SISTERS FROM BANJA LUKA CONQUER BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA'S HIGHEST PEAK ON THEIR FIRST MOUNTAINEERING ADVENTURE

The breathtaking view from the summit of Maglić, the highest mountain in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has become a lifelong memory for sisters Dunja and Tina Milanović from Banja Luka, pupils of the elementary school "Zmaj Jova Jovanović", who successfully reached the peak on their very first mountaineering adventure.

PHOTO: Glas Srpske

What makes their achievement even more remarkable is the fact that the girls had no previous hiking or mountaineering experience. The adventure was born spontaneously, as they joined their father, Milko Milanović, and family friends for a weekend in nature that soon turned into an unforgettable challenge.

Their mother, Dajana Milanović, told Glas Srpske that the sisters, aged 12 and eight, climbed to the summit alongside their father. They were accompanied by Igor Radulj, a former mountaineering enthusiast, and his daughters Tamara and Marija, who attend the "Aleksa Šantić" branch school in Drakulić.

"My husband is a great nature lover, although he is not a mountaineer. He wanted the girls to experience camping, sleeping in tents and, if possible, climbing the mountain," Dajana explained. "They set off on June 13 and 14, carrying all their equipment, tents and food from Prijevor to Trnovačko Lake, where they spent the night before starting their ascent to Maglić early the next morning."

A DECISION THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

According to Dajana, the most challenging moment came when the girls reached the so-called "Montenegrin Maglić". At that point, they briefly wondered whether to continue or give up. However, their determination and desire to reach the summit proved stronger.

"When I received the first photographs from the top, I was overwhelmed with emotion," she said. "Even now, I could cry. For me, they are still little girls. Dunja is 12 and Tina is only eight. Climbing to such an altitude is truly an extraordinary accomplishment."

Both sisters are active in sports. They train at the karate club "Sinđelić" in Banja Luka, while Dunja is also a member of the folklore section of the cultural and artistic society "Čajavec". Despite the absence of special preparations, their athletic spirit and enthusiasm helped them complete the demanding climb.

AN UNFORGETTABLE VIEW FROM THE TOP

Twelve-year-old Dunja described reaching the summit as one of the most beautiful moments of her life.

"When we arrived at the Montenegrin side of Maglić and I saw the peak, my desire to climb became even stronger," she said. "The view was unreal. The ascent was difficult because of the steep sections, but my father was my greatest support throughout the journey."

Inspired by this experience, Dunja is already dreaming of conquering other famous mountain peaks in the future. She encourages her peers to pursue their ambitions and not be afraid to challenge themselves.

"Although the view was amazing, I was a little scared because we were so high up, but we could see the lake below. I was a bit nervous on the descent, but my younger sister wasn't scared at all," she recalled with a smile.

CHILDREN SHOULD SPEND MORE TIME IN NATURE

For Dajana Milanović, this adventure carries an important message for all parents.

"My husband and I love nature, and we spend every weekend in the countryside. Parents should encourage their children to take part in activities like this because they give them confidence to try new things," she said.

She added that Dunja and Tina have been talking about their climb for days and are now even more motivated to stay active in sports and spend time outdoors

Their successful ascent of Maglić proves that courage, family support and a love of nature can inspire even the youngest adventurers to achieve extraordinary goals.