of channels that gather wa-
ter from the rivers of southern Shar Mountain and lead to the reservoir,
known as Lake Mavrovo. The system was built between 1969 to 1977,
and is still active today. The dirt road that runs around it, is about 80 km
in length. In recent years it has been used for mountain biking and off-
road tours with 4×4 vehicles. Lake Crno Ezero, at an altitude of 2.170 me-
ters, is the second largest lake in the Shar Mountain range, and has an
area of 33.030 m2, and is 11 meters deep.
• Mountain lodge "Vila Negotino" – at the foot of Lake Crno Ezero.
• Local road Tetovo – The village of Gurgeviste, 26 km.
75
BHA K4
SHAR MOUNTAIN
THE Village of Brod – Rudoka Peak (Kosovo)

The trail starts behind the Arxhena Hotel and its nearby cable car. After
2.2 km, the trail is in the front of the cable car and the restaurant, which
is open only in wintertime. 420 m from the restaurant on the right hand
side of the trail there is a spring called "Kroni i mbretit". The trail contin-
ues along a mountain ridge called "Zlipotok Mountains" where we have
beautiful panoramic views. After walking for about 3 hours and 40min
the path veers to the east, downhill and afterwards uphill towards Rudo
ka Peak. At an altitude of 2.310 m we come cross the last source of water.
76
GUIDEBOOK
BHA K4
SHAR MOUNTAIN
After the water source, the trail continues uphill, which is difficult to
pass, at an altitude 2.635 m to "First Peak". The distance between the
First Peak and Rudoka Peak is 1.33 km.
• Westward along the trail a beautiful view of the Shutman Plateau
and Lake Chelepinskite opens up.
• Looking eastward from the top, a view to the upper Polog valley
opens up, and just below the peak you can see Lake Crno.
77
2 300
BHA K4 22
00
00
22
2 00
V. Brod
0
Chule
2200
14
(2220)
00
Bardaljevo
21
Sulejmanica
00
(2332) Djinibeg
23
(2029) 00
(2082)
SHAR MOUNTAIN
Papka
(1663)
2100
Hotel Argjena
18
00
1 800
190
0
Trpeznica
170
2 50 0
(2610)
0
Plat
24
00
(2223)
250
2500
00
(2590)
24
0
20
Chelepinski Vrv 230
0
00
23
00 (2554)
00
22
(2329)
00
(2292) (2414)
22
±
(2278)
00
24
(2534)
(2562)
2 500
2 20
(2273) Rudoka peak

210
0
200
0
0
Meters
0 (2658) 2 5 00
0 400 800 1.600 2400
60
2
78
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude "Argjena ski center" – 1502 masl.
Highest point Rudoka peak – 2,658 masl.
Ending point altitude "Argjena ski center" – 1502 masl.
Duration of the Trail 4 h.
SHAR MOUNTAIN
Length of the Trail 12.4 km.
difficulty of the Trail 
Below Rudoka, in the direction towards Brod (Prizren), vast grasslands
(pastures) spread over gently sloping ground at the locality Shutman.
Several streams are formed here which, further downstream, create the
River Brod (Brodska Reka). Many extensive mires, peat-bogs and moun-
tain lakes have been created at and around their source areas, which are
typical for their specific biodiversity. One can find a least ten peat-moss
species here (Sphagnum spp.).

• Hotel "Argjena" and private houses.
• Regional road Pristina – Prizren, 82 km.
• Local road Prizren – "Argena ski center" – 50 km.
79
BHA M11
SHAR MOUNTAIN
The village of Pozarane – "Kuci Baba" – "Budimov Grob"

The trail starts at the information board, which is placed in front of the
village of Pozarane. Moving to the left, the trail bypasses the village and
climbs over the village. The trail is a dirt road and after you reach an
altitude of 400 meters, you exit the channel "Sarski Vodi". The road con-
tinues to the plateau Kuci Baba. From here, the trail continues south-
ward moving in the vast pastures which from the west are intercepted
by the river flow of River Mzdraca where in the heights there are the
characteristic peaks Vratsa (large, medium, small). The slight climb leads
to "Budimov Grob" which is an intersection between the paths coming
from the valley Mzdraca and the valley of Gorno Jelovce. If you climb a
hundred meters to the mild slope located to your right you will enjoy
the landscape views of the Mzdraca river valley and the steep sections of
80
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M11
SHAR MOUNTAIN
big and little Vratsa. This place, which is at an altitude of 2.209 meters is
called "Bugarski Kolibi." The return is along the same path to the village
of Pozarane.
• Once you climb to the plateau Kucibaba, you will be constantly
looking all around you so as to take in the spectacular views. To
the north you will see the peaks of Rudoka and Bristavec and also
Ljuboten and the middle flow of the River Mzdraca. To the south-
east you will see the bountiful fields of the upper Polog valley and
to the west the peaks of Vratsa.
• Starting from the destination, a wonderful view of the cirque River
Jelovska and Gorno Jelovce can be seen and in the valley, the town
of Gostivar.
81
BHA M11 Bugarski Kolibi

1 4 00 00
13
Budimov Grob 1 2 00
00 110
0
21
0
Chuka
210
14
00
000
(1715)
2
(2011)
(2143)
SHAR MOUNTAIN
180
0 (1824)
20
00
(1811)
1700
(1770)
Crn Kamen
190 (1694)
0
(1932) (1541)
00
16
(1705)
(1787) (1561)
0
0
(1591)
15
(1488)
(1437)
0
140
(1464)
00 (1408)
13
0
120
(1166)
1100
90
0
±
10
0
Meters
0
00
0 400 800 1.600

1100 V. Pozharane
82
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude The village of Pozarane – 906 masl.
Highest point Budimov Grob – 2.093 masl.
Ending point altitude The village of Pozarane – 906 masl.
Duration of the Trail 3 h.
SHAR MOUNTAIN
Length of the Trail 14 km.
difficulty of the Trail 
The southern parts of Shar Mountain (Morava, Lera, Nichpur Mountain,
Bogdevo Mountain, Fudan, Mengulova Kula, Kuchi Baba, etc.) are char-
acterized by vast high mountain pastures, which develop mostly on a
silicate ground on mild slopes. In late spring and early summer the pas-
tures are covered by the yellow or purple flowers of the local endemic
pansy species - (Viola ivonis), discovered and described by Erben in 1985
as a new species.
The village of Pozarane is first mentioned in the written documents dat-
ing back to 1461 or 1462. But the village is an older settlement related to
the existence of three cities, which from the plateau of 900 meters above
sea level, stretched even to the left bank of the River Vardar, as neighbo
ring to the village Tenovo. The Mehmed Bey waqfs, mentions a "road
that leads to the mills of Pozaran" and another "from Kaliste to Pozharan"
vineyards from Pozaran, a road "from Pozaran to the ruined tower" and
forests of Pozaran. Some of the written sources of Pozaran are stored in
waqfs mosque Kebir Mehmed Celebi in Skopje. These places exist even
today in the vicinity of the village of Pozarane.
• Mountain lodge "Kaj Rexho" – The village of Vranjovce.
• Local road Tetovo – The village of Pozarane, 28 km.
83
BISTRA MOUNTAIN
BISTRA MOUNTAIN
A mountain range in the central part of western Macedonia. Thanks to
its abundant plant and animal life, as well as the pleasant and salubrious
mountainous climate, Bistra is a very attractive mountain and offers fa-
vourable conditions for the development of summer and winter tour-
ism. It rises in the Kicevo valley to the east, the deep valleys of Rivers Ma-
vrovo and Radika to the west, which separates it from the mountains of
Korab and Deshat, the Mavrovo valley to the north, and the Rivers Mala,
Garska, and Jamska and the tectonic saddle Jama (1.100 m) to the south.
Bistra, as a mountain, together with the southernmost parts of Shar Moun
tain and Korab, falls within the territory of the "Mavrovo" National Park.
As a clearly pronounced morphostructural entity, Bistra covers an area
of 572.8 km2 and has eight peaks higher than 2.000 m. It’s highest peak is
Medenica (2.163 m), while the other more prominent peaks are: Trebish-
ka Dupka (2.154 m), Kjurkov dol (2.110 m), and Govedarnik (2.018 m). Bis-
84
GUIDEBOOK
BISTRA MOUNTAIN
tra has a complex geotectonic structure. Its lower parts are dominated
by old Paleozoic shale - philitoids, while its highest part is covered by
Triassic limestone with a thickness of 400 m. The clean Triassic limestone
had allowed for an intensive karstification and the presence of nearly all
surface and ground karst forms. The most prominent among the surface
karst forms are the small karst fields: Toni Voda, Suvo Pole, Govedarnik,
Lazaropole, etc. Some locations, such as Suvo Pole and Sultanica, have
seen the development of depressions, often up to 50 per 1 km2, so that
the landscape resembles a pockmarked karst.
The most prominent of the ground karst forms is the cave system Alilica,
which consists of the caves Upper and Lower Alilica, Kalina Dupka, and
Sharkoa Dupka. Bistra also exhibits fossil glacial relief and glacial cirques
in particular. The lower parts of the mountain are covered by forest com-
plexes, while the higher parts are characteristic for the vast mountain
pasture lands suitable for livestock husbandry.
85
KOSOVO
Skopje
BISTRA MOUNTAIN
Tetovo
Gostivar
ALBANIA
MACEDONIA
Bistra Mt.
Debar Kichevo
Prilep
Demir Hisar
Struga
Ohrid
Bitola
86
GUIDEBOOK
Tourist sites to visit in the Region of Bistra

• Monastery of "St. Jovan Bigorski" – trunk road Skopje – Debar.
• Monastery of "St. Gjorgi Pobedonosec", the village of Rajchica.
• "Inkjar mosque", Debar.
• Spa centre and thermal spas "Capa", the village of Banishte and the
village of Dolno Kosovrasti.
• Ski centre "Zare Lazareski", the village of Mavrovo.
• The village of Galichnik.
• Museum of the Village of Galichnik.
BISTRA MOUNTAIN
• Museum of Old Stuff, the village of Selce.
• Tourist Information Point of the Mavrovo National Park, the village
of Mavrovi Anovi.
• Museum of "Partisan Printing House", the village of Bitushe.
• Duf waterfalls, above the village of Rostushe.
• "Elen Skok" bridge, close to the village of Janche.
• Sveti Grad or Skanderbeg’s fortress, the village of Kodzadzik.
• Memorial House of the father of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the village
of Kodzadzik.
Elen Skok is a stone bridge built over the River Mala Reka. It was built in
the middle of the 18th century from a processed stone set in the shape
of a bow, according to the plans of Mimar Hajrudin who was also the
architect of the old bridge Neretva in Mostar.
87
BHA M12
BISTRA MOUNTAIN
THE VILLAGE OF Galicnik – Starci peak –

