Bobotov Kuk
The Durmitor mountain range in Montenegro is a place so picturesque that in 1952 a National Park was set up here. In 1980, Durmitor was included in the list of UNESCO sites for the beauty and uniqueness of natural landscapes. It is recognized as “a natural phenomenon of exceptional beauty and aesthetic importance (Criterion VII)”.
Bobotov Kuk is one of the peaks of the Durmitor mountain range. This peak is said to be the highest mountain peak in the Republic of Montenegro.
However, according to recent aerial photography, there are higher mountains in Montenegro – in the Prokletije mountain range on the border with Albania. According to the data obtained on the basis of laser scanning of the area, it was determined that the highest peak in Montenegro is actually Zla Kolata (2.534 m), which rises on the Prokletije massif. This fact is not particularly advertised, since geographically Durmitor is located in the center of Montenegro and is much better suited for the role of a tourist Mecca. Why Prokletije? First of all, this massif belongs not only to Montenegro, but also to Serbia (Kosovo), Macedonia and Albania (the highest peaks of the massif are located there). It is also important that historically the Montenegrin population in this area is represented in the minority.
Bobotov Kuk is 2.523 meters above sea level and it is one of 48 peaks with heights over 2.000 meters, which are located on the territory of the Durmitor mountain range. In clear weather, from the top you can see Mount Lovcen, located in the National Park of the same name, almost on the other side of the country on the Adriatic coast, as well as the Kopaonik and Tara mountains in Serbia. The entire Dinaric Highlands, including Bobotov Kuk, stretches for 650 kilometers from northwest to southeast throughout the Balkan Peninsula.
The western wall of Mount Bobotov-Kuk is the steepest and, together with the neighboring peaks, forms a mighty natural amphitheater. To the west of the wall lies the Škrka Valley, and the lakes Veliko Škrčko Jezero and Malo Škrčko Jezero. The southern and eastern walls go into the rocky valleys of the Dinaric highlands. The east and north walls together form the top of a compact pyramid that is partly covered in snow all year round.
The first ascent to the top of Mount Bobotov Kuk was made in 1883 by the Austrian cartographer Oskar Baumann. The first winter ascent was officially registered in 1931. In 1933, a group of Slovenian climbers climbed the south face. After World War II, Durmitor became a popular destination for hikers, hikers, climbers and skiers.
There are 4 routes of different difficulty levels leading to Bobotov Kuk. All difficult sections of the path are equipped with safety ropes. The main danger during the ascent are loose stones. When hiking up, you should carefully look under your feet.
The first route starts from the Black Lake, which is located right next to the town of Zabljak. It runs through the Ice Cave, one of the region’s key attractions. The first route takes 5 to 6 hours one way. The specific ascent time depends on physical fitness and the number of stops along the way.
The second route is considered the easiest of all. It takes only 3.5 hours to conquer the summit, even less to descend. The route itself starts at the Sedlo pass (1.907 m), which can be reached by car. The path runs through several mountain peaks and a lake of glacial origin. In summer, it dries up almost completely. The last pass is made at a distance of 616 m from the top. Behind him begins the hardest part of the journey.
The third route starts in the village of Dobry Do, the fourth – in the Škrka Valley. They have approximately the same difficulty, so you can safely choose any.
Climbing Bobotov Kuk is a great opportunity to enjoy the pristine nature of the Dinaric Alps.
