THE TOUR 

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

Transfers according to the program schedule will accommodate customers arriving or departing at any time on the specified arrival and departure dates, with the fee included in the price. 

Luxury Treatment: 

• Horse Care: Our horse team will provide the horses after every ride and in the morning. After long days in the saddle, we offer special luxury treatment for our clients to rest and rejuvenate. 
• Camping Logistics: The camping team will set up the camps and manage all logistics to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience. 

DAY 1: ARRIVAL AND OVERNIGHT Hotel Neda Galichnik

Itinerary

After arriving at Skopje Airport, we will transport guests to the city of Skopje, where they will enjoy lunch at the traditional restaurant DUKAT, followed by a short sightseeing tour. We will transfer the guests to Sherpa Ranch in Galicnik after the tour. 

Following lunch, you’ll be transported to the SHERPA HORSE RIDING RANCH located in Galichnik, a village nestled in the western mountains of Macedonia. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Accommodation is provided at Hotel Neda. The ranch, where you’ll have the chance to meet both the horses and the Sherpa team, is conveniently located just 1 km from the hotel. A safety briefing and operation procedures session will be hosted at Hotel Neda before the dinner. The overnight stay is at Hotel NEDA-Galichnik.  

TIME TABLE: 

• 12:30 – 13:00: Pick-up from Skopje accommodations for guests already in the city. 

• Before 14:00 (Airport Arrivals): Guests arriving at the airport before 14:00 will be transferred to Dukat Restaurant for lunch. 
• 14:00: Lunch at Dukat Restaurant.
  The city tour guide will meet you there. 
• 14:30 – 15:00: Skopje city tour.
  Guests arriving after 14:00 will be transferred directly to the city tour. 
• 16:00/16:30: Departure to Sherpa Horse Riding Ranch in Galichnik and Hotel Neda in Galichnik.
  Guests arriving after 16:00 will be transferred directly to V. Galichnik. 
• 19:00: Briefing.
  Distribution of safety equipment and briefing on safety and procedures. 
• 20:00: Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Neda in Galichnik. 

Special Notes: 

• Vegetarian Options: We cater to all dietary preferences. Please specify your requirements in the Request for an Offer. 
• Late Arrivals: Guests arriving after 16:30 will be directly taken to the Sherpa Horse Riding Ranch, with a snack lunch provided en route to ensure your comfort. 
• Safety Briefings: For those unable to attend the initial safety briefing at 19:00, rest assured, we will accommodate you with a session upon your arrival in Galicnik the next morning.  

DAY 2: HORSE BACK RIDING FROM GALICHNIK TO LAZAROPOLE – OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL “KALIN”, LAZAROPOLE

• Riding Time: 5 hours  
• Riding kilometers :  27km 

Following breakfast at Hotel Neda, our operator will present a historical overview before transporting you to the Sherpa Horse Riding Ranch, a mere 5-minute drive away. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our team with welcoming drinks. This will be your chance to meet the horses. After a detailed briefing session and selecting the horse that suits you best, you’ll be ready to embark on your riding adventure. 

Our SHERPA TRUCK carries your luggage to our lodging destination. 

Today offers a unique chance to explore several ancient Miyak villages, immersing yourself in the Miyak culture and traversing the historic forest paths originally used for horse transportation. Your journey will take you through the Sushica forest to visit Sushica, the oldest Miyak village, now largely in ruins. From there, you’ll ride downhill towards the picturesque Miyak villages of Selce and Tresonche, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of Stogovo Mountain’s northern face. 

On the way to the village of Lazaropole, you will have a lunch break and a fruit dessert. You will be passing through the Miyak village of Tresonche, and experience the Miyak folklore and the old Miyak architecture. We will be lodging in Lazaropole (the second largest Miyak village) in the Hotel “KALIN” (a cozy mountain hotel with a traditional design). 

Dinner will be served next to a cozy fireplace at the hotel restaurant (fresh wild meat dish from the region). 

