Overview

Overview 

    • Price per person: 430 
    • Duration: 3 days (2 overnights) 
    • Riding Time: 3 to 4 hours a day  
    • Skill Level: Suitable for beginners 
    • English speaking guide 

Please note: To confirm the family camping ride, a minimum of 2 participants is required. Additionally, for our family camping adventures, there are only 9 available scheduled dates this season. We recommend checking our bookings list early to secure your preferred dates. 

Included Features 

  • 7 hours of horseback riding 
  • Safety helmets for riding 
  • 1 hour dedicated to safety instruction and training, tailored for beginners. 
  • Picnic lunch (Traditional sheep cheese from the region, homemade pie, fresh vegetables and a shot of traditional homemade rakija) 
  • All camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, mats) 
  • All meals and drinks at camp 
  • Presentation of old farming techniques 
  • Full guidance by professional English speaking guide 

A Riding Expedition is a journey on horseback, which may entail a few hardships but reward you with an experience to remember and scenery which you might otherwise not have the opportunity to see. 

This type of excursion will give you the opportunity to enjoy with your family, kids, and friends and spend some quality time in the mountains, escaping from the modern civilization. 

Two days in Mavrovo National Park – spending time with SHERPA HORSE RIDING TEAM and the locals. This tour is for those who want to enjoy the treasures of the mountain. Riding uphill along the valleys of Bistra Mountain, setting up camps deep in the mountains, you will enjoy the vast and never-ending open views of the countless number of mountain peaks. On this trip, you will get closer to the shepherd’s life, visiting few sheep farms, experience the traditional way of cheese making and just enjoy the nature. 

This is a soul-rewarding ride with breathtaking scenery. 

Family camping Detailed Itinerary 

Location: The journey begins at Sherpa Stable, which can be found here: Sherpa Horse riding ranch 

The Tour

Schedule & Activities: 

Day 1: Immersion into the Mountain Wilderness (3h of riding) 

  • 9:30 AM: Guests arrive at the ranch, greeted with welcoming refreshments to start the adventure. 
  • 10:00 AM: Participate in hands-on workshops on milking goats and preparing traditional cheese, offering a unique insight into local customs. 
  • 11:30 AM: Receive safety equipment, undergo a comprehensive briefing on safety procedures, and engage in practical training for western-style horseback riding. This session is designed to accommodate both riders and non-riders. 
  • 12:30 PM: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the great outdoors, featuring homemade pie, sheep cheese, and a selection of fresh vegetables. 
  • 2:00 PM: Depart to the base camp, embarking on a journey through breathtaking landscapes. 
  • 5:00 PM: Upon arrival at the base camp, engage in group activities including setting up sleeping tents and igniting a bonfire for the night. 
  • 6:30 PM: Dinner is served beside the bonfire, featuring a hearty BBQ (overnight stay in tents). 

* Vegetarians are required to specify their Food preference in the Request for an offer. 

Day 2: Exploring the Heights and Depths of Bistra Mountain (4h of riding) 

  • 7:00 AM: Early morning wake-up call to seize the day. 
  • 7:30 AM: A brief visit to the SOLOMUNICA sheep farm unveils the traditional farming techniques and cheese production from milking sheep by hand (5 min from the camping area). 
  • 9:00 AM: Start breakfast preparations back at the campsite. 
  • 10:00 AM: Breakfast is served, fueling the day’s adventure. 
  • 11:00 AM: Set off on horseback to SNADAKTASH PEAK, ascending to high mountain peaks with captivating views of MAVROVO LAKE. 
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch at the sheep farm offers a taste of local cuisine amidst the pastoral ambiance. 
  • 2:00 PM: The journey continues back to the SHERPA BASE CAMP on horseback. 
  • 4:00 PM: Arrival at the base camp followed by time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. 
  • 6:00 PM: Dinner at the camp features a traditional dish with mixed meats from the oven (overnight at the base camp). 

Day 3: Return to the Sherpa Horse Riding Ranch (4h of riding) 

  • 9:00 AM: Begin the day with breakfast preparations at the campsite. 
  • 10:00 AM: Enjoy a hearty breakfast amidst the serene mountain setting. 
  • 11:00 AM: Departure back to the SHERPA HORSE RIDING RANCH on horseback, traversing the majestic landscapes with a fantastic view of MAVROVO LAKE. 
  • 1:00 PM: A lunch break at another sheep farm introduces more local flavors and shepherd’s life. 
  • 2:00 PM: Continue the ride back to the SHERPA HORSE RIDING RANCH, concluding the mountain journey. 
  • 4:00 PM: Arrival at the ranch, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure. 
  • 4:30 PM: A celebratory dinner at the Ranch rounds off the expedition, featuring a selection of starters, pork/lamb, salad, and dessert. 

Note: Participants are encouraged to specify their dietary preferences (including vegetarian options) in the Request for an Offer. 

 

RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST: 

Typical temperatures at this time of year are likely to be around 20ºC during the day. In the early morning and evening temperatures can drop to around 1-5ºC. At this time of year rain is possible. Remember to take anti-histamines if you suffer from general allergies, since sometimes the altitude and thin air can cause problems, including asthma. When packing clothes for Macedonia, please keep in mind that although it may be warm on sunny days, in the evenings it can get cool. It can be windy and cold up in the mountains, so take warm clothes with you. 

Clothing: 

  • Layerable Clothing: Since temperatures vary greatly, bring clothes you can layer. 
  • Base Layer: Tights, cycling shorts, or long johns—helpful if you’re not used to riding. 
  • Mid Layer: Comfortable riding trousers, long-sleeved shirts, T-shirts, fleece, jumper, or a lightweight jacket for warmth. 
  • Outer Layer: A waterproof and breathable coat, waterproof trousers or leggings with a foot-strap. Ensure both are made from a breathable fabric. 
  • Additional Items: 
    • Short, multipurpose riding/walking boots (waterproof recommended) and half chaps. 
    • Woolly or fleece hat for cold weather. 
    • Sunglasses with a neck strap for sunny days. 
    • Casual clothes for non-riding times. 
    • Sun hat, socks, underwear, and thick socks for warmth. 

Equipment: 

  • General: 
    • Saddle bags (provided) for personal belongings. 
    • Water bottles (provided, to be filled with tap water). 
    • Sleeping bags, liners, and mats are provided. Consider an inflatable pillow for extra comfort. 
    • Ear plugs if you’re a light sleeper. 
  • Vision: Glasses for contact lens wearers, with a recommendation for daily disposables due to dry air. 

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: 

  • Personal toiletries. 
  • Personal medical kit including antiseptic cream, pain relief tablets, and sticking plasters. 
  • Moisture-absorbing baby powder, Compeed blister plasters, Sudocrem, E45, Vaseline, or similar for chafing and rubbed skin. 
  • Bring prescriptions for any regular medications. 
  • High-factor sun protection cream and lip balm to combat the strong sun at altitude. 
  • Insect repellent and after-bite ointment. 

Additional Recommendations: 

  • No Electricity on Camping Nights: 
    • Bring additional power sources like power banks for your devices. 
    • A small, durable flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries. 
    • Consider portable solar chargers if you have devices that may need charging. 
  • Allergies and Altitude: 
    • Anti-histamines for general allergies. 
    • Any specific medication for altitude-related discomfort. 

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