History of the Lodge

Cheples Mountain Lodge was built in 1952, originally serving as a hunting lodge. In 1955, it was transferred to the management of the Mountaineering Club “Solunska Glava” from Veles and converted into a mountain lodge.

Today, the lodge is privately owned and operated by the Izgrev Athletic Sports Club from Veles.

Accommodation and Capacity

The lodge consists of new and old sections, both of which are available to guests. The newer section is equipped with central heating, while the building also features a new thermal insulation facade.

There are 5 sleeping rooms, two of which are larger and equipped with group bunk beds.

• Number of beds: 56
• Capacity with group accommodation: Up to approximately 100 hikers

Facilities and Amenities

The lodge is regularly maintained and offers:

• Electricity and lighting
• Water supply from its own source – Norton Well, using a pump
• A natural drinking water fountain outside the lodge
• Central heating in the newer section
• New thermal insulation facade

The lodge is open year-round, with a permanent caretaker on site.

Location and Natural Surroundings

Cheples Mountain Lodge is located on Dautica Mountain, part of the Jakupica mountain range, surrounded by a beautiful forest of tall beech trees.

The area around the lodge features a spacious open meadow covered with grass and ferns, providing a pleasant setting for relaxation and outdoor activities. The location offers an exceptional mountain atmosphere and beautiful views of the peaks of Jakupica and Plavnik.

The lodge faces east and enjoys long periods of sunlight throughout the day.

Activities and Excursions

Mountain Biking
The Bogomila – Nezhilovo – Cheples route is suitable for mountain biking enthusiasts.

Mountaineering and Climbing
The Nezhilovo Rocks, located near the lodge, offer opportunities for mountaineering and climbing.

Source of the Babuna River
An excursion to the source of the Babuna River, in the area known as Babina Dupka, takes approximately 2 hours on foot from the lodge.

Solunska Glava – 2,539 m a.s.l.
The ascent to Solunska Glava, at 2,539 m above sea level, takes approximately 2 hours of hiking in good weather conditions during the summer period.

Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. For this reason, the ascent is recommended for experienced hikers or organized groups accompanied by experienced mountaineers.

Long-Distance Hiking Routes

• Cheples – Solunska Glava – Ubava – Patishka Reka – Skopje: approximately 8 hours of hiking
• Cheples – Solunska Glava – Karadzica Mountain Lodge – Kitka Mountain Lodge: approximately 4 hours of hiking