Snowshoeing In Bosnia

Day 1
Start Sarajevo, where you will be met by your tour leader at the hotel in the Old town of Sarajevo.

Day 2
Vranica Mountain (2,112m), is central Bosnia's largest mountain range located just outside of the famous old gold town of Fojnica. We drive (1½ hours) to the Jezernica mountain hut situated in the beautiful, thick pine forests of Vranica. Crystal clear streams will become a feature of the entire trip. From Jezernica we'll start our snowshoeing adventure toward Prokosko Glacier Lake at 1,635m which at this time of year is usually completely frozen. Leaving the forest onto the Alpine meadows of Vranica's highlands, after approximately 3.5 hours, we'll find Prokosko Glacier Lake nestled in a valley of traditional Katunis (Bosnian Shepherd's Huts). From the lake the Fojnicka River cascades 800m below, a fabulous sight. Tonight we overnight at one of the katunis and feast on some traditional highland foods. Distance: 5km / Altitude gain 500m, loss 50m / Time 3-4hrs

Day 3
This morning after exploring the area around the lake we climb gently for 400m to Krstac peak (2,069m) for one of the most phenomenal views in Bosnia. We ascend the peak directly from the lake and will spend most of the day in our snowshoes. With each step we slowly rise above the distant lake, until at last we reach Krstac peak. From this peak we can see almost the entire central Bosnian mountain range and on a clear day all the way to the northern Herzegovina mountains. From the peak we descend back to the lake and after a short break continue snowshoeing back to Jezernica for a transfer to Sarajevo. Distance: 10.5km / Altitude gain 550m, loss 1000m / Time 8hrs

Day 4
Free day to explore the fascinating city of Sarajevo, or for an optional visit to the city of Mostar with its famous old bridge. Mostar was founded in the 15th century and well worth a visit. The architecture is a combination of Turkish ingenuity and Herzegovinian and Dalmatian workmanship. Many people will have heard a great deal about this city, which was split during the conflict in the early 1990s. You will still see the scars of war, but these days Mostar is a warm and bustling place with a fascinating history.

Day 5
Transfer 1.5 hours to Umoljani village on the Olympic mountain of Bjelasnica. Winding through Bjelasnica's back roads we'll reach the Rakitnica River and cross over towards Visocica Mountain. Tucked in the hills just above the ridged walls of this mountain sits Sinanovici village (1,250m). The walk up will take us through beech forest and then open rocky terrain up to the summit of Crveni Kuk peak (1,733m). You will be rewarded with far reaching views of the highest mountains in Bosnia & Herzegovina, as well as those in neighbouring Montenegro. We overnight in Umoljani. Distance 10km/ Altitude gain 550m, loss 550m/ Time 5-6 hrs.

Day 6
Leaving Umoljani village we snowshoe toward Babin Do, the main ski resort on this mountain. An ascent to the saddle right above Stirna Lokva offers extraordinary views of the mountains of Treskavica and Visocica and on a clear day the towering mountains on the Montenegrin border are often visible. On the way to Stirna Lokva we enjoy a nice picnic and a hot tea or coffee. We'll hike around the eastern ridge to the open valley on the opposite side of Bjelasnica's highest peak, arriving at the Babin Do ski resort. A very short transfer (15mins) takes us to our accommodation on the neighbouring Olympic Mountain, Igman. This area has an interesting micro climate caused by the particular relief of the area, with natural sinkholes and distinctive mountains and vegetation. Bosnia's lowest ever January temperature was recorded here, a chilly -43 degrees C. This isn't the norm, but it can get very cold here so its worth packing a few extra layers! Distance: 8km / Altitude gain 150m, loss 350m / Time 5-6hrs.

Day 7
A beautiful spruce and fir forest trail takes us towards a wonderful mountain hut, hidden deep in the thick forests of Igman mountain. In an hour or so we reach the hut, rest and refill our water bottles with fresh spring water. After a pleasant break we continue north, down into the valley of Sarajevo city. After some two hours of good descending, we reach a plateau with views over the city in the distance. We finish this beautiful and fairly straightforward walk in Hrasnica, a suburb of the city of Sarajevo where we enjoy our final dinner. Distance: 6.5km / Altitude gain 200m, loss 800m / Time 4-5hrs.

Day 8
End Sarajevo.