Horse Riding in Galicnik
A Real Adventure with Sherpa Horse Riding Club
If you are looking for a fun and exciting way to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Galicnik, one of the most picturesque villages in North Macedonia, you should not miss amazing offer from Sherpa Horse Riding Club.
They are offering a mountain horse riding tour that includes training, protective equipment and cheese tasting for a very affordable price.
You can choose from different dates and times to suit your schedule and preferences. This is a great opportunity to experience the thrill of horse riding in one of the most scenic and preserved places in the country.
What to Expect from the Horse Riding Tour?
The horse riding tour starts at the Sherpa Horse Riding Ranch, where you will meet your friendly and professional instructors. They will give you a brief introduction to the basics of horse riding, such as how to mount, dismount, steer, stop and control your horse. You will also get a riding helmet for your safety.
Then, you will embark on a 2-hour ride through the village, the forest and the meadows, admiring the traditional architecture, the rich flora and fauna and the panoramic views of the Bistra mountain range.
You will also have a chance to visit some historical and cultural landmarks, such as the Church of St. Peter and Paul, the old school and the wedding house.
After the ride, you will return to the ranch, where you will enjoy a cheese tasting. You will sample some of the best Galician sheep cheese, homemade pie, vegetables and a glass of rakija.
You will also have some time to relax and chat with your hosts and fellow riders.
The whole experience lasts about 4 hours and includes training, equipment, ride and cheese tasting.
You can book your tour online at Sherpa Horse Riding
How To Get to the Ranch?
How to get from Ohrid
There is unfortunately only one road to Galichnik and there is no other way or shortcut that leads to the ranch.
To get to Galichnik from Ohrid, you need to follow the road Ohrid-Kichevo-Mavrovo-Galichnik, which takes about 2.5 hours.
When you reach the Mavrovo National Park, you need to turn left at the dam and follow the signs for Mavrovo Ski Center.
After 5 km, you need to turn right at the sign for Galichnik and drive for another 17 km until you see the ranch on the right.
How to get from Skopje
If you’re are coming from Skopje or any other city from east, you have to drive on the highway Tetovo-Gostivar and head to the ski center Mavrovo. When you arrive in the national park Mavrovo, drive to Mavrovi Anovi and continue driving straight until you reach to the dam.
The most important part is to turn left on the dam, or in other words drive across the dam.
After you pass the dam, there is just one way and no chance to miss the road.
You are driving across the village of Mavrovo, and in about 5km there is a large sign for Galichnik, that signals to turn right.
When you turn off right, you will drive approximately 17km (20mins) to get to the ranch.
What to Wear for Horse Riding in Galicnik?
When it comes to horse riding, what you wear impacts not only how you look on the horse, but also how comfortable and safe you are.
Here are some tips on what to wear for horse riding in Galicnik:
- An ASTM/SEI-compliant horseback riding helmet
This is mandatory for your safety and protection. Sherpa Horse Riding Club will provide you with one, but you can also bring your own if you prefer. - Long pants like jeans, breeches, or jodhpurs
These will protect your legs from chafing and rubbing against the saddle and the horse’s hair. Avoid shorts or pants with inner leg seams that can cause discomfort. - Boots with a smooth sole and a small heel
These will prevent your feet from slipping through the stirrups or getting caught in them in case of a fall. Avoid shoes with too much grip or no heel that can be dangerous. - A fitted long or short sleeved shirt that won’t get tangled in the horse’s equipment.
Choose a comfortable and breathable fabric that suits the weather conditions. Avoid loose or baggy clothes that can flap or snag. - A pair of riding gloves (optional)
These will protect your hands from blisters and improve your grip on the reins. Choose a pair that fits well and has good ventilation.
What is the weather like in Galicnik?
The weather in Galicnik is usually mild and pleasant, with four distinct seasons. The average temperature is 11°C (52°F), but it can vary from -3°C (27°F) in January to 24°C (75°F) in July. The weather can also change quickly depending on the altitude and the wind direction.
Before you go horse riding in Galicnik, make sure you check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Wear layers that you can adjust to the temperature changes, and protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Have fun and enjoy the ride!
What is the best time of year to visit Galicnik?
The best time of year to visit Galicnik depends on your preferences and interests, but here are some general guidelines:
- If you want to enjoy the warm and sunny weather, the best time to visit Galicnik is from May to September, when the average temperature is 18°C (64°F) and the rainfall is low. This is also the peak season for tourism, so you can expect more crowds and higher prices.
- If you want to witness the famous Galicnik Wedding Festival, a traditional two-day celebration that culminates with a wedding ceremony in the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, you should visit Galicnik on 12 July, the religious holiday honoring the martyrdom of the apostles Peter and Paul. This is a unique cultural event that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
- If you want to experience the snow and winter sports, the best time to visit Galicnik is from December to March, when the average temperature is 1°C (34°F) and the snowfall is high. You can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, sledding and snowshoeing in the nearby ski resorts of Mavrovo and Zare Lazarevski.
- If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the nature and tranquility, the best time to visit Galicnik is from October to November or from April to May, when the average temperature is 10°C (50°F) and the rainfall is moderate. You can admire the changing colors of the leaves in autumn or the blooming flowers in spring.
What are some other activities to do in Galicnik?
Galicnik is a place that offers many activities to do for different types of travelers, such as:
Hiking
Galicnik is a paradise for hikers, as it has many trails that lead to various natural and cultural attractions, such as the Ljuboten Peak, the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, and the old school. You can enjoy the fresh air, the stunning views and the wildlife along the way.
Skiing
If you visit Galicnik in winter, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the nearby ski resorts of Mavrovo and Zare Lazarevski. These resorts offer slopes for all levels of difficulty, as well as ski lifts, ski schools and equipment rental. You can also enjoy sledding and snowshoeing in the snow-covered village.
Cultural events
Galicnik is also a place where you can experience the authentic culture and traditions of the Mijaks, the tribe that historically inhabited this region. The most famous cultural event is the Galicnik Wedding Festival, which takes place every year on 12 July.
This is a two-day celebration that culminates with a wedding ceremony in the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, where a couple from Galicnik or its diaspora gets married according to the old customs.
You can also enjoy music, dancing, food and crafts during this festival.
Horse riding in Galicnik is a unique adventure that will make you feel closer to nature and to yourself. It is also a great way to support the local community and their sustainable tourism efforts.
Don’t miss this chance to discover one of the hidden gems of Macedonia and have an unforgettable time with Sherpa Horse Riding Club!
| Discover related topics: |
| 5 Must-Visit Villages in Macedonia |
| Galichnik – A Wedding Destination |
| Mavrovo National Park: Nature’s Playground |
| The Galicnik Wedding – A Celebration of Love and Tradition |
