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Tirana · Tiranë · Albania
12 Day Guided Balkans Peaks Hiking Tour with Transfers & Accommodation
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From $1,713.30 per person
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The Experience
What your day looks like
This complete trek on the Peaks of the Balkans Trail starts from Shkodra and travels anticlockwise from Albania through Kosovo, to Montenegro and return. Be prepared for long, continuous trekking days and at times basic conditions. Expect to be rewarded with first-class panoramas of a remarkably diverse landscape, warm Balkan hospitality, and the thought-inspiring modest lifestyle of the locals. Make your way through mountains and valleys, from guesthouses to shepherd huts, one glass of raki to another home-cooked meal, a welcoming host to another friendly encounter. All the while learning by example about the deep-rooted traditions and complex history of this little-known region on the outskirts of Europe. Three countries world's apart but yet together, yours to discover. For treks in mountainous and alpine terrain fitness is important and previous trekking experience is recommended. It is not vital as long you are confident of your physical condition and sure-footedness. Prepare to endure poor weather and navigate rocky undefined routes, remoteness can also play a part. Walking days are usually between 5 and 8 hours, although they can be longer to cross passes or peaks (mostly optional). Daily ascents will likely be around 900m to 1.000m, perhaps with the odd day ascending around 1.100m to 1.300m. Extended trekking with ten continuous walking days, mostly in the 6-8 h range. Half-day at the start and end of the trip, in between steep climbs and descents averaging 1.000 meters per day. Routes are used by luggage horses, with no technical section (apart from optional Mt. Arapi), but partly rocky and trailless paths.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Cross the Balkan borders between Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro on foot
- Hike through five amazing national parks on this genuine trekking journey
- Experience a melting pot of cultures, similarities and differences
- Ascend the panoramic peaks of Mt. Trekufiri, Hajla, Taljanka, and Arapi (optional)
- Meet a colorful selection of warm hosts and local accommodations
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Tirana
Welcome to the Balkans! Welcome to the Balkans! You can join the group transfer in Tirana (city center, 14:00) or later on at the TIA airport, at 15:00 at the latest. In the afternoon you reach Shkodra (84km/2.5hr) and the centrally located hotel. Time permitting, stop at the Rozafa castle at the entrance of Shkodra and enjoy the fabulous views, a foretaste for the upcoming days of travel through the Albanian Alps.
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Tirana
Sightseeing. Free time in the City Afterward, the city calls for a stroll through the pedestrian area lined with bourgeoisie townhouses, a reminder of the city's prestigious past. Immerse yourself in the city’s Italian flair, and join the buzz of the bazaar to buy dried fruits and other snacks. After a delicious dinner, there’s time to thoroughly discuss what’s to come in the following days. Why not round it up with a celebratory toast in one of the nearby bars? But don't stay up too long, tomorrow’s transfer starts before sunrise! Arriving early? Ask us about extension nights in Tirana & Shkodra, as well as recommendations on places or activities in both cities.
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Tirana
Accommodation: Shkoder: hotel (-/-/D)
Day 2
Tirana
Boating. On a boat An early start affords a scenic drive through the Drin Gorges and to the Komani Lake (58 km/2h). 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 peculiar ferry which stops several times to pick up talkative locals from remote villages before arriving at Fierze (46 km/3h). By car, you continue further into the highlands of the Valbona National Park, stopping for a light lunch in the small city of Bajram Curri.
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Tirana
Nature Walks. Crystal clear stream In the early afternoon, you reach the village Valbona and it’s tower-houses made of stone. A warm-up walk follows a crystal clear stream through ancient beech forests, speckled with the sweetest strawberries. Along the way, you can enjoy a swimming break at the ice-cold river or a secluded pond. The walk ends at the cozy guesthouse in upper Valbona. The jagged peaks towering high above leave you with itchy feet, tomorrow is the big day! Tonight, you enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal and a well-earned rest after this impression-packed introduction to the Accursed Mountains.
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Tirana
Accommodation: Valbone: guesthouse (B/LP/D)
Day 3
Tirana
Hiking at Albanian Alps. Warm up Trek Refreshed, fed, and provided with a lunch pack, you tackle the first and one of the longest ascents of the trek vigorously. Winding up your way to the mountainside, you are rewarded with views of the highest peaks of the Albanian Alps. Past the pastures, you reach a treeless alpine valley, where surrounded by rock, the solitary mountains are all yours. The Persllopi Pass (2.039 m) marks today’s highest point and the border with Montenegro is 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 sure-footedness, you return to Albania, face some of the most spectacular panoramas, and meet shepherds on the way to the rather isolated village Cerem. Without a mobile phone signal or electricity, it remains the last outpost before the true wilderness starts. The hot, home-cooked meals, the warm shower, and the hospitality of the hosts make up for the small lack of comfort. If the weather doesn't permit crossing the pass, you can walk a shorter route through Mt. Kollata Canyon to reach the simple guesthouse (no electricity).
