Nidze Mountain

Nidze Mountain with highest peak - Kajmaktchalan (2521m) is situated on South-West of Macedonia, on the border with Rep. of Greece. This was a rare-visited mountain in the past, because it was border zone. The mountain is characterized by almost untouched nature: rich pine forests, rivers and pastures Now more and more people climb to Kajmaktchalan. The nature is almost intact - rich forest, very clean small rivers, pastures over 2000 m. On the peak there is a small church and crypt for Serbian soldiers from World War I. From the Greek side of peak there is a ski resort with ski lifts reaching to 2480 m. Lately, mount bikers from Bitola and other cities form Macedonia visit Kajmaktchalan and all area of Mariovo region. From this year (2005) Macedonian Mountain Running League organize mountain race from hunter's hut to the summer watchtower (24km - 1320m climb).

You can reach Nidze Mountain from Bitola. You should get to village Skocivir, by vehicle or by bus. 2 kilometers after the Skocivir is hunter's hut where you can stay or camp in tents - near the place where smaller Konjarka River goes into Crna River. From there starts good mountain (dirt) road up to the peak Kajmaktchalan. You can go there by 4WD vehicle, but walking is more preferable because we want to preserve nature clean. Route is marked with mountaineer’s markation, because there are few shortcuts. On height of about 1900m forest area ends and there is an summer watchtower and Shepard’s hut (Vlaski kolibi). From there starts area of pastures. You can reach the top of mountain in 4-5 hours walking - about 30 km.

When to climb and camp

Best period is from June to October. The rest of the year may be a lot of snow and you can easely lost track - particularly if visibility is low. You can camp in hunter's hut near Skocivir on Konjarka river.

Mountain Conditions

On good weather every average mountaineer can climb to the peak. You should take water with you because it is a dry mountain - you can find water after the 22 km from hunter's hut - at shepard's hut and at summer watchtower.

Source: http://www.summitpost.org