PEAKS OF THE BALKANS - GUIDED TOUR

This guided tour as 12 days hike takes you through three countries: Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. We have optimised the tour to avoid some of the less beautiful sections, and instead Highlights such as Mt Trekufiri, Mt Hajla, the Taljanka peak in the Grebaja Valley and the ferry crossing on Lake Koman which, in our opinion, are particularly worth seeing.

Highlights

• Ferry crossing through the fjord-like landscape of Lake Komani (ticket included)
• Climb 4 unique peaks: Trekufiri, Hajla, Taljanka and Popadija
• Extra high mountain stage in Albania behind Montenegro's highest peak
• More time for close contact with the locals in mountain villages & shepherd's huts
• Breathtaking views of the Taljanka peak from the high mountain ridges around the Grebaja Valley in Montenegro

Route & altitude metres:

Day 01: Group transfer from Tirana to Shkoder (14:00) - short briefing and dinner - hotel/private (-/-/A)

Welcome to the Balkans! You can join the group transfer for the guided tour in Tirana (city centre, 14:00) or later at TIA airport, no later than 15:00. In the afternoon you will reach Shkodra and the centrally located hotel. If time permits, climb up to Rozafa Castle and enjoy the fantastic view, a foretaste of the coming days of travelling through the Albanian Alps.

Afterwards, the city invites you to take a stroll through the pedestrianised zone, which is lined with bourgeois townhouses reminiscent of the city's glorious past. Immerse yourself in the Italian flair of the city and mingle with the people at the bazaar to buy dried fruit and other snacks. After a delicious dinner, there is time to discuss in detail what is on the agenda for the next few days. But don't stay up too late, because tomorrow you'll be heading into the mountains before sunrise!

Day 02: Transfer to Koman, ferry crossing to Fierze, hike to Valbona (7.5 km, 250 m ascent, 50 m descent) - guest house/multi-bed room (breakfast/packed lunch/dinner)

An early start guarantees a beautiful ride through the Drin gorges to Lake Komani. The picturesque reservoir meanders like a Norwegian fjord through steep rock faces and is the most beautiful route into the Albanian Alps. Continue by car into the highlands of Valbona National Park, where you stop for a light lunch in the small town of Bajram Curri. In the early afternoon, you will reach the village of Valbona with its stone tower houses.

A warm-up hike takes you along a crystal-clear stream through ancient beech forests dotted with sweet strawberries. Along the way, you can take a break for a swim in the ice-cold river or a secluded pond. The hike ends at the cosy guesthouse in upper Valbona. Tonight you will enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal and a well-earned rest after this impressive introduction to the Cursed Mountains.

Day 03: Hike Valbone - Persllopit Pass - Cerem (approx. 8 hours - 14 km, 1200 m ascent, 950 m descent) - guesthouse/multi-bed room (F/LP/A)

After a short break, a tasty lunch and a packed lunch, you set off on the first and longest ascent of the hike full of energy. As you wind your way up the mountainside, you will be rewarded with a fantastic view of the highest peaks in the Albanian Alps. The Persllopi Pass (2,039 m) marks the highest point of the day, and the border with Montenegro lies at the country's highest peak, Mt Kollata (2,534 m).

Past a unique so-called wind cave and through a karst labyrinth that requires surefootedness, you return to Albania, experience some of the most spectacular panoramas and meet shepherds on the way to the rather remote village of Cerem. With no mobile phone reception or electricity, it's the last outpost before the real wilderness begins. If the weather doesn't allow you to cross the pass, you can take a shorter route through the Kollata Gorge to reach the simple guesthouse.

Day 04: Hike Cerem - Balqin - Doberdol (approx. 6 hours - 16 km, 1100 m ascent, 450 m descent) - hut/multi-bed room (F/LP/A)

The hike to the high-altitude border triangle takes you over carpets of flowers and occasionally across former Yugoslavian territory. Along the way, you can snack on forest fruits, admire the flora and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Kolata (2,534 m).

The slopes are dotted with mountain pastures where you can relax and meet the shepherds over coffee and raki. In the glacier-formed valley of Doberdol (1,750 metres), the animals roam freely in the pastures and time seems to stand still. The locals still live in harmony with nature, just as people did many years ago.

In the simple shepherd's huts, you forgo comfort for one night and receive warm hospitality in return. The family prepares the meals and you learn more about the seasonal lifestyle of the shepherds around the campfire.

Day 05: Hike Doberdol - Roshkodol Pass - Milishevc (approx. 5 hours - 12.5 km, 550 m ascent, 525 m descent) - guesthouse/multi-bed room (F/LP/A)

After saying goodbye to your hosts, you climb up from the valley to Mount Tromedja/Trekufiri (2,366 m), while the huts and herds of Doberdol below you become smaller with every step. At the summit, the borders of three countries merge into a sweeping panorama of lonely borderlands.

