Hiking Pelister to Big Lake

Once at the summit of Pelister, if you can afford one overnight in the mountain this trail is ideal for you. It is an easy trail 6,5km long descending from the peak (2.601m) to the mountain hut by the lake Golemo Ezero (2.218m), and it will take you 3 hours walking to get there. This short and picturesque route travels through shrubs and open spaces allowing you an unforgettable panorama of Pelagonija valley and Jakupica massif up North, and of Macedonia plains in Northern Greece in south east. On your way to the big lake you will also pass by the small glacial lake – it is warmer than the big one, and perfect to refresh on a hot summer day.

Your destination on this hike - Golemo Ezero is a glacial lake placed at a cirque at altitude of 2218m asl. It has average dimensions 220m by 190m and depth of 15m. Many locals come here either by jeep or hiking to escape the hot summer days in the valley thus making the hut a popular recreational spot. The mountain hut there (called “Dimitar Ilievski – Murato” bearing the name of the first Macedonian who climbed Everest in 1989) is an intersection point of many paths: you can descend down to village Nizepole if you need to be back in Bitola, or, if you wish to explore further, you can choose the route to village Brajchino on the other side of the mountain, and to Prespa Lake.