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Hiking on the Peaks of the Balkans

Take a great hiking holiday on the peaks of the Balkans. A challenging trip in stunning mountains! We drive the luggage and take care of the best routes.

8 Days / 7 Nights
Very challenging

On this amazing hiking holiday to the peaks of the Balkans, you'll experience wild landscapes and jagged peaks in the Cursed Mountains between Albania and Montenegro. Arrive from Podgorica or Tirana to Shkodra in northern Albania and enter the Albanian Alps on a beautiful boat trip through the fjord-like Lake Komani. From the impressive Valbona Valley, hike through the wild Gashi River Reserve to the remote grazing area of Doberdol, where you'll spend a night in shepherd's huts - a very special experience to look forward to. On Tromedja Mountain, you'll enjoy the most incredible panoramic views of the mountains and valleys around you. Cross over to Montenegro's Prokletije National Park, swim in the tranquil Hrid Lake and climb the twin peaks of Taljanka and Popadija overlooking the stunning Grbaja Valley. An ancient route takes you through the heart of the Cursed Mountains back to Albania, where in idyllic Theth you'll learn about the ancient highland laws of the Kanuns. After a swim in the glacial rock pools of Nderlysaj, you'll end your journey in the vibrant capital of Tirana.

Please note that this tour involves crossing the border between Albania and Montenegro. We'll take care of the practicalities, but we need your passport details at least two weeks before the trip. This is a prerequisite for travelling across the border.

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More about the route

For hiking in mountainous and alpine terrain, fitness is important and previous trekking experience is recommended. It's not essential as long as you're confident on your feet. Hiking days are usually between 5 and 8 hours, although they can be longer to cross passes or peaks (mostly optional). Daily climbs will typically be between 900 and 1,000 metres - with a single day with climbs between 1,100 and 1,300 metres.
The trails are marked but not maintained and orienteering requires previous experience navigating with GPS. There will also be limited phone signal in several places. All trails on the tour are wide enough for horse-drawn carriages to drive on and there is no objective danger. There are small 5m sections along the route where people with a fear of heights could potentially be challenged. There have never been any accidents on the tour, but we mention it for the record.

Itinerary

Here you can see the programme for the week.

Welcome to the Balkans! We'll pick you up in Tirana or Podgorica (airport/city) for the two-hour transfer to Shkodra. Here you'll receive your materials (roadbook, map, phone, GPS), a tour briefing and answers to any remaining questions. Afterwards, the city invites you to stroll through the pedestrianised pedestrian street, lined with bourgeois townhouses reminiscent of the city's prestigious past. Immerse yourself in the city's Italian flair, join the bazaar buzz to buy dried fruits and other snacks, or delve into the past captured on film in the Marubi photo library. It's only a short taxi ride to visit Rozafa Castle and enjoy the fabulous views, a taster of the coming days' journey through the Albanian Alps. If you have more time, rent a bike (€5/day) and visit the lakeside villages of Shiroke and Zogaj, where you can eat fish and splash in the largest lake in the Balkans. For the more relaxed, enjoy an espresso with the locals or visit the craft shops before daylight fades. Choose one of the many restaurants for dinner and have a drink at a bar while you think about tomorrow's early start.

Hotel (example): Tradita

 

An early start is followed by a scenic drive through the Drin Gorges to Lake Komani (58 km/2 hours). The picturesque reservoir winds like a Norwegian fjord through steep rock walls and is the most attractive route into the Albanian Alps. You'll be surprised by the peculiar ferry that stops several times to pick up chatty locals from remote villages before arriving in Fierze (46km/3 hours). Continue by car into the highlands of Valbona National Park and stop for a light lunch in the small town of Bajram Curri. In the early afternoon you'll reach the Valbona Valley and its stone tower houses. The warm-up hike follows a crystal-clear stream through ancient beech forests teeming with the sweetest wild strawberries. Along the way, the brave stop to take a swim break by the icy river or a secluded pond. The rugged peaks towering high above you whet your appetite for tomorrow's trek into the highlands. Tonight, enjoy a delicious, hearty dinner and a well-deserved rest after this impressive introduction to the Cursed Mountains.

