HIGHLANDER - Adventure of a Lifetime

Don't be fooled HIGHLANDER is no walk in the park!

Temperatures from 8°C to 25°C

To fully enjoy HIGHLANDER, we strongly advise you to prepare physically beforehand. We recommend you backpack around 200 km during the months leading to the event. During your physical preparations, don't forget to test the gear also.

The influence of the warm and humid air masses from the Adriatic Sea, which collide with the continental currents from the east, is felt on Galichica. Maybe that is why, no matter how clear the sky is in this part of Macedonia, clouds are constantly forming over the highest area of the mountain. A changing climate awaits us, so be prepared for all seasons.

Temperatures from 8°C to 25°C

Get your backpacking checklist here

Backpack checklist

BACKPACK

The easier, the better! The backpack you will be carrying will likely be heavy. Practice with 5-7 kg and increase gradually to 15-17 kg.

BACKPACK

The easier, the better! The backpack you will be carrying will likely be heavy. Practice with 5-7 kg and increase gradually to 15-17 kg.

Make sure that your hiking shoes are comfortable for long distance walking, before the event.

Learn about ultra-lightweight packing and hiking. Only the necessary things should be packed in your backpack. Choose natural materials as much as possible.

A fully packed backpack, excluding food and water, should not weigh over 17 kg.

< 17 kg

The lighter, the better!

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW WHEN ON THE MOUNTAIN

Weather

Expect fickle and changeable weather.

In Galichica morning temperatures in September go as low as 8°C and daytime as high as 25°C or more. Showers, fog patches, strong winds, and long periods of sunshine are only a few weather conditions to expect. Prepare for all-weather as well as you can.

Bring both dry weather and rain clothing, including a cap or hat, gloves, cold-weather long-sleeve t-shirt (preferably wool), hiking trousers as well as rain trousers and a rain jacket.

Food

For reheating food, you will need LPG or alcohol/gasoline.

Navigation

To find your way around, you must know how to read maps (which will be provided by the Organizer) and use a compass.

Safety

For your safety, all participants must bring a first aid kit.

Littering

We believe our participants love and cherish nature and all its beauty. We know you wouldn’t litter, so please bring a waste bag for your litter.

Littering on and around trails, checkpoints, and mountain lodges are forbidden. Litterers will be disqualified and banned from applying to any future HIGHLANDER events.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome but must stay on the leash at all times. Dogs are allowed on transportation buses.

PACKING LIST FOR HIGHLANDER MACEDONIA

Items marked with (MI) are MANDATORY ITEMS!

BACKPACK

backpack (45-50L)
backpack liner/cover
dry bags (2-5L)
ziplock bags
trash bag (provided by organizer) (MI)

FOOD & DRINKS

camping meals divided by days (provided by organizer)
snacks
hydration bladder / water bottles (volume 4L) (MI)
electrolyte tablets and energy gels

COOKING

backpacking stove and canister (MI)
cookware & cutlery (MI)
matches or lighter
biodegradable hand sanitizer or soap

SLEEP SYSTEM

tent (MI)
sleeping bag (MI)
sleeping pad (MI)
pillow (recommended-Inflatable or compactable)

CLOTHES

warm clothes layer (MI)
bandana / hat
gloves
quick-drying base layer shirt
long-sleeve shirt
fleece or jumper for cold nights
waterproof rain jacket or poncho

NAVIGATION

map and trail instructions (provided by the organizer)
map cover (provided by the organizer)
compass (MI) - (organizer will provide recorded digital trail/GPS file)
GPS device or navigation app

LIGHT

head torch / flashlight (MI)
extra batteries
tent light

HYGIENE & PROTECTION

toothbrush & biodegradable toothpaste
toilet paper - biodegradable
small soap - biodegradable if available
light towel
lip balm
insect repellent
sunscreen
sunglasses
first aid kit (MI)
survival blanket (MI)

PERSONAL ITEMS & GEAR

watch (optional)
trekking poles
pen and paper
phone/camera
national ID card of passport
money/cash for emergency
a copy of itinerary left with family or friends

Get your backpacking checklist here

Backpack checklist

GETTING AROUND

Check how to come to the event not to miss the start, and where can you get a good quality sleep before or after your HIGHLANDER Adventure!

ARRIVING BY PLANE

There are three airports in the vicinity between you can choose from:

Ohrid Airport, North Macedonia - 10 km away
Skopje Airport, North Macedonia - 203 km away
Tirana Airport, R.Albania, - 147 km away

ARRIVING BY CAR

Arriving by car would be the easiest way to get to the event.

We recommend parking at Camping "Kj Divono" Ohrid, where the HIGHLANDER's mandatory on-site registration will take place. Parking can be tricky due to the limited parking spaces. Reserve your parking in advance.

ACCOMODATION

Camping "Kj Divono" Ohrid is open for all those who want to come a few days before the event or stay some days after the event.

Ohrid offers a variety of accommodations, from lakeside hotels to charming guesthouses, blending comfort with local charm. Enjoy stunning views, warm hospitality, and proximity to the region's natural and cultural attractions.

TRANSPORT TO THE START

for HIGHLANDER 3 DAYS - Pegasus

As the start of the HIGHLANDER 3 DAYS - Pegasus formats is not at the same place as the Check-in, the organizer provides transportation from Camping "Kj Divono" Ohrid to the starting point.