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Types of Skiing Explained: Alpine, Nordic, Touring & SkateTrip Guide
Ready to explore one of Europe’s best-kept secrets? This guide covers everything you need to show up confident and prepared for six days of hiking through North Macedonia’s stunning national parks. From tackling 2,165m peaks to discovering cave-fed waterfalls, you’ll trek through some of the Balkans’ most dramatic scenery while staying in a cozy mountain hotel with spa facilities. Here’s what you actually need to know.
For most trips, North Macedonia’s capital Skopje is your starting point. You’ll fly into Skopje Airport, then it’s a short transfer to your centrally located hotel, where the adventure begins with a walking tour of the city’s eclectic architecture.
The 14-19 September trip starts from Tirana, Albania, instead, so check your date before booking flights.
We’ll pick you up on arrival day and drop you back on departure day. Transfer times vary by date, so check the specific timings for your trip below. These align with our suggested Lufthansa flights via Frankfurt, but if you want to explore before or after, you can arrive earlier or stay longer.
For most trips, fly London Heathrow to Skopje via Frankfurt or Munich with Lufthansa. Specific flight numbers and times vary slightly by date, so book flights that get you in before your arrival transfer and out after your departure transfer. Check the transfer times for your date before booking.
For the 14-19 September trip, fly into Tirana Airport, Albania, with Ryanair from London Stansted:
You’re responsible for making your own way to the accommodation if your flight doesn’t align with our transfer schedule.
On arrival day (Day 1) the hotel is in central Skopje, so it’s easy to reach. Your options:
On departure day, an earlier private transfer costs approx. €80 and must be booked in advance. Contact our Bookings Team to arrange this.
For the 14-19 September trip, the transfer runs from Tirana Airport, Albania. These Skopje options don’t apply, so contact our Bookings Team for local transport advice.
Skopje is small but fascinating. The old town bazaar sits alongside brutalist buildings and oversized statues, with quiet cobbled streets opening into modern squares. The city castle offers views across it all. It’s also your first stop for authentic Macedonian dishes like Tavče Gravče, Ajvar, and Pastrmajlija, plus some of the country’s incredible wines.
We’ll connect you with others on the trip via WhatsApp before departure, so you can arrange to travel together if you like.
Let’s be clear about what moderate means here. You’ll be hiking 14-16km daily for four days with elevation gains up to 1100m. That’s not a gentle stroll – you’re climbing peaks to earn those dramatic Balkan views.
This trip works for all experience levels, but you need confidence on rocky, uneven terrain and have stamina for long mountain days. If you enjoy physical challenges and don’t mind working hard for spectacular scenery, this is perfect for you. A love of mountains definitely helps.
The hiking covers varied terrain – forest trails, steep climbs, high-altitude ridges, and winding descents through beautiful valleys. You’ll tackle Medenica Peak (2165m, the highest in Bistra mountains), explore remote waterfalls fed by cave springs, and reach glacial lakes on the Kosovo border.
A strong level of fitness is needed, as well as a love for the mountains and an appetite for both challenge and reward.
Physical Preparation: This trip is suited to those who are confident on varied, sometimes exposed terrain, and ready for full days on the move.
You’ll be with an experienced mountain guide who knows these trails and manages different fitness levels well. There are regular breaks during hikes, and you know your body best – listen to it and choose what suits you each day.
Practice hill walking or stair climbing to build leg strength. The biggest single day is Karanikola Lake with 1100m elevation gain over 16km – that’s a significant climb that rewards you with glacial lake views on the Kosovo border.
You’ll be hiking between 14-16km daily for four days. There will be breaks on the hikes and the chance to relax in the evenings with good food and spa facilities.
We encourage everyone to give it a go, but the hikes are demanding and may not suit everyone every day. You know your body best – it’s your holiday, so choose what works for you.
This hiking holiday blends mountain adventure with comfort. You’re not roughing it in tents – expect cosy hotels with Balkan charm and modern facilities.
First night is in Skopje at a comfortable boutique hotel in the heart of the city. Then you’ll move to Popova Shapka for the remaining nights at a hotel with spa facilities and swimming pool. After long mountain days, you’ll appreciate somewhere comfortable to recover with hot showers and that pool for tired muscles.
Towels and hairdryers are provided, and there are laundry facilities available at the Popova Shapka hotel.
Fill up on true North Macedonia flavours – delicious breakfasts, farm-to-table dinners, BBQ nights, and organic cheese from local farms. Breakfast is served at the hotels, while lunches mix packed meals for mountain days with chances to dine out in local villages. Dinner in Skopje will be at a local restaurant, with the rest of your dinners at the hotel restaurant. The food is designed to fuel active days rather than fancy restaurant dining.
The hotel in Skopje is centrally located and comfortable – perfect for exploring the city on arrival day. Then it’s rustic mountain charm at Popova Shapka – cozy rooms, hot showers (essential after mountain days), and basic WiFi. The mountain hotel has spa facilities including sauna and swimming pool, which you’ll appreciate after hiking.
