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Types of Skiing Explained: Alpine, Nordic, Touring & SkateNorth Macedonia
Jun - Sep
Discover trails less travelled and wild mountain ranges on this Balkan hiking adventure
Improver
Challenging
Home Comforts
From
£1,050
(USD $1,648.50)
Off the beaten path
Join us in North Macedonia for a hiking adventure with soul and scenery.
Step off the beaten path and trek through some of the Balkans most stunning landscapes with our six day guided hiking holiday in North Macedonia. With our experienced local guide, visit one of the most up-and-coming spots in Europe. Explore national parks and mountain ranges, skirt around country borders and visit remote villages.
In the evenings we’ll take a well-earned rest in the hotel spa and enjoy traditional North Macedonian dinners.
An active agenda
No Hidden Costs
Daily treks in Mavrovo and Sharr Mountains national parks
Swimming pool and sauna for tired muscles
Rustic hotels with Balkan charm
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included
Experienced local mountain guide plus your Gutsy Girls host
Activity Overview
This trip is a great place to start for anyone who wants a hiking adventure away from the crowds. The routes take in mountains and meadows, past cave fed waterfalls and huge lakes, all within two of North Macedonia’s National Parks.
There will be epic climbs and rocky descents, but your expert guide will be able to offer tips and tricks for walking on uneven, changing surfaces.
The Destination
Your adventure starts here
Skopje starting point: Land at Skopje Airport and transfer to our centrally located hotel. Drop your bags, freshen up, and hit the streets. We kick off with a guided walking tour through Skopje's architectural chaos, where Ottoman relics, Byzantine churches, and brutalist monuments all fight for attention. We'll wander the Old Bazaar, cross the Stone Bridge, and pass through Macedonia Square. Tirana starting point: You’ll meet the group at Tirana Airport and head north to cross the border into North Macedonia – 140 km of increasingly dramatic scenery as you wind towards Mavrovo, the country’s largest national park. Halfway, we stop for lunch at a small family-run spot beside a monastery. Local food, great introduction.
Skopje Trip: Dinner at a city-centre spot serving elevated Macedonian classics. Your guide will talk you through the week ahead. Tirana: Arrive in Galichnik as the light drops over the mountains and lake below. A short walk around the village to stretch your legs and take it all in, then dinner and an early night.
Fuel up at breakfast, then transfer to Mt. Vodno's mid-station. We hike the ridge toward Kota Peak, alternating between shaded forest and exposed ridgelines with big views over Skopje.
Descend into Matka Canyon, a dramatic limestone gorge. Visit two 14th-century monasteries clinging to the cliffs, then take a short boat ride through the narrowest part of the canyon.
Transfer to the Sharr Mountain National Park and check into our hotel for the rest of the trip. On route we'll stop at Tetovo's famous Painted Mosque. Settle in and get ready for the days ahead.
After breakfast, we'll hike one of the most scenic and lesser-known areas of Jelak. A steady climb opens onto sweeping views across the Sharr massif, then we drop into dense pine forest dotted with natural springs.
Push on to Jelak Black Peak. After a mildly exposed section near the top (remember to pack your head for heights), the summit rewards us with jagged ridgelines and tiny mountain villages scattered below.
Back to the hotel for spa time and dinner.
A short climb leads into a long, scenic ridge walk beneath dramatic peaks, with villages and valleys stretched out below.
Stop for lunch at a restored shepherd farm for real farm-to-table fare. After a breather, you'll tackle the ascent to Plat Peak. The ridge steepens here, but the views from the top are the best you'll get all week.
Relax and refuel at the hotel.
Drive to Bozovce, Shara's most remote village, and hike into Leshnica Valley. The trail winds through alpine meadows toward a hidden waterfall fed by a cave spring.
Lunch is at a local tavern serving homemade pies, juices, and preserves. Then you'll hike back and return to the hotel for a final evening in the mountains.
Enjoy your last night together. Swap stories and toast the week.
Breakfast, then transfer back to Skopje airport.
Rest & Refuel
For the first night we’ll stay in a boutique hotel in Skopje. For the rest of the trip we’ll move on to Popova Shapka to a mountain hotel with spa facilities and a swimming pool.
