Horseback Riding on Šar Mountain

Horseback riding through the untouched landscapes of Šar Mountain is an experience that stays with you long after you return home. Mountain trails, dense forests, wide pastures, and breathtaking views create the perfect atmosphere for an adventure far away from the crowds and everyday life.

With experienced guides and a private stable of 25 horses of a local breed, guests have the opportunity to experience the mountain in a completely different way – from the saddle.

The horses are strong, resilient, and accustomed to mountain terrain, while the rides are conducted in Western riding style, with special attention to the comfort and safety of the riders.

The tours are adapted to different levels of experience, offering options for beginners and families, as well as for more experienced riders looking for a longer mountain adventure.

Jelak – One-Day Horseback Riding Tour

Duration: approximately 2 hours of riding

Difficulty: Easy

The tour starts at Popova Šapka and continues towards Jelak, one of the beautiful areas of Šar Mountain, known for its dense coniferous forests, mountain trails, and spectacular panoramic views.

This tour is an excellent choice for those who want to experience horseback riding in the mountains without spending the entire day in the saddle. The pace is moderate, with enough time to enjoy nature, take photographs, and get to know the horses.

The tour is suitable for beginners and families, with an experienced guide accompanying the group throughout the ride.

After the tour, a traditional lunch or picnic at the farm can be arranged upon prior request.

Location: Popova Šapka – Jelak – Popova Šapka

Duration: 1 day, with approximately 2 hours of active riding

Difficulty: Easy

Minimum age: 12 years

Included: Horse, guide, and basic riding equipment

For beginners: Yes, with a short basic riding introduction before the start

Meal: Available upon prior arrangement

Price per person: MKD 1,500

Lešnica – Horseback Riding and Camping

Duration: 2 days with 1 overnight stay

Difficulty: Moderate

For those looking for a longer adventure and an overnight stay in nature, this tour combines horseback riding, mountain landscapes, camping, and traditional food.

The adventure begins at Biofarm “1 Maj”, from where the group rides towards Gorna Lešnica. The route passes through forests, pastures, and along mountain streams, continuing towards the Lešnica Valley and the area around the Lešnica waterfall.

Upon arrival in the valley, the camp is set up. The evening is reserved for relaxation and socializing around the campfire, with a traditional dinner and an overnight stay in nature.

The following morning, after breakfast, the group begins the return ride to the base, once again enjoying the landscapes of Šar Mountain from the saddle.

The tour requires a higher level of physical endurance, but advanced horseback riding experience is not necessary.

Location: Biofarm “1 Maj” – Gorna Lešnica – Lešnica Valley – Biofarm “1 Maj”

Duration: 2 days and 1 overnight stay

Riding: approximately 3–4 hours per day

Total riding: approximately 8 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Recommended age: 18+

Experience required: Basic riding knowledge is an advantage, but advanced experience is not required

Included: Horse, riding equipment, experienced guide, camping equipment, tent, and camp setup

Food: Traditional dinner, breakfast, a meal during the ride, water, and refreshments

Price per person: MKD 4,000

Visit to Biofarm “1 Maj”

Duration: approximately 4 hours

Tour type: Upon request

This is an opportunity to discover the everyday life of a mountain farm and experience the traditional way of raising horses and sheep on Šar Mountain.

Visitors can explore the stables, meet the horses and sheep, pet and feed the animals, and learn more about life and work on the farm.

Depending on the season and the farm's activities, the visit may also include sheep milking, traditional cheese making, or other local farming activities.

For those who would like to add horseback riding to their visit, a recreational ride around the farm and along nearby mountain trails can be arranged.

Upon prior arrangement, a traditional lunch featuring homemade products such as cheese, yogurt, homemade pie, and other local specialties can also be organized.

Location: Biofarm “1 Maj”, Šar Mountain

Duration: approximately 4 hours

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Age: Recommended for ages 16+

Horseback riding: Recreational, with a guide

Included: Farm visit, introduction to the animals, and local guide

Traditional meal: Available upon prior arrangement

Price per person: Upon request

Šar Mountain from the Saddle

These tours are more than just recreational horseback riding. They are an opportunity to slow down, escape everyday life, and experience the mountain in an authentic way.

The horses, mountain trails, forests, pastures, farm, traditional food, and overnight stay in nature come together to create a complete experience in which people, horses, and the mountain become part of one story.