Peaks of the Balkans Highlights (Guided)

Click to view map

Day 1: Arrival in Albania

Join our group transfer from Tirana to Shkodra (90-120min). Those getting in earlier during the day will be provided with recommendations on what to do in town. Should you have any questions before meeting your guide, you may contact our local office through the hotel. At 5 pm the group gathers for an introduction meeting and tour briefing at the accommodation. Afterwards, you can look forward to a sumptuous traditional dinner! But don’t stay up too long, we’re starting tomorrow at 6 am. This is the latest time by which you may join the trip.

• Complimentary group transfer from Tirana to Shkodra (90-120min) – two options available:
• Option 1: 14.00 Tirana city centre (near Skanderbeg Square / behind Opera house)
• Option 2: 15.00 Tirana airport (minibus parking outside Arrivals)
• Overnight at Shkoder boutique hotel (Hotel Tradita, or similar)
• Meals included: Dinner

Day 2: Journey into the Accursed Mountains | 7km

We rise early for the scenic drive through the Drin Gorges and the Komani Lake (55km/1h 30min). The picturesque reservoir loops similar to a Norwegian fjord through sheer rock walls and makes for the most attractive route into the Albanian Alps. You’re in for a surprise by the custom-made boat, which stops several times to pick up talkative locals from remote villages before arriving at Fierze (46km/3h). After lunch, we travel by car further into the Valbona National Park’s highlands into a traditional village composed of imposing tower houses. The afternoon warm-up walk follows a crystal clear stream through ancient beach forests speckled with the sweetest strawberries. Along the way, we can enjoy a swimming break at the river or a secluded pond. The walk ends at our cosy guesthouse in upper Valbona, and there’s opportunity to explore the close surroundings further. Tonight we enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal and well-earned rest after your introduction to the Accursed Mountains.

• Walking for the day: 7km, 3h, ↑250m ↓50m
• Transfer by public minibus (6.30 am pickup time) or private car to ferry port Koman (90min)
• Boat ride through the canyons of the Koman Lake (3h)
• Transfer from Fierze via Bajram Curri (optional lunch stop) to the trailhead in Valbona (75min)
• Warm-up walk with swimming opportunity (3h)
• Overnight at Valbone guesthouse / private ensuite (Vila Dini or similar)
• Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 3: High Route into the Remote Border Triangle | 16km

After a 45 min drive to Cerem, we start across the flower field towards the remote border triangle. Along the way, we enjoy forest fruits, admire plant life and the views to Mount Kolata (2,534m). Reaching the rim of the deep cut river canyon and following the high route through the conifer forest, we notice just how much the relief changes between the Western and Eastern Alps. Slopes are speckled with alpine pastures, and at one we stop to meet the herdsmen over coffee and raki. In the glacial-shaped valley of Doberdol (1,750 m) animals roam the grazing grounds freely. Locals still live in harmony with nature, the way they did many years ago. The overnight will be spent in the simple shepherd huts where we will relinquish comfort for one night in return for hospitality. The family prepares our meals and we learn more about the seasonal lifestyle of the shepherds at the campfire.

• Walking for the day: 16km, 7h, ↑1,250m ↓650m
• Overnight in a simple but cosy shepherd hut
• Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 4: Via the Three-Border Peak into Montenegro | 13km

Wishing farewell to our hosts, we climb out of the valley towards Mount Trekufiri (2,366m). On the very top, the borders of three countries merge in sweeping vistas of the borderlands. The blueberry covered border trail leads us into Montenegro, around Bogicevica (2,374m), and secluded Lake Hrid. The tranquil pond reflecting the surrounding mountains is shrouded in legends and provides habitat for newts, salamander, and fireflies. After a refreshing dip, we continue on a trail encompassed by dense pine forest towards a hamlet of seasonal huts called “katun”. Further down a forest road, we reach the scattered settlement of Babino Polje and two cabins at the rim of the national park. Your guide may also choose an alternative, longer trail along the border ridge.