– the village of Susica – "Elen Skok"
The trail starts in Galicnik, the heart of the Miyak region, a village at an
altitude from 1.270 to 1.450 meters surrounded by pastures. From Galic-
nik, it passes through the most picturesque landscape of Mount Bistra and
the "Mavrovo" National Park. The information board is set before Galicnik
and the trail is just on the right of the asphalt road. The trail begins on a
dirt road and immediately continues along a mountain path that passes
through the forest belt. It then leads up to pasture ground from where it
climbs the top of the Starci peak. The peak is not steep, but nonetheless
offers beautiful landscape vistas. After that, the trail descends gently to
the village of Susica, which has a large fountain, a place to rest and a view
88
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M12
BISTRA MOUNTAIN
of the mountain Stogovo. The trail moves through a dense forest belt, con
tinuing to "Elen Skok" where it ends.
• Architecture is one of the main features of Galicnik. The steep, al-
most natural amphitheater-like terrain is used for the construction
of stone houses on the contour lines on the ground. The houses are
cube shaped with gently sloping pyramidal roofs. The houses have
two and three stories.
• Starci peak, on the west-northwest belt offers a wonderful view of the
peaks of Bistra Mountain, Deshat and Krchin, and the canyon of the
River Radika with a large number of villages that are on the bases of
these massifs. In the south we see the gentle slopes of the mountain
Stogovo.
89
BHA M12 11 0 0 Meters 1 5 00

1 500
0 300 600 1.200
±
V. Galichnik
Janche
70
0 700
BISTRA MOUNTAIN
00
00
(1692)
16
16
00
1600
8
Starci
(1709)
(1680)
1500
(1260)
(1507)
110 (1583)
00
7 0
00
13
Stog (1562)
(1489)
(1372)
1500
1400
(1536)
1 4Sushica
0
0
1200
(1362)
80
1100
0
10
0
0
Elen Skok bridge

700
80 Vranjska Krasta
0
0
80
0
90
0 0 90
(995) 900 80 0 00
1
90
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude The village of Galicnik – 1.430 masl.
Highest point Starci peak – 1.709 masl.
Ending point altitude "Elen Skok" – 780 masl.
BISTRA MOUNTAIN
The region of the now no-longer-existing village of Sushica (depopu-
lated more than 50 years ago) is one of the most important regions for
the survival of the Balkan lynx (Lynx lynx balcanicus), a subspecies of the
Eurasian lynx, which has, sadly, recently found its way onto the global
IUCN red list of threatened species as Critically endangered (CR). The
area where the trail traverses is characterized by various dense woods:
xero-thermophilous oak and hornbeam woods (downy oak - Quercus
pubescens and oriental hornbeam - Carpinus orientalis) near Elen Skok
and thermophilous oak woods (Italian oak - Quercus frainetto) toward
Sushica. This area is also a refuge of a larger number of brown bear speci-
mens (Ursus arctos).
Galicnik is a tourist attraction because of its authentic architecture, rich
cultural heritage and amazing landscapes. It is known for the "Galicnik
wedding", a traditional public wedding, held annually on the village cel-
ebration day – Petrovden mid. of July. During the wedding, the dance
"Tesko Oro" is performed - which symbolizes overcoming difficulties in life.
• Hotel "Neda" – The village of Galicnik.
• Rooms "Baba i dede" – The village of Galicnik.
• Hotel "Tuto" – The village of Jance.
• Highway Skopje – Mavrovi Anovi, 88 km.
• Local road Mavrovi Anovi – The village of Galicnik, 22 km.
• Local road Mavrovi Anovi – The village of Mogorce, 40 km.
91
DESHAT & KRCHIN MOUNTAINs
DESHAT MOUNTAIN
A mountain on the border between Macedonia and Albania, part of the
Shar – Korab – Deshat – Krchin – Stogovo - Karaorman Mountain range.
The highest peak of Deshat mountain is Velivar (Veli-Vrv) with an alti-
tude of 2.375 m. There are several small glacial lakes on the mountain,
the most popular one being Lake Lokuv, covering an area of 4.000 m2,
situated on the north-eastern part of the mountain at an altitude of
1.560 m, which makes it the lowest glacial lake in Macedonia. The River
Radika, which separates Deshat from Bistra and Stogovo, runs on the
eastern slopes of the mountain.
The Deshat mountain ridge encompasses the middle section of the Kor-
ab mountain massif (range), stretching from the eponymous high moun-
tain col Deshat (1.976 m) and the valley of the River Zirovnica (Valavica),
which also separates it from the Korab mountain to the north, to the
high mountain col of Suva Bara (2.080 m) and the valley of River Trebiska,
which separates it from Krchin mountain to the south. The total length
of the mountain ridge is 7 km. To the east this mountain stretches to the
valley basin of the River Radika, and to the west, to the eastern edges of
the Peshkopi valley, in the neighbouring Republic of Albania. The border
between Macedonia and Albania runs along the highest points of the
ridge, with the entire eastern side of Deshat belonging to the territory
of Macedonia, and the western side belonging to Albania. The total area
within the territory of Macedonia amounts to 53 km2.
92
GUIDEBOOK

The mountain is well covered in forests. The most dominant tree species
is the beech, and there are many old, centennial beech trees present.
Other tree species that are present to a lesser extent are pine, spruce,
aspen, mountain maple and birch. Other widespread plants and forest
fruits are cranberries, raspberries, blueberries, rose hip, mountain tea,
yarrow (Achillea millefolium), common sorrel (Rumex acetosa), and fern is
also widespread and covers entire meadows.
The herbivorous mammals are represented by the deer, wild boars, and
the mountain goats, while the carnivorous ones present are bears,
wolves, lynxes, and foxes. It is also the habitat of several bird species.
KRCHIN MOUNTAIN
A high mountain in western Macedonia which presents a continuation
of the Deshat Mountain to the north. It its 13 km long and stretches
along the meridian from Suva Bara (2.080 m) to the north, to the bot-
tom of the Debar Valley to the south. The mountain crest is clearly pro-
nounced, with several peaks higher than 2.000 m rising above it. The
highest peaks are Golem Krchin (2.341 m), Rudoka (2.238 m) and Crvena
Ploca (2.107 m). In geotectonic terms, the mountain is made of flysch de-
posits. Within the area of the Kosovrasti spa, the limestone is replaced
by gypsum, anhydrite, and sulphurous deposits, while white and grey
limestone with a thickness of between 300-400 m feature in the vicinity
of the Banjiste spa. A gypsum processing plant was built in the region
due to the great deposits of gypsum (the largest deposits on the Balkan
Peninsula).
93
KOSOVO
Skopje
Tetovo
Gostivar
ALBANIA
MACEDONIA
Deshat and
Krchin Mts.
Debar Kichevo
Prilep
Demir Hisar
Struga
Ohrid
Bitola
94
GUIDEBOOK
Tourist sites to visit in the Region of Deshat and Krchin


of Mavrovi Anovi.
of Kodzadzik.
95
BHA M13
THE Village of Zhirovnica – Shkrtec PASS

The route starts in the village of Zhirovnica, to be precise, the so called
"Gorno maalo" (the upper neighborhood) of the village. This route is very
interesting and significant because it used to be the trail for commercial
exchange between the village of Zhirovnica and the neighboring villag-
es from Albania. The route goes to the most hidden part of the Republic
of Macedonia. Just 2 km outside the village is the spring "Medoshnica",
which is believed by the locals to have healing powers. From the spring,
along the basin of River Tairovska, the route continues westward to the
foothill of the area called "Mala Planina" (Small Mountain), and then north
96
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M13

west passing through the area called "Tri Sinora" under the peak Plocha.
2 km from Plocha in the northwest is the crossing Shkrtec, the end of the
route. The way back is along the same route.
• In the north and northwest you see the highest parts of the Korab
massif.
• In the east and southeast you see the upper estuaries of the River
Radika, i.e. the River Gorna region with Mount Bistra in the back-
ground.
97
BHA M13 Shktec pass 1 4 00

1 50
0
Babin Kamen
1 90
0
14
0
30
00
(1936) 0 00
0
(1918) 16 15
1
Golem Chardak
(2144)
1 8 00
(2163) (2044)
0
210
0
0 1900 e Lisenit
Rasa
00
2
0
19
Plocha 00
16
(1934)
(2233) 0
2000 1 50
200
0
00
00
(2062) 18
19
1900
1800
20 (1793)
00
210
(1882)
0
(1825)
0 1700
22 0
60
0
1
(2211)
2100
(1411)
Kurtovo Chule
(2082)
2000
(1791)
1 5 00
00
13
(1967) (1261)
00
14 0
1 20
±
Chukar
(1692) (1628)
(1224)
1000
0
11 0
(1510)
Meters V. Zhirovnica
0
1700 300 600
1700 1.200
98
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude The village of Zhirovnica – 1.000 masl.
Highest point Shkrtec Pass – 2.030 masl.
Ending point altitude The village of Zhirovnica – 1.000 masl.

High mountain marsh habitats of several types may be found at the
Shkrtec pass: peat moss (several species of Sphagnum – peat moss), un-
stable ponds with Eleocharis palustris (marsh spike-rush), acid marshes
with black (or common) – Carex nigra and Macedonian sedge (Carex bi-
gelowii subsp. dacica), marshes with Carex rostrata (bottle sedge), moss
peat bogs, etc. The marsh habitats do not cover big areas, but are com-
mon and well preserved.
Zhirovnica is a village with the greatest number of inhabitants in "Mavro-
vo" National Park. The traditional architecture is still visible in parts of the
houses, and some of them have been built in a modern style. This village
has been known in the region by many migrants, fortune seekers, and the
specific cultural customs, which may be seen during the village wedding
ceremonies and big traditional festivities in spring and summer.
A characteristic of this area is the finish, the pass "Shkrtec". It is at the very
border between Macedonia and Albania, where there are still remnants of a
former military fortification from the period of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
• Hotel "Tutto" – The village of Janche.
• Mountain hut and camping Govedarica – The village of Zirovnica.
• Regional road Skopje – Mavrovi anovi, 88 km.
• Local road Mavrovi anovi – The village of Zhirovnica, 22 km.
99
BHA M14
THE Village of Zhirovnica – Velivar Peak

The route starts in the village of Zhirovnica, to be precise, from the in-
formation billboard placed in "Gorno Maalo". The mountain trail leads
to the foothill in the area of "Golema Planina" and the highest parts of
the mountain ridge Deshat. In the area of "Skala" and "Staro bachilo" the
trail continues to the borderline ridge between the Republic of Macedo-
nia and Albania. From this point along the ridge, the path continues to
Peak Velivar. The return to route follows the same path. The trail may be
continued towards the Albanian side through the greenpassage, which
100
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M14
is marked on the map. The instructions for passing the green areas are
given in the relevant chapter of this guidebook. The trails on the Albanian
side are explained as the following trails with the title BHA A1 and BHA A2.
• When you reach the mountain ridge of Deshat, you will see the
highest parts of Korab in the north, the River Dolna region in the
east, and Mount Bistra and Stogovo in the background, and the
peaks of Mount Krchin to the south.
101
BHA M14 1 80
0 Kurtovo Chule Meters
0 Hut govedarica
0 300 1 90 600
(2082)1.200
±
0
00
10
2
00
00
00 (1224)
19
0
90
18
Chukar
00 V. Zhirovnica
11
(1628)
20
00 0
1 30
1 2 00
(1967)
(1510) 00 1 3 00
14
1500
(1692) (1507)
Bel Kamen
(1673)
1300
(1636) 1700
1600
0
180
00
18
Zverinje
0
210 (1863) 1600
00
19
(2136)
00
20
(2188)
00
21
16
0
(2116) 1 60 0
0
2
00
21
00
20
15
0
0
(1635)
20 0
00
21
Velivar peak
00
15
(2373)
2000
102
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude The village of Zhirovnica – 1.000 masl.
Highest point Peak Velivar – 2.,373 masl.
Ending point altitude The village of Zhirovnica – 1.000 masl.