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Tirana
Accommodation: Cerem: guesthouse (B/LP/D)
Day 4
Tirana
Eco Tour at Albanian Alps. Flower Carpets The hike towards the high-lying border triangle takes you across flower carpets and temporarily into former Yugoslavia territory. Along the way, you can enjoy forest fruits, admire plant life, and the breathtaking views of Mt. Kolata (2.534 m). Reaching the rim of the deeply cut river canyon and following the high route through a conifer forest, you notice just how much the relief changes between the Western and Eastern Alps. Slopes are speckled with alpine pastures, you can rest in one of them and meet the herdsmen over coffee and raki. In the glacial-shaped valley of Doberdol (1.750 m), animals roam the grazing grounds freely and time appears frozen. Locals still live in harmony with nature, as humankind did many years ago. This archaic place helps reset the inner compass and will surely ground your soul. In the simple shepherd's huts, you relinquish comfort for one night, in return for warm hospitality. The family prepares the meals, and you learn more about the seasonal lifestyle of the shepherds at the bonfire.
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Tirana
Accommodation: Doberdol: hut (B/LP/D)
Day 5
Tirana
Hiking at Albanian Alps. Roshkodoli Pass Wishing farewell to the hosts, you climb out of the valley towards Mt. Tromedja/Trekufiri (2.366 m), as the huts and herds of Doberdol below become smaller with each step. On the top, the borders of three countries merge in sweeping vistas of the solitary borderlands. To the left lies the evergreen Babino Polje of Montenegro, and to the right, Kosovo’s highest peak Mt. Gjeravica (2.656 m) abruptly dives from the heights of the Dinaric Alps into the Dukagjin Plain. The long caravan path at the edge of the “Bjeshket e Namuna” National Park crisscrosses the border ridge below the 2,500 m high peaks of Mt. Marijash and Mt. Rops, affording panoramic views into both Kosovo and Montenegro. You cross the Roshkodoli Pass and start your descent to Milishevc, a remote summer village located amid a peaceful pine forest. The simple mountain huts made of wood, typical for the country’s alpine villages, provide refreshments, hot meals, comfort, and a well-deserved rest after a long day.
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Accommodation: Milishevc: guesthouse (B/LP/D)
Day 6
Tirana
Hiking at Albanian Alps. Cold beer at sunset The Lumbardhi Ridge (2.130 m) is the last obstacle that separates Milishevc from the Rugova Gorge. The barely visible route out of the Alps and up to the crest is rewarded with good views of the surrounding mountains. Hidden behind the ridge, extensive grazing grounds surround the artesian pond at the foot of Mt. Red Rock (Guri i Kuq, 2.522m). Most pastoral grounds were abandoned after the Kosovo war or are now used only for recreational purposes, the Lumbardhi Alps is one of the few exceptions where livestock is still tended to on a greater scale. Beyond this sea of grass, the mountain plunges deep down into the Rugova Gorge. Across, the ridge of Hajla promises us a panoramic hike tomorrow. One at times very steep trail leads through a gully and old-grown woods to the bottom of the canyon. Here you stop for drinks and weather allowing, for a swim. At the end of the day, a short transfer on a rugged road takes you to the friendly hosts in Reka e Allages. Enjoy a cold beer at sunset with magnificent views over Guri i Kuq across, while a hearty dinner is prepared.
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Accommodation: Reka Allages: guesthouse (B/LP/D)
Day 7
Tirana
Eco Tour. On the Blueberry Trail Across meadows and along the blueberry trail, you quickly ascend in a dense pine forest to the base of Mt. Hajla (2.403 m). Multiple very steep and partly trail-less routes lead to the peak that forms the border with Montenegro. From the top of the 300 m high cliff, views reach far into the neighboring country and city of Rozaje. The ascent is optional, your guide will help you evaluate if you should join. You may opt-out to keep the day short (<5 hours). Daydream, read your book or admire the surrounding flora instead. Chances to spot rare plants like Edelweiss or the endemic Albanian Lily are nowhere as high as here! From the base, the walk continues at a high altitude along a now unused road, to the highest of the thirteen Rugova villages, Pepaj. Walking through a rocky gully, circled by tall pines, you get a few chances to catch a glimpse over the scenic hamlet of Drelaj. The village is more populated and seems closer to civilization than your previous overnight stays. At the accommodation, you will be delighted by another yummy dinner, as the family prepares the campfire in the garden.
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Accommodation: Drelaj: guesthouse (B/LP/D)
Day 8
Tirana
Eco Tour. Past Pine Forests & Lakes After a 30-minute transfer to the trailhead, the route climbs through an idyllic pine forest to the big emerald lake of Liqenat (1.850 m). At its banks prospers a wide range of alpine flora and above awaits the highest point of the official Peaks of the Balkans route, the Jelenka Pass (2.272 m). Passing a second lake, you tackle the long ascent towards the pass. Caravans have used this route since ancient times to move silver and other goods to and from the coast - nowadays it’s almost invisible. The top invites for a rest stop, with stunning views of the mountains above Plav, Theth, and Valbona. Behind it, shepherds from Roshkodol collect berries, and you’re flanked by peaks above 2.500 m. The walk to Ravno Brdo Pass (2.178 m) is almost leveled, and offers dreamy therapeutic walking and good views. The last pass proves to be a magnificent viewpoint towards the rugged peaks ahead and into the lush green valley of Babino Polje below. Descending through the grassy grounds, you pass a hut or two before reaching the scattered settlement of Babino Polje. Here, you stay at the rim of the wilderness, at simple but very welcoming mountain huts, where the friendly hosts introduce you to the highlights of traditional Montenegrin home cooking.
