SOLUNSKA GLAVA AND CENTRAL MOUNTAIN MASSIF

To the foothill of Jakupica
Hike from Papradishte village (983m) to mountain hut Cheples (1.407m) takes 3 hours (7,5km). Please plan to arrive in Papradishte by 15:00h the latest so you can hike during daylight. As you begin this hiking tour following jeep roads in the heart of beech-wood forests you will notice that the area around the village is surrounded by many wild fern fields – dried fern was the ideal building material used by the first settlers to cover their roof tops. Thus the name of the village – Papradishte (Fernville). It is an indescribable pleasure to stay in this area no matter if its winter or summer. Especially in summer you can find many wild berries, tea herbs and the delicious mushroom “morchella” on your way to mountain hut Cheples. Overnight in the mountain hut.
Hike: 6,6 km / 622m D+, 202m D-

Solunska Glava Peak
The first stop on this hike is Dolna Babina Rupa – a beautiful spot at the edge of the forest at 1.680m with a natural water spring. As you are getting close to it, among the centuries old pine and beech-wood tree tops a massive eastern rock face with heights from 500-1000m is looming in the distance with the peak Solunska Glava – making it look like the head on a huge body (the rock face) that hugs with its hands Babuna river valley. As you continue hiking up, the forest is gradually replaced with shrub vegetation and pastures, you will pass by the upper rock amphitheater Gorna Babina Rupa and start hiking close by the rock face – stay at safe distance here! As you get near the summit Solunska Glava you will reveal a small military base at its peak – soldiers here may be very friendly and may offer you some tea and a pleasant conversation, but note that no one is allowed to enter inside the base under any circumstances, even bad weather or storm. The return way is by the same path to mountain hut “Ceples” in 3 hours. Overnight in mountain hut Cheples.
Hike: 14,8 km / 1.260m D+, 1.260m D-

River Babuna springs and waterfall
As you walk from Cheples to Nezhilovo village, on half-way down there is a special spot where magnificent Solunska Glava peak appears again and its mighty Nezilovi Spili rock face, looming above your head reflecting golden sunshine. And finally deep into the forest, following a narrow well-marked trail, Babuna river roam can be heard but with a surprise: there is a small but picturesque waterfall few hundred meters before the springs - stealing the glory of the locale. Refresh yourself, fill all your bottles with water and get ready for a walk down by a jeep road to Nezhilovo village where you can finish the day in the local fish restaurant by Babuna river.
Hike: 13,6km / 698m D+, 1.418m D-