Overview
Building upon our vast experience in developing walking itineraries in the Balkans, we are happy to offer an extended version of one of the best long-distance trails in the region, guaranteeing a truly authentic experience that will take you completely away from everyday life.
Peaks of the Balkans is the first transnational long-distance hiking trail traversing the Western Balkans, taking you on an unforgettable circuit in the mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro through some of the finest scenery this corner of Europe has to offer. It is an epic walk along shepherd paths and footpaths winding through alpine scenery up to 2,300m above sea level, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, ranging from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes and rugged peaks.
If you would like to enrich your experience by joining an international group with an English-speaking local tour leader, you can check our guided itineraries here and here.
- Accursed Mountains
- Theth National Park
- The Grand Crossing – the hike across the Valbona Pass (1,811m)
- Mount Gjeravica
- Taljanka and Grbaja Valley
- Historic Shkoder
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Shkoder
This day a private transfer will be arranged to pick you up at the airport (Tirana or Podgorica) and transfer you to the city of Shkoder.
- Accommodation: Hotel Rose Garden or similar
Day 2: Shkoder – Nderlyse – Theth | 10km
The village of Theth is one of the most picturesque places in Northern Albania. Preserved by the wild nature and very bad roads, the village has still the kulla and other buildings dating back in middle ages. Kulla e Ngujimit is a three-story rock building with no windows. It served as the self-imposed exile for people who were involved in blood feuds. You will spend this day walking in the village toward the waterfalls and naturally created “bath-tubs” of the river Shala. This is a short relaxing walk full of culture and natural beauties.
- Distance for the day: 10km, 3-4h, ↑266m ↓435m
- Accommodation: Guesthouse Polia or similar
- Meals: breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 3: Theth – Valbone | 20km
Today you will do one of Albania’s most iconic hikes from Theth (728m) over the Valbona Pass (1,759m) to the town of Valbona (995m) in the heart of the eponymous national park. This 14km route follows the path of an ancient mule track linking the tribal regions of Shala and Nikaj. The trail goes through a narrow crest that gives a view onto both valleys and the most southern glacier in the northern hemisphere. After a demanding ascent, you will reach the village of Valbona. You will be walking between the catholic valley of Shala and the Muslim valley of Valbona. The Albanian Catholics are descendants of pro-Venetian Albanians living in the city of Shkodra. These are the most southern Roman Catholics in Europe – the Albanian Catholics have moved to these mountains to preserve their religion from the Ottoman rule.
- Distance for the day: 20km, 7-8h, ↑1,068m ↓850m
- Accommodation: Vila Dini or similar
- Meals: breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 4: Valbone – Cerem | 14km
There are two possible routes from Valbone to Cerem: the low (valley) route and the spectacular high route via Prosllopi Pass (the one we recommend). The high route is quite demanding but also rewarding, revealing views on the steep rocky mountains of Kollata, which are popular among climbers. The low trail is mostly a tractor road offering less in terms of scenery but is suitable for those who would like to have an easier walking day.
- Distance for the day: 14km, 6-7h, ↑1,200m ↓950m
- Accommodation: Gueshouse Kujtim Gocaj or similar
- Meals: breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 5: Cerem – Doberdol | 16km
Today you will walk between two shepherds’ villages inhabited only during the summer because of the abundant pastures. Doberdol is a village connected to the world only by small tracks, and it is not reachable by car. The village is situated below the triple-border point between Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. On the way, you will pass through the village of Balqin where you can stop for a glass of fresh milk served by the local shepherds. This part of the mountains is under strict protection, as they are also home to the glacial lakes of Sulbica plateau. Gashi Valley was included in UNESCO’s Natural World Heritage list in 2017.
- Distance for the day: 16km, 6h, ↑1,030m ↓440m
- Accommodation: Guesthouse Leonardi or similar
- Meals: breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 6: Doberdol – Mount Gjeravica – Doberdol | 18km
Today you will be climbing the highest mountain of Kosovo and the second-highest of the Accursed Mountains after Mount Jezerca. The route to the summit from Doberdol is a straightforward hike. This is a loop path that will take you to Kosovo and then back to Albania.