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Fill up on the true taste of North Macedonia with delicious breakfasts, farm to table dinners, BBQ nights and organic cheese.
Breakfast and dinner will be served at the hotels, whilst lunches include a mix of packed meals and chances to dine out.
Most dietary requirements can be accommodated, just let us know in advance.
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Book now
The essentials
| Accommodation |
Home Comforts A boutique hotel in Skopje and a second larger hotel in Popova Shapka. Both have comfortable private and twin rooms, ensuite bathrooms and a bar.
|
|---|---|
| Food and Drink |
All meals included. We can accommodate most dietary requirements, but options may be limited. We also cannot guarantee zero cross-contamination – if your allergy is severe, please get in touch before you book.
|
| Difficulty Level |
3
Challenging Hiking 14–16km daily with elevation gains reaching 1,100m on rocky, uneven mountain terrain across four consecutive days demands serious stamina. The terrain varies from forest trails and steep climbs to high-altitude ridges and winding descents, so confidence on exposed mountain terrain matters as much as cardiovascular fitness. If you’re doing medium to high-intensity cardio three or more times a week and long mountain days genuinely excite you, you’ll be in your element. You'll Need to Be
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| Skill Level |
2
Improver No technical climbing experience is needed, but you should be a confident hiker, comfortable on varied, sometimes exposed terrain and ready for full mountain days. Not sure what level you are? Our Trip Rating Guide explains how we score fitness and skill. |
| Packing List |
Below is an indication of the specialist items you will need, and might have to invest in before your adventure! For a full list of what you’ll need to bring, check out the trip guide. We Provide
You'll Need
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| Travel |
The meeting point for this trip is Skopje Airport. Please note that 14-19 September trip meeting point is Tirana Airport, Albania. Alternative routes and travel information are in our trip guide. |
| Not Included |
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| Trip Code |
MKDSHAHIK |
The answers
This hiking holiday is designed for all experience levels. You don’t need to be a seasoned mountaineer, but you do need confidence on rocky, uneven paths and varied terrain. If you can handle being active for days in a row and don’t mind a challenge, you’ll manage fine.
You’ll be hiking 14-16km daily for four days with significant ascents and descents. We’re talking elevation gains up to 1100m, so you need good stamina and endurance. Medium to high-intensity cardio training will prepare you for the demands.
North Macedonia in September is warm during the day but cooler in the mountains, especially evenings. Light layers are your friend – you’ll want moisture-wicking base layers, hiking trousers, and a good waterproof jacket. Sturdy hiking boots are essential.
You’ll need your own hiking gear and clothing. We recommend a 15-25 litre daypack for carrying layers, snacks, water, and essentials during daily hikes.
Most trips run in the Sharr Mountains from Skopje, with daily hikes taking in Peak Plat (16km, 900m elevation gain), Leshnica Waterfalls (16km, 450m elevation gain) and Karanikola Lake (16km, 1,100m elevation gain). Challenging but rewarding, and you’ll earn those views.
The 14-19 September date runs an alternative route from Tirana, which swaps in Medenica Peak (14km, 630m ascent). Distances and ascents are broadly similar, so the fitness demands are the same whichever route you’re on.
Most trips start from Skopje Airport, North Macedonia.
The 14-19 September trip starts from Tirana Airport, Albania.
Check your trip date before booking flights, then fly into the right airport and our transfer will collect you and drive you to the start point.
Transfers run on a fixed schedule and can’t be delayed.
Most trips run from Skopje Airport; the 14-19 September trip runs from Tirana Airport, Albania.
Times are arrival pick-up, then departure drop-off.
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.
Summer in North Macedonia means warm, sunny days – perfect for hiking. July and August are the hottest months, while September offers slightly milder temperatures. Regardless of when you visit, mountain temperatures drop significantly in the evenings, so layers are essential. Check the forecast before you go and pack accordingly – mornings and evenings will be cooler than midday on the trails.
Mountain weather can be unpredictable, so our guides adjust daily plans to ensure the best (and safest) experience. We’ve got alternative activities lined up if weather doesn’t cooperate – safety first, but you’ll still get your full adventure experience.
Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry some North Macedonia Denar (MKD) for personal expenses. It’s not an expensive destination, so you won’t need much extra cash beyond what you want to spend on souvenirs or extra drinks.
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