A large section of the trail above the village of Zhirovnica passes through
intensively exploited beech woods, but at the section between Zhirov
nica and the villages of Trebishte and Bitushe (trail BHA M15) one may
find beech forest complexes, which possess the character of a primeval
forest (in particular in the ravine between the villages of Vidushe and
Trebishte). The mountain peak Velivar is characterized by extensive high
mountain pastures on a silicate ground and smaller areas under silicate
rocky sites. During the summer this area is characterized by the wide-
spread Koshanin’s houseleek (Sempervivum kosaninii) with its dark red
flowers.
Zhirovnica is a village with the greatest number of inhabitants in "Mavro-
vo" National Park. The traditional architecture is still visible in parts of the
houses, and some of them have been built in a modern style. This village
has been known in the region by many migrants, fortune seekers, and the
specific cultural customs, which may be seen during the village wedding
ceremonies and big traditional festivities in spring and summer.
• Local road Mavrovi anovi – The village of Zhirovnica, 22 km.
103
BHA A1 BH
00
17
(2163) 0 16
00
1 90
0
A
2100
21
18 0
2000
(2062)
00
A1
Plocha
00
19
(2233)
V. Zagrad
Shkrtec(1825)
Kurtovo Chule
2 2 00 0
10
2
0
100
(2211) 0
2
170
00
0
0
120
20
00
1900
(1967)
00
18
Rabdist
(1340)
(1692)
0
150
1000
1100
12 00
16
170
1300 (1853)
00
0
2 000
14 00
(2050)
(2136)
2 10
0
00
00
12 15
19
00
A2
HA
20
V. Ilnice B
00 21
00
±
1 30 18
BHA A2
190
00
0
40
1
0
00
20
2 2 00
00 0 20
0 Meters (2373)
0
90
0 400 800 1.600

110
10
Mali Veljiki
104
GUIDEBOOK
Velivar Peak (Macedonia) to THE village of Zagrad (Albania) BHA A1

The previously explained trail BHA M14 can be extended from Macedo-
nian to Albanian territory towards green pass and can be finished in the
village of Zagrad. The instructions for passing the green areas are given in
the relevant chapter of this guidebook.
From the top of the Velivar Peak climb down and continue to the north

in next 5 km to connect with the trail leading to the village of Zagrad in
Albania.
BHA A2
Velivar Peak (Macedonia) to THE village of Ilnice (Albania)
The trail BHA 14 from Velivar peak except towards the village of Zagrad
can be extended towards green pass to the village of Ilnice (Explaned as
BHA A2 trail). The instructions for passing the green areas are given in the
relevant chapter of this guidebook. From the top of the Velivar Peak climb
down to the west joining the trail leading to the village of Ilnice in Albania.
105
BHA M15
THE Village of Bitushe – Velivar Peak

The route starts in the highest village in this region, the village of Bitu
she. The trail is mild at the beginning and continues along thick beech
woodland until it reaches Lake Lokuv. From here, the route passes by a
mount small dairy and in the northwest, continuing to pastures. Along
the route, over the woodland there are another two smaller lakes. From
here the route becomes steeper up to the ridge between the Republic
of Macedonia and Albania, northbound to Peak Velivar. The way back
is along the same route, or it can be in combination with the described
route from this guidebook (BHA M14).
106
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M15

• When you get past the woodland you can see the beautiful scen-
ery of Mount Bistra, with St. Jovan Bigorski Monastery and the can-
yon of the River Radika in its foothills.
• From the ridge, i.e. the borderline with Albania, you can see the city
of Peshkopi from the Albanian side, and many of the Albanian vil-
lages.
• You can see the villages of Rostushe, Velebrdo, Trebishte, Selce, and
others from the peak, and if the weather is good, you can even see
the mountain massif Prokletije.
107
BHA M15 2 0 00 0
2 10
Zverinje 18
00
0 (1863)
2 20
Velivar peak
1 9 00
2 10 0
17 00
2 10 0
(2116)
16
00
2 000
0
80
22
1
00
21
00 1500
1 4 00
(2078)
160
Lokuv 0
(1635)
Visoki Kamen
(1637)
0
200
(2106) (2040)
00
0
15
90
1 (2087)
00
14
(2075) (1491)
(2141)
0
130
0
2 00
12
00
(2177)
(1406) 11 0 0
210
V. Bitushe
0
900
00
20
±
2 20 0
(2252) Velebrdo
900
(2118)
Meters
0 300 600 1.200 Rostusha
108
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude The village of Bitushe – 1.030 masl.
Highest point Peak Velivar – 2.373 masl.
Ending point altitude The village of Bitushe – 1.030 masl.

The dominant vegetation along the lower half of the trail is the beech
wood, similar to the case of the BHA M14 trail. Near the clearings in the
forest, slightly below Lokuf, the wonder violet (Viola mirabilis) grows, and
this is the only site of this Eurasian violet species in Macedonia (this finding
has not been scientifically verified yet).
The village of Bitushe is a village of many stories. The village is densely po
pulated, and the steep terrain and limited space for building, allowed the
construction masters of this village to express their creativity to the maxi-
mum in the use and shaping of the space, using stone as the main construc-
tion material. The houses in Bitushe have been built with two or three floors,
and only three houses in the village have four floors. There is a lot more to
say about history and tradition, so we recommend you visit the village, talk
to the locals.
• Rooms at Fuad – The village of Rostushe.
• Local road Mavrovi anovi – The village of Bitushe, 30 km.
109
BHA M16
THE Village of Gorno Kosovrasti – Crvena Plocha Peak

The route starts from the information board in the village of Kosovrasti.
The general direction of the route is northbound. Starting from the
village, the route goes to the right and then left towards Peak Bajrak,
where it arrives at the foothill of Peak Crvena Plocha. After climbing Peak
Crvena Plocha, the route may end there, or connect with the route com-
ing from the village of Skudrinje. That route continues northbound, in a
northwest direction passing under Peak Rudina until the area of Vrtok,
110
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M16
at an altitude of 1.900 m. From there, it is possible to climb Peak Krchin or

continue northeast and descend to the village of Bitushe.
• From the route to the south there is a beautiful view of the town
Debar and Lake Debar.
• After climbing the ridge, under Peak Crvena Plocha, you can see the
peaks Rudina and Krchin, the basin of the River Radika and Mounts
Bistra and Stogovo.
111
30
BHA M16
1 7 00
1
0
00
14
15
00
16
Crvena Plocha peak 00
1900
00
18
00
19
(2107)
0
160
00
17
00
18
(1877)
00
16
0
40
Bajrak 1 1300
(1813)
1200
(1223)
1500
100
0
V. Gorno Kosovrasti
1100
90
0
(1110)
± Meters 800
700
Dolno Kosovrasti
6 00
(731)
0 300 600 1.200
112
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude The village of G. Kosovrasti – 8.20 masl.
Highest point Crvena Plocha – 2.107 masl.
Ending point altitude The village of G. Kosovrasti – 820 masl.

The area above the village of Kosovrasti is populated mostly by under-
developed beech woods on steep slopes, while the peak Crvena Plocha
is under high mountain pastures on rocky ground. It is also the site of a
specific violet which resembles the most the aetolic violet (Viola aetolica),
which is characteristic for the southern mountains of the Pindus range, and
can be found only on Galichica in our country.
Gorno Kosovrasti is a village on the border between the areas of Dolna Reka,
i.e. the Mijak ethnographic region and the region of Debar (the Brsjak eth-
nographic region). It is surrounded by dense oak, poplar and aspen woods,
and many other varieties of deciduous trees and due to the composition of
the soil, rocks and limestone, the village and the surrounding area is rich
in water springs with fresh mineral water, feeding the well-known spas of
Debar – "Kosovrasti".
• Hotel spa "Capa" – The village of Kosovrasti.
• Rooms in the village of Kosovrasti.
• Regional road Skopje – Debar, 132 km.
• Local road Debar – The village of Gorno Kosovrasti, 11 km.
113
BHA M17
THE Village of Banishte – Krchin Peak

The route starts from the information board placed in the village of Ban-
jishte. The route may be divided into two sections. The first section has
a northeast line of direction. From the village, the route begins steeply
to the west slopes of Peak Rudina, and continues to the ridge between
the peaks Rudina and Golem Krchin. Here, the route continues through
the Mavrovo National Park. That is the second section of the route. The
direction of this section is northbound. The route leads to the foothill
of Peak Golem Krchin, where it continues along the steep path to the
peak. This guidebook presents the route that returns to the village of
114
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M17

Banjishte, however, there is an option to finish in the villages of Bitushe,
Skudrinje and Gorno Kosovrasti (previously described routes). The trail
may be continued towards the Albanian side through the green pass
which is marked on the map. The instructions for passing the green ar-
eas are given in the relevant chapter of this guidebook. The trail on the
Albanian side is explained as the following trail with the title BHA A3.
• When you pass the ridge of Mount Krchin, to the east there is an un
forgettable view to mounts Bistra and Stogovo, and to the west, the
valley of Black Drin from the side of Albania.
115
BHA M17 (2118)
00
(2252) 00
18
21
90
1
100
2100
1
Krchin peak
0
17 0
2 00
2
21
(1170)
00
2100
2 10 0
Deli Senica 2000
(2174)
20
00
Rudina
(2241)
180
1700 0
16
0
(1701)
0
1 5 00
1400
1300 1 90
0
0
200
120
(1282)
0
1900
100
0
00
18
(1877)
±
00
11
V. Banishte
Bajrak
80 0
(1813)
00
15
00
Hame
0
Meters
160
17
00
14
0 300 600 1.200

116
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude The village of Banjishte – 860 masl.
Highest point Peak Golem Krchin – 2.342 masl.
Ending point altitude The village of Banjishte – 860 masl.

In the area from the village of Banishte to the base of the peak Golem Krchin,
almost all types of sylvan vegetation present in our country alternate -
from xero-thermophilic oak and hornbeam woods (downy oak - Quercus
pubescens and oriental hornbeam - Carpinus orientalis), through thermo-
philic oak woods (Italian oak - Quercus frainetto and Turkey oak Q. cerris),
mesophilic oak woods (sessile oak - Quercus petraea), and the forest belt
ends in a beech wood (Fagus sylvatica), as in the case of the BHA M12 trail.
The landmark of this region is the Debar spa. A popular rehabilitation, rec-
reation, and relaxation center, situated in Debar. The water in this spa center
is thermo-mineral, with an optimum temperature for the body, 38 degrees
Celsius. According to research from the 1970’s, the water springs near the
Debar spas, have been placed first in Europe and third in the world accord-
ing to their healing qualities and mineral content. The springs are located in
the villages of Banjishte and Kosovrasti.
• Hotel spa "Capa" – The village of Banishte.
• Hotel "Venec" – The city of Debar.
• Local road Debar – The village of Banjishte, 6 km.
117
BHA A3
Visoki Kamen
(2040)
(2106)
17
1900
00
(1479)
180
(2087)
0
200
0
(2141)
(2075)
(2177)
(1162)
0
90
(2252) 00
0
200 21
2100
Krchin peak
0
110
00
1900
13
1800
0
00
170
9
21
(1170)
00
2100
16
00
00
1
0
1 20
V. Kerchisht i Siperim
14
1 50
0
2 100
00
Deli Senica
900
800
118
0 400 800
Meters
1.600 ± (1701)
1400
GUIDEBOOK
Krchin Peak (Macedonia) to THE village of Kerchisht i BHA A3

Siperim (Albania)
village of Kerchisht i Siperim. The instructions for passing the green areas
are given in the relevant chapter of this guidebook.

