The canyon of the river Pek - an adventure through the desert and the rainforest

• Hiking
• Eastern Serbia
• One-day
• Summer 2024
• Trekking

We will on a unique adventure in Eastern Serbia, we pass through a sandy desert, and then through the canyon of the gold-bearing river Pek. The canyon of the river Pek with its specific flora resembles a rainforest.

Pustinjac or Valja Fundata is the only sandy desert in this part of Europe. It is located near Majdanpek and the village of Debeli Lug. It has an area of several square kilometers and resembles the Egyptian deserts and eastern Sahara in the fineness of its sand. It is located at the very top of the hill which makes it not very easily accessible. The desert has formed due to decades of ore processing in search of gold and copper. The sand of this desert is the result of ore flotation. Since 2022, Pustinjac has had a different appearance because the Chinese company that owns the mine has started the process of greening. 

Additional notes:

• Equipment for the tour the canyon of the river Pek: Sports shoes with a stronger sole, scarf (in case the wind blows in Pustinjac is necessary due to sand protection), sun protection (hat, cap), summer clothes (part of the trail through the canyon of the river Pek can be passed in a swimming suit), smaller backpack, bring enough water (minimum 1.5 l) and some food (snacks, fruit). The river Pek is trampled on several occasions, and the depth of the water varies from year to year, sometimes up to the knees, up to the thighs, in one part (25-35 m) there is swimming. To pass through the river bed, shoes or sneakers are used in which you walk because stones are stepped on through the river bed. Footwear such as flip flops, and water sandals, for water sports is not recommended! Bring spare upholstery and shoes.

• Podaci o stazi Pustinjac i kanjon reke Pek:

  • Length:  a total of 12 km (of which through the canyon of the river Pek is 3-4 km)
  • Total ascend/descend: about 350 m
  • Category: moderate
  • Duration: around 6 hours with breaks
  • The trail includes walking on sand, through the forest, walking on rocks through the water and partly swimming through the river Pek.
• For the realization of the tour, a minimum of 19 registered passengers is required.
• Price is for members of "Explore Serbia". You can find membership information here. For those who do not have a membership card, cena iznosi 5300 dinara.
• Own transportation: in case you come with your own transport, the price of the tour is 3000 dinars (with Explore Serbia membership cards) or 4000 dinars (for those who do not have a membership card).
• Transportation from Novi Sad: the surcharge is 1200 dinars. Another option is to take the train to the Novi Beograd railway station, where you can wait for our transport. You can see the timetable here.
• 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 postponement or cancellation of the tour 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.

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.