ITINERARY: 

• • 7:30 AM: Breakfast at Hotel Neda 
    • Start your day with a nutritious breakfast to fuel up for the adventure ahead. 
  • 8:30 AM: Packing the Logistics Truck 
  • 9:00 AM: Historical Presentation 
  • 10:00 AM: Departure to Sherpa Horse Riding Ranch 
    • A brief 5-minute drive to the start of your day’s adventure. 
  • 10:10 AM: Warm Welcome & Refreshments at the Ranch 
    • Meet the horses for the first time and enjoy some welcoming drinks. 
  • 10:30 AM: Matching Customers with Horses 
  • 11:00 AM: Preparations for the Trip 
    • Finalize preparations for the upcoming ride and loading luggage to the transport vehicles. 
  • 11:30 AM: Fruit Lunch 
    • Enjoy a refreshing fruit lunch to energize for the journey ahead. 
  • 12:00 PM: Departure towards Lazaropole 
    • Begin your scenic ride, visiting historic Miyak villages and immersing in their rich culture. 
  • 3:00 PM: Picnic Lunch in V. Selce 
    • Relish fresh products from the ranch, including a cheese tasting, and explore local vegan/vegetarian options (upon request). 
  • 4:00 PM: Ride to the Village of Lazaropole 
    • Traverse beautiful forest trails and mountainous terrains on your way. 
  • 6:30 PM: Arrival & Lodging at Hotel “KALIN”, Lazaropole 
    • Check-in and take some time to relax. 
  • 7:30 PM: Dinner at Hotel “KALIN” 
    • Savor a traditional Miyak meal, featuring fresh wild meat dishes from the region. 

*Note: Vegetarian guests are encouraged to specify their dietary preferences in the Request for an Offer to accommodate their needs appropriately. 

DAY 3: Lazaropole to Gari – Overnight at  Motel “TOPILA” 

• Riding Time: 7 hours  
• Riding kilometers :  37 km 

After the lovely evening, delicious food, smooth wine, and a good night’s sleep, off we go again. Breakfast, saddling and bridling – getting ready for the road. 

An ADRENALINE ride which will take you to the oldest forest Miyak trail of Bistra Mountain, crossing up to Stogovo Mountain from the Miyak village of Osoj, with an incredible view at the Korab Massive (2,764 meters/ 9068 ft.). On this day, you will have an opportunity to go to one of the highest peaks on Stogovo massive – Babin Srt (2,241 meters/7352.3 ft.). Then riding down to the Miyak village of Gari for dinner and an overnight stay in the very cozy guesthouse by the main Gari creek. Fresh fish for dinner

ITINERARY: 

• 7:30 AM – Breakfast 

• • Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, fueling up for the adventure that lies ahead. 
• 8:30 AM – Daily Briefing 
  • Gather for an overview of the day’s schedule and any important updates. 
• 9:00 AM: Departure to the Miyak Village of Gari 
  • Set off on an adrenaline-pumping ride through the oldest forest trail of Bistra Mountain, enjoying the spectacular views. 
• 12:00 PM: Lunch at Stogovo Mountain 
  • Take a lunch break with delicious local vegan/vegetarian options available upon request. 
• 1:00 PM: Departure to the Miyak Village of Gari 
  • Ride down to Gari, looking forward to a cozy evening at the guesthouse. 
• 5:00 PM: Arrival at Motel “Topila”, Gari 
  • Check in and relax by the tranquil Gari creek, reflecting on the day’s journey. 
• 7:00 PM: Dinner at Motel “Topila” 
  • Enjoy a meal featuring fresh fish from the creek. 

*Note: Vegetarians are encouraged to specify their dietary preferences in the Request for an Offer to ensure meal arrangements are to their liking. 

DAY 4: GARI TO KAMP SOLOMUNICA – OVERNIGHT AT BASE CAMP 1 WITH AN EXCLUSIVE WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE

• Riding Time: 8 hours  
• Riding kilometers :  44 km 

After a lovely dinner and a good night’s sleep, we are almost ready for the longest day of this journey. Getting ready for an amazing 44 km ahead of you.
On this day, we are going to cross to the east side of Bistra Mountain, riding across a very old forest Miak trail. This ride will take you above the forest of Bistra Mountain, with an incredible view at the Korab Massive (2,764 meters/ 9068 ft.). This route will get you closer to the shepherd’s life, visiting a few sheep farms and tasting traditional white cheese and yogurt. 

