STARA PLANINA WATERFALLS part III (Bigar, Kaludjerski skok, Vrla Strana, Jotin garak, Javor do)

The central figure of this story is the largest Serbian waterfall, Kaludjerski skok (Monks leap, 232 m). This waterfall can be reached from the village of Topli Do, and also from mountain lodge Babin zub, at the foothill of Midzor. The road from Topli Do is shorter, only 6 km. You can cross it within 2 hours, but the altitude difference is 700 m. When you start from Babin zub, you can reach Kaludjerski skok in 3.5 hours, after 10 km. The ascent is slightly smaller, 600 m. The distance between Belgrade and Babin zub is 330 km. Drive by the highway Belgrade-Nis, via Svrljig and Kalna. The same distance is between Belgrade and Topli Do. So, the ascent from Topli Do is a bit easier, because it saves time. Still, we decided to hike from Babin zub. But first, we visited waterfall Bigar, which is located 5 km from Kalna, in the direction of Pirot. It is 35 m high and it is located next to the main road.

On the left side of the waterfall, there is a path (there is a signpost), which leads to the monastery of St. Onuphrius, 2 km far. Below the monastery are beautiful cascades of waterfall Bigar.

Climb the cascades and you will exit on a meadow. You will see the monastery of St. Onuphrius.

From the mountain lodge “Babin zub”, the trail leads to the village of Topli Do. It is 8 km long. You can’t miss it, it’s the only macadam road that leads down. The trail to the village is marked well. From this trail, you can see peak Babin Zub, as well as the highest peak of Stara Planina, Midzor (2169 m). From this place, the ascent to Midzor begins.

After two hours of walking (7 km), you will come to a house, which is under construction. There is a signpost, which directs you to the left, toward Kaludjerski skok. Follow the course of the Kaludjerska river and, in an hour and a half, you will reach the first cascades of this grandiose waterfall.

Don’t go to Kaludjerski skok alone. The trail is strenuous and unmarked. Experienced hikers will recognize the path. Others, please do not try. Use GPS!

From the turn for Kaludjerski skok, to the wooden bridge, walk for 1 km. From the wooden bridge, you must walk for another 1 km, to the junction of Vrla Strana stream and Kaludjerska river. Before the estuary, a path leads into the forest. There you have to cross a stream which, although there is no water in the summer, has wet and slippery rocks, at some places. Be careful! You will exit on a slope. On the right, you will see waterfall Vrla Strana, 10 m high.

The first cascades of Kaludjerski skok can be seen from here. After a few hundred meters, you will reach the waterfall. Watch out for the small fragments of rocks! Find the safest way to go. Finally, we reached the much desired goal!

In summer, the waterfall is poor with water. But, there is just enough water to feel the charm of the largest Serbian waterfall. Beautiful! I can only imagine how it looks in spring 🙂 Unfortunately, the magic of this place can not be seen on photos.

We returned to the crossroad and continued toward Topli Do, following the course of the beautiful Rakitska river. We arrive in the center of the village in less than an hour.

When you arrive at Topli Do, visit the beautiful canyon of Kovani dol.

August 2020.

If you continue, from the turn for Kaludjerski skok from the main road, in the direction of Babin zub, after 1.5 km you will turn for the waterfall Jotin garak. At this point, turn left and follow the stream:

Follow the right side of the stream. After less than 500 m, you will see the magnificent waterfall Jotin garak!

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Return to the main road and continue for another 500 m, in the direction of Babin zub. Turn from the main road at this point:

The road leads you slightly uphill. After less than 500 m, following the stream on the left, you will reach to the waterfall Javor do. Above the first cascade there are a couple more cascades, larger and smaller. Climb up by the left side of the creek.

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August 2020.