Surrounded by seven rugged mountain ranges and somehow tucked away from the main roads lies the highest plateau in the Balkans. Here, people still seem to have time for one another, the cheese is among the finest you'll ever taste, and the lamb is nothing short of legendary.
Join us for our very first night hike across the Pešter Plateau, guided by Sabahudin – a local adventurer, our friend and fellow hiking enthusiast, a man who carries Pešter in his heart.
If you can imagine a monastery literally hanging from a vertical cliff, breathtaking views over Lake Gazivode, unforgettable local cuisine, and a sky overflowing with stars, then you can imagine just how special this adventure will be. A perfect late-summer getaway combining hiking, gastronomy, local legends, and some of Serbia's most spectacular landscapes.
ASTRO & GASTRO (Uvac, Sjenica, Night Hike across the Pešter Plateau, Crna Reka Monastery, Novi Pazar)
Date: September 25–27, 2026
Registration deadline: September 20, 2026
Participation fee: 10,500 RSD
Included in the price:
Children under 14 receive a 10% discount.
Hiking distance: 4 km + 8 km
Elevation gain: 300 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Departure from Novi Sad and Belgrade on the evening of September 25 (exact departure times and locations will be announced a few days before the trip).
After an overnight drive we arrive in the peaceful town of Sjenica, where life seems to move at a slower pace. Since gastronomy is an essential part of this journey, we'll begin the day with a traditional breakfast of delicious crispy mantije, followed—as local tradition dictates—by a relaxing cup of coffee.
Those who wish may then join an optional excursion. Local minibuses will take us to Veliki Vrh Viewpoint, offering one of the most spectacular panoramas of the winding Uvac River. We'll enjoy a short hike to Ravni Krš Viewpoint, where we'll admire the famous meanders from another remarkable perspective.
After returning to Sjenica we'll have some time to relax before heading to the Pešter Plateau just before sunset. Here, anyone interested will have the opportunity to enjoy the famous Pešter lamb, raised on aromatic mountain herbs, together with renowned Sjenica cheese, fresh salad, and other local specialties.
As darkness falls and the full moon rises, our night adventure begins. We'll hike gentle trails across the plateau toward Mount Trojan, the highest point in the area, and continue to the famous Đurđevica Spring, where local legend says Saint George defeated a dragon.
Throughout the hike, Sabahudin will share fascinating stories, folklore, and legends from this unique region.
After the hike, we'll descend back to our starting point and head to our accommodation for a well-earned night's rest.
Hiking distance: 5 km
Elevation gain: 200 m
Difficulty: Easy
After breakfast we'll check out, pack our belongings, and continue our adventure.
Our first stop is the village of Štavalj, where our host Rajko will welcome us with a tasting of homemade cheese and freshly prepared fried dough pastries.
Next, we'll visit the village of Đerekare, home to the famous Mystical Willow, a symbol of the determination, resilience, and spirit of the local people.
A scenic drive then brings us to Lake Gazivode, where we'll enjoy a pleasant walk along a forest road leading to the remarkable Crna Reka Monastery.
This extraordinary monastery is built into a sheer vertical cliff above the dry riverbed of the Crna Reka. It is one of Serbia's most unique monasteries, originally created by expanding a small cave into a sacred place of worship.
After returning to the bus, we'll continue to Novi Pazar, where we'll take a lunch break to enjoy famous local specialties such as mantije or ćevapi, followed by authentic Serbian coffee prepared over hot sand.
Satisfied, full, and carrying unforgettable memories, we'll begin our journey back to Belgrade and Novi Sad.
See you on the trail!