After the long breathtaking experience, our camp team will be lodging in our base camp deep in the mighty mountains far away from the civilized world. Upon arrival, you’ll find that our diligent crew has taken care of all the essentials. The sleeping tents are pitched, the campfire is crackling, and the scene is set for an unforgettable campfire party under the stars, followed by some good night’s sleep. As the sun sets, casting the sky in a spectrum of colors, Jadranka, our esteemed sommelier who will take you on a lovely tour of the flavors of our top-notch wines as the sunsets over the sky at our camp. Prepare to sample and drink as you discover the intriguing history of winemaking in our land. After the degustation your taste buds will be dancing, and once you start sipping this wine, it’ll be a full-fledged wine party in no time. 

ITINERARY: 

• 7:30 AM – Breakfast 
  • Start your day early with a hearty breakfast to prepare for the longest ride of the trip. 
• 8:30 AM – Preparations Begin 
  • The day begins with checking in the horses, ensuring everything is set for the journey ahead. 
• 9:00 AM – Departure to Base Camp 
  • Depart on horseback, heading towards the base camp nestled deep in Bistra Mountain. 
• 12:00 AM – Fruit Dessert Break 
  • Enjoy a well-deserved break with snacks and fruits to recharge for the rest of the ride. 
• 12:30 AM – Departure on Horseback 
  • Resume your journey through the majestic trails, experiencing the serenity and beauty of the mountainous terrain. 
• 3:30 PM – Arrival at the Sheep Farm 
  • Experience the shepherd’s life with a cheese tasting lunch or delicious local vegan/vegetarian food (if requested). 
  • Immerse yourself in traditional farming techniques and taste fresh milk products directly from the farm. 
• 4:30 PM – Departure to Base Camp 2 on Horseback 
  • Continue your adventure to Base Camp 2, soaking in the breathtaking views along the way. 
• 6:30 PM – Arrival at Base Camp 2 
  • Upon arrival, you’ll find that everything has been prepared for your comfort. The crew has already set up sleeping tents and started a campfire, allowing you to relax and settle in without any hassle. 
• Greeted by Jadranka, Our Trained Sommelier 

• • As you unwind, Jadranka, our esteemed sommelier, will welcome you. She’s prepared to guide you through an immersive wine tasting experience, introducing you to a selection of exquisite wines. This is an opportunity to learn, taste, and enjoy the finer details of each wine, enhancing your evening. 

• 8:30 PM – BBQ Dinner Next to the Campfire 
  • Enjoy a BBQ dinner served next to the glowing campfire. As the sun sets, the warmth of the fire and the beauty of the starlit sky create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. 
• Overnight Stay in Tents 
  • After dinner, you can continue to enjoy the campfire and the serene mountain atmosphere. When you’re ready, a comfortable tent awaits you for a peaceful night’s sleep under the stars. 

DAY 5: KAMP SOLOMUNICA TO MAVROVO – OVERNIGHT AT MIA’S FAVOURITE HOTEL

• Riding Time: 6 hours  
• Riding kilometers :  32 km 

Wake up – we are up to a fantastic morning with an endless view at the high-level mountain peaks. Preparing breakfast on our own, enjoying the fresh mountain air, and getting ready for the next journey. 

On this day, we are also going to visit a few more Miyak sheep farms and enjoy different mountain sceneries. This time our guides will take you to the Sandaktash Peak (2011 m / 6597,7 ft.) and bring you down to Mavrovo lake and the village of Mavrovo. At the end of this day’s trail you will ride along the lake shore, and this time you will get accommodated in the coziest hotel in the region. Dinner will be served in the hotel (fresh dear meat – deer meat is cooked “under the sach,” a technique where the meat is covered with a large metal or ceramic lid resembling a shallow bell. This method, traditionally used for baking bread dough or roasting meat, ensures that the flavors are sealed in, resulting in a tender, succulent dish that’s imbued with the essence of Macedonian cuisine). 

ITINERARY:

• 7:00 AM – Wake-Up Coffee and Tea 
  • The day starts early as the group gathers for wake-up coffee and tea, enjoying camaraderie in the crisp mountain air. 
• 7:30 AM – Visiting Sheep Farm 
  • Visit the sheep farm to get acquainted with the shepherd’s life, far from the civilized world. You’ll be shown traditional farming techniques and have the opportunity to taste fresh milk products directly from the farm. 
• 8:30 AM – Breakfast at the Camp 

• • Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at the camp before packing up and saddling the horses for the day’s ride. 
• 10:30 AM – Departure to the Sheep Farm on Horseback 
  • Set off on your journey through scenic trails, heading towards another enriching visit to a Miyak sheep farm. 
• 1:30 PM – Arrival at the Sheep Farm for Lunch and Fruit Dessert Break 
  • Enjoy a lunch break at the farm, savoring traditional dishes and a fruit dessert, while experiencing the local shepherd’s lifestyle. 
• 2:30 PM – Departure to Sandaktash Peak and Mavrovo Lake 
  • The ride continues toward Sandaktash Peak (2011m/6597.7ft), offering breathtaking views, before descending to the beautiful Mavrovo Lake and village. 
• 5:30 PM – Arrival in Mavrovo at Mia’s Favourite Hotel 
  • Arrive at Mia’s Favourite Hotel, where you can relax and unwind after the day’s journey. 
• Before Dinner – Spa Treatment at Mia’s Favourite Hotel 
  • Indulge in a spa treatment before dinner, with options like a jacuzzi and sauna. It’s the perfect way to relax and rejuvenate after the day’s ride. 
• 7:00 PM – Dinner at Mia’s Favourite Hotel 
  • Savor a traditional dinner featuring fresh deer meat cooked under the sach, a unique culinary experience. 

*Note: Vegetarian guests are encouraged to specify their food preferences in the Request for an Offer to ensure their dining needs are met with equally delicious alternatives. 

DAY 6: MAVROVO TO KAMP GOVEDARNIK – OVERNIGHT AT BASECAMP 2

• Riding Time: 6.5 hours  
• Riding kilometers :  30 km 

Good morning. Waking up at Mia’s Favourite Hotel by the lake will give you an extraordinary energy to climb high in the hills again. After breakfast, we are getting ready to set off. 

As the morning unfolds, we embark on a scenic ride along the lake’s edge, our guides leading us deep into the forests above to explore the ancient Miyak village of Kichinica. After savoring a fruit dessert and taking a leisurely lunch break, we’ll begin our ascent around the towering peak of Medenica, setting our sights on establishing base camp Govedarnik. Positioned beside the majestic Karbula Peak, 2100 meters above sea level, and at the western end of Bistra Mountain, the camp boasts an awe-inspiring view of Krchin Peak. 

Before dinner, the evening takes a spirited turn with a GIN TASTING at CAMP 2. Delight in the botanicals and flavors of a high-quality dry gin, inspired by the wilderness of Bistra Mountain and crafted with the essence of Galichnik. This tasting session, hosted by the gin’s creator, promises a unique prelude to our night. 

Dinner is a campfire feast of traditionally cooked lamb from the surrounding farms, capping off the day with a taste of local culinary traditions. 

ITINERARY: 

• 7:30 AM – Breakfast at Hotel Mia’s Favourite 
  • Your day will begin with a delightful breakfast at Hotel Mia’s Favourite, offering the perfect start to your adventurous day. 
• 9:00 AM – Departure to the SHABAN SHEEP FARM 
  • Embark on a morning ride alongside the beautiful lakeshore, heading towards the deep forests above the lake. 
• 12:00 PM – Arrival in SHABAN FARM with a Lunch Break 

• 1:30 PM – Departure to Govedarnik Base Camp on Horseback 
  • Begin the ascent around Medenica Peak, heading towards the campsite located next to Karbula Peak, offering stunning views. 
• 3:30 PM – Fruit Dessert Break at the Mountain’s Top 
  • A refreshing break to enjoy some fruit dessert amidst the breathtaking mountain landscape. 
• 5:00 PM – Arrival at Base Camp the White ridge 
  • Upon arrival, take in the stunning panorama and settle in for the evening’s activities. 
• Evening – GIN TASTING at CAMP 2 
  • Before dinner, immerse yourself in a gin tasting experience under the vast sky. Savor the aromas and flavors of the wilderness, encapsulated in a bottle of our high-quality dry gin. Crafted with hand-picked botanicals from Bistra Mountain, clear spring water, and the spirited essence of Galichnik, you’ll delve into the story behind this exquisite gin, guided by its visionary founder. 
• Following the Gin Tasting – Dinner Preparation and Campfire 

• • After the gin degustation, gather around the campfire for dinner preparations. Enjoy fresh wild boar cooked in a traditional manner, savoring the flavors of the land. 
• Overnight Stay in Tents 
  • End your day with an overnight stay in tents, under a sky filled with stars, wrapping up another memorable day of your journey. 

DAY 7: SUNRISE RIDE, RIDING TO THE SHERPA RANCH AND RETURN TO SKOPJE – OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL CITY PARK, SKOPJE

This morning will be something entirely different. Waking up before dawn, preparing the horses, riding to the highest peak of Medenica to watch the sunrise. Enjoying the magnificent sunrise, along with a fruit dessert break at the ‘top of the world’.
There are no words to describe the majesty of this sight at daybreak. Lucky us! 

We are going to walk entirely downhill and ride again to the base camp the White ridge for breakfast.
After the breakfast, we are going to ride along the uplands of the scenic Bistra Mountain with the fantastic open landscapes. On this day, finally, you are going back to SHERPA HORSE RIDING RANCH after 202 km in total for these 6 days of riding. What a pleasure. Welcome back to the ranch.
After the final lunch with the group and the Sherpa team you are going to be transferred to Skopje for dinner and an overnight stay.

ITINERARY ADJUSTMENTS: 

Note: that the program’s timing may vary based on the sunrise, ensuring the best experience. 

ITINERARY:

• 3:00 AM: Wake-Up Tea and Coffee 
  • Start the day early with a warming cup of tea or coffee, energizing yourself for the day’s preparations. The focus will be on readying the horses, setting the stage for an unforgettable dawn ride. 
• 3:30 AM – Departure to Medenica Peak 
  • Set off on horseback towards the peak of Medenica, aiming to catch the first light of dawn. 

• 5:00 AM – Sunrise at Medenica Peak 
  • Experience the magnificent sunrise atop Medenica, complemented by a fruit dessert break in the serene early morning atmosphere. 
• 5:30 AM – Return to Base Camp the White ridge 
  • Descend back to base camp, enjoying the early morning beauty and tranquility of the mountain. 
• 7:00 AM – Breakfast at Base Camp the White ridge 
  • After arriving back, enjoy a hearty breakfast and begin packing up for the return journey. 
• 9:30 AM – Ride Back to SHERPA HORSE RIDING RANCH 
  • Depart base camp and ride along the scenic trails of Bistra Mountain, marking the end of the trail adventure with a return to the ranch. 
• 1:00 PM – Arrival at SHERPA HORSE RIDING RANCH 
  • Celebrate the completion of a 202 km journey over 6 days with a gala lunch/dinner party, featuring traditional live music and festivities. 
• 4:00 PM – Transfer to Skopje 
  • Depart from the ranch and head towards the vibrant city of Skopje for the final evening of the tour. 
• 5:45 PM – Arrival in Skopje 
  • Check into Hotel City Park, allowing some time to relax and freshen up before dinner. 
• 7:00 PM – Dinner in Skopje 
  • Conclude the day with a delicious dinner, celebrating the end of an unforgettable journey through the landscapes of Macedonia.

DAY 8: DEPARTURE DAY

• Morning – Breakfast at Hotel City Park 

• • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, reminiscing about the incredible journey and the memories made. 
• Transfer to the Airport 
  • After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred from Hotel City Park to the airport in plenty of time (approximately 2 hours before your flight) for your departure. 

Ensure you have all your belongings and travel documents ready for a smooth transition back home. The transfer will be arranged to accommodate your flight time, ensuring a stress-free conclusion to your Macedonian adventure.