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Tirana · Tiranë · Albania
8 Day Guided Peaks Of The Balkans Trek with Transfers and Accommodation
Starting From
From $1,262.75 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Trek is one of the Balkan's (and Europe's) must-do routes and experience the best of Albania and Montenegro. Marvel about the panorama of awe awe-inspiring Grbaja Valley, climb the three-border peak Trekufiri, and experience the shepherd lifestyle firsthand. 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. A trekking with six continuous walking days, mostly in the 6-8 h range. Trails are waymarked but not maintained, orientation requires previous experience navigating by GPS. Limited phone signal means we cannot provide remote support and you may need to be self-sufficient.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Boat across the fjordlike Komani Lake to reach amazing Valbona NP
- Hike beyond borders through the Accursed Mountains of Albania & Montenegro
- Go back to the roots with a memorable overnight in a shepherd's hut
- Scale the three border peaks Trekufiri for views of three countries
- Marvel across aweinspiring scenery in Grbaja & Ropojana Valley
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
City/Town Tour. Checking out Shkodra 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
Day 2
Tirana
Journey into the Accursed Mountains 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 Bajram Curri. In the early afternoon, you reach the village Valbona and it’s tower-houses made of stone.
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Tirana
Nature Walks at Albanian Alps. Warm up walk 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: hotel (B/L/D)
Day 3
Tirana
Hiking at Albanian Alps. Forest fruits A 50-minute drive takes you to the remote village of Cerem. Here you start hiking across flower carpets towards the first border crossing. Enjoy forest fruits, and admire the colorful flora and breathtaking views of Mt. Kolata (2.534 m). Reaching the rim of the deep-cut Gashi River Canyon, you're following the high route through the nature reserve's conifer forest and notice just how much the relief changes while transiting from the Western into the Eastern Alps. Here, mountain slopes are speckled with small alpine pastures, Balqin being only one of many where you can stop for coffee and raki. Your destination is the glacial-shaped valley of Doberdol (1.750 m) where 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 rests the inner compass and may regrind your soul. In the simple shepherd huts, you relinquish some comfort in return for the warm hospitality. After a home-cooked dinner, you may join the bonfire for a view of the stars and to learn more about the seasonal lifestyle of the shepherds.
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Tirana
Accommodation: Doberdol: hut (B/LP/D)
Day 4
Tirana
Hiking at Albanian Alps. Mt. Trekufiri (2.366 m) Wishing farewell to your hosts, a steep ascent leads out of the valley and up towards Mt. Trekufiri (2.366 m). Its peak forms the border triangle where Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro meet at one point and provides sweeping vistas of the borderlands. The blueberry-covered path continues into Montenegro, around Mt. Bogicevica (2.374 m) and the hidden Lake Hrid. The tranquil pond reflects the mountains and provides a habitat for newts, salamanders, and fireflies. It's also shrouded in legends, according to which it's a fountain of youth as well as a meeting ground of fairies during a full moon. At 1.900 meters altitude, it certainly makes for an invigorating dip! The trail continues through the dense, moss-covered pine forest towards a hamlet of seasonal huts called "Katun". Further down the unmade road, the wide-stretched settlement of Babino Polje appears. 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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Tirana
Accommodation: Babino Polje: guesthouse (B/LP/D)
Day 5
Tirana
Hiking at Albanian Alps. Hike on 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.
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Tirana
Eco Tour at Albanian Alps. Waterfall 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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Tirana
Accommodation: Vusanje: guesthouse (B/LP/D)
Day 6
Tirana
Hiking at Albanian Alps. 26 km long glacier-shaped Ropojana Valley 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 7
Tirana
Local Flavor at Albanian Alps. Local village tour 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.
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Tirana
Hiking at Albanian Alps. Hiking the wild side 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. 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: Tirane: hotel (B/LP/-)
Day 8
Tirana
City/Town Tour. Tirana invites you 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/flight cases 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! We pick you up from Tirana (airport/city) for the two-hour transfer to Shkodra
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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