Mavrovo and Mount Korab Hiking
Climb Mount Korab, the country's highest peak, walk across the Galicnik plateau to mountain villages, and visit monasteries and waterfalls.
An intensive short route designed for experienced hikers. Day two features a round-trip hike to the main peak of Mount Korab, day three goes from Galicnik across the Medenica plateau to Jance, and day four visits Duf Waterfall and Bigorski Monastery before returning to the capital. The trade-off is skipping the historic old towns; those with average fitness can choose to hike on just one of the days.
High-altitude snow patches and weather have a major impact; the summit attempt should be canceled in case of bad weather.
Day by day
Day 1 · Head to Lake Mavrovo
Mavrovo National Park（Mavrovo Lake、Sunken Church of St. Nicholas）
Drive from Skopje via Tetovo and Gostivar to the lakeside for about 1.5–2 hours. Enjoy an easy walk along the lake in the afternoon.
Stay: Lake Mavrovo
Day 2 · Round-Trip Hike to Mount Korab Summit
Mavrovo National Park（Mount Korab）
Take a 4WD vehicle to Strezimir in the early morning. The round-trip hike is about 18 km with an ascent of about 1,300 meters, taking 7–9 hours.
The summit lies on the border; hiring a guide and confirming border permits in advance is recommended.
Stay: Lake Mavrovo
Day 3 · Galicnik to Jance Hike
Mavrovo National Park（Galičnik、Janče）
Transfer to Galicnik, cross the Medenica plateau, and descend to Jance. The hike is about 16 km and takes 6–7 hours.
The descent is about 1,400 meters; prepare knee pads and arrange a luggage transfer vehicle in advance.
Stay: Janče
Day 4 · Duf Waterfall, Monastery, and Return
Mavrovo National Park（Duf Waterfall、Monastery of St. John the Baptist (Bigorski)） → Skopje
A very short drive to the waterfall trailhead, followed by a 1-hour round-trip walk. Return to Skopje for about 2.5 hours after midday.