Golem Korab - the Highest Peak of North Macedonia and Albania
In the north-western corner of North Macedonia, where the country's borders meet those of Albania and Kosovo, rises Golem Korab - the highest peak in Macedonia and, at the same time, the highest in Albania. That is the goal of our expedition, and for the ascent we have chosen the classic route from the Macedonian side.
The journey begins in the early hours with our departure from Sofia. Our first stop is one of the most visited natural wonders near Skopje - the Matka canyon. Even in the summer heat, the cool of the lake and the shade of the tall limestone walls make for a pleasant walk. We will have the chance to take a boat out and visit the Vrelo cave, one of the deepest underwater formations in Europe.
The second day is given over to the ascent of Golem Korab. From the Strezimir border post begins the long but straightforward route that gradually leads us high into the mountains. Along the way views open towards neighbouring Albania and the Macedonian valleys, and the final section follows a panoramic ridge leading to the summit itself. At the top a magnificent 360-degree view awaits, over deep valleys and jagged ridges that mark this corner of the Balkans.
On the third day we slow the pace and soak up the atmosphere of Galičnik - a picturesque village tucked into the slopes of the Bistra mountains in the heart of Mavrovo National Park. There we take a short walk and enjoy lunch at the foot of its stone houses, before the long road back to Sofia brings the adventure to a close.
Tour Highlights
- Golem Korab Peak (2,753 m)
- The Matka Canyon
Price Includes / Excludes
Price Includes
- Complete organization and coordination of the program
Tour Itinerary
The transfer to the Matka canyon takes around 4 hours.
On arrival a short climb brings us to a monastery tucked among the magnificent limestone walls that rise steeply above the water. The descent takes us back to the lake, where we take a boat out to see the mysterious Vrelo water cave - one of Macedonia's underground treasures. There is time for lunch in the area and an unhurried walk along the canyon, the better to take in its beauty. We then travel about an hour and a half to the Mia complex. Set at the foot of the Korab mountains in the shade of the fast-flowing river Radika, it offers cool air and quiet. We round off the evening with dinner in its welcoming surroundings.
After breakfast we drive to the Strezimir border post, where our walk to the summit begins. The route is long but technically easy, with gentle climbs and superb views over the Macedonian valleys and neighbouring Kosovo. Along the way we pass through varied mountain landscapes - from green pasture to rocky crests impressive in their scale. The final section leads along a panoramic ridge, from which a commanding 360-degree view opens over the surrounding summits and valleys. After a well-earned rest on top we descend to the Mia complex, where dinner and a proper rest are waiting.
Breakfast sets us up for the last day of the trip - a visit to Galičnik, set on the slopes of the Bistra mountains in Mavrovo National Park. There we take a short walk at the foot of Govedarnik peak and enjoy lunch among the traditional architecture and the landscape around it. With the adventure behind us we begin the transfer back to Sofia, where our three days in the mountains come to an end.
Required Documents !
- Valid Bulgarian ID or international passport
Important:
Three seasons trekking equipment
Shoes
Suitable shoes for the mountain, according to the weather forecast. High ankle or low shoes. You may wear sneakers to change into at the end of the program
Spare socks
Lighting
Headlamp - An absolute must-have accessory for every mountaineer. It may be necessary for the group to start a trek very early or finish the trek in the dark (force majeure). In these situations, each participant must have a headlamp. We recommend going with a proven brand like Petzl or BlackDiamond
Spare batteries
Backpack
About 40 liters backpack - Quite enough for one or two day hikes.
Backpack cover - in case of rain
Clothing top
Depending on the season and weather conditions
T-shirt or thin thermal base layer - from merino or synthetic. In no case cotton material
Fleece
A down jacket or other jacket with synthetic insulation - a thin down jacket is recommended. Evenings and mornings in the mountains, temperatures are low. No expensive down jacket needed
Wind and water proof jacket
Thin hat and gloves
Buff
Clothing bottom
Depending on the season and weather conditions
Comfortable long pants - in the perfect case with zippers for ventilation
Sun protection
Sunglasses
Summer hat
Sun cream with high protection
Buff with UPF protection
Rain protection
Raincoat
-or-
Waterproof top and bottom
Water and food
Water (1.5 liters)
Food for the trek
Money and documents
Money
ID or passport
Other
First aid kit
Trekking poles
Cancellation Policy:
Чл. 89. (Изм. – ДВ, бр. 37 от 2018 г., в сила от 01.07.2018 г.) (1) Пътуващият има право да прекрати договора за туристически пакет по всяко време преди започването на изпълнението на туристическия пакет. The tourist owes a penalty as follows: