Big Rudoka, Mountain summit in Šar Mountains, North Macedonia and Kosovo.
Big Rudoka is a mountain summit in the Sar range, sitting on the border between North Macedonia and Kosovo at 2,658 meters (8,720 ft). The eastern face drops sharply while the western slopes descend more gradually, with alpine meadows, water sources, and a few small lakes along the way.
This peak sat on disputed territory for decades until North Macedonia and Serbia signed a border agreement in 2001. The treaty settled the exact boundary line in this mountain area and ended years of uncertainty about where one country ended and the other began.
Shepherds have used the pastures around this peak for generations, moving their flocks up when summer arrives. Stone huts scattered across the slopes are still visible today, showing how this seasonal way of life has been passed down over time.
Most hikers start their route at Hotel Arxhena, which offers parking and a place to eat before heading up. The marked trail follows a river valley, so orientation is straightforward and water is accessible along the way.
Two mountain lakes, Crno Jezero and Belo Jezero, sit on the slopes near the top and stand out for their noticeably different water colors. The Mazdrača stream starts at the darker of the two and eventually flows into the Vardar River.
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