KUCKE MOUNTAINS (Stitan 2147 m, Surdup 2184 m, Pasjak 2025 m)

Kucke mountains are located 40 km from Kolasin. From Belgrade to Kolasin, you will drive by the Ibar highway, the distance is about 400 km. From Kolasin follow the signs for Matesevo, which is about 10 km far. At the crossroad in Matesevo, turn right toward Lijeva Rijeka and Verusa. Follow the signpost to Verusa and Bukumirsko lake. You will pass by the child resort in Verusa. End of the trip is at Bukumirsko lake. This lake is a true gem of this region! Another name for Kucke mountains is Zijovo.

A marked trail starts from the lake and continues along the macadam road. A well of drinking water is located 1 km from the starting point, near one house. You will easily recognize that house, it is completely different from the others, it has a modern design. The trail enters into the forest and then exits to the rocky road. Around you are only rocks and karst. The scene is quite depressing but, at the same time, beautiful! The first peak which we climbed was Stitan (2147 m). He is also the easiest one. It took us 2.5 hours to conquer it. From the top you can see the neighboring peaks Surdup, Pasjak and mountains Komovi in the distance.

From Stitan, we went to the saddle and then climb Surdup, the highest peak of Kucke mountains. Distance between Stitan and Surdup (2184 m) is one hour. The view is the same as from Stitan.

From Surdup, we followed the signs to the most attractive peak, Pasjak (2025 m). We bypassed glacial on the left side and came below Pasjak. Pasjak is hard to climb, it is not for inexperienced mountaineers! It takes a bit of climbing at some points. There is a rope, just in case. Finally, after an hour and a half of hike from Surdup, we climbed this impressive peak. The feeling is completely different according to the previous two peaks, it seems like you are able to fly! You can feel all the space around you and its deepness. At one moment, I felt like a master of Kucke mountains. Strange feeling.

The tour is nice and the landscapes are beautiful. You can combine it with the neighboring mountains Komovi. Bukumirsko lake is a perfect place for setting a tent. The water is not cold, so you can swim without a problem in this pearl of Kucke mountains.

August 2013.