Peaks of the Balkans
Travel into Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro, experience the heart of the Albanian Alps and immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, where every trail tells a story and nature unveils its untouched beauty like never before
Hiking
Duration
12
days
Ways to travel:
Guided Group / Private Group
Group size:
Ages:
5 – 16
16+
Grading:
Moderate
Trip Code: HPOB
Accommodation:
- 5 nights hotels
- 5 nights guesthouses
- 1 night mountain huts
Meals:
- All breakfasts
- All lunches
- All dinners
Hike the mountainous landscapes and get amazed by the Balkan countries of Albania, Kosova, and Montenegro.
Rugged mountains with high raise peaks, valleys, and wild landscapes are waiting to be discovered. Hiking these mountainous lands you will find a different world, where most of the places will only be accessible by foot following old shepherd trails. Our trip is focused in the Albanian Alps also known as ‘Accursed Mountains’, Prokletije NP, and Bjeshket e Nemuna NP. These mountains are home to diverse wildlife where ancient woodlands have remained unchanged and undisturbed for thousands of years. Crossing remote borders with stunning views we explore the remote regions and the picturesque mountain villages where agricultural life has remained the same for centuries. Roughed terrain, historical and cultural factors created the right conditions for people to stay somehow in isolation through history.
Trip highlights
- The amazing regions of the Albanian Alps
- Theth NP, Valbona NP, Prokletije NP, and Bjeshket e Nemuna NP
- ‘Lock in Tower’ of Theth, the Blood Feud symbol
- Wild and pristine landscapes
- One of the best Ferry rides in Europe
- Historical and cultural sites of Tirana
Key information
- 5 nights in standard hotels, 5 nights in guesthouses, 1 night in mountain huts,
- 9 full hiking days, 1 rest day
- Group 5 to 16 persons
- Countries visited: Albania, Kosova, Montenegro
What is included
- All breakfasts, all lunches, all dinners
- All accommodation
- Group transfers and toTirana International Airport
- Customer and baggage transportation for all the Tour
- Border crossing permits and entrance fees
What is not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas and vaccinations
- Snacks and Drinks
- Single supplement
Itinerary
DAY 1
Start Tirana
The group will be met at the airport and transferred approximately for 30 min to the hotel in Tirana. A group meeting will be scheduled in the afternoon for the main briefing. Your tour Leader will go with you through all the tour details and tell you all the things you need to know about this wonderful trip in the Albanian Alps. After the main briefing as we go for dinner in one of the traditional restaurants in Tirana we will do a walking tour of Tirana for about 1hour. This time it is not enough to explore all of Tirana, but we get an idea about the city and its history.
Standard Hotel
Meals included: dinner
DAY 2
Drive from Tirana to Koman Lake, one of the best Ferry rides in Europe, hike to Kosovo
Today we start with a transfer for 2 hours and take one of the best Ferry rides in Europe, in Koman Lake for about 2 hours. This lake is one of three main artificial lakes in Northern Albania build during communism for producing electricity and today producing about 70% of electricity in Albania. For about 2 hours through Koman Lake, we enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountainous surroundings until we reach Fierze where a bus transfer takes us to Ujeze and from here we start our hike following the shepherds trail to Kosovo. We take a short break to one of the shepherd huts where we have lunch and something to drink. Here we spent some time experiencing their way of life. Locals stay here for the summer months and leave the area before the first snow starts to fall. A mountain pass at 1885m is our highest elevation for today. The pass is like a balcony with a wide panoramic view of Tropoja with the scenic Shkelzeni Mountain and in the far distance, we can see more of the Albanian Alps. As we enjoy spectacular and pristine views of Tropoja River forest. The food here is all locally produced with a lot of greens and vegetables grown in the local farms. For dinner, traditional and delicious food will be cooked for us.
Standard Hotel or Guesthouse
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 5 km (3miles) Ascent: 150 m (500 ft) Descent: 200 m (656 ft) Activity: 2 hours
Trip Notes
Click below and request the detailed Peaks of the Balkans trip notes, with all the essential information about this trip.
