Hiking in Shara

The village of Bozovce, the last one in the line of mountain villages in Shara, is at a 22-kilometre distance from the centre of Tetovo. One of the most impressive and wildest landscapes is located within a few kilometres walk from the village. From the village centre, equipped with good will, adequate physical fitness and favourable weather conditions, we will start our adventure in the heart of Shar Planina.

Somewhere around the middle of the way, in fair weather conditions, you can notice a bare peak with a stone tower built on the highest altitude in the country. The tower is a symbol of Titov Vrv and of Shar Planina, and is a true proof of human tenacity. With its altitude of 2,747 metres, Titov Vrv is the second highest peak in Macedonia, immediately after the peak Golem Korab. This is a more than enough motive to visit it throughout the year, but it is most popular towards the end of May.

After hiking for about eight kilometres, after making a break in the picnic hut and after crossing multiple streams, we will arrive to the centre of Shar Planina, Dolna Leshnica at an altitude of 1,490 metres. The three peaks Plat, Sreden Kamen and Krivoshinski Vrv will take your breath away. It is as if Shar Planina has truly cracked. This is the best place to take some photographs and relish the scenery. In the place called Dolna Leshnica, there are ruins of a mountain lodge that is waiting for better times to be renovated and put into function again. On the other side, the forest that was affected by the great avalanche from a few years ago is still being regenerated. That is one of the many scenes bearing witness to the tremendous force of nature.

After making a break in Dolna Leshnica, we will continue towards the fascinating bathtubs of Krivoshijska Reka. The access to the semi-open cave is through an improvised, several metres long bridge built out of logs.   Inside you will find the most charming, uproarious surprise with a greenish-blue colour. The rapids through which the water falls have created a giant bathtub and a fabulous staircase made of rocks.

Hiking for a few hours is too little to explore the Shar Planina mountain range. However, it is enough to see the most impressive and the most attractive part of this magnificent mountain. The mountain range has an exceptionally rich flora and fauna. From game, it has deer, chamois, bear, wild boar, so the footmarks from their movement can be seen often. Along the road, you will inevitably encounter the numerous flocks of sheep and the symbol of this region – the Sharplaninec shepherd dog.

This is one of the best trails where you can experience the immensity of Shar Planina and its beauty; and the water creating the largest Shar Planina river at the heart of this mountain range is one of the cleanest in the country. The hiking tour is particularly wonderful in the summer, as a pleasant getaway from the blistering heat, and is a great way to discover the hidden beauties of our country. One thing is for sure, this is the best of Shar Planina.

Logistical information: The hiking trail is around 21 kilometres long in total. Good physical fitness is required and adequate clothes and shoes.