Hotel (example): Vila Dini

 

A 50-minute drive will take you to the remote village of Cerem. Here you'll start hiking over flower carpets towards the first border crossing. Enjoy the fruits of the forest, admire the colourful flora and breathtaking views of Mount Kolata (2,534 m). When you reach the edge of the deeply carved Gashi River gorge, follow the high altitude route through the nature reserve's coniferous forest and notice how much the relief changes as you move from the Western to the Eastern Alps. Here the hillsides are dotted with small alpine pastures and Balqin is just one of many where you can stop for coffee and raki. Your destination is the glacial valley of Doberdol (1,750 metres), where animals graze freely and time seems to be frozen. The locals still live in harmony with nature as mankind did many years ago. In this archaic place, the inner compass rests and the soul can get back on track. In the simple shepherd's huts, you give up some comfort in exchange for warm hospitality. After a home-cooked dinner, join the campfire to watch the stars and learn more about the seasonal lifestyle of the shepherds.

Hotel (example): Leonard Uka

 

Bidding farewell to your hosts, a steep ascent takes you out of the valley and up towards Mount Trekufiri (2,366 metres). Its peak forms the border triangle where Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro meet at one point and offers sweeping views of the borderlands. The blueberry-lined trail continues into Montenegro, around Bogicevica Mountain (2,374 metres) and the hidden Hrid Lake. The tranquil pond reflects the mountains and is a habitat for salamanders, newts and fireflies. It is also surrounded by legends, according to which it is a fountain of youth and a meeting place for fairies on a full moon. At 1,900 metres above sea level, it's definitely a refreshing dip! The trail continues through dense, moss-covered pine forest towards a village of seasonal huts called ‘Katun’. Further down the dirt road, the sprawling settlement of Babino Polje appears. Here you'll stay on the edge of the wilderness in simple but very welcoming mountain huts, where your friendly hosts will introduce you to the highlights of traditional Montenegrin home cooking.

Hotel (example): Samel's Cottage

 

The Grbaja Valley is one of the most awe-inspiring in the Balkans. In the morning you'll be shuttled into the narrow valley between the karst towers of Karanfili (2,461 metres). Undoubtedly one of the most rugged and dramatic peaks in Prokletije, it's a mountaineer's dream. You ascend through a shady, fairytale beech forest and reach an alpine meadow surrounded by several peaks. The connected ridge allows you to enjoy a series of panoramic viewpoints, culminating in the two highest peaks Popadija and Taljanka (2,056 metres). From here, the enemy walls seem almost within reach and you can see across the border to the Kelmend region of Albania. From the top of the spine, a steep descent leads you back to the shady forest path where the balloon hike ends. Once back in the valley, you can choose one of the many biergartens where you can enjoy a cold drink. You'll be driven to the family-run guesthouse in Vusanje. Here, the nearby Grla waterfall invites you for an evening stroll, but the view from the veranda over the Cursed Mountains is just as beautiful.

Hotel (example): Vucetaj

 

Leaving Vusanje, you'll start hiking up the 26 kilometre long glacier-shaped Ropojana valley. At a pupil-shaped karst spring called Oko Skakavice, an icy river is fed by melting snow high in the mountains. Walking past Lake Gjeshtare, a weathered border stone is the only reminder of the once tightly sealed borders of former communist Albania. Once through the forest, the views become clear and a mountain-framed corridor opens up to a large alpine meadow dotted with shepherds' huts and an abandoned military post. You've almost reached the highest point of the route, below is a small lake and on the other side, the Peja Pass (1,711 metres), named after a town in Kosovo, marks the historical background of today's hiking route. A steep caravan path leads in serpentines into Theth, the valley in the heart of the Albanian Alps. When you reach the bottom of the valley, there is a local waterhole where you can ask the owner for a lift to his guesthouse. Alternatively, you can continue along the largely traffic-free road into the centre of the village.

Hotel (example): Pashko

 

Only a walk through the village and its lush green fields reveals the full extent of Theth. Visit the iconic church and delve into the history of ‘Kanun’ at the lock tower. ‘Kulla’ offered protection to those affected by the blood feud and is the place to learn about the former highland law book; it also marks the beginning of the trail to Nderlysaj. The trail follows water channels up to the Grunas waterfall, drops again to a cliff above the river and the 50 metre deep Grunas gorge. A well-used bridle path leads you along the river downstream to Nderlysaj. Arriving in the warm midday sun, the pond below and the glacial mills above invite you for a swim. The scenic drive over the Thorja Pass (1,630 metres) into the Boge Valley and along Lake Shkodra (2 hours) starts around 13:00-16:00. Change cars and collect your luggage for another 2.5-hour transfer to Tirana. The capital city represents the modern, very different side of Albania. End the day with dinner and a drink out in the chic ‘Blloku’ district as you reminisce about the past week of travelling and celebrate a memorable journey in the mountains.

