← Back to Albania Experiences
Tirana · Tiranë · Albania
8 Day Self-Guided Peaks Of The Balkans Trek with GPS, Transfers, & Rooms
Starting From
From $2,652.95 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
Experience inventory, live availability and secure booking provided by
Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
This 8-day Peaks of the Balkans trip sees the wild landscapes and jagged peaks of the Accursed Mountains between Albania and Montenegro. Arrive from Podgorica or Tirana to Northern Albania's Shkodra and enter the Albanian Alps on a scenic boat ride through the fjord-like Komani lake. From the remarkable Valbona Valley, you trek through the wild Gashi River Reserve to the remote summer pasture Doberdol for a memorable night in shepherd's huts. On Mt. Tromedja, the three-border peak, the concept of hiking beyond borders becomes tangible, and panoramic views are rewarding. Cross over into Montenegro's Prokletije National Park, swim in tranquil Lake Hrid, and ascend the double peaks of Taljanka and Popadija above the awe-inspiring Grbaja Valley. An ancient route leads you through the heart of the Accursed Mountains back to Albania, where in the idyllic Theth you learn about the former highland laws of the Kanun. After a swim at the glacier stone pools of Nderlysaj, you conclude your journey in the lively capital Tirana. 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. 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. 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
- View the Jagged peaks of the Accursed Mountains between Albania & Montenegro
- Enter the Albanian Alps on a scenic boat ride through the fjordlike Komani lake
- From the remarkable Valbona Valley, you trek through the wild Gashi River Reserve
- Cross over into Montenegro's Prokletije National Park
- Swim in tranquil Lake Hrid & ascend the double peaks of Taljanka and Popadija
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Tirana
Welcome to Albania! Welcome to the Balkans! We pick you up from Tirana or Podgorica (airport/city) for the two-hour transfer to Shkodra. Here you receive your materials (road book, maps, phone, GPS), a walk-through of the tour and have all remaining questions answered.
Continued
Tirana
City/Town Tour. Shkodra Tour 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, join the buzz of the bazaar to buy dried fruits and other snacks, or dive into the past captured on film at the Marubi photo library. It's only a short taxi ride to visit Rozafa Castle and enjoy the fabulous views, a foretaste for the upcoming days of travel through the Albanian Alps. With more time at hand, you can rent a bicycle (€5/day) and visit the lake-side villages of Shiroke and Zogaj for a fish meal and a splash in the Balkan's largest lake. The more relaxed will enjoy an espresso with the locals or visit the artisan shops before the daylight fades. Choose one of the many restaurants for dinner and get a drink at a bar, all while having tomorrow's early start in mind. You can store your luggage at the hotel and collect it before traveling to Tirana.
Continued
Tirana
Accommodation: Shkoder: hotel
Day 2
Tirana
Journey into the Accursed Mountains An early start is followed by a scenic drive through the Drin Gorges to the Komani Lake (58km/2h). The picturesque reservoir loops similar to a Norwegian fjord through sheer rock walls and is 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 Valbona Valley and it’s tower-houses made of stone.
Continued
Tirana
Nature Walks at Albanian Alps. Warm up walk The warm-up walk follows a crystal clear stream through ancient beech forests, speckled with the sweetest wild strawberries. Along the way, the brave will stop for a swimming break at the ice-cold river or a secluded pond. The jagged peaks towering high above you give itchy feet for tomorrow's trek into the highlands. Tonight, you enjoy a delicious, hearty dinner and a well-earned rest after this impression-packed introduction to the Accursed Mountains.
Continued
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.
Continued
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.
Continued
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.
Continued
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.
Continued
Tirana
Accommodation: Vusanje: guesthouse (B/LP/D)
Day 6
Tirana
Hiking at Albanian Alps. 26 km long glacier-shaped Ropojana Valley Leaving Vusanje you start walking up the 26 km long glacier-shaped Ropojana Valley. At a pupil-shaped karst spring called the Oko Skakavice, an ice-cold river is born from melting snow high up in the mountains. Walking past the Gjeshtare Lake, a weathered borderstone is the only reminder of the once tightly sealed borders of former Communist Albania. Once through the forest, the views clear and a mountain-framed corridor opens onto a large alpine meadow speckled with shepherd shacks and an abandoned military post. You have almost reached the highest point of the route, below is a small lake, and across, the Peja Pass (1.711 m), named after a city in Kosovo, marks the historic background of today's trekking route. A steep caravan path leads in serpentines into Theth, the valley in the heart of the Albanian Alps. Reaching the bottom of the valley, there's a local watering hole where you can ask the owner for a lift to your guesthouse. Alternatively, you may continue along the largely traffic-free 4x4 track into the center of the village.
Continued
Tirana
Accommodation: Theth: guesthouse (B/LP/D)
Day 7
Tirana
Local Flavor at Albanian Alps. Local village tour Only a walk through the village and its lush green fields reveals the full extent of Theth. Visit its iconic church and dive into the lock-in tower into the history of the "Kanun". The "kulla" offered protection to those affected by the Blood Feud and is the right place to learn about the former highland law code; it also marks the trailhead to Nderlysaj.
Continued
Tirana
Hiking at Albanian Alps. Hiking the wild side Following water channels, the path ascends to the Grunas Waterfall, and drops again to a cliff above the river and the 50 m deep Grunas Canyon. A well-worn bridle path leads you along the river downstream to Nderlysaj. Arriving there in the hot midday sun, the pond below and glacial mills above invite for a swim. The scenic transfer across the Thorja Pass (1.630 m) into the Valley of Boge and along the Lake of Shkodra (2 h) leaves at around 1-2 pm. Cars are changed and luggage is collected for another 2.5 h transfer to Tirana. The capital city represents the modern, very different side of Albania. Conclude your day with dinner and a drink out in the chic "Blloku" district, while recalling the past week of travel and celebrating a memorable journey in the mountains.
Continued
Tirana
Accommodation: Tirane: hotel (B/LP/-)
Day 8
Tirana
Leisure. Tirana invites you 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-minute walk away from Tirana’s main "Skanderbeg Square".
Continued
Tirana
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 Transfers: As foreseen by the itinerary, including airport transfer Luggage transport: 1/pers max 15 kg, duffels/rucksacks, no suit/flight cases Other: 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
Restrictions
The tour requires a minimum of 2 travelers. Must book 2 people per room.
Meeting & Pickup
Welcome to the Balkans! We pick you up from Tirana (airport/city) for the two-hour transfer to Shkodra. We pick-up guests from Tirana airport or city according to their arrival details / preferred timing.
Languages Offered
[object Object]
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
Featured Travel