Peaks of the Balkans - 7 days itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Shkoder

The tour includes the first overnight stay in Shkoder after arriving in Albania. Use this day to discover the rich culture of Shkoder, climb the castle and explore the old town.

Day 2: Hike Theth - Valbona

Get ready for one of the highlights of this itinerary. Today you will experience the most spectacular hike from Theth (728 m) over the Valbona Pass (1759 m) into the Valbona Valley (995 m) in the heart of the national park of the same name. The 10-kilometre route follows the course of an old mule track that once connected the tribal areas of Shala and Nikaj.

The hike from Theth to Valbona will be an intensive day that takes around 6 to 8 hours (approx. 1050 m ascent) and leads through remote terrain. The Valbona Pass offers you unforgettable views of the peaks of the Balkans and the „cursed mountains“. Reaching the summit of the Valbona Pass is a real adrenaline rush. From here you can see both sides of the valleys. The viewpoint is perfect for a short break and the opportunity to take breathtaking photos of the Albanian Alps.

Route: 10 km, ↑ 1068 m ↓850 m

Day 3: Hike Valbona - Cerem

The next stage of your „Peaks of the Balkans“ tour takes you over the Persllopit Pass to Cerem. Your hike takes you steeply uphill through forests and meadows. You reach an area that looks like a gorge and is the only place where there is snow even in summer. You have the option of hiking to the highest peak in Montenegro, Zla Kolate, which adds another 3 hours to the hike (10 hours in total).

There are two possible routes from Valbone to Cerem: the „low“ route (valley) and the challenging „high“ route over the Prosllopi Pass (which we take). This route leads through Kollata and is a challenging stage that should only be chosen on days with good weather conditions. The Kollata hiking trail is very beautiful and offers views of the towering Kollata peak, which is also used for climbing. Alternatively, the stage can also be completed via a much less strenuous, lower-lying gravel path.

Distance: 14 km, ↑ 1200 m ↓950 m

Day 4: Hike Cerem - Doberdol

Today you will reach two idyllic villages that are only inhabited by shepherds in the summer to utilise the lush pastures. Doberdol, a village that is only connected to the world by narrow paths and cannot be reached by car. The village is located right on the border triangle between Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. On your way, you will also pass through the village of Balqin, where you can drink a glass of goat's milk with the local shepherds.

This part of the mountains is strictly protected, as the glacial lakes of the Sulbica Plateau are also located here. The Gashi Valley has also been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Doberdol, your destination for today, lies at around 1800 metres above sea level, where you will spend the night in a shepherd's hut. The village is in a picturesque location and you can choose from a variety of dishes prepared with fresh ingredients from the region. The locals here are very hospitable, the Food is delicious and it is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience to stay here.

Length: 16 km, ↑ 1030 m ↓440 m

Day 5: Hike Mt. Trekufiri - Lake Hrid - Bajrovica Katun

On this stage of the itinerary, you will climb the highest mountain in Kosovo and the second highest of the Cursed Mountains after the Jezerca peak. The ascent from Doberdol to the summit is a rather easy hike. Today, you are embarking on a circular hike that takes you into Kosovo, a border that is almost completely unprotected. During the communist era in this part of the world, however, this was the border between Albania and Yugoslavia and thus one of the best guarded borders in the world.

Route: 13 km, ↑ 915 m ↓915 m

Day 6: Transfer Bajrovica Katun - Vusanje, hike Vusanje - Theth, transfer to Shkoder

Today's 16-kilometre hike begins from Vusanje and leads to the historic Albanian village of Theth. The trail leads through the most rugged part of the Cursed Mountains or Prokletije/Albanian Alps, which were also a restricted area during the communist era. In addition to the dramatic cliffs that form the backdrop for today's hike, you will also see several military bunkers and the old border signs as you enter Albania.

You will also hike along one of the highest peaks in the Balkans, the Arapi peak or Maja e Harapit (2,217 metres above sea level) and the Jezerca summit (2,694 metres above sea level). In the Albanian Alps, you will come across several mountain huts that embody a way of life far removed from urban civilisation. In Theth, visit the old church and the "lock-in" tower (a landmark of Theth). The stories behind these buildings span centuries of history.

After the hike, a transfer will take you to Shkoder.

Route: 16 km, ↑ 675 m ↓975 m

Included

• Accommodation for 6 nights in hotels, guesthouses and cabins
• Meals: 6x breakfast, 6x lunch, 5x dinner
• Border permits (border crossing authorisations)
• GPS files for navigation for use via a smartphone app or on your own GPS device
• If required, support from our local office, available around the clock
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Not included

• Luggage transport (can be offered on request)
• Pick-up and return transfer from TIA/TGD airport (can be provided on request)
• Travel insurance (should be taken out by the traveller)