8 hours
Advance
500 meters
Late May to early November
The breathtaking vistas are what lend each hiking tour its allure and distinctiveness, making the journey through the mountains much more than just mountain hiking. It’s hard to describe the value of the tour as you traverse the oldest national park in Macedonia – Galicica National Park, with views opening up to the country’s two largest lakes, one of which, Lake Ohrid, is one of the oldest in the world.
The hiking typically begins from the mountain pass of Lipova Livada at an altitude of 1600 meters, accessible by vehicle, and finish in the village of Velestovo above Ohrid, at an altitude of 1050 meters.
In addition to its sports and aesthetic values, this hiking tour is unique in the entire Western Balkans for several other reasons. The trail follows the front line from World War I, so our guides will tell you stories, now myths, about hidden French cognac, buried gold, and other artifacts from the past. Moreover, the path traverses landscapes with endemic biodiversity and is in close proximity to the reserve – a reproductive center for European deer, whose specimens often roam the mountain ridge.
The final part of the trail follows the route of the old ancient path, now called Via Galichica, probably part of the famous road network Via Ignatia, where architectural artifacts and road signs from the ancient period can be seen. Typically, in the village of Velestovo, the endpoint of the hiking tour, we organize a picnic with a unique panorama overlooking Lake Ohrid, as an addition to the basic package. Optionally, the hiking can continue to the town of Ohrid itself.
If hiking for you represents an opportunity for a deep immersion into the local history, culture, and spiritual tradition of a certain region, and if your focus is on protected areas of high value recognized and protected by UNESCO, as is the case with Ohrid, you have more than one compelling reason for this hiking tour.
Just contact us if you need more information about the tour.
Everybody has to know that the right clothing and equipment is essential for a successful mountain trip. There will be some items and travel clothes which you will want to pack for the journey which will not be required on the tour in the mountains, so these may be left at your hotel and collected at the end, a light fold away small bag is useful for these items.
The following list is a combination of suggestion, advice and our experience of what you will need. For additional information’s do not hesitate to contact us.
This is what we think essential for safety and basic comfort.