Peaks of the Balkans Classic Rout

Join our group transfer from Tirana to Shkodra (90-120 min). 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 (90-120 min) – 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)Accommodation in ShkoderMeals included: DinnerComplimentary transfer from Tirana or Podgorica airport to Shkodra (90 min)Overnight at Shkoder boutique hotel (Hotel Tradita, or similar)Meals included: Dinner

We rise early for the scenic drive through the Drin Gorges and the Komani Lake (55 km/1:30h). 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 (46 km/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.

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 Mt. 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 (1.750m) 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.

Wishing farewell to our hosts, we climb out of the valley towards Mt. 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.

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 (2.461 m). 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 Popadija and Taljanka (2.056 m). 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.

Travelling up the Ropojana Valley, formed by a 26 km 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 Mt. 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.

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.

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 (5-7 h travel time).