The beauty of a mountain is best appreciated when experiencing its diversity, both in terms of relief forms and natural values, as well as spatial landscapes.

The hiking traverse of Mount Bistra, centrally located and highly distinctive within Mavrovo National Park, offers an opportunity to acquaint oneself with the spiritual essence of this mountain queen. It winds through landscapes of forests, pastures, and karst, beginning from two historically renowned villages in the Mavrovo region: the village of Belichica, at an altitude of 1550 meters, where the hike usually start, and the village of Galichnik, at an altitude of 1400 meters, where the hike typically finish. The pinnacle of the hiking experience is ascending to the highest peak of Mount Bistra – the peak of Medenica, standing at 2163 meters.

The hiking trail facilitates unique experiences in this part of the Western Balkans, with movement through old beech forests, passing by two glacial lakes – the Senechki Lakes, several shepherd farms where traditional shepherding is practiced, and mountain pastures with unique aesthetic forms. This hike is not just about trekking; for enthusiasts of photo safaris, this hiking traverse offers opportunities for capturing unique vistas in Mavrovo National Park, above Lake Mavrovo, the canyon of the Radika River, and the mountain massifs of Shar Planina, Korab, Deshat, and Krcin. A stroll through the villages of Belichica and Galichnik is a journey through time and an introduction to the spiritual history of this region, as well as the architectural craftsmanship of Macedonian traditional architecture.

In short, if you’re in Mavrovo, this tour is a must-not-miss, and if you’re not, it’s a compelling reason to visit.