Explore
Elevated footpaths offer wide views of the canyon and lead to remote cliff-side monasteries.
Entrance to the main canyon paths is completely free. The trails take you away from the busy boat docks and up into the 5,000-hectare limestone gorge.
Keep to the marked paths when hiking above the lake. The cliffs are steep and lack safety barriers in some sections. Wear sturdy hiking shoes for the rocky terrain, and bring a refillable water bottle.
6 km one-way2-3 hours
This 6-kilometer path is carved directly into the limestone rock just above the water level. It follows the edge of Lake Matka, giving you continuous views of the green water. You do not have to walk the entire 6 kilometers. Walking just the first kilometer gives you an excellent sense of the deep gorge.
Cliff-top monastery1.5 hours
This 17th-century monastery sits high on a cliff directly above the lake. It is located on the opposite side of the main rim path. The steep hike up through the woods takes effort but rewards you with a panoramic view of the canyon below. Wear proper footwear to handle the incline safely.
