The Miyaks are an ethnic group in North Macedonia who live in the Dolna Reka region, also known as Miyachia, on the Radika River in western Macedonia and have a population of between 30,000 and 60,000. Horses have been revered since time immemorial and are therefore not slaughtered.

Experience the culture, the life of the locals and unspoilt nature as far as the eye can see on this ride. From high mountains surrounded by beech forests to rolling green hills or alpine pastures dotted with wild flowers, the country offers a varied back and plenty of peace and solitude. Ride uphill and downhill along the valleys of the Bistra Mountains and Lake Mavrovo and enjoy the endless views of countless mountain peaks. There are also plenty of wonderful galloping trails.
On your journey, you will visit several sheep farms, learn about traditional cheese making and encounter flocks of sheep guarded by stately sheepdogs. Each sheep farm also has a few horses that roam freely with their foals.
Bears, wolves, chamois, wild horses, eagles and many other wild animals are at home in this secluded natural environment, and with a little luck you may spot one or two animals or at least their footprints and other traces.

Itinerary

Day 1: You will be picked up at Skopje Airport and taken to the city (approx. 20 minutes drive). Depending on your arrival time, you will stop for a short coffee break at the Old Bazaar. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to take a city tour and sample the delicious Macedonian cuisine in a traditional restaurant in Skopje. After lunch, you will be taken to the riding stable (approx. 2 hours drive). Accommodation for today will be in a hotel near the riding stable.

Day 2: After breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken to the riding stable (approx. 5 minutes drive). You will have time for a welcome drink before the horses are assigned. This is followed by a short workshop on goat milking and preparation for the ride. Today you will have the opportunity to visit old Miyak villages and familiarise yourself with the culture of the Miyaks, as well as explore the old forest trails that were originally used to transport various goods on horseback. On this route, you will ride through the forest of Sushica, the oldest Miyak village, of which only ruins remain, and downhill to the Miyak villages of Selce and Tresonche with panoramic views of the north side of Mount Stogovo. You will spend the night in Lazaropole, the second largest Miyak village, in a cosy mountain hotel. Dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant. Approximately 5 hours in the saddle.

Day 3: After breakfast, you will mount your horse and set off. Today's ride will take you to the oldest Miyak trail through the beech forest over Mount Bistra and from the village of Miyak Osoj to Mount Stogovo, with an incredible view of the Korab massif (2,764 m). Once at the top, enjoy your lunch break and have time to visit a sheep farm. Here you will learn about the life of shepherds far away from civilisation and traditional processing methods. You can try all the dairy products fresh. In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to ride to one of the highest peaks of the Stogovo massif - Babin Srt (2,241 m). Afterwards, you will ride through the forest to the Miyak village of Gari, where you will spend the night in a simple guesthouse. The fresh fish for dinner comes directly from the stream next door or the guesthouse's own fish pond. Approx. 7 hours in the saddle.

Day 4: Today is the longest day of riding this week. You will cross the eastern side of Bistra Mountain and follow a very old Miyak trail through the forest. This ride takes you across the forest of the Bistra Mountains with another view of the Korab massif. This route brings you closer to the life of a shepherd, as you will visit some sheep farms and try traditional white cheese and yoghurt. After a long ride with magnificent views, you will reach the base camp deep in the mighty mountains, far away from the civilised world, for your overnight stay. You will enjoy a cosy campfire while dinner is prepared in the traditional way. You can also look forward to a wine tasting with local wines led by a professional sommelier. Overnight stay in a tent. Approximately 8 hours in the saddle (44 km).

Day 5: Breakfast with a magnificent view and an endless view of the high mountain peaks. Today you will explore more Miyak sheep farms and enjoy the view of various mountain landscapes. This time, the guides will take you to the Sandaktash peak (2011 m) and down to Lake Mavrovo and the village of Mavrovo. First, you will ride over the mountains with beautiful views before following a path through the forest down to the lake. At the end of the day, you will ride along the lake shore and this time you will stay in a hotel near the lake. Dinner and overnight stay. Riding time approx. 6 hours.

Day 6: After breakfast, you will ride along the lake shore. Your guides will take you deep into the forest above the lake to the very old Miyak village of Kichinica. After a short stop and lunch break, you will climb the highest peak of Medenica and set up your camp for the night at the western end of the Bistra Mountains, in an incredible location next to the Karbula peak (2100 m above sea level). Enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the horizon and prepare dinner around the campfire. Today, there will also be a gin tasting. Overnight stay in tents. Approx. 6.5 hours in the saddle.

Day 7: If the weather is good, your day will start early – you will set off before sunrise and ride to the highest peak of Medenica to watch the sun rise. There are no words to describe the view of the mountains and lake at daybreak. Afterwards, you will descend back to the camp, with the horses being led for part of the way. There you will have breakfast and then ride along the highlands of the picturesque Bistra Mountain with its fantastic open landscape. In the afternoon, you will reach the riding stable and say goodbye to the horses. Riding time today approx. 6.5 hours. Afterwards, you will be taken back to Skopje. Dinner in a restaurant and overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 8: Breakfast and transfer to the airport.

The tour itinerary may be adjusted or changed due to weather conditions, natural circumstances or riding ability – this is a sample itinerary!Shorter trails are also available on request (5 days), ideal for families.

Accomodation
During the 8-day ride, you will spend 4 nights in mid-range hotels, one night in a simpler guesthouse and 2 nights in a tent. The tents are set up for you and the equipment is provided.

Saddle & Tack: Western tack.

Experience: Saddle fit in all gaits and trail experience is required, as well as the easy seat and a very good fitness. Riding time up to approx. 7 hours a day! You to ride walk and canter, including fast gallops over wide meadows. Max. Rider weight 95 kg. You should also be free from giddiness due to the mountains.

Horses: There are to stand approx. 30 horses available. Local breeds and Arabian (mix), height approx. 1.45 to 1.60m.