Dear friends,

We are pleased to present to you an innovative idea that will make hiking even more accessible and exciting. We are ready to change the way we organize hiking tours and allow you to enjoy them in a completely new way! Our idea is simple - we organize hiking tours using private vehicles, where participants will share the travel costs according to the departure location. Whether you are starting from Belgrade or Novi Sad, this option allows you to reduce transportation costs and enjoy socializing. Best of all, the price of the hiking tour will be separated from the transportation costs, allowing you to adjust your budget and choose the tours that appeal to you the most. This concept enables you to explore different mountain peaks, landscapes, and trails according to your interests and abilities.

WHAT ARE WE PLANNING?

Once, after climbing Šiljak, we had Rtanjski tea and wished to do it again and again. We would repeat the fascinating Lazarev Canyon, get lost in the blue of Grza, and conquer Soko Grad again in the evening. For those who have been and would do it again, for all of you who have not yet been but have asked so many times, we would gladly repeat this adventure. And we will.

IN BRIEF

RTANJ TEA PARTY

DATE: 20.-21.01.2024.

‼️ APPLICATIONS UNTIL 15.01. ‼️

PARTICIPATION FEE: 4,500 RSD (Included: accommodation, guidance, and organization) + Fuel costs (not included)

WHAT IS THE PROGRAM?

20.01.2024. NOVI SAD - BELGRADE – LAZAREV CANYON – SOKOBANJA

ROUTE LENGTH: 10km ELEVATION GAIN: 400m DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

Departure from NOVI SAD and BELGRADE in the early morning.

In the early morning, we will arrive at Lazareva Cave, from where we start the exploration of LAZAREV CANYON. One of the most secluded and wonderful attractions in Serbia, unfairly neglected, carelessly tucked away, so far decently preserved secret. Quite unexplored from the inside, mystical and almost unattainable, something closest to a jungle in Serbia.

The tour starts by entering the canyon near Lazareva Cave and climbing to one of the many, and according to many, the most beautiful viewpoint, KOVEJ. There, we have the opportunity to enjoy a magnificent view, with the possibility of lunch in a restaurant. After refreshment, we return to the starting point.

Next is the journey and accommodation in SOKOBANJA. This spa town with famous thermo-mineral springs today has about 8,000 inhabitants and became famous during the rule of Miloš Obrenović.

21.01.2024. SOKOBANJA – RTANJ – ASCENT TO ŠILJAK – VRELO GRZE – BELGRADE – NOVI SAD

ROUTE LENGTH: 15km ELEVATION GAIN: 1000m DIFFICULTY: DEMANDING

In the morning, we will pack our things and head to the village of RTANJ. It's time for a challenge...

We start the standard ascent FROM THE SOUTH SIDE of the mountain. It's a constant climb to the top of ŠILJAK, initially passing through wooded areas, and then open space, meadows, and karst, without a single spring on the way.

After conquering the famous Rtanj pyramid and taking a break, we will use the same path for the return, so a descent awaits us. When we descend back to the village, we might have the opportunity to refresh ourselves with a warm cup of Rtanj's magical tea that brings you back to life.

We also expect another stop near the fantastic VRELO GRZE, with the opportunity for a short walk to admire this natural phenomenon. After that, a dinner break, and then all that remains is to return to the starting points in Belgrade and Novi Sad, which will be in the late evening.

WHAT USUALLY DO WE BRING FOR HIKING?

• Smile, good mood, as well as good health; masks are not mandatory in nature, given that we will respect the recommended distance, and they are mandatory on the bus, so feel free to wear them.
• Plenty of water, a minimum of 2L per hike, snacks from the backpack for multiple meals, refreshments for ascents, and walks that await us.
• Comfortable and sturdy, appropriate footwear for walks in nature, comfortable clothing.
• If you already have your favorite stick, bring it; if not, nature is where you'll find your new favorite one.
• Hat/cap, sunglasses, sunscreen—whatever you think will protect you in case of strong sun.
• Raincoat, spare/change of clothes, warm and dry cover at hand, after each walk.

IMPORTANT NOTES!!!

• The number of applications will be limited, and the right to attend the trip is EXCLUSIVELY for members of the HIKING TS MOUNTAINEERING SOCIETY (Contact us for details regarding membership and purchasing cards for 2023) or any mountaineering society within the PSS (Mountaineering Association of Serbia), as well as members of the EKOTOPIA association.
• As part of the participation fee, participants receive accommodation, guidance, and the entire organization.
• Transportation is NOT included and is additionally paid depending on the number of participants.
• Organizers reserve the right to change the program due to unforeseen circumstances, the impossibility of accessing certain sections, or even canceling the trip.
• When applying, please send us the number of people, their names, phone numbers, and the place of departure for the trip, along with confirmation of membership in our organization. After the application and payment, due to the proximity of the event, it will be impossible to cancel the accommodation, but a potential replacement of a registered person will, of course, be possible.
• In case of cancellation or non-appearance, a refund is not possible.
• The tour is STRONGLY DISCOURAGED for individuals with heart or any other conditions that physical activity could adversely affect.
• Please be PRECISE AND PUNCTUAL regarding the departure time, and on the other hand, do not strictly adhere to the duration schedule of the walk.
• We kindly ask all participants in our walks to bring only positive vibes, a cheerful spirit, and a good mood. See you.