Peaks of the Balkans Extended Route

This day a private transfer will be arranged to pick you up at the airport (Tirana or Podgorica) and transfer you to the city of Shkoder.

The village of Theth is one of the most picturesque places in Northern Albania. Preserved by the wild nature and very bad roads, the village has still the kulla and other buildings dating back in middle ages. Kulla e Ngujimit is a three-story rock building with no windows. It served as the self-imposed exile for people who were involved in blood feuds. You will spend this day walking in the village toward the waterfalls and naturally created “bath-tubs” of the river Shala. This is a short relaxing walk full of culture and natural beauties.

Distance for the day: 10 km, 3-4 hours ­ ­↑­­­­266m ↓435m

Today you will do one of Albania’s most iconic hikes from Theth (728m) over the Valbona Pass (1759m) to the town of Valbona (995 m) in the heart of the eponymous national park. This 14-kilometre route follows the path of an ancient mule track linking the tribal regions of Shala and Nikaj. The trail goes through a narrow crest that gives a view onto both valleys and the most southern glacier in the northern hemisphere. After a demanding ascent, you will reach the village of Valbona. You will be walking between the catholic valley of Shala and the Muslim valley of Valbona. The Albanian Catholics are descendants of pro-Venetian Albanians living in the city of Shkodra. These are the most southern Roman Catholics in Europe – the Albanian Catholics have moved to these mountains to preserve their religion from the Ottoman rule.

Distance for the day: 20 km, 7-8 hours ­ ­↑­­­­1068m ↓850m

There are two possible routes from Valbone to Cerem: the low (valley) route and the spectacular high route via Prosllopi Pass (the one we recommend). The high route is quite demanding but also rewarding, revealing views on the steep rocky mountains of Kollata, which are popular among climbers. The low trail is mostly a tractor road offering less in terms of scenery but is suitable for those who would like to have an easier walking day.

Distance for the day: 14 km, 6-7 hours ­ ­↑­­­­1200m ↓950m

Today you will walk between two shepherds’ villages inhabited only during the summer because of the abundant pastures. Doberdol is a village connected to the world only by small tracks, and it is not reachable by car. The village is situated below the triple-border point between Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. On the way, you will pass through the village of Balqin where you can stop for a glass of fresh milk served by the local shepherds. This part of the mountains is under strict protection, as they are also home to the glacial lakes of Sulbica plateau. Gashi Valley was included in UNESCO’s Natural World Heritage list in 2017.

Distance for the day: 16 km, 6 hours ­ ­↑1030m ↓440m

Today you will be climbing the highest mountain of Kosovo and the second-highest of the Accursed Mountains after Mount Jezerca. The route to the summit from Doberdol is a straightforward hike. This is a loop path that will take you to Kosovo and then back to Albania.

Distance for the day: 18 km, 6-7 hours ­ ­↑915m ↓915m

You will be hiking again between two shepherds’ villages in two different countries, however sharing the same traditions and language. These two valleys have been connected by culture but disconnected by political borders. Around one hour walking from the guesthouse, you will reach the narrow pass on the border with Montenegro, offering spectacular views. From here you will be climbing Mount Tromedja (2366m) (Three Border Peak).

Distance for the day: 16 km, 8 hours ­ ­↑915m ↓980m

Begin with an easy 10-km hike to the village of Drelaj. This beautiful stretch will give you further insight into mountain life in Kosovo as you will pass several more villages along the way. The hike is easier than previous days as the elevation gain (1100 meters to 1820 meters) is gradual, especially if the climb to Hajla Mountain is skipped. Upon your arrival in Drelaj, you will stay with the family of Osman Shala. The hike’s variation extends to the top of Mount Hajla, a beautiful crest on the border between Kosovo and Montenegro. From the crest, one can see the mountains extending through all three counties. The climb of Hajla is optional, and you decide to do it or not on the day of the hike.

Distance for the day: 14 km, 6 hours ­ ­↑1150m ↓1110m

This day will begin with a short 4×4 transfer to the village of Kuqishte (20 min to avoid asphalt) where you will begin your hike over the border into Montenegro. This intense 11.2-kilometre hike offers some of the region’s most breathtaking views, passing several glacial lakes. This part of the mountain offers spectacular views at the town of Peja and the rest of the Accursed Mountains.

Distance for the day: 11 km, 4-5 hours ­ ­↑720m ↓1250m

The walk today is long but not too difficult as the elevation gain is not so big. The hike can also be shortened with a transfer from the Hrid Lake which is also the highlight of the walk. Hrid Lake is the third glacial lake you will see when entering from Kosovo. You will be hiking through the most protected part of the Accursed Mountains that belongs to Montenegro. During this hike, you will be going through the village of Treskavica, where you can taste some of the local products from the sheep milk.

Today’s section in Montenegro is quite long; it can be done in one day, still, when you reach Katun Grlata, which is after 15 kilometres, you can cover the rest of the route with an optional car transfer (not included, payable on-site). Starting from Plav, the route climbs up to Mount Bor (2106 m). From Bor summit, follow the ridge north-west and head down from the saddle where Kolendarsko lake lies.

Gerbaja, situated in Montenegro, was considered as the most beautiful valley in Tito’s Yugoslavia. It’s a detour from classic Peaks of the Balkans route; still, we consider it a highlight of the region and add it to our extended tour. To start the hike, you will take a 20-minute transfer to the trailhead. The hike will take you to Mount Taljanka, offering great views onto the rigged Karanfil massif.

From Vusanje Prokletije, you will begin the 21-kilometre hike to the historic Albanian village of Theth. The path passes along the craggiest part of the Accursed Mountains or Prokletije (Albanian Alps), which was a forbidden zone during the Communist era, so nature is entirely preserved. In addition to the dramatic cliffs that form the backdrop for the day’s hike, you will also see a military bunker and the old border crossing signs as you cross into Albania. After the hike, you will be transferred to Shkoder.

This day private transfer will be arranged for you to take you to Podgorica or Tirana airport for your flight back.