The highest peak of Moračke Planine-Moraca Mountains range
Počki Vrh and Kapa Moračka massif (Zagradac, Lastva, Štit) Photo: Igor Stojović |
Kapa Moračka massif – Lastva (2226 m) left and Zagradac (2217 m) right Photo: Igor Stojović |
MORAČKE PLANINE (MORACA MOUNTAINS) range is placed in central part of Montenegro. From SINJAJEVINA range, Moračke Planine are separated by Morača Canyon where Morača river flows. This mountain range is structured from few beautiful and impressive mountains as are Kapa Moračka, Lola, Stožac, Tali, Lukanje Čelo, Štit and Žurim. This mountain area is also enriched with two beautifully lakes -
Kapetanovo Jezero and
Manito Jezero.
From all peaks of Moračke Planine, one is the largest and highest. That is Kapa Moračka which has a 4 summits, Lastva (2226 m), Zagradac (2217 m), Štit (2151 m) and Štit (2133 m). All these four peaks creates a large massif of Kapa Moračka, which represent the highest mountain in central area of Montenegro. Lastva peak is the highest point of Kapa Moračka. Kapa Moračka dominate above the beautiful Kapetanovo Jezero (Captain's Lake) and it's surrouded by Stožac, Štit, Lola on the west, Tali, Lukanje Čelo and Žurim peaks on southwest. Between Kapa Moračka and Lola massif (Zebalac peaks) is placed the
spring of Morača River at 1490m above sea level. Morača River is 99 km long and its life actually begin from Rzački Potok stream which has its spring below Zebalac, and from Javorski Potok stream which has its spring below Javorje. The massif of Kapa Moračka is structured from limestone, with expression of many sedimental rocks.
Summit View
Kapa Moračka (2226 m) NW summit view to DURMITOR and Bobotov Kuk (2523 m), background-right Photo: Igor Stojović |
Manito (Brnjičko) Jezero and Kapetanovo Jezero Photo: Igor Stojović |
Kapa Moračka (2226 m) offer enjoyment in many beautifully panoramas. The closest mountains which you can see are
Sinjajevina range and
Maganik range. Also, if the weather is good, you can enjoy in view to
Durmitor, Komovi, Prokletije and
Žijovo (Kučke Planine).
Kapa Moračka (2226 m) summit view to SINJAJEVINA (2277 m), KOMOVI (2487 m) and PROKLETIJE (2694 m)
VIEWPOINT:Kapa Moračka (Lastva 2226 m);
42°50'22.1'' N ; 19°15'15.2'' E
01.
Sinjajevina (Veliki Pecarac) 2042 m; Distance: 18 km
02.
Sinjajevina (Babji Zub) 2277 m; Distance: 11 km
03.
Bjelasica (Crna Glava) 2139 m; Distance: 37 km
04.
Komovi (Kucki Kom) 2487 m; Distance: 38 km
05.
Kucka Krajina Mountains (Surdup) 2184 m; Distance: 37 km
06.
Lovcen (Stirovnik) 1748 m; Distance: 62 km
07.
Njegos 1721 m; Distance: 42 km
08.
Golija 1942 m; Distance: 43 km
09.
Bioc (Veliki Vitao) 2397 m; Distance: 58 km
10.
Durmitor (Bobotov Kuk) 2523 m; Distance: 37 km
Zagradac (2217 m) summit view to Sinjajevina Access & Routes Overview
Kapa Moračka massif – Lastva (2226 m) left and Zagradac (2217 m) right |
The easiest and most impressive approach to Kapa Moračka (2226m) is
from Nikšićka Župa via Kapetanovo Jezero lake. Another approach is from its opposite side
from Morača Canyon from Dragovića Polje, but this approch is not optimal because of biger height difference in comparasion with first approach from Nikšićka Župa. Also, exist third solution to approch Kapa Moračka
from Međuriječje via Mrtvica Canyon, but people mostly use this solution just for descending from Kapa Moračka, because of 2000m height difference. But, some people use this option also for approaching Kapetanovo Jezero and Kapa Moračka via breathtaking Mrtvica Canyon.
As i said before, the easiest approach to Kapetanovo Jezero is from Nikšić town via Nikšićka Župa and Morakovo. After 9km of asphalt road from Nikšić to Morakovo you should go left and than going away from Kucko mine more 16km (together 25km from Nikšić town) where is the end of asphalt road. From here you should continue more about 10km driving on macadam road to approch Kapetanovo Jezero lake.
Map of Kapa Moračka and its surroundings Approach to Kapetanovo Jezero
KAPA MORACKA (Lastva, 2226 m)
Coordinates: 42°50'22.1'' N ; 19°15'15.2'' E
ROUTES:
1. Kapetanovo Jezero lake (1672 m) - Lastva Peak (2226 m) 2.30h - Zagradac summit (2217 m) 1.30h: 4h
Height difference: 555 m
Lenght: 7.5 km
Duration: 4h
Trail: Unmarked
Registration book with stamp on Zagradac (2217 m) summit
The beginning of this trail is on the bank of Kapetanovo Jezero lake (1672 m, 480 m long, 330 m wide, 37 m deep). Climb north and northeastward by pasture foothpaths to the Krstac Plateau (1887 m), then up the grassy slopes of Kapa Moračka to the highest peak of Lastva.
