This is a really good hike of 14 km with 1070 m climbing, with excellent views of both Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa, as well as great panoramas of Galicica National Park itself. The hike is a mix of official trails and the more freestyle ascent of the highest peak without a clear trail.
The basis of this hike was this GPS track (https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/elshani-rblok-chumovlaga-krst-betrogumno-elshani-77836713) but at the ridge we followed the official G5 path rather than the GPS track.
The hike starts in the village Elshani, 13 km or a 20 min drive from Ohrid. There is sufficient parking space near the fountain at the main square of Elshani.
For the first 5 km you follow an official and comfortable forest trail. There are several ruins along the trial, I don’t know what these objects originally were. From multiple viewpoints you will have great views over Lake Ohrid.
After 5 km you have to leave the official trail and in less than 2 km you hike freestyle without a clear trail up to the highest peak of this hike (1869 m).
The views from this peak are amazing, you can see both Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa from this spot, which offers a good overview of Galicica National Park as well. I cannot think of a better place for a picnic!
You follow the official ridge trail (G5) for less than 1.5 km to the Chumo Vlaga Peak (1801 m). There are several trenches from the 1st World War on the ridge. Make sure you keep right for the Chumo Vlaga peak at the indicated waypoint, it’s easy to follow the wrong trail here.
The trail downhill is pleasant and diverse. Just before you are back in Elshani there are a small shrine dedicated to St Bogojavlenie (St Divine Revelation) and a spring.
The superb views make the amount of climbing (over 1000 m) really worth the effort. Make sure you do this on a clear day to be able to enjoy the view.
This hike gets 5 out of 5 stars without a doubt.
You can view and download the GPS track and many more pictures here: https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/elshani-galicica-national-park-ridge-chumo-vlaga-peak-117627925
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