DAY 3
Hike to Gjeravica Peak and continue to Pllaqice in Bjeshket e Nemuna NP
Today’s hike is truly amazing. We leave behind our place in Junik ascending the alpine pastures as the trail goes up to the border with Albania, we enjoy spectacular views of parts of Bjeshket e Nemuna NP with its highest Peak Gjeravica (2656 m) the highest peak in Kosova. On the way we get closer and closer to Gjeravica, visiting the Glacial Lake under Peak, we get a chance to swim and spend some time relaxing. Different land formations and rugged terrain of the mountainous areas of Bjeshket e Nemuna NP have created favorable conditions for diverse vegetation and biodiversity. The area is home to a large number of wild animals such as brown bears, wild boars, wild goats, golden eagles, gray wolf, the park has been recognized as an important bird area of international importance. As we start descending we reach our guesthouse in Pllaqice and stay overnight.
Guesthouse
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 15 km (9.5 mi) Ascent: 1095 m (3,660 ft) Descent: 950 m (3,117 ft) Activity: 5 hours
DAY 4
Pllaqice to Doberdol in Albania
An exciting trek is ahead of us for today. The landscape is naturally preserved, truly untouched and wild. On the way, we pass some shepherd mountain huts and green alpine pastures with a lot of areas covered in wild blueberry. Trekking through wild blueberry fields we ascend until reaching ‘Trekufiri’ a natural three-border peak where Albania, Kosova, and Montenegro meet each other in nature and offers great panoramic views of the three countries. From Trekufiri the trail continues until we reach Doberdol, the best alpine pastures valley in Albanian Aps.
Mountain Hut
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Distance: 8 km (5 mi) Ascent: 445 m (1,465 ft) Descent: 320 m (1.045 ft) Activity: 4 hours
DAY 5
Doberdol to Cerem
Guesthouse
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Distance: 16 km (10 mi), Ascent: 460 m (1,500 ft ), Descent: 1060 m (3,495 ft) Activity 5 hours
DAY 6
Cerem to Vusanje in Montenegro
Standard Hotel
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Distance: 11 km (7 mi) Ascent: 660 m (2,188 ft) Descent: 685 m (2,245 ft) Activity: 5 hours
DAY 7
Cross the border into Albania and continue to Jezerca Glacail Lakes to the beautiful Valbona Valley
Standard Hotel
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Distance: 14.5 km (9 mi) Ascent: 830 m (2,710 ft) Descent: 1065 m (3,495) Activity: 6 hours
DAY 8
Valbone
Rest day, or optional short hike visiting the interesting parts of the valley.
Standard Hotel
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 5 km (3 mi) Ascent: 100 m (328 ft) Descent: 100 m (328 ft) Activity: 2 hours
DAY 9
Valbone to Theth
Standard Hotel
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi), Ascent: 970 m (3,182 ft ), Descent: 1050 m (3,445 ft)
DAY 10
Theth village
Today we explore more of Theth NP. Theth valley is very picturesque, rich in flora and fauna, very well preserved over the years. Today’s walk follows for some kilometers Theth Valley traversed by Theth River. Walking through the village we experience local life as locals continue their usual daily activity. Agricultural life has remained the same for many years. Today we explore Theth village, Roman Catholic Church built in 1892, Lock-in tower the locals name it “Kulla”, which has a magnificent and unique history of past blued feuds, it is the only one that remained in the area with a strong connection to the “Kanun’ (Highlands Law Code, locally known as “Kanuni i Lekë Dukagjinit”, codified according to the customary laws in the 15th century). Unused for its purpose for many years, we will be Lock-in tower guests for today. Following a marked path we visit Grunas Waterfall and after this we continue back to a local guesthouse with a panoramic view of Theth, where we have lunch and after lunch we transfer for about 2 hours to Shkoder.
