WHAT ARE WE PLANNING?

We're heading to a country where the eternal sun shines, to gaze at the crystal-clear waters of the oldest European lake, listen to the sound of waterfalls, explore a rich history, and follow the paths of ancient trade caravans... The most beautiful holiday in Ohrid for all those who crave fantastic nature, a hospitable atmosphere, and good food.

IN BRIEF

Lake Ohrid new year by Hiking tour Serbia

DATE: December 30, 2023 - January 2, 2024

PRICE: €159 (includes transportation, accommodation, guided tours, and organization)

OPTIONAL: Lake cruise for €10

WHAT'S THE PROGRAM?

December 30, 2023 - NOVI SAD - BELGRADE - SAINT JOHN BIGORSKI MONASTERY - DUF WATERFALL - DEBAR BANJA - OHRID

• Route length: 5km
• Elevation difference: 200m
• Difficulty: Easy

NOTE: The departure is scheduled for the night between December 29 and 30.

Departure from Novi Sad and Belgrade in the early morning, with a stop at Lake Mavrovo's shores for a morning coffee break. Next, a visit to the Saint John Bigorski Monastery, a sacred place with a thousand-year history. The journey continues to the village of Rastište and a hike through the forest path alongside the Rastuška River to reach the impressive 28-meter high Duf Waterfall. A possible break at Debar Banja for thermal water relaxation, followed by the arrival in Ohrid, where an evening meditation by the lake awaits.

December 31, 2023 - OHRID - SAINT PETKA MONASTERY - SAINT BOGORODICA VELGOŠTI - SAINT NIKOLA - OHRID CITY TOUR - LAKE CRUISE (OPTIONAL)

• Route length: 6km + 6km
• Elevation difference: 200m + 100m
• Difficulty: Easy + Easy

The morning starts with a drive to the Saint Petka Monastery in Velgošta and a nature walk. The path leads through the forest, offering occasional views of the lake and guiding to the canyon of Čardačnica. The journey continues along the river to the church of Saint Bogorodica, and a visit to the Saint Nikola church, which provides an excellent view of the lake. In Ohrid, a city tour includes Saint Sophia, the Jovan Kaneo viewpoint, Plaošnik, the fortress, and an amphitheater. Participants can opt for a boat cruise on the lake.

January 1, 2024 - OHRID - VELESTOVO - JELENSKI VRH - BILJANINI IZVORI - SAINT NAUM

• Route length: 10km
• Elevation difference: 400m
• Difficulty: Moderate

A morning drive to Velestovo village starts the day, offering breathtaking views of the lake. The hike reaches its climax at Jelenski Vrh. After a descent, a short break at Biljanini Izvori follows. The journey continues to the Saint Naum Monastery, a spiritual place, and a home to native peacocks. The day ends with an evening by the lake.

January 2, 2024 - OHRID - SAINT NICHOLAS ŠIŠEVSKI - MATKA CANYON - SKOPJE - BELGRADE - NOVI SAD

• Route length: 10km
• Elevation difference: 300m
• Difficulty: Moderate

In the morning, packing for the return trip and a mandatory stop for famous mekike at Straža. The route leads to the Treska River dam, then up to the Saint Nicholas Šiševski Monastery, hidden among the cliffs with an excellent view of Matka Canyon. After crossing the dam, the path winds through Matka Canyon, surrounded by towering cliffs and clear lake waters. The day ends with free time in Skopje before the return journey to Belgrade and Novi Sad.

WHAT TO BRING ON A HIKING TRIP?

• A smile, good spirits, and good health.
• Plenty of water (minimum 2 liters per hike), snacks for multiple meals, refreshments for uphill hikes.
• Comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes, comfortable clothing.
• If you have a favorite hiking pole, bring it; otherwise, nature might provide you with a new favorite.
• A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and anything else you need for sun protection.
• Raincoat, spare clothing, warm and dry layers to change into after each hike.

IMPORTANT NOTES!!!

• The number of participants is limited, and only members of the Hiking TS Mountaineering Society have the right to attend the trip. Contact them for details on membership and purchasing 2023 membership cards.
• The cruise on the lake is optional and costs €10.
• Organizers reserve the right to change the program due to unforeseen circumstances, access restrictions to certain routes, or even the cancellation of the trip if new regulations prohibit bus travel or pose any other restrictions that could affect the journey.
• Please provide the number of participants, their names, phone numbers, and the departure location when registering, along with confirmation of membership in the organization.
• This trip is NOT recommended for people with heart or other medical conditions that physical activity could adversely affect.
• Participants are kindly requested to bring NOTHING BUT POSITIVE VIBES, A CHEERFUL SPIRIT, AND GOOD MOOD on our hikes. See you there!