Most dietary requirements can be accommodated, though options may be limited in this remote region. Let us know in advance so we can work with the hotels to ensure you’re properly fed throughout the trip.
Basic WiFi is available at both locations, though connection can be patchy in these remote mountain areas. Consider it a good opportunity to properly switch off and focus on the stunning scenery around you.
Hearty Balkan cuisine designed for hungry hikers. Think organic cheese, farm-fresh ingredients, and local specialties. You’ll visit a cheese farm for tasting, enjoy BBQ nights, and experience authentic North Macedonia flavors rather than international hotel food.
September in North Macedonia offers some of the best hiking weather – warm days perfect for being active, with cooler evenings that make hotel spa facilities very welcome. Daytime temperatures are pleasant for hiking, but mountain temperatures drop as the sun goes down, so layers are essential.
Mountain weather can change quickly, so come prepared for varying conditions even though September is generally stable. Your guide monitors weather closely and adjusts plans if needed – safety first, but you’ll still get your full mountain experience.
The terrain varies from forest paths to exposed rocky ridges, high-altitude areas around glacial lakes, and valley walks near waterfalls. Weather conditions affect different areas differently – what’s sunny in the valleys might be cooler and windier on the peaks.
North Macedonia in September is still quite warm, however temperatures in the mountain will drop in the evening, so light layers may be best. Check the forecast before you go and adjust accordingly.
If the weather doesn’t play ball, we’ll adjust the plan accordingly. Safety is always our top priority, and we’ve got alternative activities lined up, just in case.
Good waterproof gear is essential – mountain weather can include rain even on generally clear days. Your guide carries emergency shelter and knows the terrain well enough to adjust routes safely if conditions deteriorate.
Check general Balkan weather forecasts, but remember mountain conditions differ from valley forecasts. Your guide monitors local mountain weather and makes daily decisions based on actual conditions rather than general forecasts.
Money: Credit and debit cards work almost everywhere, but carry some North Macedonia Denar (MKD) for small personal expenses. It’s not an expensive destination – you won’t need much extra cash beyond souvenirs or additional drinks with meals.
Communication: WiFi is available at both hotels but can be patchy in these remote mountain locations. Mobile phone coverage varies in the national parks. Consider it a chance to properly disconnect and focus on the incredible scenery around you.
Emergency communication is handled through your guide who has local knowledge and contacts. The Gutsy Girls host ensures smooth logistics and acts as your main point of contact for any trip-related needs.
Local Customs: North Macedonia is welcoming and straightforward for visitors. No special cultural considerations affect your hiking experience, though learning a few basic words in Macedonian is always appreciated by locals.
Max 7 guests.
Tipping is not compulsory on our adventures, but if you’ve had a great trip and brilliant service, a tip for your guide or host is always appreciated. We recommend giving 1200-1800 MKD, or whatever you can or feel is the right amount.
We work with the best guides available, male or female. There are fewer women in outdoor guiding roles, so we prioritise expertise and guest experience. We vet every guide carefully and monitor feedback closely to ensure all guides align with our ethos and standards. We also hope more trips like ours encourage more women to find new activities and become guides themselves.
As soon as you book, not the week before you fly. Booking early means you’re covered if you need to cancel before departure, not just for issues while you’re away. Your policy should cover travel delays, missed connections, trip cancellation, medical emergencies and evacuation, baggage and equipment loss, and all activities on your itinerary.
Essential layers: Layering is your best friend on this trip. It will be warm over summer, but weather in the mountains can change quickly. Start with a base layer or t-shirt, add a thin fleece mid-layer or long sleeve top, and top with a waterproof and windproof shell jacket.
For the evenings it’s also recommended to pack a light insulated jacket for when the temperature drops.
Hiking footwear: Hiking boots with proper ankle support are essential – the terrain is rocky and involves significant elevation gain across four consecutive days. Make sure they’re well worn in before you arrive; blisters on day one is not a situation you want to be in.
Daypack packing list: A 15–25 litre daypack is essential, as is a 2L water bottle or hydration pack. Sun protection also matters as much as warmth – high-factor sunscreen, SPF lip salve, and a sun hat are non-negotiable. Ticks are present in the national parks, so you may want to also pack a tick removal device and don’t forget your bug spray. Oh and leave space for when you need to add or remove layers too.
Yes. Hiking boots with proper ankle support are essential. The terrain is rocky and involves significant elevation across four consecutive days. Also make sure they’re well worn before you arrive.
A 15–25 litre daypack is ideal for carrying layers, water, snacks, and essentials. You’ll use it every day.
Lightweight, breathable layers you can easily add or remove. Start with a merino wool base layer or tshirt, add a light fleece midlayer or long-sleeved tshirt, and always pack your waterproof shell.
Your hiking boots if they’ll fit, any personal medication, and your most essential kit. Luggage delays can happen, don’t let them ruin your first day on the trail.
Trip Code MKDSHAHIK – Include this code in any message so we can find your trip straight away.
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