OVCAR (985 m)

Mountain Ovcar lies opposite to the mountain Kablar. Together, these two mountains form the Ovcar-Kablar gorge. The gorge is famous for it’s monasteries. Five monasteries are on the left bank of the river Morava, other five are on the right side. That is why this gorge is also called Serbian Holy Mountain. The trail to the top of Ovcar starts from one of these monasteries.

The starting point is Ovcar Banja. Ovcar Banja is 160 km away from Belgrade. That is about 2.5 hours of drive by the Ibar highway. Belgrade hiking society “Zeleznicar” owns a mountain lodge, where you can overnight if, beside Ovcar, you want to climb mountain Kablar. Above the lodge, on the trail that leads to the top of Kablar, ferrata is made. But, that is for fans of extreme sports.

After you cross the hanging bridge in front of the mountain lodge, you will come to the Ibar highway. Cross the highway and continue uphill by the asphalt road, to the monastery of Transfiguration (Preobrazenje). At the beginning of the asphalt road is a signpost to the monastery. There is also a fountain where you can supply with clean mountain water. After 5 minutes, you will reach the monastery Preobrazenje, the starting point of the ascent to Ovcar.

Marked trail leads from the monastery through the woods, to 2 km away monastery Sretenje. The distance between these two monasteries is about half an hour.

From monastery Sretenje, marked trail leads through the woods to the asphalt road. This path goes to the left and uphill to the top of Ovcar and to the right to the village Ducalovici and further to Ovcar Banja. I recommend a walk across the meadow on the right side of the asphalt road (there are markings), because there is a great view at Ovcar.

From monastery Preobrazenje to the top of Ovcar, it takes about an hour and a half of moderate walk, with the overcoming of the height difference of 600 m. Just below the summit, an asphalt road leads left, to the highest point of Ovcar. Peak is in the woods, but meanders of Western Morava are still visible. If you continue straight by the asphalt road for another 100 meters, you will come to a transmitter. From this point is a fantastic view at Kablar and winding meanders of the river Morava!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The descent from the top to Ovcar Banja lasts about an hour and 45 minutes. Of course, the descent could be much shorter if you go back by the same way you came. I recommend a longer route, which includes a visit to the monastery of Holy Trinity (Sveta Trojica).

From the top of Ovcar, you must go by the asphalt road to the village Ducalovici. There are signposts to the monasteries Sretenje and Svete Trojice. First turn is for monastery Sretenje, the second one is for Svete Trojice. You will go by the second road. The asphalt road ends at the monastery Svete Trojice. From the top to the monastery, it takes about an hour and 15 minutes of walk.

A marked path leads from the monastery to the auto camp in Ovcar Banja. The path begins when you pass the gate, which is located next to the bell tower of the monastery.

Outside, on the left side of the gate is a fountain. Marked path to Ovcar Banja starts from there. You will reach the camp in half an hour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When you cross the highway, you will enter at Ovcar Banja. There is a monastery of Annunciation (Blagovestenje), which is very nice. The monastery was built in 1601. About 2 km from the mountain lodge, there is another beautiful monastery, Nikolje.

This is an interesting and relaxing mountain-monastery tour. And it’s not difficult at all! Interestingly, the descent lasts longer than the climb! After this tour, you can enjoy in modern spa center at Ovcar Banja, with thermal and healing water. Or you can admire this unusual birdie with colorful feathers, in front of the mountain lodge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 2015.