• Walking for the day: 13km, 6h, ↑600m ↓850m
• Overnight at a local guesthouse
• Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 5: Grbaja Valley – The Highlight of Prokletije | 12km

The Grbaja Valley is one of the most awe-inspiring in the Balkans. An hour transfer past Lake Plav leads into a narrow valley, wedged between the karst towers of Karanfili (2,461m). Arguably one of the most rugged and dramatic peaks in the Prokletije, it’s a dream of many climbers. Ascending through shaded fairy-tale beech forest, a last steep climb takes us to the double peak of Mount Popadija and Mount Taljanka (2,056m). Here the hostile walls across seem almost within our reach and views gaze across the border into the Kelmend region of Albania. Your guide will choose the most suitable route, traversing the narrow spine to a series of panoramic viewpoints back onto the shaded forest path, where the balloon hike closes. We celebrate the adventure at a beer garden on the valley floor before travelling to our guesthouse in Vusanje at next days’ trailhead. The nearby waterfall invites for a stroll, but views from the house are equally beautiful. You have a choice between two hikes and can also use the day for a rest or individual exploration.

• Walking for the day: 12km, 6:30h, ↑950m ↓950m
• Overnight in a local guesthouse
• Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 6: Through the Heart of the Accursed Mountains | 11km

Travelling up the Ropojana Valley, formed by a 26km long glacier, we stop at a pupil-shaped karst spring where an ice-cold river emerges from the melting snow high up in the mountains. A weathered border stone is the only reminder of the once tightly sealed borders of former communist Albania. The mountain framed corridor takes us passed a dry lake, shepherd huts, and an abandoned military post to the heart of the Albanian Alps. Here the canine tooth of Mount Arapi (2,217m) stands high above the Thethi National Park forming the largest big wall in the Balkans. As you arriving at Peja Pass (1,711m), your guide will decide whether the summit can be tackled. The ones who would like to skip the challenging peak, suitable for experienced and sure-footed hikers only, can rest or start the descend with the horsemen. A steep well-trodden caravan path leads to the local watering hole, followed by a short ride to a guesthouse in the centre of the lively village.

• Walking for the day: 11km, 6-7h, ↑650m ↓900m
• Overnight at a local guesthouse in Nderlys
• Meals included: Breakfast, Packed lunch, dinner

Day 7: Theth – Tradition in the Albanian Highlands | 16km

In Theth we visit the iconic church and lock-in tower (kulla) that offered protection to men threatened by blood feud. It’s the perfect place to dive into the history of the “kanun” and get a deeper explanation of the highland law code. Following the water channels, we climb to the famed waterfall and descent along a well-worn bridle path to the quieter hamlet Nderlysa for a hearty lunch. Continue the hike to the colourful karst spring called the “Blue Eye” or spend an easy-going afternoon with swimming at the glacier-shaped rock formations. In the late afternoon, we ride across the scenic Terthorja Pass (1,630m) back to Shkodra (75km/3h) and our hotel from the first night. At night we celebrate the eventful trek with our new friends over a somewhat different dinner from the last days. How about drinks at the bustling bar zone of Shkodra? With all the party in mind, please also double-check with your guide for tomorrow’s departure transfers.

• Walking for the day: 16km, 5:30h, ↑225m ↓500m
• Overnight at a local guesthouse.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, an airport transfer is arranged, or onward travel plans accommodated. Depending on your further plans, you can head to the nearby beaches in Velipoja and Ulcinj (Montenegro), experience Albania’s modern side in the capital Tirana or spend your beach holidays at the Albanian Riviera (5-7h travel time).

• Complimentary group transfer to Tirana airport or city after breakfast – at approx. 9-10 am (1.5h – 2h)
• Meals included: Breakfast

Click to view hotel photos

Click to view travel options

Recommended airport for this trip is Tirana. Complimentary group return transfers to this airport are included in the trip cost (as indicated in the itinerary).