This trail takes you through the impressive landscape of the Šar Planina National Park in the west of North Macedonia - a real insider tip for nature lovers and horse riding enthusiasts. The Riding centre is located around 18 kilometers from Tetovo, surrounded by green valleys, alpine meadows, clear mountain rivers and rugged peaks over 2,000 meters high. In the immediate vicinity are traditional mountain villages such as Vica, Lisec, Shipkovica, Brodec, Veshallë and Bozofcë, which you will get to know during the tour.
Embark on a unique horseback expedition through the remote wilderness of the Šar Mountains. The route takes you through seven days of pure nature—past mountain lakes, rivers, alpine meadows, and along historic paths once used by shepherds and traders. You will cross the border between North Macedonia and Kosovo on horseback and immerse yourself in the culture and history of this region.
This program is aimed at travelers who want to combine horses, nature and authentic cultural encounters. During the trail, you will cross untouched landscapes, encounter the rural life of the region and meet local families - a special opportunity to experience the culture of North Macedonia up close.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Skopje airport (by 3 pm at the latest). Transfer to Tetovo, where you can enjoy a short city tour during which you visit the Colorful Mosque, Arabati Baba Tekke and the Balltepe Church. In the evening, continue to the mountain resort at an altitude of 1,780 m. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Bogovinje-lake
After breakfast, your luggage will be loaded onto off-road vehicles while you are taken to the starting point. There you will meet your horses and receive a brief introduction. The first ride takes you across ski slopes and lift facilities and offers a panoramic view of the Polog-valley. As you gently ascend from 1,600 to 2,100 meters above sea level, the landscape opens up to alpine meadows and rocky terrain. Lunch is served in a shepherd's hut before you continue below the Tito and Bakerdan peaks. In the afternoon, you will reach Bogovinje lake – one of the "eyess of the Sharr Mountains." Accommodation is in comfortable tents in a picturesque camp on the lakeshore, which is also equipped with a shower tent. Dinner under the starry sky rounds off the day. (Riding time: 5-6 hours)

Day 3: Border crossing: Bogovinje–lake–Arxhena–Xhinibeg 
After breakfast at the lake you prepare the horses and ride along the rivers that feed the lake towards the "Meadows under Qelepine", the natural border between North Macedonia and Kosovo. After crossing the border to Kosovo, the route follows the valley of the Brod River, surrounded by untouched mountain scenery. Lunch is taken in a traditional restaurant near the Gradski Kamen gorge, which is famous for its lamb dishes. The tour then continues to village Brod and along an old trade route that was once used for trade between Tetovo and Prizren. You pass the rock formations of Kazanet e Brodit and, with a bit of luck, you may spot wild goats. Afterwards you ascend to Laki i Xhinibegit (2,000 m) and cross the border back into Macedonia, where you descend to river Pena. The overnight stay is in a traditional mountain house - simple but cozy, built from stone and wood, with dormitories and a shower tent. (Riding time approx. 6 hours)

Day 4: Karanikola-lake
Wake up surrounded by breathtaking rock formations and enjoy your breakfast before continuing your adventure. The route follows the river Pena and reconnects with the historic border trail. For most of the day youl ride along the mountain range between 2,000 and 2,300 m above sea level, enjoying panoramic views over Kosovo and Macedonia. The open meadows offer the opportunity for nice gallops (optional). Passing the Skakala waterfall, the trail climbs to Karanikola-lake (2,200 m), a pristine mountain lake framed by high peaks. You will spend the night in a nearby tent camp with a shower tent. Weather permitting, you can enjoy a refreshing swim under the stars before a barbecue dinner. (Riding time approx. 5 hours)

Day 5: From Karanikola-laketo village Vejce
After breakfast at the lake, the route continues over the mountain ridges of Vrtop and Kobilica, from where you can enjoy another breathtaking view of Kosovo and North Macedonia. The path is narrow and steep in places, so you have to trust your horse completely. You pass the Red Cave and follow mountaineering trails towards the Kobilica summit. Lunch break at Villa Kobilica with incomparable views of the Black Peak and Kobilica. In the afternoon you descend into the lush forests near the village of Vejce and visit the local waterfalls. Overnight stay at Hostel Hana, an authentic village guesthouse with hot showers, comfortable beds and traditional cuisine. (Riding time approx. 5 hours)

Day 6: Return to the farm 
After breakfast you take the picturesque mountain road that connects the villages of Vejce and Brodec. The route winds its way through pine forests and alpine meadows. A short break is planned at the Jelak mountain house before continuing to the guest house near the Silibashino mountain. This restored farmhouse made of stone and clay has been converted into a charming guesthouse and a small restaurant with a bar, offering local dishes and a cozy mountain atmosphere. Lunch is prepared with home-made products such as cheese and yogurt. Afterwards, off-road vehicles will take you back to Kodra e Diellit, where you will have your last dinner and you spend the night in the hotel. (Riding time approx. 4 hours)

Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you can explore the main sights of Skopje - the old bazaar, the stone bridge and the Kale fortress - and then you will be transferred to the airport for your return journey.

Subject to change without notice!

Accomodation
The route is remote and largely surrounded by untouched nature. Accommodation ranges from guest houses and mountain huts to tented camps with basic facilities. Shower tents and limited power supply are available in the camps. Luggage is transported by off-road vehicle between the overnight locations.
There are two overnight stays in tents, one in a mountain hut with shared rooms, two in a guest house at Riding centre and one in a guest house in a mountain village.
The weather in the mountains can change fast, please pack warm and waterproof clothing.

Saddle & Tack: English and partly Western saddles, snaffle.

Experience: Good riding level, confident in all gaits in different terrain. The rider must also be absolutely fit and sure-footed. Riding time daily up to approx. 6 hours. The pace is rather calm, but on the plateaus there are also some nice gallops.

Horses: The local horses are medium-sized and perfectly suited to rocky terrain. They live robustly in huge meadows in the herd all the time. They are safe and used to long mountain trails, so the rider feel safe and relaxed and can enjoy the breathtaking views. Mostly English and Western saddles.

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