At first, we were informed that it was not possible to do the hiking tour to Lukomir because we did not meet the requirement of 4 pax for the tour. We received last minute email from Skender of Sarajevo Funky Tours informing us two girls just signed up for hiking tour and he was wondering if we were still interested to go. After discussing with Mira over skipping the Sarajevo Film Festival movies which were pre-purchased, we agreed to go for it – Lukomir – Umoljani Blejasnica tour. After a yes reply to Skender, we showed up at Sarajevo Funky Tour office. There, we met Skender and his red-haired girlfriend, who reminds me of Ygritte of Game of Thrones. The Canadian girls from our Srebrenica tour the day before would be joining us for the tour.
At the beginning of our journey, the weather did not look promising as there were showers. I was quite worried because I forgot to bring a raincoat and most importantly, a windproof jacket. When we reached the foot of the mountain, the rain stopped and beautiful landscape rolled in. As we were seated at the back of the MPV and the window could not be winded down, I was disappointed for being unable to capture the beautiful moment in still pictures. I told myself we still have a long way to trek and plenty of scenic views.
On our way up, sheep jammed the one way road leading to Lukomir village. Ah, the kind of traffic congestion on the mountain.
Herds of sheep were guarded by mountain dogs, which were huge in size. Once we reached the Lukomir village which was the starting point for our trekking, the rain poured heavily. We made way to the homey coffee shop which also serves as souvenir shop for knitted clothes. A hot Bosnian coffee during a heavy rain, what a perfect combination. I reached out for my pack of kuih siput from my bag and offered them the rest. They ate them and cried spicy! Mira and I exchanged a glance for it was not spicy at all for us. We waited for more than 30 minutes for the rain to subside and its eventual stop.
Lukomir is the only village in Bosnia and Herzegovina over 1.300 meters above sea level and the last authentic Bosnian village with houses made of stone and covered with shingles. Lukomir remains as a Muslim settlement inherited from the Turks. There lives less than 50 old men and women in the settlement. Two years ago, the villagers started to descend down the mountain during the winter because of extreme and harsh winter condition.
Some of the traditional houses were built two hundred years ago with its shingle roof built so close to the ground that it provides privacy and avoids the occupants from the cold mountain weather.
When it stopped raining, Skender gave us a tour around the village.
Lukomir: View from Comorska Mosque’s Minaret
Some of the houses are abandoned. Skender took us to the only mosque in Lukomir, which is known as Comorska Mosque. We climbed the minaret to get aerial view of the village. As the space was limited, we had to take turn to take photos.
What is stecci?
Stećci are monumental medieval tombstones that lie scattered across the landscape of Bosnia and Herzegovina. They are considered as the country’s most legendary symbol. These are the tombstones of those who lived between the 11th and 15th centuries and refused to swear allegiance to any kingdom but their own or to be swayed by any influence. Stećci are grouped in what is known as Nekropola which is a graveyard, and almost all of the Nekropola (graveyards) are located on hills overlooking the surrounding country-side where those who truly loved this country with their hearts and souls trace their roots.
2 Comments
Cantik! Tak cukup masa masa dekat sarajevo ni, kalau tidak boleh juga explore kawasan ni.
Berapa hari di Sarajevo? Memang tak sempat pergi banyak tempat juga di Sarajevo.