A challenging one-way hiking route with an ascent to the summit area of Lipovica and the Markolin krst pass.
A challenging mountain hike of 14.7 km leads one way, with 854 m of total ascent and 850 m of descent. The highest point is at 1873 m above sea level, and the trail is mostly earthen and forested.
Trail AM-PL-01, length 14.7 km, leads one way and is classified as a challenging hiking route. The start is about 7.4 km from Gusinje. Total ascent is 854 m, and total descent is 850 m. The lowest point of the trail is at 1016 m above sea level, and the highest is at 1873 m above sea level.
The terrain is mostly earthen and forested trail (63%), with sections of gravel road (30%) and a smaller part of asphalt or concrete (7%). At 5.4 km (1640 m above sea level) and at 6.0 km (1706 m above sea level) there are drinking water fountains. At 7.2 km from the start the trail approaches the summit of Lipovica (1882 m above sea level), at 8.0 km it passes over the Markolin krst pass (1750 m above sea level), and at 8.2 km there is another drinking water fountain (1711 m above sea level).
The trail is intended for mountaineers and hikers in good physical condition. The estimated walking time without breaks is 6 hours and 25 minutes, so total time with rest stops can be considerably longer. Due to the length, ascent and altitude, solid preparation and appropriate equipment are recommended. In the wider surroundings is Lake Plav, about 9.7 km from the trail.
What this difficulty means
Steep, rocky or exposed passages and a long day out. For fit, sure-footed hikers with mountain experience.
Places on this route
Move along the profile to follow the route on the map; switch on 3D for the terrain.
↑ 854 m · ↓ 850 m · highest point 1,873 m
Along the way
At 7.2 km from the start, the trail approaches the summit of Lipovica at 1882 m above sea level.
At 8.0 km the trail passes over the Markolin krst pass at 1750 m above sea level.
There are three drinking water fountains along the trail: at 5.4 km (1640 m above sea level), 6.0 km (1706 m above sea level) and 8.2 km (1711 m above sea level).
Bring enough water; there are drinking fountains along the trail, but water availability may depend on the season.
Wear hiking boots with good soles because of the earthen, forest and gravel road sections.
Start early in the morning: walking without breaks takes about 6 hours and 25 minutes, and longer with rest stops.
Check the weather forecast; at altitudes up to 1873 m above sea level, conditions change quickly.
The trail is not circular, so arrange transport or return from the end point in advance.
Due to the altitude of up to 1873 m above sea level and the challenging terrain, monitor weather conditions and avoid the hike in fog or thunderstorms. Bring enough water and let someone know about your plan. In an emergency, call 112.
Emergency number in Montenegro: 112.
Good to know
Best season
It is best to plan the hike in the warmer part of the year, usually from June to September. At altitudes up to 1873 m above sea level, snow or mud may be present in spring and late autumn.
Getting there
The trailhead is about 7.4 km from Gusinje. The nearest place to the start of the trail is Gusinje.
The trail is 14.7 km long.
The estimated walking time without breaks is 6 hours and 25 minutes.
The trail is challenging, with a total ascent of 854 m and descent of 850 m.
No, the trail is point-to-point; the start and end are not in the same place.
262 km↑ 6,918 m4–5 days
28.2 km↑ 879 m3–4½ h
4.1 km↑ 1,065 m3½–5 h
2.3 km↑ 434 m1½–2 h
3.0 km↑ 301 m1½–2 h
30.9 km↑ 2,722 m2–3 days
4.3 km↑ 467 m2–2½ h
12.8 km↑ 73 m50–70 min
LoopTimes and grades are estimates. Conditions change: check the weather and local information before you set out.
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