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Tirana · Tiranë · Albania
8 Day Self-Guided High Scardus Trail with Accommodation, Transfers & GPS
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From $859.62 per person
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The Experience
What your day looks like
Join us on the newest and wildest alpine trail of the Balkans. This handcrafted trek covers six stages of the Albanian High Scardus Trail. We arrange the transfers, luggage transport, and overnights for your self-guided stay, as well as provide the materials and support so that you can enjoy the experience worry-free at your own pace. Prefer going with a guide or joining a group? We got that covered, too. T The High Scardus Trail takes you through Albania's remote Northeastern highlands. There, demanding hikes await, taking you through lush glacial valleys, across beautiful alpine meadows and high passes with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Visit the picturesque stone villages of Dibra, strong in traditions and rich in history, and taste their famous sweet cherries and apples and only the finest firewater. Reaching mighty Mt. Korab (2.764 m), Albania's and North Macedonia's highest peak, will be only one of many highlights throughout the journey, before arriving at a celebratory night in the dynamic capital Tirana. This is not a sightseeing trip - it’s a life-seeing adventure where you experience the remarkable hospitality of friendly homestays and gain insight into local daily life. This includes roughening it for one night to stay with the shepherds on the Grama Alp and showing understanding for a new and developing destination. Why Scardus? The foundations of the routes the trail uses were laid by Roman caravans in the second century BC. After witnessing the landscape's spectacular colors, they named the mountains Scardus, meaning colorful, later translated from Latin into the Slavic Šar and Albanian Sharr. Today they also describe the patchwork of languages and cultures coming together in the border triangle. We arrange your transfers, luggage transfers, and overnight stays, as well as provide all the needed support and materials for a hassle-free, self-guided trip for you to enjoy at your own pace. On each self-guided tour, we hand out a GPS Unit containing all GPS tracks of the trip and a simple mobile phone with a local SIM card, so guests can contact us in case problems arise. Both are already included, no extra fee or deposit is required. However, we do charge a fee in case of loss or damage, to cover part of the replacement cost. The fee is to be paid in cash to our drivers on-site. 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. Point-to-point trekking with 6-8 hours daily walking time through the vast and remote Eastern Highlands. Prepare for a long, ascent to reach Mt. Korab (optional), the highest peak of Albania and North Macedonia, at half-time. The underfoot is often grassy and less rocky. When compared to the Accursed Mountains a walk of equal length may feel easier here.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Handcrafted trek covers six stages of the Albanian High Scardus Trail
- We arrange transfers, luggage transport & overnights for your selfguided stay
- High Scardus Trail takes you through Albania's remote Northeastern highlands
- Visit the picturesque stone villages of Dibra, strong in traditions & rich in history
- Experience the remarkable hospitality of friendly homestays & learn about local life
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Tirana
Welcome to the Balkans! Welcome to the Balkans! We meet at the airport or in Tirana for a walk-through of the tour, Q&A on the upcoming days, and to hand over your self-guiding materials - a road book, maps, phone, and GPS unit. Onward you travel directly to the first overnight location in either Kukes (2:30 h) or Shishtavec (3:15 h). If you prefer to take public transport, we will accompany you to the right bus. Please let us know in advance when and where to meet you. Luggage can be stored in Tirana at the last overnight hotel.
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Tirana
Leisure. Kosovo Conflict Kukes is a small city in Northeastern Albania that overlooks the confluence of Kosovo’s White and North Macedonia’s Black Drin Rivers. Following the Kosovo conflict in 1999, the town was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for welcoming and sheltering 450.000 Kosovar refugees fleeing the war. The views of towering Mt. Gjallica (2.489 m) are a foretaste of what is to come. You're staying in a small pension including a restaurant, have the opportunity to stock up on snacks, and join the local's evening stroll to the ruined regime hotel that overlooks the surrounding lake.
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Tirana
Accommodation: Kukes: hotel (-/-/-)
Day 2
Tirana
Hiking at Albanian Alps. The first stage of the High Scardus Trail Starting from Kukes, a 45 min transfer takes you through the mighty Vanave Gorge up a winding road into the Gora (highlands). When nation-states formed at the turn of the 20th century, the formerly nomadic, Slavic-speaking Gorani community spread across the border triangle. Starting near Shishtavec, a gradual ascent leads you to the rocky outcrop of Mt. Kallabak (2.174 m). It’s the very first peak of the Sharr Massif from where one can spot "The Pope's Hat", the peak where the borders of three countries meet. Onward, you walk through seemingly endless meadows along a panoramic ridgeline, crisscrossing the border between Albania and Kosovo. A glimpse of Mt. Korab (2.764 m) creates pleasant anticipation of this highlight ahead. Descending into a deep-cut alpine valley, you reach the remote village Caje, possibly the highest year-round inhabited settlement of Albania. Don't miss out on the "club”, the nucleus of every Albanian village, for a chit-chat with the elders and a glass of strong raki (local firewater). You just completed the first stage of the High Scardus Trail.
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Tirana
Accommodation: Caje: guesthouse (B/LP/D)
Day 3
Tirana
Eco Tour at Albanian Alps. Village of Radomire Wishing farewell to your host, you leave the simple homestay to start the second, longer hike to the larger village of Radomire. Fairytale-like beauty awaits when the alpine meadows are covered by colorful flower carpets. With a bit of luck, you will spot the endemic Albanian Lily or herds of semi-wild horses peacefully grazing the grounds. Traversing a high ridgeline with minor ups and downs, the rocky peaks of Korab dominate the horizon. Every step takes you closer to the heart of the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park, whose outstanding biodiversity and pristine nature are part of the Balkan Green Belt. New vistas open descending into the Field of Korab, a hyperkarstic depression, guarded by Albania's infamous two-man bunkers that pop up in the border mountains like concrete mushrooms. Our destination, Radomire, is a lively village that shelters visitors aspiring to the heights of Korab. Make yourself comfortable in the simple pension, you're staying for the upcoming two nights. Time to put the tired feet up and enjoy the panorama.
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Accommodation: Radomire: guesthouse (B/LP/D)
Day 4
Tirana
Hiking at Albanian Alps. Trek on Today you rise early and prepare for the literal highpoint of this trip: Mt. Korab is at 2.764 m the highest peak of both Albania and North Macedonia. It's a long and demanding day with much elevation difference but free of technical difficulty. The path sees shepherd huts and mixed terrain, rocky stretches, and soft alpine meadows. Reaching the saddle at the border with Macedonia, the path circles the peak and approaches it from the backside, offering another perspective of the rocky giant. Enjoy your picnic and the breathtaking, wide-ranging views from this rooftop across both Albania and Macedonia. On your descent, you may take a slightly different route back to Radomire. The ascent of Korab is optional, you may complete a shorter circuit or only part of the summit return hike - alternatively, you spend the day at leisure around the village. Guests may opt to spend the evening at the "Oda", a room traditionally reserved for guests, or else the "VIP area" of every tower house in the highlands. Tomorrow's overnight will be a lot different.
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Tirana
Accommodation: Radomire: guesthouse (B/LP/D)
Day 5
Tirana
Hiking at Albanian Alps. The Highlands Time to leave your base for the last two nights and head back into the highlands! The walk follows an old military patrol route along the border, where you spot the “breeze I bute”, a stretch of sand created to detect footsteps. The peaceful surroundings one can enjoy carefree today hold a gloomy past: During communism, they were under strict surveillance, and trespassers, if not fatally punished on the spot, would be sent with their families to forced labor camps. From today's high point, you overlook the wide plain of the glacial-shaped valley and flocks of thousands of sheep roaming free. Passing by the lake you can dip your feet into the refreshing cold.
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Tirana
Local Flavor. Local Shepards Tonight, the shepherds of the Kaloshi "clan" welcome you into their modest wooden huts on the "Ladies Pasture" at 1.770 m altitude. There’s no phone signal or electricity and we're still working on a shower, but hope that the warm hospitality and unique insights into their daily work and life make up for that. It's also your best chance to try milking a sheep! Don't miss out on the endless night sky and enjoy a big bonfire before falling asleep.
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Tirana
Accommodation: Grama: hut (B/LP/D)
Day 6
Tirana
Eco Tour at Albanian Alps. Zig-zagging down Parting from the shepherds and their secluded alpine world, separated by time and high mountains, you may admire their happiness but understand the hardship of their modest lifestyle better. Grounded by the experience, you ascend on a mule path towards the Grama Pass (2.300 m) to face sweeping 360° vistas of the surrounding peaks. Looking behind, views of Korab and Grama Lake leave you appreciating the long way you have come and provide strength for the long descent. After zig-zagging down the old border patrol path, a peek back up from some distance makes it hard to believe that you just descended the immense, rocky wall. Circling at ease along the rim of the valley and above the cluster of villages far below, you soak in the panorama. Closing in through the mountain pastures of Rabdisht, you gain a bird's eye view of the village, with scattered red-tiled roofs and smoke from the chimneys - a signal of your return to civilization.
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Tirana
Accommodation: Rabdisht: guesthouse (B/LP/D) Once down the cobbled alleys, you reach the lovely guesthouse and join the hosts for a firewater/homemade juice toast in their idyllic apple-tree garden.
Day 7
Tirana
Hiking at Albanian Alps. Final Hike Today's hike through the picturesque villages of Dibra smooths the transition from the simplicity and rawness of the alpine heights to the fast-paced complicated life of the city. The trail crosses hills and pastures, connecting the villages you saw from above yesterday. The lack of road access has seen the once-prosperous area forgotten. Locals live off their harvest and, faced with lacking opportunities, the youth leaves en masse. Visiting Zagrad, Cerjan, and Bellove, you take a closer look at traditional stone houses, meet locals, and are surely invited in for a coffee.
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Tirana
Leisure. Free time In the early afternoon, a transfer takes you from Bellove via Peshkopi to Tirana. You arrive for dinner in the modern capital's turmoil, a stark contrast to the previous days of the trek. Tirana showcases the other and very different contemporary side of the country. On an evening stroll along the main boulevard, you discover the origins and influences that shaped the city. Choose a fine restaurant for your last dinner, Tirana is filled with them.
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Tirana
Accommodation: Tirane: hotel (B/LP/-)
Day 8
Tirana
Leisure. City Exploration? Time permitting, Tirana invites you to explore its streets and sights on a stroll. Sip an espresso in one of the charming bars, observe the busy morning flow, and select special treats as edible souvenirs at the lively “New Bazaar”. Interested to learn more about the communist past? “Bunkart 2” and “The House of Leaves” provide insights and are only a 5 min walk away from Tirana’s main "Skanderbeg Square"
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Thank you for visiting! Your multi-faceted journey in Albania ends with a 40-minute transfer to the airport. Thank you for joining our adventure, we hope to see you again in the country of warm hospitality, countless mountains, and sun-kissed beaches. Not ready to leave yet? Ask us what more to do in the mountains, exploring the cultural highlights of Albania’s historic cities or a laid-back beach extension - there’s always more to explore in the **Balkans!**
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Materials for a self-guided trip GPS Cell Phone Transfers: As foreseen by the itinerary, including airport transfer Luggage transport: 1/pers max 15 kg, duffels/rucksacks, no suit/flight cases
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 meet at the airport or in Tirana for a walk-through of the tour. We pick-up guests from Tirana airport or city according to their arrival details / preferred timing.
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
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