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Accommodation: Babino Polje: guesthouse (B/LP/D)
Day 9
Tirana
Eco Tour at Albanian Alps. Grbaja Valley The Grbaja Valley is one of the most awe-inspiring in the Balkans. On a morning transfer, you shuttle into the narrow valley wedged between the karst towers of Karanfili (2.461 m). Arguably one of the most rugged and dramatic peaks in the Prokletije, it’s a dream of many climbers. Ascending through a shaded fairy-tale beech forest, you reach an alpine meadow encompassed by multiple peaks. The connected ridge trail lets you enjoy a series of panoramic viewpoints, culminating in the highest two peaks of Popadija and Taljanka (2.056 m). From here, the hostile walls seem almost within reach, and views gaze across the border into the Kelmend region of Albania. From the top of the spine, a steep descent takes you back onto the shaded forest path, where the balloon hike closes. Once back down at the valley floor, you can choose one of the beer gardens to enjoy a cold drink. On a transfer, you continue to the family-run guesthouse in Vusanje. Here the nearby Grla Waterfall invites you for an evening stroll, though the views from the veranda over the Accursed Mountains are equally beautiful.
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Accommodation
Day 10
Tirana
Hiking. Conquering the peaks Traveling up the Ropojana Valley, formed by a 26 km long glacier, we stop at a pupil-shaped karst spring where an ice-cold river is born from melting snow high up in the mountains. A weathered borderstone is the only reminder of the once tightly sealed borders of former Communist Albania. The mountain-framed corridor takes us past a dry lake, shepherd huts, and an abandoned military post into the heart of the Albanian Alps. Here the canine tooth of Mt. Arapi (2.217m) stands high above the Thethi National Park, forming the highest wall in the Balkans. Arriving at Peja Pass (1.711m), your guide determines whether the summit can be tackled. The ones who take a pass on the challenging peak, suitable for experienced and sure-footed hikers only, rest at the pass or start descending 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 center of the lively village.
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Tirana
Accommodation: Theth: guesthouse (B/LP/D)
Day 11
Tirana
Eco Tour at Albanian Alps. Grunas waterfall In Theth you can visit the iconic church and lock-in tower (kulla) that offered protection to men threatened by blood feuds. It’s the perfect place to dive into the history of the “kanun” and elaborate on the former highland law code; it also marks the trailhead to Nderlysaj. Following water channels, you climb to the famed Grunas waterfall, then descend along a well-worn bridle path along the riverbed to the quieter hamlet Nderlysa for a hearty lunch. You can continue the hike to the colorful karst spring called the “Blue Eye”, or stay put and spend an easy-going afternoon swimming at the glacier-shaped rock formations.
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In the late afternoon, you ride across the scenic Thore Pass (1.630 m) back to Shkodra (75km/2h). Expect to reach Shkoder after 5 pm and prepare for an overnight stay, it's unlikely there will be public transport. You may contact us to add private transfers to Tirana, airports, or another destination as well as hotel overnights before/after the trip where luggage can be stored.
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Tirana
Accommodation: Shkoder: hotel (B/L/D)
Day 12
Tirana
Leisure. Free time to shop or explore After breakfast, there’s time for a walk in the pedestrian area and any last-minute souvenir shopping fever. You can join the group transfer to Tirana (airport or city). For the ones wishing to extend their travels, you can explore the town, 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 (5-7 h travel time).
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Tirana
Thank you for visiting! Thank you for joining us on this adventure, we hope you had a great time and hope it’s not your last visit to the country of warm hospitality, countless mountains, and sun-kissed beaches. Like to stay longer? Ask us about discounts (up to 10%) on combined trips, transfers, and extension nights in Tirana, Shkodra, or elsewhere - plenty to explore that merits a full day in each town.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
English-speaking guide(s) Transfers: As foreseen by the itinerary, including airport transfer Luggage transport: 1/pers max 15 kg, duffels/rucksacks, no suit/flightcases Other: entrance fees, trekking and border crossing permits
Not Included
Tips and gratuity Pick up from Podgorica airport is available on request for an additional cost of €80
What to Bring
Comfortable clothing and footwear Camera and other items you may need
Meeting & Pickup
Welcome to the Balkans! You can join the group transfer in Tirana (city center, 14:00) or later on at the TIA airport, at 15:00 at the latest
Languages Offered
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Optional Add-ons
Single-room supplement - 65.00 Per Person
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 18 Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
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