From the top of the Krchin Peak you can continue to the north, and after
1.6 km on altitude of 2100 m turn left (west) then south and join the trail
leading to the village of Kerchisht i Siperim in Albania.
119
STOGOVO MOUNTAIN
STOGOVO MOUNTAIN
The Stogovo Mountain is situated between the valley of the River Black
Drin to the west and the River Sateska to the east. To the north and to
the east Stogovo connects to Bistra Mountain, and to the south, via the
peak Babin Srt (2.240 m.) it connects with the Karaorman mountain. To the
north it is bounded by the Rivers Mala, Garska, and Jamska and the col
Jama, and to south, through Karaorman, it reaches the Ohrid and Struga
valley. To the west and southwest, the slopes of Stogovo Mountain en-
close the Debar field and the valley of the River Black Drin, i.e. the Drimkol
and Malesija regions, while to the east and southeast, it borders with the
Kicevo valley and the northern part of the Debarca region.
It stretches along the northwest-southeast direction. It is a young sharp-
ridged fold mountain. The ridge is clearly pronounced along its entire
length - in some places it is rounded, while in others it is sharp and less ar-
ticulated. The mountainside to the north at first descends mildly, and then
it falls steeply toward the valley or River Mala and its tributaries, the Rivers
120
GUIDEBOOK
STOGOVO MOUNTAIN
Garska and Jamska. The highest peaks are Stogovo (2.318 m) and Golem
Rid (2.273 m), and it has ten other peaks higher than 2.000 m.
Stogovo is a young fold mountain that formed during the Alpine orogeny.
Its geological structure includes philitoids, green shale, carbonates, clays,
chert, etc. During the Pleistocene, the Stogovo Mountain was subjected
to glaciation; hence today there is a presence of glacial relief expressed in
cirques, troughs and moraines. There are three glacial lakes in the cirques:
Upper and Lower lakes and Lake Marusha. The flora is present "by stories",
that is, the base of the mountain is predominated by deciduous beech
and oak forests, while moving upward they are replaced by evergreen
pine forests, and the rocky peaks themselves are surrounded by high
grass pastures known as "Alpine pastures". There are a number of pastures
and pens on the mountain's flattened plateaus called Major and Minor
Megdanica, which are surrounded by the Golem Rid to the west, Babin Srt
to the south and Stogovo peak to the east. In 2012, individual lynx were
detected on two occasions on the eastern slopes of Stogovo, in the Kicevo
area, within the framework of the study on the lynx in Macedonia.
121
KOSOVO
Skopje
STOGOVO MOUNTAIN
Tetovo
Gostivar
ALBANIA
MACEDONIA
Debar Kichevo
Stogovo Mt.
Prilep
Demir Hisar
Struga
Ohrid
Bitola
122
GUIDEBOOK
Tourist sites to visit in the Region of Stogovo

STOGOVO MOUNTAIN
of Mavrovi Anovi.
of Kodzadzik.
123
BHA M18
STOGOVO MOUNTAIN
THE Village of Gari – Babin Srt Peak –

– THE Village of Kodzhadzhik – THE Village of Dolgash –
– "HEC Globochica"
The route starts from the information board located at the end of the vil-
lage of Gari, on the south side of the village. The route leads through the
woodland to the beginning of the pastures passing several small, active
dairies. Up to the last dairy the route continues to the south, then veers
124
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M18
STOGOVO MOUNTAIN
slightly to the southeast, and southwest leading to the Babin Srt peak.
From this point it heads north, descending to the village of Novak. From
the village of Novak, the road leads to the village Kojajik where there
is a path to Svetigrad or Skenderbeg Kale. The path returns along the
same route in the village of Novak, from where it descends to the village
of Dolgash and ends at the River Black Drin, precisely, the Hudropower
plant "Globochica".
125
BHA M18 Kilometers

1 500
150
0 (1131) 200
00
(1597)1600 (1250)
11
0 00,5 1Lepusharnica
2
1
±
(1610)
140
0
00
12 0 0 Kokoshkina Krasta (1325)
13
14 (1862)
0
00 V. Gari
16 (1933)1
9 00
(2014) (1418)
21
00 20
00 (1967) (1848)
180 (1667)
0
0 Stogovo
2 00
00
1 70
21 Osmanica
(2218)
STOGOVO MOUNTAIN
0
(1665)
(1817)
00
(1929) 19
(2107) (1775) (1535)

(1577)
Chaushica
(1884)
Kapa Kaja (1983) (1633)
(1883) (2107)
(1807)
(1686)
Bik Doruk Kanesh
Sadova Osino
00
22
(1797)
1 900
(2208)
(1516)
8 00
Breshtani 21 (2136) (2044)
00 200(2080)
0
Kale (1282) (1942)
17
16
0 0
00
800 (1975) (2054) (2100)Babin Srt

90 0
(1428) (1892)
Kodjadjik (1162)
10 Novak (2241)
(1810)
00
Ushica (1903)
(1103) 1300 (1558) 1500 (2016)
1400 (1602)
(1088)
(1443)
Elevci (1216) Kadiica
Dolgash (1735)
(1901)
(956) 1100
0
120
Gaganesh
6 00
(1331)
10
00 (1332)
00
8
7
90 8 Selci
00
90
0 00
0
Lepurec HEPP Globochica 00

Kale
14
(1065)
1300
1 30 0
00
13
126
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude The village of Gari – 1.108 masl.
Highest point Babin Srt peak – 2.242 masl.
Ending point altitude HPP Crn Drim – 510 masl.
STOGOVO MOUNTAIN
Stogovo is characterized by vast areas under high mountain pastures on
a silicate ground, and only a small part of it is limestone bedrock (mostly
the Bik Doruk peak). There is one local endemic species described from the
upper parts of the mountain – the liveforever (Sempervivum tompsonianum).
Gari is a beautiful traditional village in the Municipality of Debar, located un
der the woodland called Kanesh. The River Garska passes through the village,
and it is a protected natural treasure. The village is very well known for its ico-
nostasis and the woodcarving in the church "Assumption of Holy Mother of
God", made by the group of the renowned master Petre Filipovski - Garkata.
Kodjajik is a village in the area of Zhupa. This village is known because it is
the birthplace of the father of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Ali Riza. There is a
family museum at the place where their family house used to be. A loca-
tion worth visiting is also Skenderbeg Kale or Svetigrad. It is known for the
"Siege of Svetigrad" from 1449. After so many defeats, the Ottoman Empire
decided to gather a great army to defeat Skenderbeg. The main goal of the
Sultan was to win over the fortress Svetigrad (today in ruins). Skenderbeg
tried to resist the assault by the Sultan, but, still, after a two-months battle,
Skenderbeg was forced to release the fortress to the Turks.
• Hotel "Kalin" – The village of Lazoropole.
• Rooms in the village of Gari.
• Hotel "Venec" – City of Debar.
• Local road Debar – The village of Dolgash, 23 km.
127
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
A high mountain in the southwestern part of the Republic of Macedonia.
It is situated between the Ohrid-Struga Valley and the Debar Valley, to the
west of the River Black Drin (Valley and the shore-line of Lake Ohrid. The
eastern side of the mountain belongs to the Republic of Macedonia, while
the western side belongs to the Republic of Albania. It stretches in a me-
ridian direction with a length of 35 km, and its greatest width in our coun-
try is 7.5 km. The part of the mountain on Macedonian territory covers an
area of 255 km2. Jablanica is a fold mountain formed by the Oligo-Miocene
tectonic movements. Its geological structure is represented by Paleozoic
128
GUIDEBOOK
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
shale on the mountain slopes, covered by Triassic limestone. The topog-
raphy of Jablanica is dominated by high mountain peaks, wide expanses,
deep river gorges, and by karts and glacial landforms. Its highest peak is
Crn Kamen (2.257 m.), and it has several other peaks higher than 2.000 m,
such as: Strizak (2.233 m), Krstec (2.186 m), and Cumin Vrv (2.125 m).
The fossil glacial features are represented by five cirques that enclose the four
glacial lakes: Vevcani, Podgorje, Upper and Lower Labuniste. The mountain
abounds in water, and the most famous springs are the ones in Vevcani,
which are a tourism attraction in their own right. In terms of mineral re-
sources, there is a coalmine near the village of Piskupstina.
129
KOSOVO
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
Skopje
Tetovo
Gostivar
ALBANIA
MACEDONIA
Debar
Kichevo
Prilep
Jablanica Mt.
Demir Hisar
Struga
Ohrid
Bitola
130
GUIDEBOOK
Tourist sites to visit in the Region of Jablanica

• Monastery "St. Kliment", located in the micro-space between the set
tlements of Vevchani, Oktisi and Gorna Belica.
• Vevchani springs, Vevchani.
• Watermill on the Vevchani springs, Vevchani.
• Chapel "St. Nedela", Vevchani.
• Chapel "St. Sreda", Vevchani.
• Church of "St. Jovan", Vevchani.
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
• Church of "St. Nikola", Vevchani.
• Church of "St. Prechista", Vevchani.
• Church of "St. Spas", Vevchani.
• Monastery of "St. Petar and Pavle", Vevchani.
• Memorial House of Mihajlo Pupin – Pupin's House, Vevchani.
• Antique objects – Gallery, Vevchani.
• Exhibition of Traditional dresses, Vevchani.
• Picnic area Tishkinec or Samabuka, Podgorci.
• Chapel of "St. Petka", Podgorci.
• Church of "St. Paraskeva" (Saint Petka), Gorna Belica.
• Church of "Holy Trinity" (Parumba), at 2.000 masl. 3.5 km from Gorna Belica.
• Church of St. Atanasij, Vishni.
• Church of St. Spasa, Vishni.
131
BHA M19
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
THE Village of Modrich – Strmnica Peak –

– THE Village of Jablanica
The route starts at the end of the village of Jablanica, before getting off
from the local asphalt road and going along the gravel road leading to
St. Ilija Monastery. There is a stone village fountain and next to it there
is an information board marking the start of the route. The route leads
along the gravel pathway to the football pitch and continues to the wal
king path through a beech woodland, which goes through Golema Li
vada to the ridge leading to Peak Strmnica. From the peak, the route
continues along the ridge of the mountain to the trough Slepcharen
132
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M19
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
and the spring Devojkina voda, passing by the small dairy and following
the basin of the river it descends to the village of Modrich, to the village
fountain. One may take the route in the opposite direction, starting from
the village of Modrich. Along most of the route’s length, there is beech
woodland, and in the higher parts, above 1.700 masl. it leaves the forest
and continues along the mountain ridge along the vast pastures
• Almost any point on the mountain ridge, at 1.600 masl. offers beau-
tiful panoramic views of the horizon over Lake Ohrid and Debar, as
well as the mountains surrounding this region.
133
BHA M19 Meters

