Compared to the other regions of Serbia, its eastern area, dominated by the small part of the Carpathian Mountains, is less known and visited, although it has unprecedented and wild natural beauties. A visitor with a bit of an adventurous spirit can enjoy the beauty of these areas in a special way. One of the most beautiful peaks in Serbia is located right here. Rtanj Mountain, which has the shape of an almost regular pyramid, will be reason enough for you to go hiking. Lovers of spa tourism will be delighted by Sokobanja, located in the wide valley of the Moravica River, between Ozren and Rtanj mountains. Sokobanja Spa and its surroundings represent a large park with the famous Ripaljka waterfall and the artificial Bovan Lake. This spa got its name from the Soko-grad fortress, which is located on a high rock, and was built in the Middle Ages on the remains of a Roman fortification.
Tour plan:
Departure in front of the hotel in Niš at 7:00 a.m. Driving on the highway to Paraćin and further on the main road in the direction of Zaječar to the village of Rtanj, which is located at the foot of Rtanj mountain and is a starting point for our adventure. The path through the beech forest, on the southern side of the mountain, leads to the pass, from where the final ascent begins with serpentines to Šiljak, the highest peak of Rtanj at 1,565 m above sea level. The total length of the trail is 12 km, with a height difference of 950 meters. At the top, depending on the weather conditions, we take a break enjoying the beautiful view. Sometimes you can even see the Danube from the top!
Return along the same path to the Rtanj village. After a short break, we continue our journey to the village of Vrmdža and Vrmdža Lake.
A picturesque village with an unusual name, Vrmdža, lies on about forty springs, surrounded by beautiful rocks and glades. In the village there are the remains of the Roman fortification, so called Latin-grad, which in the Middle Ages belonged to the Serbian nobility. According to legend, the city was destroyed by Musa Kesedžija. In Vrmdža there is also the Church of the Holy Trinity, built on the foundations of a monastery from the 13th century. The dilapidated building of the oldest school in south-eastern Serbia, which started working in 1852, is located next to the church.
Preparation of camp by the lake, dinner. Overnight stay in the tents.
After breakfast and packing the camping equipment, transfer to Bovan Lake. The lake is an artificial reservoir created by the construction of a dam in 1978. It is 8 km long, its greatest width is 500 meters, and its depth is 50 meters. Kayak adventure on the lake with a tour of the most beautiful sights of the lake and its surroundings. Packing the equipment and departure to Niš. Arrival in Niš in the evening. The end of the program.
Details:
- Transportation
- English-speaking guide
- One night in tent
- Mountain guide service
- Tourist guide service
- Kayak ride with all necessary equipment
- Travel organization expenses.
- Food
- Individual expenses
Sneakers, a few pairs of socks, T-shirts, a hooded waterproof parka, sweatshirt, back up clothes and shoes, sunglasses, swimming suit, towel, a cap, suntan cream. It is also recommended to take candy bars, nibbles, refreshing beverages and water. Put everything into a small backpack.
U šatorima (obezbeđuje “Nature Travel Office“).
This program is based on at least 8 applied people. If there occurs a change on the monetary market, commodity market and services, if there are not enough travelers, the organizer retains the right to correct the price, change or cancel the program at least 3 days before the beginning of the program.
Depending on the weather conditions as well as the number of participants, their interest and ability, it is possible to organize an ascent to Rtanj by a circular path along the western ridge or an ascent to the summit on the southern side with a descent to Vrmdža village.
The organizer of the trip is travel agency Nature Travel Office, licence number OTP 19/2023-A issued by the Business Register Agency as of 10 March 2023. Nature Travel Office is insured by an insurance policy against responsibility for travel agencies in case of insolvency and liability in case of damage to the traveller, number 3000001622, by the insurer MILENIJUM OSIGURANJE ADO Belgrade. The policy is valid from 07 February 2023 to 07 February 2024. In this program, travel agency Nature Travel Office applies their general terms and conditions of traveling, which are included in signing up for the trip.
