ON FOOT ACROSS GALICHICA

– From home to your car, go to work and get back home again.

– From home to the bus stop, and then to the faculty. Next, go to a coffee bar, therefrom go home, then again at a coffee bar, and finally return home.

– Staying at home, staying at home, from home to the store, and at home again.

If these are your only daily movements, it is a problem. Perhaps it is not visible, but believe me, it is a problem. A problem related to monotony, inactivity, becoming an infinite and endless circle. One would say, you live in a country which offers so many varieties. There are so many options for adventures, enjoyment, physical activity, socializing in nature. It would be such a pity not to make use of it.

Let’s try to change something. Come along on an adventure through the nature in Macedonia, and the truth is, it has so much to offer. Bring your friends or your closest family, make arrangements in terms of transportation, prepare a list about who will bring what and start your journey.

Let’s go walking on foot across Galichica!

Since having classes in primary school, you remember that one of the most remarkable heights in Macedonia absolutely belongs to Galichica, the mountain that embraces two ancient lakes – Ohrid and Prespa. There is an oasis of endemic plant and animal species; it is a home to many forest communities which leave you breathless; it is a temple of a hidden beauty which words could barely describe. There is nothing better than a fitness center under the open sky.

Since 1958, this mountain along with its spectacular size was declared a national park. When you are at its peaks, your gaze could “reach” as far as Jablanica and the Albanian mountains on one side, and Pelister on the other side. What makes it even more interesting, is that you are given the possibility to climb to Tomoros Peak (which is at an altitude of 1,673 meters) and Magaro Peak (which is at an altitude of 2,255 meters) and therefrom you could look at the two lakes at once, the blue color of the Ohrid Lake and stillness of the Prespa Lake. It is an extraordinary experience which leaves you speechless, but also keeps you in a great physical condition.

Those who have witnessed its beauties will confirm that what you are going to see and experience, will revive the natural spirit in you and it will rejuvenate your body and mind. It does not matter, whether you decide to go walking, running, mountaineering, paragliding or cycling – the nature in this region made sure that everyone could find its inspiration for recreation and enjoyment.

All you need to do is to choose one out of the many routes, dress appropriately for the particular season and area, get a full bag of water, food and everything considered essential for a longer stay in nature and under open sky, such as: navigation (a map, GPS device), sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm), lighting (flashlight and backup batteries), first aid kit, tools (Swiss knife, adhesive tape), matches or a lighter, a sleeping bag, a tent and some spare outfit suitable for the current season of the year. Certainly, take with you your desire for adventure and physical activity, the nature will take care of the rest.

There are so many – around a hundred kilometers of intertwined hiking and cycling trails for sightseeing and walking on foot (that is, for pedaling), and with each step you take, you will be a step closer to seeing a divine beauty, which is better witnessed in person. Additionally, you will be a step ahead to achieving the vital energy balance.

Since there are so many fantastic viewpoints, we would suggest: Baba Mountain Ridge (at the altitude of 1,631 meters), Lako Signoj Peak (at the altitude of 1,953 meters), Gola Buka Peak (at an altitude of 1,891 meters) and Elenov Peak (at an altitude of 1,221 meters), where you could find beautifully decorated picnic areas with built-in fountains and benches – Korita and Jadera located over Trpejca and the entire peninsula between the two villages in Prespa, Konjsko and Stenje. However, perhaps the best way is to go there and discover the place with the most fantastic view on your own.

For those who enjoy mountaineering, the best section is below the Magaro Peak, which is the highest peak on Galichica (at an altitude of 2,255 meters), 760 meters high and perfect to reach, and for those who are less expeditious, could try the section below the peaks Golem Vrv and Tuglijash, which reach up to 180 meters of height.

Those of you who are not so adventurous and would prefer to be part of a tour guide, could easily find information about organized hiking tours, which usually range from Magaro Peak to Goga Peak (at an altitude of 1,935 meters). Some of the tours include a visit to the Samian Hole Cave (Samoska Dupka), and after having descended from the peaks, almost all of them provide you with the opportunity to rest at some of the picnic areas, (for instance, Korita), where you could try the most delicious Ohrid specialty – gjomleze (a big soft white pie with a crispy crust). If you are lucky enough, you might even get to have it cooked on the spot. Do not worry, you have walked enough, and you will walk some more to burn all those calories.

Undoubtedly, you must not miss the chance to visit some of the sheepfolds or the mountain cottage on Asan Gjura, located in the valley at an altitude of 1,520 meters. Here, you could meet different types of people: starting from locals riding horses or herding sheep, to people who love mountain biking, endurance moto cross or off-road SUV lovers. If you decide to visit Asan Gjura plateau in late spring, you will be surprised by the occurrence of several scattered lakes – pools. Sit beside them, have a rest, enjoy the view and select a new place to visit for next time.

There are high chances that while ascending, somewhere far in the horizon, you might see paragliders who along with the birds tear across the Ohrid sky. Their favorite starting point is Galichica, the region above the beautiful village Trpejca, on the road slope which leads towards Prespa and where it starts, or better said, it is halfway of the well-marked mountain trail leading to Magaro Peak from Peshtani.

However, the heights of Galichica are not the only places which offer remarkable opportunities and enjoyment in immense beauties. Being the only mountain in Macedonia which has lakes on both sides of its base, Galichica is one of the few places which abound in wonderful areas, where the water of the lakes washes away the mountain slopes. Just outside of Trpejca, under the high and steep rocks of the mountain ridge Osoj, there is an 8^th century old monastery Zaum, which could be reached only by water using a boat or even better, on foot walking along the overgrown road and across the lake. The place where there is a wonderful beach created by the tropic islands beside the monastery, is regarded as the deepest point of Ohrid Lake (here you should be careful not to get carried away while swimming); and at the foot of the mountain, by the lake near the camp Ljubanishta, is located the cave church St. Nikola and the well-known monastery of St. Naum. On the other side is situated the untouched village Konjsko which uses its drinking water of Prespa Lake, therefrom one might head to the only island in Macedonia – The Big City (Golem Grad) or the Island of Snakes, where remainings of several old and ancient churches could be found.

While you are chasing the sun peeking through the tall trees, you would probably feel tired, but do not let it prevent you from moving ahead. As a matter of fact, how would you? You would not stop walking because the air you inhale is so clean that it immediately refreshes you and gives you the strength to walk some more kilometers, which might rarely happen in the cities. Please, do not be like those people who in any way jeopardize the national park and impede the people responsible for this paradise from doing their jobs. Although enormous, this mountain is still quite fragile. Be gentle with it!

You will finish this hiking tour pretty exhausted, but full-hearted and with a clear mind. The next thing that comes to your mind is to relax and grab something to eat and drink, which in such moments, by some unwritten rules is always tastier and more enjoyable, leaving a complete impression. All this could be wrapped up with the delicious traditional delicacies of the lake district, which one might taste in a number of fish restaurants, for example “Mrestilishte” in Trpejca, Riva Hotel and the restaurant “Stenje Mali Raj”, in Ljubanishta, “Rot” restaurant in Konjsko and restaurant “Ostrovo” in St. Naum.

You will return home satisfied and exhausted, but happy that you have had an active and healthy day. You will be reborn.

You have to admit that this sounds very good, much better that the same old same: from home to work-get home- go to work.