Walking the High Scardus Trail (Guided)
Walking the High Scardus Trail (Guided)
Walking the High Scardus Trail (Guided)
8 Days Starting and ending in Tirana, Albania
Visiting: Kukes, Korab-Koritnik Nature Park, Mount Korab, Radomire, Rabdisht, Tirana
Tour operator:
Tour code:
792
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 8
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Albania with the "Walking the High Scardus Trail" guided tour. This adventure begins in Tirana, where you'll explore the city before heading to the picturesque town of Kukes. Traverse the stunning landscapes of the Gora highlands, with breathtaking views of Mount Gjallica and the Sharr Massif. Experience the warmth of Albanian hospitality with homestays in charming villages like Caje and Radomire. Challenge yourself with an optional climb of Mount Korab, the highest peak in Albania and North Macedonia. Discover the serene beauty of Korab-Koritnik Nature Park and the historical Grama Pass. As you journey through traditional villages, immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the tranquility of the highlands. Conclude your adventure back in Tirana, with time to explore the vibrant capital before your departure. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure, promising an enriching experience in the heart of the Balkans.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Albania/Kukes
Location: Kukes
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Kukes
Meals Included: Dinner
We meet at the airport or in Tirana for a quick walking tour. You are transferred to Kukes (2h 30mins), a small town in north-eastern Albania, overlooking 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 Mount Gjallica (2,489m) are a foretaste of what is to come. Complimentary group transfer from Tirana to Kukes – 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 Kukes
Day 2 : From Kukes To Caje 15Km
Location: Kukes
Accommodation Name: Homestay in Caje
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Starting from Kukes, a 45mins transfer takes you through Vanave Gorge into the Gora (highlands). Today’s hike starts near the Gorani village of Shishtavec, from where a gradual ascent takes you to the rocky outcrop of Mount. Kallabak (2,174m) with your first glimpse of the Sharr Massif. Continue along a ridge traversing elevated meadows, crisscrossing the border between Albania and Kosovo, with sightings of Mount Korab (2,764m). Descending into the valley, you reach Caje, possibly Albania’s highest year-round inhabited settlement where you are welcomed into a wonderful homestay. Walking for the day: 15km, 6-7h, ↑725m ↓1000m
Day 3 : From Caje To Radomire 17Km
Location: Korab-Koritnik Nature Park
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Radomire
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today starts with a longer hike to the larger village of Radomire, traversing flower-filled meadows in season. With some luck, the endemic Albanian Lily or herds of semi-wild horses can be spotted. Continue along a ridge, again with Mount Korab in the distance horizon. Continue on through the biodiverse beauty of Korab-Koritnik Nature Park bringing your day to a close in Radomire village, where you spend the next two nights. Walking for the day: 17km, 8h, ↑1000m ↓1075m
Day 4 : Climb Mount Korab 17Km
Location: Mount Korab
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Radomire
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early start today in order to climb Mount Korab (2,764m), the highest peak in both Albania and North Macedonia. It is a long and demanding day but with no technical climbing, passing shepherd huts, and negotiating both rocky stretches and soft alpine meadows. Reaching the saddle at the border with North Macedonia, the path circles the peak and approaches it from the rear, offering another perspective of the rocky giant. Enjoy your picnic and the breathtaking, wide-ranging views from Albania and North Macedonia’s rooftop. The descent follows a slightly different route back to Radomire.
Please note: the ascent of Mount Korab is optional, you may complete a shorter circuit or only part of the summit return hike – alternatively, spend the day at leisure around the village.
Walking for the day: 17km, 10h, ↑1475m ↓1475m
Day 5 : From Radomire To Highlands 16Km
Location: Radomire
Accommodation Name: Shepherds Hut in the highlands
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you head back into the highlands following an old military patrol route along the border, where you spot the brezi i bute, a stretch of sand created to detect footsteps. Sadly, these peaceful surroundings hold a gloomy past when surveillance could have severe consequences. From today’s highest point, you overlook the vast plain of the glacial-shaped valley where thousands of sheep roaming free. Tonight, the shepherds of the Kaloshi clan welcome you into their modest wooden huts on the Ladies Pasture at 1,770m. There is no phone signal, electricity or shower, but you will be given a warm welcome. You may even have an opportunity to milk a sheep.
Walking for the day: 16km, 7h, ↑1025m ↓575m
Day 6 : Crossing Grama Pass To Rabdisht 15Km
Location: Rabdisht
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Rabdisht
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s walk takes you along a mule path towards Grama Pass (2,300m) with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Looking behind, views of Mount Korab and Grama Lake leave you appreciating the long way you have come. Take a zig-zagging descent down an old border patrol path all the way to Rabdisht village, where another wonderful guesthouse awaits.
Walking for the day: 15km, 8h, ↑800m ↓1550m
Day 7 : From Rabdisht To Tirana 12Km
Location: Tirana
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Tirana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s hike through the picturesque villages of Dibra smooths the transition from alpine heights to the city’s fast-paced life. Visiting Zagrad, Cerjan and Bellove you have time to take in the region’s traditional stone houses and meet local people. A transfer takes you from Bellove via Peshkopi to Tirana in the early afternoon. Spend the evening strolling around the capital, followed by a final dinner.
Walking for the day: 12km, 5h, ↑700m ↓750m
Day 8 : Departure
Location: Tirana
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. If interested to learn more about the communist past, Bunkart 2 and The House of Leaves provide insights and are only a 5mins walk away from Tirana’s central Skanderbeg Square. Your walking holiday in Albania ends with a 40mins transfer to the airport. Transfer to the airport leaves at 10.00, if you wish to leave later it is possible to book a taxi for about €20.
Depending on departure time possibility to further explore the capital
Complimentary transfer to Tirana airport
What's Included
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Group Transfer
Complimentary group transfer from Tirana to Kukes and from Tirana to the airport.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in Kukes, Caje, Radomire, the highlands, Rabdisht, and Tirana.
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Meals
Meals included are breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
The ascent of Mount Korab is optional, and alternative activities are available.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Taxi Transfer
If you wish to leave later than the scheduled airport transfer, a taxi can be booked for about €20.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy complimentary group transfers from Tirana to Kukes and back, with options for pick-up from Tirana city center or airport. Additional transfers are provided between hiking locations, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations including a homestay in Caje, guesthouses in Radomire and Rabdisht, and a unique stay in shepherds' huts in the highlands, offering a warm welcome and authentic local experiences.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour starts with a meeting at the airport or in Tirana, Albania, for a quick walking tour before being transferred to Kukes.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
Accommodation varies from a homestay in Caje, guesthouses in Radomire and Rabdisht, to staying in shepherds' huts in the highlands.
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Is the climb to Mount Korab mandatory?
No, the ascent of Mount Korab is optional. Participants can choose to complete a shorter circuit, only part of the summit return hike, or spend the day at leisure around the village.
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What kind of meals are provided during the tour?
Meals provided include breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner each day.
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Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes cultural experiences such as staying in a homestay in Caje, meeting local people in traditional stone houses, and possibly milking a sheep with the shepherds of the Kaloshi clan.
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What is the final destination of the tour?
The tour concludes in Tirana, where participants can explore the city before a complimentary transfer to the airport.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.