7 days self-guided Peaks of the Balkans Trek

Arrival in Shkoder and overnight stay in hotel. Podgorica airport (1 hour 30 minutes from the starting point), Tirana airport (1 hour 30 minutes from the starting point). Transfer from the airport and back can be provided on request.

Length of the hike: 19.5 km
Metres of ascent ↑: 1068 m
Altitude metres descent ↓: 850 m

Your first day on the Balkan peaks begins with a transfer from Shkodra to the village of Nderlyse, a small hamlet at the foot of the Balkan peaks. The village is home to the Shala River, which has created waterfalls and rock formations similar to baths and pools.

On this first hike, you will get a real taste of the Cursed Mountains and the peaks of the Balkans Trail. You can expect a varied hike with mountain villages and picturesque views. You will hike across high meadows, forests, rocky terrain and peaks and see the southernmost glacier in the northern hemisphere.

Cultural note: Valbona is a predominantly Muslim valley with some Catholics who have migrated from Theth. There is a legend that the village was founded by an orphan who had moved there from Vuthaj/ Vusanje, in today's Montenegro.

Length of the hike: 14.9 km
Metres of ascent ↑: 1200 m
Altitude metres descent ↓: 950 m

Today's hike takes you to the Montenegrin border and the country's highest peak, Kollata e Keqe. If the weather is good, the summit can be included in the itinerary, otherwise you are welcome to choose an easier route. We have adapted this variant from the classic peaks of the Balkans to avoid the gravelly, dusty gravel road to Cerem. From the highest point of the hike, you can see the mountain ranges stretching into all three countries. 

Cultural note: Cerem is a small village, largely abandoned, and at the moment is only inhabited by shepherds during the summer season. In winter, the village is empty due to the poor conditions and the road connecting the village to Valbone is blocked by snow.

Length of the hike: 15.5 km
Ascent altitude metres: 1030 m
Altitude metres descent: 440 m

After two days of mixed hikes in different environments, this route is dominated by greenery. The entire hike to Doberdol will familiarise you with the rich flora of the region that fills the mountain meadows. The villagers along the way will offer you homemade food, drinks and refreshments.

Two temporary cafés under a canopy of trees give this part of the trail a unique charm. The landscape will also be filled with sheep, goats, cows and horses that support the local economy. Along the way, you will pass some of the oldest forests in the world.

Cultural note: The Gashi Valley begins in this region. The forests have been under UNESCO protection since 2017 as part of the primeval beech forests of the Carpathians. The forests are also part of the original ancient beech forests of Germany, which now extend across 12 countries.

Length of the hike: 18 km
Metres in altitude ↑: 915 m
Metres in altitude ↓: 915 m

Today you can climb the highest peak in Kosovo, Gjeravica, or optionally choose an alternative route.

The hike leads along lakes, small streams and ridges with unobstructed views of the mountains. The special feature of this part of the hike are the glacial lakes where the Triton salamander lives, whose existence clearly confirms the purity of the water.

Cultural note: During the communist regime in this part of the world, the border between Albania and Yugoslavia was one of the most protected borders in the world.

Length of the hike: 16 km
Metres in altitude ↑: 1110 m
Metres in altitude ↓: 1440 m

After a transfer to Vusanje (MNE) or Vuthaj (AL), the 16 km hike back to the historic Albanian village of Theth begins. The trail leads along the steepest part of the Cursed Mountains or Prokletije/ Albanian Alps, which were a forbidden zone during the communist era. In addition to the dramatic cliffs and rocks that form the backdrop to the day's hike, you will also see an old military bunker and disused border signs.

The hike leads past Lake Ropojane, which marks the border between the two countries. This hike is the rockiest of the entire trip. However, it also offers some wide mountain meadows and beautiful valley views. The descent into the valley will eventually lead us to Theth, where I will complete our loop. After a short break, a transfer will take you back to your hotel in Shkodra for a farewell dinner with lots of great memories. (Overnight stay included)

If time allows, you can use today to explore the highlights of Shkder. Stroll along Rruga Kole Idromeno in the Italian-style city centre or head up to Rozafa Castle. The nearby Lake Skutari is also well worth a visit.