Galichica and Pelister National Parks Hiking Tour

Welcome to Skopje, Macedonia! Once you land and get through customs, your friendly guide will meet you at the arrivals gate and take you to the lakeside town of Ohrid. In the afternoon, you’ll learn about the week ahead and receive some helpful maps and a SIM card. Once you’re settled into the hotel, meet your group for a short city walk and learn about this fascinating town and recently independent country. Bask in the views of the surrounding Galichica National Park, and take a stroll next to the gorgeous lake. After dinner, head back to the hotel for a good night’s rest to prepare for the days ahead.

Wake up early for a hearty meal and then head out for an informative sightseeing tour of Ohrid, guided by a local. Once the tour is over, you’ll be transferred to Velestovo, the starting point of today’s hike through Galichica National Park. You will spend your day exploring the mountainous terrain covered in dry grass and moss with rocks peeking through. And you’ll be afforded stunning views of Lake Ohrid—a sight to behold. In spring and early summer, you’ll see colourful blooms among the terrain. Wind down after the hike with traditional food and a cozy night in a guesthouse in the village of Elsani.

Epic views await on today’s trail—you’ll be able to see neighbouring Albania on a clear day. After breakfast, you’ll head into the woods where the trail begins, eventually climbing above the treeline. Once you’re out in the open, you can look back at the forest and look ahead to the panoramic views of Lake Ohrid, Lake Prespa, and the vast mountainous landscapes reaching the horizon. Feeling the wind on the ridge, you head to the top of Lacosignoj Peak at 1998 m / 6,555 ft. You begin the descent to the foot of Magaro Peak (tomorrow’s task) and settle into a cozy mountain hut for the night. Revel in this opportunity to be sleeping in the mountains, under the stars, away from city lights and noise. Nature at its finest.

Wake up in the mountains and enjoy breakfast and a hot coffee or tea among the peaceful mountain landscapes. Then get ready to climb: today, you’re going to summit the highest peak in Galichica National Park, reaching 2,255 m / 7,398 ft. Your guide will explain the history and significance of this peak along the way, including its role in World War I. About 2–3 hours of climbing will bring you to the summit where you’ll see an incredible panorama of lakes and peaks as far as your eyes can see. The descent will take roughly half the time; then, you’ll be transferred to the next village, Dihovo, once you reach the base of Magaro Peak. Dihovo sits at the entrance to Pelister National Park. You’ll spend the night in a guesthouse here to prepare to explore the park tomorrow.

After breakfast, you’ll head out for the day to find Pelister’s Eyes: two glacial lakes that sit in the middle of the park, created in the Ice Age, and maintained by the winter’s snow and rain. Hike through beautiful coniferous forests and rivers parting through plant-covered boulders to reach the lakes. The trail will loop through more woods, passing over viewpoints that open to the Pelagonia Valley with glimpses of nearby Bitola, eventually leading back to Dihovo for one more night in the guesthouse.

Have a quick rest for your legs after breakfast in a short transfer to Malovishte village, a historically significant hamlet from the 19th century when Albanians fled to North Macedonia due to attacks and plundering in their homes. Your guide will inform you about the local history during the ride. This small village is quite picturesque. You’ll start today’s hike from Malovishte and begin the ascent towards Kota, a hill offering panoramic views. Then descend towards Slivnica on the shore of Lake Prespa to wander through its monastery complex. End the day with a visit to two lovely villages—Ljubojno and Brajchino—where you’ll engage with locals for some traditional food and spend the night in a guesthouse.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Kuratica, a small village at the base of the Plakjenska Mountains. Take a quick tour of the town with a local guide then begin exploring the area on foot. The surrounding slopes are dense with forests that offer shade from the summer heat or protection from the rain. Upon finishing the hike, you’ll enter a local’s home for a cooking lesson. And you will receive an English cookbook with local recipes so that you can take the tastes of North Macedonia home with you. Spend the last night chatting with your group and your hosts as the homemade wine flows freely. Get a good night’s sleep in your hotel in Ohrid.

Enjoy your final breakfast with your hiking group, then say farewell to North Macedonia! You’ll receive transportation to the airport in Skopje when you’re ready to go.