Descend towards the southeast and after 250-300 meters in altitude, turn northeast through grasses and rock falls to the foothills of Zagradac summit, climbing very cautiously up to the exposed ridge. The return can be by descending to the Javor katun (1684 m)(30 min) and taking the pasture path through Radojeva vales (1749 m) to Kapetanovo Jezero (1.30h).
2. Dragovića Polje (650 m) - Teoč Do (1000 m) - Grlo - Blagodo (1740 m) - Lastva (2226 m)
Height difference: 1570 m
Duration: 5h
3. Dragovića Polje (650 m) - Katun Čuke (1620 m) 2h - Lastva (2226 m)
Height difference: 1570 m
Duration: 4.45h
4. Ridge Route: Javorje (1580 m) - Zebalac (2129 m) 2h - Kapa Moračka (2226 m)
Height difference: 550 m
Duration: 4h (Javorje-Zvornik-Lastva), 4.30h (Javorje-Ivanbegov Katun lodge-Lastva)
Getting There
Kapetanovo Jezero from ascent on Kapa Moračka Kapa Moračka massif
By plane:
The closest airport is the one in
Podgorica (70km away).
If you are planning to come via
Serbia, you can use the
Belgrade (Beograd) Airport in Beograd (Belgrade) city, capital of
Serbia and Montenegro.
Information about flights and tickets on
JAT Airways web page.
By train:
Beograd - Bar (Bar - Beograd) railway passes through
Mojkovac and
Kolasin. Then by car or taxi from Kolasin to Podgorica - Nikšić - Nikšićka Župa - Morakovo - Zagrad village - Oblatno village - Bare Bojovića
By Bus:
From Beograd (Belgrade):
Beograd (Belgrade) - Cacak - Uzice - Zlatibor - Nova Varos - Prijepolje - Bijelo Polje - Mojkovac -
Kolasin
Then by car or taxi from Kolasin to Podgorica - Nikšić - Nikšićka Župa - Morakovo - Zagrad village - Oblatno village - Bare Bojovića
From Podgorica:
Podgorica - Kolasin
Then by car or taxi from Kolasin to Podgorica - Nikšić - Nikšićka Župa - Morakovo - Zagrad village - Oblatno village - Bare Bojovića
For the bus tickets and informations about but lines see
Belgrade Bus Station page.
By car:
From Beograd (Belgrade):
Beograd (Belgrade) - Cacak - Uzice - Zlatibor - Nova Varos - Prijepolje - Bijelo Polje - Mojkovac -
Kolasin - Podgorica - Nikšić - Nikšićka Župa - Morakovo - Zagrad village - Oblatno village - Bare Bojovića
From Podgorica:
Podgorica - Kolasin - Gornje Lipovo - Klisura (1189 m)
- Mojkovac - Kolasin road goes from the
E side of the Moraca Mountains
- Mojkovac - Djurdjevica Tara road goes from the
NE side of the Moraca Mountains
- Djurdjevica Tara - Savnik road start from the
NW side of the Moraca Mountains (lower quality of the road)
- Savnik - Kolasin goes on the
SW side of the Moraca Mountains
You should drive along the central
Montenegrin highway, which connects the seaside to the towns:
Cetinje - Podgorica - Kolasin - Mojkovac - Bijelo Polje; and goes on to
Serbia (Belgrade city). This road is passable during most part of the year. It is closed only in case of abundant snowing or great rockslides. The landscape along the highway is particularly picturesque in the segment of the
Moraca River Canyon between Podgorica and Kolasin. This part of the canyon is called “Platije”. The highway is built along the edge of the narrow canyon. Thus, you can enjoy in observing the beautiful contrast between steep, dark cliffs and light, green river, while round, white peaks of Bjelasica glow in the distance. At moments, this beauty becomes scary!
From Podgorica you can also take the
village road for Kolasin. It goes across Lijeva Rijeka, Verusa and Matesevo. One part of it goes along the Tara River, which in this area is like a small, gentle and playful spring. The road is narrow, but in good condition. From the north, you will reach Kolašin if you take the highway that passes through Mojkovac. If you are coming from the east you should go across Andrijevica through Matesevo to arrive to Kolasin. You will be surprised by the difference in the landscape of the northern and the southern access to Kolasin. Unlike the south, the vegetation in the north is more lush, green and soft.
If you travel by car you will not depend on local bus routes. Buses are quite regular along the main roads, but if going by bus you will not enjoy as much in beautiful rural landscapes. In particular, the recommendation is that you do not take a bus in winter snowy days. It is better to rely on the train then, because roads might be impassable.
Camping
The most optimal place for camping is near the
Kapetanovo Jezero lake. Here you can freely put your tent and create your base camp. Also, you can choose from many placed on the mountain to create a base camp, for example near Manito Jezero lake. Finally, you can use empty shepherd's lodges for stay inside.
Beautiful scenery of Kapetanovo Jezero lake Red Tape
No extra fees.
Usual rules of behaviour for NP's do apply.
Meteo Info
Before you visiting
Moračke Planine range, check the
Meteo Info for
Nikšić town.