Itinerary 10 days

Peaks of the Balkans - Itinerary 10 days

10 days of hiking in the peaks of the Balkans - a journey that takes you through three countries: Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. You will hike on one of the most varied hiking trails in the world, winding through mountain meadows, rugged peaks, lakes and forests. The landscapes and paths change from stony paths and bare peaks to meadows rich in flowers and plants, where nature has been allowed to develop freely.

• Countries: Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
• Duration: 10 days | Travelling style: self-organised
• Degree of difficulty: medium | Travelling time: June to October

Route

This itinerary of the Peaks of the Balkans hiking trail is the most beautiful way to experience the unforgettable combination of nature and cultural richness in Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo.

The trail also leads through one of the most remote and wildest mountain regions in the Western Balkans. The 192 km long cross-border hiking trail winds its way along shepherd's paths and footpaths through high alpine mountains up to 2300 metres above sea level.

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: Transfer to Theth, hike Theth - Nderlyse - Theth

Transfer to Theth and hike to the Blue Eye Theth. The water pool was created by the erosion of rocks by water flowing down from the melting snow of the Albanian Alps. The blue water is fed by a small waterfall that makes the picture perfect. You won't be able to take your eyes off the shimmering greens and blues of this natural wonder that invites you to swim.

The village of Theth is one of the most picturesque places in northern Albania. Protected by the wild nature and very bad roads, the village has still preserved the kulla and other buildings from the Middle Ages. The village is 100 per cent Roman Catholic and has the

"Kulla e Ngujimit", a three-storey rock building without windows. It served as a self-imposed exile for people who were once involved in blood feuds.

Distance: 10 km, ↑ 266 m ↓ 435 m

Day 3: Hike Theth - Valbona

Get ready for one of the highlights of this itinerary. Today you will undertake one of the most spectacular hikes in Albania from Theth (728 m) over the Valbona Pass (1759 m) to the Valbona Valley (995 m) in the heart of the national park of the same name. The 20-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 intense day that takes around 6 to 8 hours (approx. 1050 metres ascent) and leads through remote terrain, but is undoubtedly worth it! The Valbona Pass offers spectacular views of the Balkan peaks 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. This viewpoint is perfect for a short break and the opportunity to take breathtaking photos of the Albanian Alps.

Route: 19.5 km, ↑ 1068 m ↓850 m

Day 4: Hike Valbona - Cerem

The next stop on your "Peaks of the Balkans" tour is Cerem. Your hike takes you 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 spectacular "high" route over the Prosllopi Pass (which we take). This route passes through Kollata and is a challenging stage. The Kollata hiking trail is very beautiful and offers views of the steep Kollata rocky mountain, 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 5: Hike Cerem - Doberdol

Today you will reach two idyllic villages that are only inhabited in summer to make use of the lush pastures. Doberdol, a village that is only connected to the world by narrow paths and cannot be reached by car. The village lies just below the border triangle between Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. On the way, you will also pass through the village of Balqin, where you can have a glass of gypsy milk with the local shepherds.

This part of the mountain massif is strictly protected, as the glacial lakes of the Sulbica Plateau are also located here. The Gashi Valley was also added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017.

Doberdol, your destination for today, lies at an altitude of around 1800 metres, where you will spend the night in a shepherd's hut. The village is in a picturesque location and you can sample a variety of dishes prepared with local ingredients. The beds here are not hotel beds, but mattresses, and the furnishings are simple. The locals are very hospitable, the Food is delicious and it is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Overnight stay in a shepherd's hut in Doberdol.

Length: 15.5 km, ↑ 1030 m ↓440 m

Day 6: Hike Doberdol - Gjeravica summit - Doberdol

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

Route: 18 km, ↑ 915 m ↓915 m

Day 7: Hike Doberdol - Milisevc

Today you hike between two idyllic villages that are located in two different countries but share the same culture and language. The two valleys are culturally connected but separated by political borders. About an hour from the guesthouse, you reach the narrow pass over the border with Montenegro, which offers spectacular views. From here you can climb the 2366 metre high Tromedja (three-country peak).

During today's hike, you will have the opportunity to swim in three different lakes, each formed by alpine and glacial water. One of them is particularly striking due to its heart shape. After around 6 hours of hiking, you will reach Gropat e Erenikut in Kosovo. From Gropat e Erenikut, we have organised a local transfer to take you to Milisevc. Overnight stay in Milisevc.

Distance: 15.8 km, ↑ 915 m ↓980 m

Day 8: Hike Milisevc - Babino Polje

Today's intense 15.8 kilometre hike offers some of the most breathtaking views in the region and passes glacial lakes and water springs. Some hikers divide this hike into two parts: a 7.4 kilometre ascent on the first day and an 8.4 kilometre descent on the second day. However, we will complete this hike in one day. It is therefore not the longest hike of the trip. This part of the trail is often "tourist-free" and offers spectacular views of the town of Peja and the rest of the Accursed Mountains.

Distance: 15.8 km, ↑ 1150 m ↓1100 m

Day 9: Transfer Babino Polje - Grbaja valley. Hike to the Taljanka summit. Transfer to Vusanje

Gerbaja in Montenegro was considered the most beautiful valley in Tito's Yugoslavia, which today is home to seven independent states. It is a diversion from the classic "peaks of the Balkans", but one that no one should miss. A transfer will take you to the valley and back today. The hike then begins with a climb to the "green sky" of the Taljanka peak with a view of Karanfil, a jagged, majestic rock massif.

Route: 9.8 km, ↑ 834 m ↓908 m

Day 10: Hike Vusanje - Theth. Transfer to Shkodra

Today's 21-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.

Distance: 21.3 km, ↑ 1110 m ↓1440 m