Baltina–Bijela Skala–Čugagolina–Mala Rumija–Rumija–Manastir MikulićiMay 18, 2025

Baltina–Bijela Skala–Čugagolina–Mala Rumija–Rumija–Manastir Mikulići
May 18, 2025 https://starlight-club.com/
Warning! This route is NOT recommended for the general public! The route is difficult and dangerous! Very good physical fitness and a lot of hiking experience are required!
On May 18, 2025, the Starlight group finally completed the long-anticipated hike along the route Baltina–Bijela Skala–Čugagolina–Mala Rumija–Rumija–Manastir Mikulići.
Although the weather had threatened to ruin our plans with rain in the preceding days, our hike went ahead as planned. Nine people took part, each an experienced hiker. Since the trail is unmarked and runs directly along the ridge—at times very narrow—and with occasional immersion into cloud cover, every member of the group performed excellently. Team spirit and self-belief helped us complete this rather challenging route without incident.
This is a difficult hike and is not recommended for casual walkers.
We began in the village of Baltina (altitude 700 m), which we reached by car. Located in the Bar municipality, Baltina serves as the trailhead and lies near the base of Mala Rumija.
Bijela Skala Pass – Altitude: 900 m
Bijela Skala (White Rock) Pass lies on the Rumija ridge and forms part of the route from Baltina through Čugagolina, Mala Rumija, and Rumija to the Mikulići Monastery. It separates the Adriatic coast from the Skadar Lake basin and is the southern boundary of the Dinaric range in Montenegro.
Čugagolina Peak – Altitude: 1,297 m
Čugagolina is one of the stops on the route. Though detailed information about this peak is scarce, it offers value to hikers seeking to explore lesser-known parts of the Rumija range.
Mala Rumija – Altitude: 1,468 m
Mala Rumija is a peak in the Dinaric Alps of Montenegro. Its prominence is 36 meters. It offers stunning views and is a key point on the way to the summit of Rumija.
Rumija – Altitude: 1,594 m
Rumija is the highest point of the hike and marks the natural barrier between the Adriatic coast and the Skadar Lake basin. It is the southernmost mountain in Montenegro and one of its most prominent, rising directly above the town of Bar.
Manastir Mikulići – Altitude: approx. 900 m
The final destination is the Mikulići Monastery, which offers breathtaking views of both the Adriatic Sea and Skadar Lake. It is an important spiritual location and resting point for pilgrims.
Flora in May
In May, the mountain slopes bloom with plants such as sage (Salvia) and broom (Genista). You can also find orchids, tulips, elecampane, wild strawberries, forget-me-nots, bellflowers, thyme, and Serbian ramonda (Ramonda serbica, also called the phoenix flower).
Interesting Facts
• Interfaith Tradition: Until 2005, the annual Pentecost pilgrimage to the top of Rumija united Orthodox Christians, Catholics, and Muslims. After the new church was installed, the tradition became primarily Orthodox, prompting discussions on preserving interfaith unity.
• Prince Jovan Vladimir: Saint Jovan Vladimir, ruler of Duklja, is considered a patron saint of Montenegro. Legends tell of his cross being carried annually to Rumija’s summit on Trinity Sunday.
The route from Baltina over Bijela Skala Pass, the peaks of Čugagolina, Mala Rumija, and Rumija to the Mikulići Monastery is more than a physical ascent — it is a spiritual pilgrimage that connects visitors to the deep history and culture of Montenegro.
This hike offers a rare combination of natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and historical significance, making it a rewarding experience for nature and history enthusiasts alike.

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#quest,#shorts,#Baltina,#Bijelaskala,#Čugagolina,#MalaRumija,#Rumija,#ManastirMikulići,#MonasteryofSt.SergiusofRadonezh