Hotel (example): Vila 60

 

If time permits, Tirana invites you to explore the streets and sights on a stroll. Sip an espresso at one of the charming bars, watch the bustling morning stream and pick up special treats like edible souvenirs in the lively New Bazaar. Interested in learning more about the communist past? ‘Bunkart 2’ and “The House of Leaves” provide insights and are just a 5-minute walk from Tirana's main “Skanderbeg Square”. Your multi-faceted journey in Albania ends with a 40-minute transfer to the airport.

Prices and dates

Prices per person in EUR

Price includes

Extras
  • Single room
Not included
  • Transport from/to Albania
  • Tourist taxes at the hotels, if applicable
  • Administration fee (20 euro)

Practical information

Here you can get answers to various questions about the trip
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The price is based upon two people sharing. For safety reasons, this tour cannot be booked for solo travellers. There must be min. be two participants.

On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.

Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill in anything. Here's how:

  1. Choose your desired start date
  2. Click on the green button "See price and reserve your holiday" and go to the booking form
  3. Select number of people, add any optional extras and see the price at the bottom of the page (you don't have to fill in anything on the form).

Get a quote
For example, if you want a flight included or changes to the trip, you can order a quote for this using the "Get a quote" button. Remember to describe in detail what, if anything, you want changed.

The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 2-5 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.

Dates
If you can select the date in the tour calendar at the top of this page, this is a possible start date. We continually update the tours with sold-out dates, after which those dates will turn red and cannot be selected.

The flights to/from Tirana or Dubrovnik are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.

Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.

Book a quote
If you prefer that we handle your flight, then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You simply book a quote below the map on this page and we will return with a quote as soon as possible (usually within 2-5 working days). Please note that we add a handling fee of 45 euro to each flight and this means that the flight will be cheaper if you book it yourself.

Framed by a comfortable first and last hotel stay in the cities, this tour offers inviting guesthouses and cabins, including a rustic stay at Doberdol Alp. The rooms are private but do not always have en-suite bathrooms. We reserve double and twin rooms, but the hosts in the cabins may have difficulty managing reservations and may instead accommodate you in a four-bed room.

This should be understood to mean that the cabins never turn away hikers, and it could mean that you – even though we have reserved a private room for you – may end up having to share a room with other hikers. This only applies to the mountain cabins.

Breakfast is included every day. Additionally, 6 lunches and 5 dinners are included.

Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.

Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.

Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 15kg each.

This trip has a difficulty level of 3-4, which means that most hiking days on the tour are level 3 and a few are level 4.

Grade 3
Hiking in mountainous terrain with longer ascents and descents. You will hike 5-7 hours a day. Requires generally good fitness and health, but no special technical skills or prior experience. Requires good shoes, such as trekking or mountain boots.

Grade 4
Demanding hiking with daily marches of 6-8 hours, often in difficult terrain at higher altitudes. There can be longer ascents of up to 1,000 meters. Requires good physical condition, endurance, and knees and ankles capable of enduring prolonged descents. You need to be in good health and preferably have hiking experience. Requires good hiking boots and regular outdoor clothing. There can be significant temperature differences.

Read more about our grading system here.

Here you can get an overview of the entire route and the elevation profile for each day. The data shows the data from the GPX-files related to the tour. Notice that the routes are sometimes updated, which means that there might be small variations.

See a map of the whole route

See the elevation profile

Colors
Blue routes: The route as normal
Red routes: Variations/options (such as shortened or extended routes)

On this tour, you will receive the following documents:

Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll recieve a pre-booking-email where you can get a complete overview of your booking. Once the tour is confirmed you get a confirmation email from us along with practical information about the tour.

One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and final travel documents.

Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags and specific local vouchers. The documents are in English.
Notice: On some tours it is necessary to either print the documents yourself or to bring them electronically.

After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.

We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.

Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.

If you go on a hiking holiday on the Peaks of the Balkans from Shkoder to Tirana, the temperature in the summer months of June, July, and August reaches its peak between 25-30 degrees Celsius. Here, you will experience moderate rainfall, and the fresh breezes from the Adriatic Sea will help with cooling. On particularly hot days, it is a good idea to start the daily stages early in the day to avoid the midday heat.

In the autumn month of September, you can expect pleasant temperatures between 15-25 degrees Celsius with moderate wind conditions and increased rainfall compared to the summer months.

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