Montenegro - Mountain and Lake Ride

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from AM of Bracebridge on 10/10/2024

Day 1
Transfer from Podgorica to the town of Kolasin (960m) in the northern part of Montenegro. It is an interesting drive through Platije Canyon following the Moraca river. Guests will be able to stop at several points along the way to take photo's. Visit to the Moraca monastery, built in 1252. This monastery is one of the most famous medieval memorials in Montenegro. Upon arrival at the first nights accommodation, guests will be introduced to the horses and have an orientation briefing during dinner where traditional Montenegrin cuisine will be served. Overnight in Bijeli Potok cabins (or similar),

Day 2
After breakfast, riders prepare the horses and start the ride along a stream and through the woods to Izlazak with views over Kolasin. Ride near the Cirilovac monastery before continuing up the trail to the Kljuc peak and kapela. Lunch will be organised in katun Krivi by some of the local people. After lunch, ride across Bjelasica meadows to eco katun Vranjak (summer pasture Vranjak). Overnight in Eko Katun Vranjak (or similar) Riding: 3h30 min before lunch, 2h riding after lunch.

Day 3
Todays ride is located at NP Biogradska Gora. From Vranjak, ride near Zekova Glava peak and the Pesica lake before visiting Pešića, Ursulovacko and Sevarine lake. Lunch will be organized in katun Suvodo by locals, after which the ride continues to Svatovsko groblje, spring of Biogradska river, Ogorela Glava and ends at katun Goles for the overnight stop. NP Biogradska . Riding: 3h 45min before lunch, 2h30min riding after lunch.

Day 4
Today from Goleš katun, the trail leads through the village of Moračko Trebaljevo before crossing the Tara river and have lunch in a restaurant at the river's shore. After lunch, continue to Markovo and the Sinjavina mountain. The view from Sinjavina shows the differing scenery, including the Lipovo valley. Finish the ride for today at Potrk katun (or similar). Overnight at a local house with a welcome drink of home made brandy, called Rakija. Riding: 3h before lunch 3h of riding after lunch.

Day 5
Today's ride takes the group through even more wild and beautiful scenery. After a morning ride to Savina Voda, climb to Sinjavina plateau near the Ruzica church, and continue to Zabojsko lake. Here riders can spend time relaxing and enjoying the unspoilt nature. Hidden in Sinjajevina cliffs and surrounded by dense coniferous trees, there is a 19m deep, emerald green lake. This largely unknown jewel is one of the three deepest lakes in Montenegro and its beauty and quality is preserved under strict protection by the Durmitor National Park. After a picnic lunch and a rest, ride to Gomile Katun to stay overnight at a local house. Riding: 5h30min riding before picnic, 2h riding after picnic.

Day 6
After breakfast, the route leads across Sinjavina meadows, through local villages and continues to Durmitor mountain and the Zminjicko lake. Lunch at a restaurant next to the lake. After lunch, continue the ride to a local farm just next to Riblje lake. This breathtaking national park was placed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1980. Riding: 2.5h before lunch, 1.5h after lunch.

Day 7
After a morning ride across Dutmitor meadows to Riblje and Vražije lakes. There may be an opportunity to swim with the horses dependent on conditions. After lunch on the farm the group transfer (about 30 min) to Djurdjevica Tara bridge to enjoy a view of Tara canyon (with its depth of 1300m, the Tara canyon is the biggest in Europe and 2nd world biggest canyon after Colorado). If there is time, try the Zip line (*this is optional - approx €15). After a visit of Djurdjevica Tara, drive to another National Park –Biogradska Gora and the Biogradsko lake which is surrounded with primeval forest, and one of the 3 oldest in Europe. Transfer to Kolasin to overnight back at Bijeli Potok cabins. (or similar). Riding: riding about 4h before lunch.

Day 8
Transfer to airport. Depending on flight times, it may be possible to organize a visit to Virpazar & Skadar lake.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

Ride on Balkan mountain horses. This ride has some steep slopes with drop-offs either side and some challenging mountain paths to navigate. Overall we would not describe this as a fast ride however there is the chance for some short canters each day and longer canters on the last two days of the trip.

Horses are ridden in Western style tack. Some English saddles are available on request, please enquire on booking.

Riders should be intermediate or above and should be able to walk, trot and canter comfortably. There can be some steep and challenging terrain at times.
Riders are expected to help groom and tack up the horses each day.
The minimum age for this ride is 14 years.

The weight limit for this ride is 264 lb/120 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Eco cabins and huts (katuns) in wilderness locations that are only accessible in the summer months. The accommodation on this ride is traditional and simple, and provides a great way to experience the way of life of local people.

Traditional Montenegrin cuisine with some meals being taken at the homes of local people. Expect soups, meats, lot of fresh vegetables, dessert.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures. Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months from the date you plan to leave. You can enter Montenegro for a short term stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Under Montenegrin law this means 90 days in total in any period of 180 days. 

Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice:

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/montenegro 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Montenegro.html

https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/montenegro

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

In Podgorica, the summers are short, hot, and mostly clear and the winters are long, very cold, wet, and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 1°C to 33°C and is rarely below -4°C or above 37°C.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you, and spare, just in case.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Montenegro and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

While pharmacies across the country stock a good supply of medicines, not all medicines prescribed in the UK are available in Montenegro. You should make sure you have sufficient medical supplies (including prescription medicines) for the duration of your stay and any unforeseen delays.

Sunscreen, any personal medication, insect repellent. Please be aware that it can be cold in the mountains at night, so please take warm clothing.

In Montenegro the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

There will be wifi connections on the first and last night. It is possible to charge cameras and phones throughout the trip.

Come prepared for heat as well as cold. Mountain climates can be very changeable, layers are essential.

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Hat
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Warm and rain/windproof gear - can be supplied by the guides if needed
- Indoor shoes
- Warm fleece
- Warm sleeping clothes
- Towel - the accommodation doesn't provide bathroom towels
- Sport sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Binoculars
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- In the summer months bring a swimming trunks/costume for the mountain lake or just sunbathing in the siesta at noon.

Provided by hosts
- 500ml mineral water bottles each day
- Riding Hat

This is an 8 day /7 night programme with 6 riding days available on set dates throughout the year.

2025: 4, 14, 25 (Full) June; 5, 16, 26 July; 6, 16, 27 Aug; 6, 17, 27 Sep

• £
• €
• US $
• SEK

zip lining (extra - approx €15)

Summer meadows, wildflower meadows and wild blueberry fields.