The Two Mijak Pearls (Lazaropole, Gari)

The countryside of Mala Reka with the villages of Gari, Lazaropole, Tresonche, Selce, Rosoki, Osoj and Mogorche is one of the most beautiful regions in the country.It got its name after Mala Reka, which is the largest left tributary to theRadika River, 21.3 kilometres long, and the delta of Radika is the place known as Boshkov Most.The aficionados of the purest, untouched, primeval nature should inevitably have this region in their list of places they have seen.

Gari, the first Mijak pearl on this tour, is the birthplace of PetreFilipovski– Garkata, one of the most renowned wood carvers, whose sublime works decorate the iconostasis in the churches throughout the country even today.Here, in Gari, we will drink coffee and enjoy in the typical Macedonian architecture.

As regardsLazaropole, you will hear from any countryman the legend about its name, which says that the villagers who were running away from the Turks hid in the “KalinaDupka” cave, but the Turks found them and had them all killed.Only Lazar survived, who managed to escape and get to the field where he created a new village, named Lazaropole after him. Lazaropole is situated at 1,350 metres above sea level, which, of course, provides for chilly and pleasant summers, but, on the other hand, the winters are cold and long.

One of the most interesting activities, which allows you to “taste” nature first-hand, is a walk through the forest to the Sokolica peak (1,471 m a.s.l.).The one-hour stroll, which starts in Lazaropole, is also suitable for a family exercise, because it is short and relaxed.Along the way, we will run across the small church of the Ascension of Jesus (Sveti Spas), and once we reach the rock of Sokolica, where a cross is installed, the view from there will leave you breathless.A true hawk-eye view.From far away, Lazaropole, the starting point, now seems like a large nest, and the vista spreads out to the villages of Osoj and Mogorche, towards the surrounding mountains and peaks, which are raised everywhere around us, while underneath usis the Tresonechka River.“Go and see our Colorado”, those were the words that an elderly woman used to describe this phenomenal panorama.

After the fantastic walk, it is time to rest and enjoy.In the centre of the village of Lazaropole, in “Kalin Hotel” we will enjoy the delicious food and wonderful ambience.

In the end, we will visit the Monastery dedicated to Saint George the Victorious, which is located near Debar, in the village of Rajchica.The road stretches along Debar Lake and across the famous bridge, which is 300 metres long.  The monastery is ametochion of the Bigorski Monastery. It enchants with its beauty. It is worth to have another cup of coffee, together with the nuns, who will reveal the secrets of the monastery life.

Logistical information: The starting point of the tour is Mavrovo. The tour includes organised transportation to the village of Lazaropole. The mountain track from the village of Lazaropole to the Sokolica peak and the church of the Ascension of Jesusis five kilometres long in both directions and with an altitude difference of around 200 metres.