(1402)
(1011)
0 300 600 1.200 8 00
±
V. Modrich
(1527)
(970)
00
9
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
11 00 Golem Gaber
10 0
0
(1710)
1500
(1305)
1200
(1442)
4 00 (1288)
1
(1268)
1300
00 00
19
18
1600
170
(1732) 0
(1932)
1800
Strmnica
(1857)
(1904)
00
20
190
0
(2018) (1752)
1800 (1565)
0
1 70
15
00
(1469)
(1552)
(1562)
00 (1434)
14
12
00
Lakaica 1200
1300
(1237)
00 Krusha
14
Gragor 1100
(1231) V. Jablanica
1500 (1408) 00
10
1000
134
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude The village of Jablanica – 1.130 masl.
Highest point Strmnica peak – 1.904 masl.
Ending point altitude The village of Modrich – 860 masl.
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
Above the village of Modrich there are great expanses under beech woods,
with high mountain pastures at a silicate base at the Raduch peak and high
mountain pastures at a limestone base and rocky limestone grounds at the
Strmnica peak above the forest belt. This is the habitat of a flora that is
typical for the limestone ground, including the Shar Mountain tea (Sideritis
scardica). The village of Jablanica is a village of a dispersed settlement type,
with several groups of houses (districts). The area is characterized by rural
aspects of the landscape - forest lots intersected by cut meadows - it is a
type of landscape that is gradually disappearing in Macedonia.
The village of Jablanica is a place worth visiting. The name of the village was
for the first time mentioned in the period from 1342-1345, in the Charter
of Dushan for the Monastery St. Mother of God-Perivlepta in Ohrid. Actu-
ally, the fact that this village was part of one of the roads of the Via Ignacia
connecting the towns Ohrid (Lychnidus) and Struga (Enhalon) with Elbasan
(Mansio Scampa) and Durres (Dyrrhachium), the items that were found made
of ceramic, metal and items of jewelry and toponyms related to the Roman
period are evidence that there had been a settlement here in ancient times.
The village is rich in distinctive, but modest and highly functional architec-
ture, adequate for the climate of this mountain village.
• Rooms in the village of Modrich and accommodation in Vevchani.
• Regional road Skopje – Struga, 172 km.
• Local road Struga – The village of Modrich, 31 km.
• Local road Struga – The village of Jablanica 24 km.
135
BHA M20
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
THE Village of Podgorci – Podgorechko Lake –

– Crn Kamen Peak – "Vevchanska Lokva" – Vevchani
The trail starts from the village of Podgorci. The trail goes on a dirt road that
leads through a beech forest and reaches to Podgorecki Bacila. Moving
along this path, on three occasions, a broad grassy area or meadow is
passed.
Shortly after the sheep farms, crossing the so-called "golinska skala" vast
grasslands are reached. From this point, moving along a better regulat-
ed mountain path will lead to, initially, the small Lake Podgorecko and
shortly after the large Lake Podgorecko. Passing the lake, a detour on the
left is made on a steep trail to reach to the top of Crn Kamen. From the
top the trail descends to a rocky grass area to Vevchanska Lokva where
it continues through sheep farms in Vevcani. From the sheep farms, on
136
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M20
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
a dirt road through the beech forest, the trail goes along the banks of
the River Crven Kladenec and the dry area Esejnca, where by descend-
ing, it ends at Vevcani Springs. The trail may be continued towards the
Albanian side through the green pass, which is marked on the map. The
instructions for passing the green areas are given in the relevant chapter
of this guidebook. The trail on the Albanian side is explained as the fol-
lowing trail with the title BHA A4.
• While climbing to the top, immediately passing the forest towards
the east there is an overlook of the Drimkol region and Lake Globocica.
• From the top section of the decent, there is a wonderful and un-
forgettable view of Vevcani, Struga Field, Lake Ohrid and Galicica
Mountain.
137
BHA M20 00 Meters
±
0
2 10
19 10
0 400 800 1.600
2
90 (2144)
0 2000
1
(1975) (2013)
2 00
0 Podgorechko ezero
00
(1955) (2260)
22
Crn Kamen
2000
(2257)
00
21
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
(2134)
Golubov Kamen
(2189)
(1973)
Vevchanska lokva
190
(2186) 0
(2078)
(1881)
(1949) 18 (1674)
(1948) 00
0
1 70
(1839) Jankovi Lazi (1890) (1762)

00
00 16
(1721) 16
17
(1659)
00
(1708)
(1529)
(1723)
(1495)
(1515)
(1589)
00
1400
16
(1611)
130
00
Suljcho 15
0
Crni Kamen
0
12
110
00
(1238)
1000 Kachjo Gumno
00
12
(1128)
(1039)
V. Vevchani
Tumba
V. Podgorci
900
(1072)
138
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude The village of Podgorci – 940 masl.
Highest point Crn Kamen Peak – 2.257 masl.
Ending point altitude Vevchani Springs – 910 masl.
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
Above the beech wood timberline, high above the village of Podgorci, the
vast area of high mountain pastures on conglomerate ground is situated.
In these parts of the Crn Kamen range one may find well-preserved popu-
lations of the typical subspecies of great yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea),
which is not the case with the other mountains where it can be found (on
Korab and Shar Mountain the gentian is nearly extinct).
In Podgorci, at the start of the trail, you can visit the monasteries "St. Jovan
Vladimir" and "St. Precista". In this section, there are also the churches "St.
Nikola" and the mosque, which were built in the early 19th century. On the
other hand, in Vevchani, there is a cathedral church "St. Nikola" and five
smaller, but no less important churches that you can visit. Do not leave
before you visit the traditional mill, which is close to the Vevchani Springs
where the wheat is ground and processed in the old traditional way.
• No accommodation is available in the village of Podgorci while food
can be bought in local shops.
• Guest houses and restaurants in Vevchani: "Kutmicevica", Vila "Alula", "Vo
Izvor", "Domakinska kuka", "Pupin’s house', "Sutinoski" and "Via Ignatia".
• Rooms in Vevchani.
• Highway Skopje - Struga, 172 km.
• Local road Struga – The village of Podgorci, 13 km.
• Local road Struga – Vevchani, 14 km.
139
BHA A4 V. Stebleve 1 50
0 Chuknitapan 1700
160
1 7 00
1 600
0
(1765)
1500
1200
1 5 00 (1562)
1400 (1551)
Lakaica
1300
1200
130
0 Gragor
0
1 50 (1514) (1408)
(1540)
00
14
Nezirica
Kamenjar Lelajka
00
16
(2054)
70
0
1 (2059)
1800
190
00
(2073)
0
20
Strizhek
Saddle
19
0
18
21
(2042) (2089) (2184)

00
22
0
170
00
2 00
(2120)
0
0
190
1 80 0
1 800 Pupuljak 1700
(1734)
(2054)
00
(2185) 19 Golubov Kamen
21 0
00
0
17
2000 (1973)
Podgorechko ezero
1 1700 (1982)
±
(1978)
300
1200 (2144)
14
00
19
00
19
00
(2078) 0
1 90
Shkembi Ljapa
21
00
Kilometers
50 (2038)
1
0
0 0,5 1 1500
2
160
Crn Kamen peak

0
140
GUIDEBOOK
Crn Kamen Peak (Macedonia) to village of Stebleve (Albania) BHA A4

village of Stebleve. The instructions for passing the green areas are given
in the relevant chapter of this guidebook.
From the top of the Crn Kamen Peak follow the crest to the north in 1.5 km,
then turn slightly to the left (west) in Albania, on the trail that will lead you
to the village of Stebleve in Albania.
141
BHA M21
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
VevcHani Springs – Crven Kladenec – Jankov Kamen –

– VevcHani Springs
This trail starts in front of the Vevchani Springs close to the traditional mill,
moving westward. The trail initially is sandy and then with dirt, until the area
where it leads to the asphalt road that leads to Jankov Kamen. From there,
the path leads along over a small creek to the place known as Crven Klad-
enec. From this point the trail continues up through the beech forest, until
it arrives at the asphalt road leading to the village of Gorna Belica and goes
142
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M21
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
down to Jankov Kamen. Then the trail leads down to the Vevchani Springs.
It passes through a beech forest and grassland just before reaching the end
of the trail. The path descends through a pine forest to Vevchani Springs.
• From Jankov Kamen and along the track, there are various land-
scapes which are particularly interesting in the autumn when the
leaves change color in a variety of the hues of yellow, red and gold.
143
BHA M21 Meters

140 0
0 150 300 600 Crven kladenec
15
00
±
00
15
(1515)
0
140
0
130
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
140
0
Crni Kamen
Suljcho
(1238)
(1253)
1100
0
120
1000
(1039) Vevchani springs

Tumba
(1072)
Vevchani springs
900
144
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude Vevchani Springs – 910 masl.
Highest point Jankov Kamen – 1.344 masl.
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
This part of Jablanica is characterized by spacious beech woods. Near Jankov
Kamen one may also find an interesting and rare tree species – the guelder-
rose (Viburnum opulus).
The characteristics of this trail are the clear waters of the mountain spring
Crven Kladenec. The natural beauties in the area of Jankov Kamen and the
famous Vevchani Springs; a natural rarity, with its specific structure, flora and
fauna. The church "St. Prechista" is a historic site that was demolished, but re
cently the foundations of the church from the 19th century with significantly
larger dimensions were discovered. According to studies, construction be
gan at the end of the 19th century, but for reasons unknown, construction
ceased because it was assumed that the church was being built on the foun-
dations of an older church dating back to the St. Clement period.
• Guest houses and restaurants in Vevchani: "Kutmichevica", Vila "Alula",
"Vo Izvor", "Domakinska kuka", "Pupin’s house', "Shutinoski" and
"Via Ignatia".
• Highway Skopje – Struga, 172 km.
145
BHA M22
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
VevcHani – Vajtos – St. Clement – Pisanik Peak –