- Distance for the day: 18km, 6-7h, ↑915m ↓915m
- Accommodation: Guesthouse Leonardi or similar
- Meals: breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 7: Doberdol – Three Border Peak – Milisevac | 16km
You will be hiking again between two shepherds’ villages in two different countries, however sharing the same traditions and language. These two valleys have been connected by culture but disconnected by political borders. Around one hour walking from the guesthouse, you will reach the narrow pass on the border with Montenegro, offering spectacular views. From here you will be climbing the Mount Tromedja (2,366m) (Three Border Peak).
- Distance for the day: 16km, 8h, ↑915m ↓980m
- Accommodation: Guesthouse Lojza or similar
- Meals: breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 8: Milisevac – Reke e Allages – Mount Hajla – Drelaj | 14km
Begin with an easy 10km hike to the village of Drelaj. This beautiful stretch will give you further insight into mountain life in Kosovo as you will pass several more villages along the way. The hike is easier than previous days as the elevation gain (1,100m to 1,820m) is gradual, especially if the climb to Hajla Mountain is skipped. Upon your arrival in Drelaj, you will stay with the family of Osman Shala. The hike’s variation extends to the top of Mount Hajla, a beautiful crest on the border between Kosovo and Montenegro. From the crest, one can see the mountains extending through all three counties. The climb of Hajla is optional, and you decide to do it or not on the day of the hike.
- Distance for the day: 14km, 6h, ↑1,150m ↓1,110m
- Accommodation: Guesthouse Shqiponja or similar
- Meals: breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 9: Drelaj – Kuqishte – Babino Polje | 11km
This day will begin with a short 4×4 transfer to the village of Kuqishte (20min to avoid asphalt) where you will begin your hike over the border into Montenegro. This intense 11.2km hike offers some of the region’s most breathtaking views, passing several glacial lakes. This part of the mountain offers spectacular views at the town of Peja and the rest of the Accursed Mountains.
- Distance for the day: 11km, 4-5h, ↑720m ↓1,250m
- Accommodation: Eco Lodge Hrid or similar
- Meals: breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 10: Babino Polje – Plav | 20km
The walk today is long but not too difficult as the elevation gain is not so big. The hike can also be shortened with a transfer from the Hrid Lake which is also the highlight of the walk. Hrid Lake is the third glacial lake you will see when entering from Kosovo. You will be hiking through the most protected part of the Accursed Mountains that belongs to Montenegro. During this hike, you will be going through the village of Treskavica, where you can taste some of the local products from the sheep milk.
- Distance for the day: 20km, 6-7h, ↑719m ↓1,250m
- Accommodation: Apartmani Ambiente or similar
- Meals: breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 11: Plav – Vusanje | 27km
Today’s section in Montenegro is quite long; it can be done in one day, still, when you reach Katun Grlata, which is after 15km, you can cover the rest of the route with an optional car transfer (not included, payable on-site). Starting from Plav, the route climbs up to Mount Bor (2,106 m). From Bor summit, follow the ridge north-west and head down from the saddle where Kolendarsko lake lies.
- Distance for the day (full route): 27km, 10-11h, ↑1,025m ↓450m (shorter option: 15km, 6-7h)
- Accommodation: Guesthouse Vucetaj or similar
- Meals: breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 12: Grbaja Valley and Mount Taljanka | 10km
Gerbaja, situated in Montenegro, was considered as the most beautiful valley in Tito’s Yugoslavia. It’s a detour from classic Peaks of the Balkans route; still, we consider it a highlight of the region and add it to our extended tour. To start the hike, you will take a 20-minute transfer to the trailhead. The hike will take you to Mount Taljanka, offering great views onto the rigged Karanfil massif.