On the left is the evergreen Babino Polje in Montenegro, on the right the highest peak in Kosovo, the Gjeravica (2,656 m), plunges abruptly from the heights of the Dinaric Alps into the Dukagjin plain. You cross the Roshkodoli Pass and begin your descent to Milishevc, a remote summer village in the middle of a peaceful pine forest.

The simple wooden mountain huts, which are typical of the country's mountain villages, offer refreshments, hot meals, comfort and a well-earned break after a long day.

Day 06: Hike Milishevc - Rugova - Reka Allages (approx. 5 hours - 9 km, 500 m ascent, 1250 m descent) - guesthouse/multi-bed room (F/LP/A)

The Lumbardhi ridge (2,130 m) is the last obstacle separating Milishevc from the Rugova Gorge. The barely visible path from the Alps up to the ridge is rewarded with a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains. Hidden behind the ridge, extensive pastures surround the artesian pond at the foot of the Red Rock mountain (Guri i Kuq, 2,522 m).

Behind this sea of grass, the mountain plunges deep into the Rugova Gorge. On the other side, the ridge of the Hajla promises us a panoramic hike tomorrow. A partly very steep path leads through a gorge and old forests to the bottom of the gorge. Here we take a break for a drink and, weather permitting, a swim.

At the end of the day, a short transfer on a bumpy road takes you to your friendly hosts in Reka e Allages.

Day 07: Reka Alleges - Mt. Hajla (optional) - Drelaj (approx. 4-8 hours - 10-13 km, 525-1250 m ascent, 525-1300 m descent) - guesthouse/multi-bed room (F/LP/A)

The route leads quickly across meadows and along the blueberry trail through a dense pine forest to the foot of Mount Hajla (2,403 m). From the top of the 300 m high cliff, you have a great view as far as the neighbouring country and the town of Rozaje. The climb is optional, your guide will help you decide whether you should join in. You can also decide to keep the day short (<5 hours). Daydream, read a book or admire the surrounding flora instead. The chances of discovering rare plants such as edelweiss or the Albanian lily are nowhere better than here!

From the foot of the mountain, the route continues at high altitude along a now unused road to the highest of the thirteen Rugova villages, Pepaj. As you hike through a rocky gorge surrounded by tall pine trees, you will have several opportunities to catch a glimpse of the picturesque village of Drelaj. At the accommodation, you will be spoilt with another delicious dinner while the family prepares the campfire in the garden.

Day 08: Hike Drelaj - Liqenat - Babino Polje (approx. 8 hours - 15 km, 11550 m ascent, 1050 m descent) - guesthouse/multi-bed room (F/LP/A)

After a 30-minute drive to the starting point, we head through an idyllic pine forest to the large emerald-green Lake Liqenat (1,850 m). There is a wealth of alpine flora on its shores and the highest point of the official „Peaks of the Balkans“ route, the Jelenka Pass (2,272 m), awaits above. Passing a second lake, you then tackle the long ascent to the pass.

The summit invites you to take a break, with breathtaking views of the mountains above Plav, Theth and Valbona. Behind it, shepherds from Roshkodol collect berries, and you are surrounded by peaks over 2,500 metres. The path to the Ravno Brdo Pass (2,178 m) is almost flat, offering fantastic therapeutic hiking and good views. The last pass proves to be a great vantage point for the jagged peaks in front of you and the lush green valley of Babino Polje below. Here you will spend the night on the edge of the wilderness in simple but very inviting mountain huts, where the friendly hosts will introduce you to the highlights of traditional Montenegrin home cooking.

Day 09: Drive to the Grebaja valley, circular hike to Talkjanka summit, Vusanje (approx. 6.5 hours - 12 km, 950 m ascent, 950 m descent) - guest house/multi-bed room (F/LP/A)

The Grbaja Valley is one of the most impressive in the Balkans. In the morning, you drive into the narrow valley that lies between the karst towers of Karanfili (2,461 m). This mountain is probably one of the most rugged and dramatic peaks in the Prokletije Mountains and a dream of many mountaineers. As you ascend through a shady, fairytale beech forest, you come to an alpine meadow surrounded by several peaks. On the connected ridge path, you can enjoy a series of viewpoints culminating in the two highest peaks, Popadija and Taljanka (2,056 m).

From the top of the ridge, a steep descent leads back to the shady forest path where the hike ends. A transfer takes you to the family-run guesthouse in Vusanje. Here, the nearby Grla waterfall invites you to take an evening stroll, while the view of the Cursed Mountains from the veranda is just as beautiful.