– Jankov Kamen – VevcHani Springs
The trail starts from Vevchani Springs, continuing along the asphalt road
through a settlement to the bridge on the river, from where a dirt road
begins along a forest of chestnut trees. From this point, the trail continues
through a chestnut and beech forest on a dirt road that leads to the an-
cient site of Vajtos. Through a mixed area of beech and oak forest spread
146
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M22
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
with open meadow areas, the trail passes via the Planinska Kuca and the
Monastery of St. Clement and the trail continues to the top Pisanik. At the
top there is a wonderful panoramic area. From the top, the trail descends
through beech forest down a forest road leading to the picnic spot Jankov
Kamen. From here, the return is via a mountain path until Vevchani Springs.
• Panoramic view towards Vevchani and Lake Ohrid.
147
BHA M22
1
Meters
0 200 400 800
±
30
1100
0
900
1200
Suljcho
V. Vevchani
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
(1253)
(1039)
1000
Crni Kamen
(1238) Tumba
(1072)
1300
1400
Vajtos (Gradishte)
12
00
Pisanik
(1457)
(1264)
(1382)
(1269)
St. Kliment
Goli Vrv
(1225)
12
00
148
GUIDEBOOK
Highest point Pisanik Peak – 1457 masl.
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
This part of Jablanica is characterized by large beech wood complexes.
Vajtos is an archaeological site near the village of Oktisi. The site is a confir
med settlement from early antiquity and Roman times. It is situated 3 km
west of the village, and extends to a great height, with steep slopes, which
dominate the Struga area. At the top, there is a confirmed settlement with
dimensions of 680 m × 80 m. On the north side there are the remains of the
bulwark wall from the Hellenic period, 2.20 meters wide, dry laid with blocks
of stone up to 1.30 m long. In the western area, the construction area is en-
larged and expanded with walls dating from Roman times.
• Guest houses and restaurants in Vevchani: "Kutmichevica", Vila "Alula",
"Vo Izvor", "Domakinska kuka", "Pupin’s house', "Shutinoski" and
"Via Ignatia".
149
BHA M23
M22
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
VevcHani – St. Spas – VevcHani

The starting point of the trail is Vevchani Springs. The trail moves along a
forest dirt road through the forest. For a short period of time the trail moves
along an asphalt road from where the trail continues on well-processed bed
rock. Then the trail continues on the dirt road through an ancient beech for-
150
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M23
M22
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
est and leads to the monastery St. Spas. The descent from the monastery
is through a pleasant trail in the forest belt and ends at Vevchani Springs.
• Panoramic view towards the upper Drimkol region and Lake Glo-
bochica.
151
BHA M23 14
00
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
1200
1300
St. Spas
0
110
1100
V. Vevchani
±
1000
900
Meters
0 150 300 600
152
GUIDEBOOK
Highest point Monastery "St. Spas" – 1.300 masl.
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
Next to the monastery Sv. Spas, one can find an ancient beech forest with
typical features of a primeval forest.
St. Spas monastery from the 19th century is located on this trail and is
1.300 masl.
• Guest houses and restaurants in Vevchani: "Kutmichevica", Vila "Alu-
la", "Vo Izvor", "Domakinska kuka", "Pupin’s house', "Shutinoski" and
"Via Ignatia".
153
BHA M24
M22
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
VevcHani – the village of Gorna Belica – CHumin Vrv –

– Tri SHilka – the village of VisHni
The trail starts from Vevchani Springs. Through a pine forest, to Jankov Ka-
men, it leads to the village of Gorna Belica. It passes the village and follows a
sandy trail through a beech forest. After a slight incline, there is an area un-
der the Chumin Vrv. At this place there is a mountain church "Sveta Troica",
commonly known as Parumba. From this point, the trail climbs steeply to
the Chumin Vrv. From this position, on the left, the trail moves on pasture
154
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M24
M22
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
fields to the top of Tri Shilka. From the peak of Tri Shilka, the trail, while cross-
ing the beech forest, passes near the starting position where paragliders
take off. On the lower part, via a wide forest road, the trail descends into the
village of Vishni.
• Panoramic view of the village. Gorna Belica, Struga Field and Lake Ohrid.
• Offering a special panoramic vista, the starting point for paraglid-
ers is considered an attraction where you have a view across the
entire region.
155
BHA M24 00
20
900
19 00
10
2
0
21
00
(2189) (1890) Suljcho
V. Vevchani
Jankovi Lazi (1515)
(1708)
20
(2186)
00
(1039)
00
10
(1949) Crven kladenec Crni Kamen
Tumba Oktisi
1
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
(1238)
(1839) (1659) (1495)
90
(1072)
0
Chumin Vrv
20 Vajtos (Gradishte)
00
Pisanik
(1611)
00
(1912) Gorna Belica 1 4 (1457)
(1264)
1 50
300 (1382)
0
1
(1836) 160 Goli Vrv
St. Kliment (1269)
0
(1742)
(1681)
(1927) 1 2 00 (1225)
1 90
1100
0
(1788)
0
100
(1891)
Kirkur1 7 0 0
Kokalo
(1822)18 0
0
(1586) Mali Kokal
(1800)
80
0 (1377)
1
(1863) V. Vishni
(1915)
00 (1694)
16 (1885)
Mechkina Dupka
(1343)
1300
(1945) (1864)
18
00
(1787) Goli Vrv

14
00
(1799) (1402)
±
15
(1773) (1863)
13
00
00
(1492) (1861)
(1662)
(1329)
140
(1715) (1395)
0
(1658)
Kilometers
15
00
11
0 1
0 0,5 1 0
2 20
0
156
GUIDEBOOK
Highest point Chumin Vrv peak – 2.125 masl.
Ending point altitude The village of Vishni – 1.075 masl.
JABLANICA MOUNTAIN
The southern part of Jablanica (Chuma – Tri Shiljka – Vishni) is entirely a lime-
stone massif. Above the beech woods there are widespread pastures on
limestone ground and rocky limestone grounds with specific vegetation.
Below Chumin Vrv, at the lowest point of the Krstec valley, a large popula-
tions of crocuses (Saffron) develop each June, of which the white-flowered
one are distinct from the rest. Recently these plants have been described as
a new endemic Jablanica crocus species (Crocus jablanicensis).
In the village of Gorna Belica there is a central church, "St. Paraskeva",
which dates from the 19th century where in its vicinity there are the re-
mains of a Roman cemetery. At the Macedonian-Albanian border under
Chumin Vrv, there is the church of "St. Troica".
In the village of Vishni is located the central church "St. Atanasij", and in
close proximity to the village, along the route of the River Sushica, is the
cave church, "St. Spas".
• Hotels, apartments and rooms in Vevchani.
• Mountain hut in the village of Gorna Belica.
• Highway Skopje - Struga, 172 km.
• Local road Struga – The village of Vishni, 9 km.
157
GALICHICA MOUNTAIN
GALICHICA MOUNTAIN
A mountain situated in the outermost southwest part of the Republic
of Macedonia, which, in the form of a typical horst, rises in between the
Ohrid Valley to the west and the Prespa Valley to the east. To the north it
is continued by the mountains of Petrino and Istok, and by the Bukovo col
(1.207 m) it is morphologically separated from the Plaken Mountain.
It stretches 50 km along the meridian, and its smallest width is between
the village of Trpejca and the village of Leskoec (10 km). Only the southern-
most parts of Galichica rise above 2.000 m. Its part south of Zli Dol is called
Old Galichica. It is the highest part of the national park with the most re-
markable relief. Its sides cut steeply toward the lakes and are furrowed
with dry ravines, which give the mountain an inaccessible look. It lowest
points are at the level of Lake Ohrid (695 m.) and the level of Lake Prespa
(850 m), with its highest peak being Magaro (2.255 m), and there is another
158 peak at an altitude of 2.275 m situated on the very border with Albania.
GUIDEBOOK
GALICHICA MOUNTAIN
The main geological surface on the greatest part of Mount Galichica are
Paleozoic metamorphic silicates, covered by a 500-550 m thick layer of
horizons of massive spongy limestone. Such a geological structure and
the presence of the karst geomorphological forms make the mountain
resemble the mountains from the Dinara system. On Galichica one may
encounter slopes, dolines, uvalas, and karst fields (surface karst features)
and caves and sinkholes (ground karst features).
The water permeability of the limestone layer has turned Galichica into
one of the driest mountains in Macedonia. Only a few continuously-flow-
ing water springs can be found in its mountainous parts, but those have a
very low yield. Compared to the mountainous part, the Lake Ohrid shore-
line is rich in water springs. The springs near the St. Naum monastery
complex are the most characteristic ones. They represent a typical karst
hydrological feature in the form of a spring.
159
KOSOVO
GALICHICA MOUNTAIN
Skopje
Tetovo
Gostivar
ALBANIA
MACEDONIA
Debar
Kichevo
Prilep
Demir Hisar
Struga
Ohrid
Galichica Mt. Bitola
160
GUIDEBOOK
Apart from their geological and hydrological features, the springs are cha
racterized by a wealth of plant and animal life that inflate its ambient value.
Due to the exceptional natural beauty and the distinctive flora and fauna
of the forest areas on the Galichica Mountain, a great portion of the moun-
tain, covering and area of 22.750 hectares, was proclaimed a National Park
in 1958. The Galichica National Park, which is located in the outermost south
west parts of the Republic of Macedonia, is characteristic for its position-
ing between the two lakes – Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa - as well as for
GALICHICA MOUNTAIN
its articulated orography and the interesting geomorphological features
(deep ravines, different types of karst and glacial landforms).
Tourist sites to visit in the Region of Galichica
• The city of Ohrid, with many cultural and historical monuments, ar-
cheological sites, museums, galleries and memorial houses of emi-
nent people from the history of Ohrid and Macedonia.
• "Museum on Water", Gradishte, the village of Peshtani.
• Cave churches from the period between the 12th and 14th century
at the foreshore of Lake Ohrid, between Peshtani and auto-camping
site Ljubanishta.
• Monastery of "St. Naum" and the impressive springs of the River Crni
Drim, which is a part of the protected area of Galichica National Park.
• The Golem Grad Island, which is a part of the protected areas of Ga-
lichica National Park, due to its rich biodiversity, specific geo-mor-
phological composition, as well as the numerous archeological sites
dating from antiquity and the Middle Ages.
• Fisherman’s village Konjsko and the tourist settlement Stenje, well-
known for its fish specialties.
161
BHA M25
M22
GALICHICA MOUNTAIN
The village of PesHtani – Magaro Peak

The trail starts from the asphalt road Ohrid – St. Naum in the center of the vil-
lage of Pestani. It runs across the plateau Trpejcko field and St. Spas church.
It moves on to the picnic place Korita, to the mountain road slope, Lipova
meadow, at 1.630 masl. This point makes the path available in many varieties
and for the needs of different target groups. In most of the length, the trail
runs through beech forest, while in its upper parts the trail moves through
pasture. The ground is generally combined dirt and rock. From this posi-
tion moving to the south, the first part the trail rises steeply and then gently
162
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M25
M22
GALICHICA MOUNTAIN
passes through the ridge Galicica and after that it reaches the Magaro peak.
Following the same path the tour ends in the village of Pestani. The tour can
be adjusted using asphalt road to the picnic area Korita or to the mountain
road slope Lipova meadow which makes the hike easy to moderate.
• From almost every point of the mountain ridge, which stretches out at
over 1.900 masl. beautiful panoramic views over the horizons of both
lakes and mountains that surround it can be seen. Surely this is the only
view in Macedonia of its two largest lakes.
163
BHA M25
Bugarska Chuka
15
00
V. Peshtani (1801)
1700
(837)
(875) (1075)
16 0
Rakidje
0
GALICHICA MOUNTAIN
Visoka Krasta
1800
(999) (1056)
(1899)
19
00
Lake Ohrid
Bajrache
(1924)
1 60 0
(1162)
Lako Signoj
(1144) (1951)
(1162) Crven Kamen

