Mountain Jelica – Stjenik, Okno, Neboš

• Hiking
• One-day
• Autumn 2024
• Mountaineering

Jelica is a mountain from the Dinaric group of mountains south of Čačak and stretches for 30 km. It continues to the mountain Ovčar, and its highest peak is Crna stena at 929 m. Among the peaks, Gradina, Stjenik, Vetrinja, Neboš stand out for their beauty, and from each of them there is an incredible view of the Čačak basin and Dragačevo.

The northern part of the mountain is extremely wooded and is crossed by numerous streams and rivers. According to legend, the mountain was named after the girl Jelica, who, wanting to escape from Turkish enslavement, jumped from the ruins of the old town of Gradina. The old town dates back to the reign of Emperor Justinian.

On this hiking tour, we will go to the peak of Stjenik and Stjenik natural arch (window), which Jelica is known for, and then to the peaks of Neboš and the Stjenik monastery.

Additional notes:

• Equipment for the Jelica mountain tour: Deep hiking shoes with a Vibram sole, backpack, layered wardrobe, adapted to the weather conditions, we recommend hiking poles, bring enough water and some food (snacks, sandwiches, fruit).
• Information about a hiking trail:
  • Length: 12 km
  • Total ascend/descend: about 550 m
  • Category: moderate
  • Duration: about 6-7 hours with breaks
• This hiking tour is not recommended for people with poor physical conditions and/or health problems. The guide reserves the right not to take people with inadequate equipment on a hike. It is forbidden to consume alcoholic beverages before and during the hike. In case of bad weather and other objective circumstances, hiking can be postponed.
• A minimum of 18 registrants is required for the implementation of the Jelica mountain tour.
• Price is for members of "Explore Serbia". You can find membership information here. For those who do not have a membership card, the price is 4900 dinars.
• Own transportation: in case you come with your transport, the price of the tour is 2,700 dinars (with Explore Serbia membership cards) or 3,700 dinars (for those who do not have a membership card).
• Accident insurance: in order for this type of insurance to be active, you need to send us your personal number (JMBG) when registering.
• In case of insufficient number of registered passengers or unfavorable weather conditions, the deadline for notification of the postponement or cancellation of the tour by the organizers is 2 days before departure.

• Trip cancellations by passengers: 

  • In case of cancellation of the trip by the passenger, 5 or more days before the tour date, the Agency retains the amount of 20% of the reservation costs.
  • In case the traveler cancels the trip less than 5 days before the trip, the agency reserves the right to the entire amount. In case of replacement by another passenger who is found either by the passenger himself or by the Agency, 90% of the paid amount is returned to the passenger.
  • In case of illness of the passenger and cancellation up to 3 days before the tour, the paid money can be returned or the amount can be transferred for another tour organized by the Agency, and the traveler is obliged to send medical documentation about the illness in writing. In case of illness of the traveler and cancellation less than 3 days before the tour, in addition to sending medical documentation about the illness, the traveler is obliged to compensate the Agency for the incurred costs (transportation and travel organization costs), and part of the money can be refunded.
• Photos used in the gallery: Branka Vuković

Nearby attractions

In addition to the extraordinary natural beauty, the mountain Jelica is adorned and guarded by two monasteries: Stjenik and Ježevica. They date from the 14th century and are endowments of Mrnjavčević and King Milutin, as well as numerous archeological sites. In the past, the mountain was on the caravan road from Primorje to Pomoravlje, which was especially important for the development of this whole area. The mountain has a lot of hiking and walking trails that are very well marked, and it is also very visited by campers who choose Jelica for their enjoyment of nature.

The organizer of the tour is the travel agency Explore Balkans doo. With this program is valid Rulebook on conducting tours by Explore Balkans doo.

According to Article 79 of the Law on Tourism, protection is not provided for one-day tours in terms of travel guarantees.