Bobotov Kuk

Bobotov Kuk (Cyrilic: Боботов Кук) is a peak in northern Montenegro. At 2,523 m (8,278 ft), it is the highest peak on Durmitor mountain, and had been thought to be the highest point in Montenegro, but new surveys have revealed there are three higher peaks on the border with Albania. Most Montenegrin mountains are visible from Bobotov Kuk, among them Lovćen (above the Adriatic Sea), Kopaonik and Tara (in Serbia), Maglić (in Bosnia and Herzegovina).

The first recorded ascent of Bobotov Kuk was in 1883 by an Austrian cartographer, Oscar Baumann. The first organized mountaineering group from Zagreb came to Durmitor in 1926. In 1931 two Austrians did the first winter ascent from Bezimeni vrh.

Peak and surroundings

Northern and eastern sides of here compact summit pyramid, which is around 200m high, rises above steep scree slopes that descent into large rocky basin Valoviti Do (between 2000 and 2100m), which is strewn with huge boulders and partially covered with snow remains whole summer. Western side of Bobotov Kuk is most impressive. Together with Bezimeni Vrh and Djevojka peaks Bobotov Kuk, which is between them, form biggest wall (sort of amphitheater) of Durmitor. It is around 400m high and almost 2 km wide. Below the wall are immense scree slopes, equally high, that descent steeply towards the bottom of amazing Skrka valley, which contains Veliko Skrcko Jezero (1686m) and Malo Skrcko Jezero (1711m) lakes. This is most beautiful part of Durmitor! On the south Bobotov Kuk falls steeply towards the basin of Zeleni Vir (2028m) lake, which is placed at the bottom of the beautiful amphitheater above which walls of Bobotov Kuk, Lucin Vrh, Minin Bogaz (2387m) stretch. South of the lake are Zupci (2309m), fantastic string of cliffs that look like teeth of some dangerous dinosaur. Lower 300m of this side of Bobotov Kuk is mix of steep rocky terrain with lot of grass and scree. Above it is summit pyramid.

Short history

Due to isolated position, wild surroundings and volatile history of continued liberation struggle Durmitor and its highest peak were very lately discovered, both scientifically and esthetically. Scientists came first, of course. They were very rare. First of them was Amie Boue who wrote about geology of Durmitor in his book ‘Geological Excursion in Turkish Europe’ in 1840m. In 1883 Bobotov Kuk was first climbed by Dr. O.Baumann. Those were the years of more intensified scientific research of Durmitor. In 1895 German geographer Kurt Hussert wrote first book about physical geography of Durmitor. At the end of 19th century Serbian botanist Josip Pancic discovered many endemic and rare floral species. Extraordinary karts phenomena on Durmitor was first described by Serbian scientist Jovan Cvijic, who was then known in the world after his Das Karstphanomen dissertation from 1893. Then came volatile part of early 20th century and everything was stopped for a while. First organized mountaineering group visited Durmitor in 1926. They were members of Sljeme club from Zagreb, Croatia. In the same year first climbs in the eastern face of Bobotov Kuk were done. In 1931 2 Austrians, Bauer and Obersteiner, did first winter ascent via NW ridge of Bezimeni Vrh and some other peaks. In 1933 group of Slovenian climbers first climbed highest faces of Durmitor, those of Bezimeni Vrh and Bobotov Kuk above Skrka valley. Group of Slovenians also did first winter climbs in the faces of highest peaks of Durmitor in 1940. Only after the II World War Durmitor became well know destination for tourists, hikers, climbers and skiers.

Climbing Bobotuv Kuk

You can start from Zabljak, a resort town with all the amenities for a comfortable stay. Zabljak can be easily reached by a direct bus from the capital, Podgorica. From Zabljak itself the route to the peak is well marked with clear signposts and trail markings. It is about a 10 hour round trip as long as a moderate pace is upheld. The outward walk consists of about 4–5 hours hiking until the last ascent where it is a scramble to just below the peak where you are directed to a slightly perilous path that winds its way up up to the summit. You have to be aware that this is a strenuous hike, appropriate only for fit hikers. A thoroughly detailed and easy to follow description of the route and other treks in Montenegro can be found in the book 'The Mountains of Montenegro - A Walker's and Trekker's Guide' by Rudolf Abraham.

External links

• Bobotov Kuk - 360° panorama from the summit