MALINIK (Veliki Malinik 1158 m)

Trail to the top of Malinik starts from the village Zlot (513 m), one of the largest villages in Serbia. Distance between Belgrade and Zlot is about 220 km. It can be reached by the highway Belgrade-Nis, where near Paracin you must turn off on the road to Zajecar. The road goes through the village Izvor and leads to the intersection of Boljevac and Zlot. At this junction, turn left for the villages Podgorac and Zlot.

There are many peaks with marked trails in the area of Zlot, thanks to the mountaineering club “Dubasnica.” Near Zlot, in the direction of Lazars canyon, is the mountain lodge “Beljevina”. Village Zlot is a perfect place for several days hiking. Mountain Malinik and Lazars canyon, plus Lazars cave and viewpoints above it, can be toured for the weekend. Other peaks are drawn on the map which is located in the center of Zlot. Most of the trails are marked. Bravo for “Dubasnica”!

Marked trail for Veliki (Great) Malinik starts from the center of Zlot. It is a forest trail, until you reach the “Saddle”. At the “Saddle” is a crossroad. Path on the right and down leads to the lookout Kovej and to the canyon of the river Vej. If you continue forward from the crossroad, path will take you to the top of Malinik. First we went to the top, and then returned to the crossroad to visit a beautiful lookout Kovej.

Just below the top, the trail enters into the forest. Nearby, in “Ogasu a Larg” creek, is the spring “Largo”, but the water is not drinkable. Before you enter into the forest, go to the reef and enjoy the unique view at Lazars canyon!

From the lookout, you can see all four arms of Lazars canyon. The closest arm is the canyon of the river Vej, opposite to him is the canyon of river Mikuljska. On the left, Lazars canyon continues into the canyon of river Demizlok. On the photo, Lazars Canyon is the right arm.

Because of the amazing lookout above the Lazars canyon, it is worth to climb Malinik, although the viewpoint from Veliki Malinik is not so attractive.

From Veliki Malinik (1158 m), you can see Mali (Little) Malinik (1019 m). The road to it leads down through the ferns and shrubs. We will visit this peak some other time.

From the “saddle”, we went to the lookout Kovej. What a wonderful place! Nice location for a tent. Here you will feel the depth of the canyon, I think it is 360 m. You will also feel its beauty and cruelty.

From Kovej, marked path leads down to the canyon of the river Vej. From the canyon of the river Vej, you can enter into the Lazars canyon and go all the way to the Lazars cave, where the asphalt road begins. Distance between Kovej and the canyon of the river Vej is an hour of walk, i think. To exit Lazars canyon, you will need about 4 hours.

There is no need to return to the “Saddle” from Kovej, because marked trail from Kovej leads all the way to Zlot, to the starting point.

The tour is not strenuous (3.5 hours to the summit), the ascent is ok, but the top is not that interesting. Excellent view at Lazars canyon from the “Saddle” and Kovej attracts many mountaineers. This place you must see and experience it, if you are a true nature lover!

July 2013.