10
Koritski Rid (1778)
0
150
00
Kukulon
900
1400
(971)
0
150
110
00
16
0
1 200
00
80
Trpejca 17
(1958)
0
(1606) 00
18
1 9 00
±
2000
90
0
(1005)
70
Magaro peak
0
00
Meters
21
220
0 400 800 1.600 0
164
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude The village of Peshtani – 710 masl.
Highest point Magaro peak – 2.255 masl.
Ending point altitude The village of Peshtani – 710 masl.
GALICHICA MOUNTAIN
The mountain of Galichica is exceptionally abundant in terms of plant di-
versity. It is the habitat of numerous endemic species. Galichica is predomi-
nantly a limestone mountain and it features the most typical karst land-
forms in our country. In terms of vegetation, the most featured are the dry
mountain pastures at a limestone base, limestone rocks and boulders, as
well as a large number of forest communities. Some of the endemic species
are: the Galichica houseleek (Sempervivum galicicum, which forms a part
of the S. ciliosum complex including non-glandular taxons), eternal flower
(Helichrysum zivojinii), Mayer’s catmint (Nepeta ernesti-mayeri), Mayer’s milk
vetch (Astragalus mayeri), Cvijic’s crocus (Crocus cvijicii), Horvat’s rockbell (Ed-
raianthus horvatii), several knapweeds species (Centaurea spp.), etc.
To describe the characteristics and cultural and historical sites in this
area, it is necessary to design an addition to this guidebook. The wealth
of historic and cultural monuments in the Ohrid region is of great impor-
tance for the country. Here we will mention the Museum, "Bay of Bones",
which is a reconstruction of prehistoric palafitte settlement from the
late Bronze and early Iron Age. Along the trail on the ridge of the moun-
tain near the Magaro peak, the remains of trenches and buildings, dat-
ing from the period of the First World War can be seen.
• Accommodation and food is available in both the city of Ohrid and
the village of Peshtani.
• Highway Skopje – Ohrid, 172 km.
• Local road Ohrid – The village of Peshtani, 13 km.
165
BHA M26
M22
GALICHICA MOUNTAIN
The village of StenJe – Magaro Peak

The trail starts from the asphalt road Otesevo - Stenje, just before the en-
trance to the village of Stenje where there is a clearly visible information
panel that marks the beginning of the trail. The trail passes through the vil-
lage of Leskoec and the slope of the mountain Lipova Livada. For the ma-
jority of its length, the trail runs through an oak forest. Over the oak belt a
beech forest starts, while the upper track moves over pasture. The trail is
generally of combination dirt and rock. From this position moving to the
south, in the first part, the trail rises steeply and then gently passes the ridge
166
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M26
M22
GALICHICA MOUNTAIN
Galichica where it reaches the Magaro peak. Following the same path the
tour ends in the village of Stenje. The tour can be adjusted using asphalt
road to the village of Leskoec or to the mountain road slope Lipova mead-
ow which makes the hike moderate to easy.
• From almost every point along the mountain ridge, which stretches out
at 1.900 masl. beautiful panoramic views of Lakes Ohrid and Prespa, and
the surrounding mountains are visible. In fact, this is the only view in
Macedonia towards both of the country’s biggest lakes.
167
BHA M26 00
170
18
0
0
22
21
00
0
1900
1600
Magaro peak
18
00 0 0
17
00
GALICHICA MOUNTAIN
20
(1958) 160
0
00
19
1400
0
21 0
0
8 00
150
1
00
(1418)
(2073)
16
1900
1 9 00 (1249)
(1928) 0
1 70
10
00
Leskoec
(1062)
13 00 Vrshinana
00
00
12 11 (1044)
0
90
900
(950)
Prichno brdo 90 0
00
±
10 1000 (958)
900
Meters
900
0 300 600 1.200 (840) V. Stenje
168
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude The village of Stenje – 860 masl.
Highest point Magaro peak – 2.255 masl.
Ending point altitude The village of Stenje – 860 masl.
GALICHICA MOUNTAIN
The slopes of Galichica in the direction of the village of Stenje are covered
by thermophilous oak woods (Italian oak - Quercus frainetto and Turkey oak
Q. cerris), but the most important woods from a conservation aspect are the
Macedonian oak (Quercus trojana) and the Greek juniper woods (Juniperus
excelsа and J. foetidissima). The presence of some endemic knapweed spe-
cies (Centaurea galicicae and C. soskae) is also worth noting. Above the oak
wood belt there are beech (Fagus sylvatica) and mixed beech and fir woods
(Abies borisii-regis), with several individual specimens of Bosnian pine (Pinus
heldreichii). At the fringes of the woods, along the trail, one may find the very
rare species of the Rayed broom - Genista radiata.
Near the village of Stenje there is the island Golem Grad, which belongs
to the strictly protected areas in the "Galichica" National Park due to the
presence of endemic species, the large population of pelicans and the
large number of reptiles (snakes), hence the name of the island on Lake
Prespa - Snake Island. The island is located at an archeologic locality, in
the area Naselba, which dates from the 4th century BC and survived until
the 6th century AD. On the island there are remains of a medieval mo-
nastic settlement, which existed until the early 20th century. From this
period there are the remains of the famous churches "St. Petar", "St. Dim-
itrija" and "St. Nichola Vlaia" all of which are dated from the 14th century.
• Accommodation in hotels and bed & breakfast facilities in Stenje
and Oteshevo.
• Highway Skopje – Resen, 206 km.
• Local road Resen – The village of Stenje, 22 km. 169
BABA MOUNTAIN
BABA MOUNTAIN
A mountain massif located in the southwest of the Republic of Macedo
nia, with Pelister as its highest peak (2.601 m). By virtue of the multi-sta
ged tectonic activities, the mountain rises in a typical horst between the
Pelagonia Valley to the east and the Prespa Valley to the west. To the
north, via the mountain pass Gjavato (1.167 m) and Capari field, it is mor-
phologically separated from the Bigla Mountain (1.656 m), while to the
south it continues in Greece, all the way up to the mountain pass Vigla
(1.505 m), along the Florina - Kastoria road. It stretches along the me-
ridian to a total length of 35 km. The border between Macedonia and
Greece passes through its southern parts. Within the territory of our
country it covers an area of 436 km2. The dominant geomorphologic
form of the high mountain area is the main ridge of the mountain, which
also serves as a water divide between the Adriatic and the Aegean ba-
sins. Apart from Pelister, there are several other mountain peaks rising
above 2.000 m from the ridge. Those are the following: Stiv (2.468 m), Vi-
soka Cuka (2.182 m), Vrteska (2.010 m), Ilinden (2.542 m), Golemo Stapalo
and (2.415 m).
170
GUIDEBOOK
BABA MOUNTAIN
The Pleistocene glaciation resulted in the occurrence of fossil cirques which
accommodated the big and the small glacial lakes, or the so-called "Pel-
ister's Eyes".
Of plant life, the greatest area of the mountain is covered by molica for-
ests, of which 1.174 hectares are under purely molica forests, while the
rest is covered by combined molica-fir, molica-beech, molica-beech-fir,
beech and oak-beech forests. As regards the elements of the flora, the
most important is the presence of the five needle molica pine (Pinus peuce) -
a unique species dating back to the Tertiary age, that grows only on few
mountains in the Balkan Peninsula, and reaches the ecological optimum
of its development on Baba mountain, spreading across the altitude ran
ge from 1.000 to 2.200 m and above.
In 1948, due to the exceptional natural beauty and the historic and sci-
entific significance of the forests and the forest ecosystems of the Baba
Mountain, a portion of the mountain covering an area of 12.500 hectares
was proclaimed a national park.
171
KOSOVO
Skopje
BABA MOUNTAIN
Tetovo
Gostivar
ALBANIA
MACEDONIA
Debar
Kichevo
Prilep
Demir Hisar
Struga
Ohrid
Baba Mt.
Bitola
172
GUIDEBOOK
Tourist sites to visit in the Region of Baba

• Ancient locality "Heraclea", Bitola.
• Saat Kula (Clock Tower), Bitola.
• Church of "St. Dimitrija", Bitola.
• Isak mosque, Bitola.
• Jeni mosque, Bitola.
• Museum of the town of Bitola, Bitola.
• Museum dedicated to the Jews from Bitola, Bitola.
• German Cemetery, Bitola.
BABA MOUNTAIN
• French Cemetery, Bitola.
• Ski centre Kopanki.
• Information center of the Pelister National Park.
• Monument of D. I. Murato, Kopanki.
• "St. Atanas", the village of Dihovo.
• Church of "St. Petka", the village of Malovishta.
• Church of "St. Spas", the village of Malovishta.
• Monastery of "St. Ana", the village of Malovishta.
• Nativity Monastery "St. Bogorodica", the village of Slivnica.
• Church of "St. Gjorgji", the village of Kurbinovo.
173
BHA M27
M22
BABA MOUNTAIN
THE Village of Dihovo – "Jorgov Kamen" – hotel "Molika"

The trail begins in the village of Dihovo, near "Villa Dihovo". The first
part of the trail passes through the village then follows the paved road
(Bitola – Nizepole) from where the trail continues on a mountain path
leading to the monastery "St. Atanas". The ground on this part of the trail
is covered with sand and soft grass. The trail continues through the for-
est belt with mixed beech, pine and birch forest. The second part of the
trail starts from the church "St. Atanas" to "Jorgov Kamen" at 1.744 masl.
174
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M27
M22
BABA MOUNTAIN
The mountain trail from "Jorgov Kamen" gently descends to the moun-
tain lodge Kopanki, from here it descends to the Hotel "Molika" where
it eventually ends. This part of the trail is in the "Pelister" National Park,
and it moves through Molika forest.
• Looking towards the northwest from Jorgov Kamen, a view towards
the Pelagonija valley opens in front of you. To the southeast you can
see Nizepole.
175
90
BHA M27
1
0
Izvidnica
1800
170
16
1200
00
19
0
00
BABA MOUNTAIN
1500
(1265)
Hotel Molika
Jorgov Kamen
(1541)
13 Magarevo
00
(1408)
(1356)
Trnovo
St. Atanas
(1280)
110
0
(1023)
Nizhepole (1065)
00 900
10
11 0 0
0
1200 80
±
1 3 00 V. Dihovo
1400 Meters
0 300 600 1.200
176
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude The village of Dihovo – 830 masl.
Highest point Jorgov Kamen – 1.744 masl.
Ending point altitude Hotel "Molika" – 1.420 masl.
BABA MOUNTAIN
The most distinctive vegetation for this trail is the molika woods (Pinus peuce
– also called Macedonian pine), which has very beautiful communities near
Jorgov Kamen and on the way to Hotel Molika. Owing to these woods, a
part of the Pelister mountain was proclaimed a national park in 1948 (the
first one in Macedonia and in former Yugoslavia). This five-needle pine was
presented to the scientific community for the first time by the botanist Au-
gust Grisebach in 1846, and there is a memorial plaque dedicated to him at
Lastojchin Kamen in the vicinity of Hotel Molika.
A typical site is the church "St. Atanas" in the foothills of Pelister. The buil
ding dates from the 19th century with authentic iconostasis, a small inn
and room for resting. Nearby is a fountain with spring water with a beau-
tiful view of the Pelagonija valley.
• Accommodation in the village of Dihovo: Villa "Dihovo", Villa "Ilinden"
and Villa "Patrice".
• Vila "Pajo" and Vila "Damaja" – The village of Nizo Pole.
• Hotel Molika.
• Local road Bitola – The village of Dihovo, 6 km.
• Regional road Skopje – Bitola, 175 km.
• Local road Bitola – Hotel "Molika", 14 km.
177
BHA M28
M22
BABA MOUNTAIN
hotel "Molika" – THE Village of MalovishtE – monastery "St. Ana"