Day 10: Hike Vusanje - Peja Pass - Theth (approx. 8 hours - 16.5 km, 1050 m ascent, 1000 m descent) - guesthouse/multi-bed room (F/LP/A)

We drive up the Ropojana Valley, formed by a 26 kilometre long glacier, and stop at a pupil-shaped karst spring, where an ice-cold river rises from the snowmelt high in the mountains. The trail continues past a dried-up lake, shepherd's huts and an abandoned military post into the heart of the Albanian Alps. Here, the dog's tooth of Mount Arapi (2,217 metres) towers high above the Thethi National Park and forms the highest wall in the Balkans.

Once you reach the Peja Pass (1,711 m), your guide will decide whether the summit can be tackled. Those who choose not to tackle the challenging summit, which is only suitable for experienced and sure-footed hikers, can rest at the pass or start the descent on their own. A steep, well-trodden caravan path leads to a local watering hole, followed by a short drive to a guesthouse in the centre of the lively village.

Day 11: Hike Theth - Nderlyse, transfer to Shkoder (approx. 2 hours - 8 km, 150 m ascent, 400 m descent) - hotel/private (F/LP/A)

In Theth, you can visit the famous church and tower (Kulla), which offered protection to men who were threatened by blood feuds. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the history of the „Kanun“ and learn more about the former legal system of the highlands. The hiking trail to Nderlysaj also begins here. Along water channels, you climb up to the famous Grunas waterfall and then hike down to the quieter hamlet of Nderlysa, where you can enjoy a hearty lunch.

You can continue the hike to the karst spring „Blue Eye“ Theth or alternatively stay on site and spend a relaxing afternoon swimming at the glacier-formed rock formations. In the late afternoon, you drive back to Shkodra via the picturesque Thore Pass (1,630 m) (75 km/2 hours).

Day 12: Transfer to Tirana (airport) - departure - (F/-/-)

After breakfast, you can go for a walk in the pedestrian zone and perhaps buy a few souvenirs. You can join the group transfer to Tirana (airport or city). If you want to extend your trip, you can explore the city, visit the nearby beaches in Velipoja and Ulcinj (Montenegro), experience the modern side of Albania in the capital Tirana or enjoy a beach holiday on the Albanian Riviera.

Included in the price:

• All accommodation in double or shared rooms: 2x hotel, 8x guest house, 1x hut
• All transfers as specified in the itinerary in private vehicles
• Meals (11x breakfast, 10x packed lunch, 10x dinner)
• Border permits (border crossing authorisations)
• Luggage transport between the hiking stages
• Group transfer from/to Tirana on arrival & departure
• English-speaking local hiking guide

The 8 days tour through the Cursed Mountains is for those who prefer a shorter circular hike through the peaks of the Balkans, but without missing the ferry ride through the fjord-like landscape of Lake Coma. The route takes a Shortcut from Albania to Montenegro, without Kosovo, and includes all the highlights of the trail.

Highlights

• Ferry crossing on Lake Komani (ticket included)
• Climb the Trekufiri and enjoy the unique view of three countries.
• Hike from Theth to Valbone, the highlight of the Albanian Alps with spectacular views of the Valbona valley.
• Hike from Vusanje to Theth, where you can see how the borders were guarded with remote bunkers during the Cold War.

Itinerary

Day 01: Airport transfer & arrival in Shkoder - Hotel/private (-/-/A)

Day 02: Transfer to Koman, ferry crossing to Fierze, hike to Valbone (7.5 km, 250 m ascent, 50 m descent) - guesthouse/multi-bed room (breakfast/packed lunch/dinner)

Day 03: Transfer to Cerem, hike Cerem - Doberdol (approx. 6 hours - 16 km, 1100 metres ascent, 450 metres descent) - guesthouse/multi-bed room (F/LP/A)

Day 04: Hike Doberdol - Mt. Trekufiri - Lake Hrid - Bajrovica Katun (approx. 5 hours - 13 km, 675 metres ascent, 725 metres descent) - hut/multi-bed room (F/LP/A)

Day 05: Transfer to the Grebaja valley, circular hike to Taljanka summit, Vusanje (approx. 6.5 hours - 12 km, 950 metres ascent, 950 metres descent) - guesthouse/multi-bed room (F/LP/A)

Day 06: Hike Vusanje - Peja Pass - Theth (approx. 8 hours - 16.5 km, 1050 metres ascent, 1000 metres descent) - guesthouse/multi-bed room (F/LP/A)

Day 07: Hike Theth - Nderlyse (Blue Eye Theth), transfer to Shkoder (approx. 2 hours - 8 km, 150 metres ascent, 400 metres descent) - hotel/private (F/LP/A)

Day 08: Transfer to Tirana (airport) - Departure - (F/-/-)

Included in the price:

• Accommodation in private and double rooms: 2x hotel, 4x guest house, 1x hut
• All transfers as specified in the itinerary in private vehicles
• Meals (8x breakfast, 7x packed lunch, 7x dinner)
• Border permits (border crossing authorisations)
• Luggage transport between the hiking stages
• Group transfer from/to Tirana on arrival & departure
• English-speaking local hiking guide