- Distance for the day: 10km, 6-7h, ↑834m ↓908m
- Accommodation: Guesthouse Vucetaj or similar
- Meals: breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 13: Vusanje – Theth/Shkoder | 21km
From Vusanje Prokletije, you will begin the 21km hike to the historic Albanian village of Theth. The path passes along the craggiest part of the Accursed Mountains or Prokletije (Albanian Alps), which was a forbidden zone during the Communist era, so nature is entirely preserved. In addition to the dramatic cliffs that form the backdrop for the day’s hike, you will also see a military bunker and the old border crossing signs as you cross into Albania. After the hike, you will be transferred to Shkoder.
- Distance for the day: 21km, 8-9h, ↑1,110m ↓1,440m
- Accommodation: Hotel Rose Garden or similar
- Meals: breakfast and lunch box
Day 14: Departure
This day private transfer will be arranged for you to take you to Podgorica or Tirana airport for your flight back.
- Meals: breakfast
What to expect
Accommodation
The accommodation is in a mix of simple but welcoming B&Bs, guesthouses and homestays, most of them with shared bathroom facilities. Some rooms are likely to accommodate between two to five people, and it may be necessary for male and female groups to share the rooms. Sheets and blankets, towels, shampoo, warm water and other basic services are provided, but it’s recommended to pack a travel towel and sleeping bag just in case. Private rooms can be booked at an additional cost, but their availability is minimal.
Click to view default accommodations
- Guesthouse Polia
- Vila Dini
- Guesthouse Kujtim Gocaj
- Guesthouse Leonardi
- Guesthouse Lojza
- Guesthouse Shqiponja
- Apartmani Ambiente
- Guesthouse Vucetaj
- Hotel Rose Garden


















Hotels and guesthouses are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates it will be replaced with a hotel of equal value and quality level; sometimes you will need to spend the night in a different building in close vicinity to the main building. While we try to arrange accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, this might not be possible on this particular trip on all days, especially in the high mountain. Exact accommodation details will be provided to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Meals as specified in the itinerary: dinner on Day 1; three meals on Days 2-12; breakfast and picnic lunch on Day 13; breakfast on Day 14.
Difficulty and terrain
Peaks of the Balkans is a demanding trail where you are expected to walk 7 to 8 hours a day on average. Please check the kilometres and the altitude change in the day-to-day itinerary above (read more about difficulty grades). You will walk mostly on footpaths and mule paths. Before the tour, you can have a skype conversation with our destination manager who will brief you on the tour and let you know about all the details and specifics of the trip. We will provide you with GPS tracks for all possible routes and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime.
When to go
This trip is available from June until September. Weather is best in July – September. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your holiday on any date in the season – so please indicate desired starting date when booking.
Getting there
Up-to-date travel advice on Albania is available here, on Kosovo here, and on Montenegro here
Click to view travel options
Recommended airports for this trip are Tirana or Podgorica. Complimentary private return transfers to these airports are included in the trip cost (one arrival and one departure transfer per party).
Inclusions
Included
- Accommodation for 13 nights in a mix of hotels, guesthouses, homestays and mountain huts. All rooms and facilities are shared (except in Shkoder)
- 13 breakfasts, 11 dinners, 12 lunches
- Maps and GPS tracks to use via a smartphone app or on your own GPS device (please note that for this tour we do not provide detailed paper road notes as the GPS and map guidance is very accurate)
- Arranging the issuance of border crossing permits*
- Daily luggage transport to the next accommodation of one soft bag of up to 15kg per person
- All ground transfers and baggage transfers as listed in the itinerary, including airport transfers (valid for Tirana or Podgorica)
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
*Hikers can now cross borders in theses mountains at unofficial crossing points, but they must get special permission in advance from the Border Authorities in the respective countries (Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro). We will arrange all formalities for you in this regard. The application should be sent at least 15 days before travelling to the area.
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers other than Podgorica and Tirana
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the meal plan
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Any other items not explicitly listed as included
Options, extras and supplements
- Single room accommodations are not available on this tour
- This tour is not available for solo travellers
- Extra nights in Skodra/Tirana before or after the holiday are possible, upon request
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