The trail starts from the Hotel "Molika" and continues on the path that
leads to the mountain lodge "Kopanki." From here the trail leads to
Palisnopje and down the wide dirt road at an altitude of 1.500 m. This
part of the trail leads through a dense molika (pine) forest all the way to
the hunting lodge at 1.950 masl. from where a small part, which leads
to Pelister peak, goes along the winter demarcation. At the place called
Siroka, the trail turns west and leads to a junction of paths. From the
junction the trail continues to the springs of the River Semnica and de-
scends along the valley of the River Semnica. Above the valley the peaks
178
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M28
M22
BABA MOUNTAIN
Golema Chuka and Kozji Kamen are located. Walking through the beech
forest you reach the village of Maloviste and from here the path leads to
the lodgings of the monastery "St. Ana".
• In the first part of the trail while moving through the molika forest,
you will feel relaxed just by the smell and the view. A distinguishing
characteristic are the stone rivers - dry ravines filled with shattered
rock from denudation and mechanical disintegration of rocks, ma
de up by a large quantity of broken rocks and blocks of different
sizes, chaotically turned over.
179
BHA M28 Chun

0 Vrtushka
(1444) 1 50 0 0 (1738)
17 (1709)
170
(2010)
00
(1662)
0
140
13
Monastery St. Ana
0
00
16
14
00
(1516) (1432)
1 3 00
1200
(1319)Malovishte 1100
BABA MOUNTAIN
0 (2026)
2 00
(2053)
(1684)
150 0
(1357) (1453)1600
(1757) 1 7 00
180
(1503) 0
(1628) (1816) (2020)

19
0 1 3 00
2100
0
(2137)
14
1 2 00
00
(2180)
00 (1700)
20
0
130
(1524)
20
2
0
(1283)
(2181) (2106)21 00
Shiroko Stapalo 240
0 2500 23 (2036) Kale
00
Pelister (1733)
(2085)
Stiv (1755)
Velenca (2468) Izvidnica
(2023)
20
22 (2135)
00 2 1
00
±
(1852)
00
Stjaj
Kilometers140
0
0 0,5 1 (1922) 2 00 1400 Hotel Molika

15
1300
180
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude Hotel "Molika" – 1.420 masl.
Highest point Junction – 2.150 masl.
Ending point altitude Monastery "St. Ana" – 1.400 masl.
BABA MOUNTAIN
In the area between Hotel Molika and the village of Malovishte there devel-
ops a thick and diverse forest vegetation featuring molika woods (Pinus peu-
ce), fir woods (Abies borisii-regis), mixed molika and fir woods, beech woods
(Fagus sylvatica) and, to a lesser extent, mesophilic oak woods. Some of the
woods have developed on the stone runs descending the Pelister peak to
the north.
A place that is attractive and worth describing is the village of Malov-
ishte. This is a mountain village, at the foot of Baba Mountain and it is
the only settlement within the Pelister National Park. Maloviste which
captivates with its interesting and authentic architecture, large houses
built of stone through which the old cobbled streets and stone bridges
pass. Just above the village is the monastery "St. Ana". In the vicinity of
the monastery there is healing water that springs from the root of an
oak tree and has been there since time immemorial. Visit the monastery
complex of St. Ana in Malovishte and feel the peace that will lift and rest
your spirit.
• Hotel "Molika" – N.P. Pelister
• Hotel "Shumski Feneri" and Hotel "Shator" – The village of Trnovo.
• Monastery "St. Ana" above the village of Malovishte.
• Highway Skopje – Bitola, 175 km.
• Local road Bitola – The village of Maloviste, 21 km.
• Local road Bitola – Hotel Molika, 15 km.
181
BHA M29
M22
BABA MOUNTAIN
Monastery "St. Ana" – THE Village of Kurbinovo

The trail starts from the inns at the monastery "St. Ana" and continues to
the passage Kodra. In this section, the trail moves through a beech for-
est with soft ground of sand and leaves. From the Kodra passage along a
wide dirt forest road, the trail continues to descend to 1.350 masl. From
this point, to the left it continues to move along a mountain path that goes
through a beech and oak forest. The trail leads to the monastery "St. Bogo-
182
GUIDEBOOK
BHA M29
M22
BABA MOUNTAIN
rodica" – Slivnitsa. The trail continues along a light dirt path, through a thin
forest and ends in the parking lot at the monastery "St. Giorgija" in the
village of Kurbinovo.
• After the Kodra passage, on the southwest slopes of Baba Moun-
tain, there is a beautiful view of Lake Prespa and Galichica moun-
tain.
183
Glava
BHA M29 00
0
13
140
(1226)
1700
1 5 00
(1540) Kodra
(1738)
St. Ana
16
00
(1738)
BABA MOUNTAIN
(1277)
10
00
(1662)
2000
(1150)
19
0
0
110
0
(1279)
(1444)
180
150 0
0
16
13
1 7 00
00
00
(1238)
14
00
12 00
V. Kurbinovo
(1364)
±
Kuli
(1045)
(1338) (1457)
90
0
Meters
(1211)
0 300 600 1.200
184
GUIDEBOOK
Starting point altitude Monastery "St. Ana" – 1.400 masl.
Highest point Kodra passage – 1.739 masl.
Ending point altitude The village of Kurbinovo – 1.080 masl.
BABA MOUNTAIN
The trail leads mostly on the Prespa side of the mountain, which is charac-
terized by spacious beech and oak woods (mesophilic sessile oak – Quercus
petraea) and thermophilic (Italian oak - Quercus frainetto and Turkey oak Q.
cerris) woods. The Pelister Mountain, in particular on the Prespa side, is also
known for its numerous and stable population of brown bears (Ursus arctos)
- the symbol of our western mountains.
A historically important monument to visit is the church dedicated to
St. Giorgija which is located about three kilometers above the village of
Kurbinovo. The church was built in 1191 (12th century), as shown by the
inscription above the altar, being built as a single nave building with a
semicircular apse. The building is 17 meters long and 7 meters wide. This
is the biggest single nave church in Macedonia. The painting of the fres-
coes in the church date from 25th of April, 1191. The frescoes are among
the most beautiful, most original and most completely preserved fres-
coes from that period.
• Monastery "St. Ana" above the village of Malovishte.
• Rooms in the villages of: Kurbinovo and Brajchino.
• Accommodation on Prespa Lake.
• Highway Skopje – Bitola, 175 km.
• Local road Bitola – The village of Malovishte, 21 km.
• Highway Skopje – Resen, 206 km.
• Local road Resen – The village of Kurbinovo, 14 km.
185
186
Acknowledgements
The product Balkan Hiking Adventure has been developed with contribu-
tions from: Macedonian Association of International Mountain Leaders Sko-
pje, which coordinated the whole process of development of the presented
hiking trails; the members of the mountain clubs: Ljuboten – Tetovo, Burimi
Shar –Vranjovce, Bistra – Gostivar, Dibra – Debar, Cern Kamen – Vevcani, Dimi-
tar Ilievski Murato – Bitola and the alpine club Patagonija – Ohrid in marking
and signposting of the trails and contribution to product development;
Professor Ljupco Melovski PhD in the part of the text describing the biodi-
versity pinpoints; the National Agency for Tourism Promotion and Support
(APPTRM) in coordination with other similar measures and support to the
project; Center for development of Pelagonija region and the municipalities
of Gostivar and Debar in mobilization of relevant stakeholders and orga-
nization of workshops; the travel agency Mountain Experience – Skopje in
creation of sample packages; GIZ colleagues and mountain tourism ex-
perts from Albania: Ismail Beka and Endrit Shima and from Kosovo: Ekrem
Hyseni and Nehari Driza in identification of connecting neighbouring trails;
GIZ Macedonia team in provision of logistics.
188
GUIDEBOOK
189
190
GUIDEBOOK
191

mountain
• SHAR
• BISTRA
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www.balkanhikingadventure.com • KRCHIN
• STOGOVO
• JABLANICA
ISBN:978-608-4536-05-5 • GALICHICA
• BABA GUIDEBOOK

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What mountains are covered in the guidebook?

What mountains are covered in the guidebook?

What information is provided about each hiking trail?

What information is provided about each hiking trail?

BALKAN HIKING ADVENTURE

Experience the hidden charm of the mountains of

BALKAN HIKING ADVENTURE

Text processing: Kostantin Ciriviri and Jovan Bozinoski

Translation: Congress Service Centre, Skopje

Edited by: Jovan Bozinoski and Kostantin Ciriviri

Map expert: Vasko Avukatov

Photography: Jovan Bozinoski, Daut Jashari, Dejan Kukoski, Ljupco Melovski,

Front cover photo: Jovan Bozinoski

Graphic design & prepress: Bobi Kjosev

GIZ project: Sustainable Tourism for Support

Programme manager: Gerold Schwarz

Press: Evropa 92, Macedonia

Published by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GIZ

A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the

Experience the hidden charm of the mountains of

INTRODUCTION – BALKAN HIKING ADVENTURE

fered services, the project supported the renovation and equipping of

The most important motorway passing through Macedonia is the inter­

Information for the users of this guideBOOK

Information boards, containing a brief textual description of the trail

Name of the trail

Easy 1 – 5 km / 0 – 3 h 10 – 500 m Low 

Moderate 5 – 10 km / 3 – 6 h 500 – 1,000 m Medium 

Difficult 10 – 15 km / 6 – 10 h 1,000 – 1,500 m High 

Starting point Hotel

Ending point Mountain hut

Info point Bed and breakfast

Information board Coffee

Drinking water Shop / market

Junction / crossroad Church

Glacial Lake Fortress

Panoramic viewpoint Regional / Local road

Point of interest Dirt road

Picnic area Railway

Green pass Urban / Rural area

Ski Center Rivers

Camping location National border

Sheepfold Water body

Off road parking Mountain trail

THE VILLAGE OF STARE SELO – Ljuboten peak – Mountain

(2156) Kjafa e Kejpit

Name of the path / acronym BHA M1 BHA M1

Starting point altitude The village of Stare Sello – 900 masl.

Highest point Peak Ljuboten – 2.499 masl.

Ending point altitude Mountain Hut "Ljuboten" – 1.635 masl.

Height difference 1.650 m.

Duration of the TRAIL 7 h.

difficulty of the TRAIL 

Required fitness level 

Mountain Hut "Ljuboten" – the village of Vratnica –

Name of the path / acronym BHA M2 BHA M2

Starting point altitude Mountain Hut "Ljuboten" – 1.635 masl.

Highest point Bekim’s sheep-farm – 1700 masl.

Ending point altitude The village of Bellovishte – 710 masl.

Height difference 925 m.

The most important motorway passing through Macedonia is the inter