Standard Hotel
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Distance: 8 km (5 mi), Ascent: 225 m (740 ft ), Descent: 225 m (740 ft)
DAY 11
Theth to Blue Eye and transfer to Shkoder
We start with a short transfer for about 15 min to Nderlysaj and take the trail to the Blue Eye. There is a good chance to swim in the cold water of this natural beauty in the middle of the mountains. After lunch we transfer for about 2 hours to Shkoder.
Standard Hotel
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 6.5 km (4 mi) Ascent: 355 m (1,165 ft) Descent: 355 m (1,165 ft)
DAY 12
Departure, Shkoder to Airport
It will be an organized transfer for about 1h30min from our hotel to Tirana International Airport.
Meals included: breakfast
Trip Notes
Click below and request the detailed Trekking the Via Dinarica trip notes, with all the essential information about this trip.
Accommodation for this tour
Hotels (5 nts), guesthouses (5 nts), mountain huts (1 nt).
Accommodation can be different than what you are used to in your country. Considering that the Tour is organized in the remote regions of the Albanian Alps, Prokletije NP, Bjeshket e Nemuna NP you might expect that quality and service might be lower standards that those in the urban areas.We have chosen this type of accommodation due to limited choices and most important for their location, character and traditional service. Mountain huts are simple but very welcoming. Charging facilities are limited, and expect some days without electricity and Wi-Fi.
On this tour we use small family-run hotels or guesthouses, except for the start and finish hotels, which are usually larger city hotels with better service and quality. In the hiking/trekking areas they do not have elevators, air-conditioning, or English-speaking staff, but most family-run with a lot of traditional character and welcoming hospitality, clean, safe and simple accommodation.
Single supplement from 210 EUR.
If available, paying for a single supplement will only guaranty a room for single use.
If you request to book additional accommodation in Tirana before and after the tour, please let us know and we will make it possible. Please contact us if you want to extend your trip.
When you book a tour with us as an individual, for the accommodation you will be paired in a room with another traveler.
Due to limited possibilities in the trekking areas for the accommodation, please read this Note.
Note: Single supplements are only available in hotels.
In guesthouses single supplements are limited and sometimes not available; all the rooms are double or triple rooms, with shared bathrooms (triple rooms are not mixed sex).
In mountain Huts single supplements are not available. Here sleeping is on mattresses on the floor, and multi person in a room will apply.
Essential Information
Is this trip for you?
Activity level: Moderate
This trip is focused on the north of Albania in the remote Albanian Alps region, “Prokletije” NP in Montenegro, “Bjeshket e Nemuna” NP in Kosova, and includes hiking, culture and sightseeing. In this trip we enjoy 9 full day hikes of a different length. This trip is suitable for the average hiker who knows the mountain and is prepared for some physical activity. Our itinerary follows good trails, some of them off-the beaten track, and in Theth and Valbona regions the terrain can be rocky in parts. You should be confident in your ability to deal with heights as we will encounter some steep ascents and descents. Daily activity can vary from 4-6 hours, including stops. To have access to these remote hiking areas there will be two drives (transfers from and to Tirana for about 2 hours long) which are unavoidable in order to complete and have the best for this trip. Some of the areas are very remote; there will be two off-road sections (less than 1 hour each transfer), we will use local transport which in most cases will not have seat belts.
Luggage will be transferred by car and horses during the treks, as a result hard suitcases are not suitable, only soft bags are useful
Visas and entry requirements
No visa is required for all visitors from EU, USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand passport holder.
Health
There are no specific health risks for this tour
Meals
All breakfasts, 11 lunches and 12 dinners included.
Albania and Montenegro have a Mediterranean climate, with alpine conditions in the mountains, and the climate of Kosovo is predominantly continental, with warm summers and cold winters with Mediterranean and alpine influences. These types of climate create the perfect conditions of natural and healthy growth of vegetables and fruits in lush fertile valleys, and nowadays they are still a subsistence culture that has not changed for many years.
These three countries have an amazing and delicious traditional cuisine mastered over the years. However there have been influences from other countries and combining the Mediterranean, Turkish and European tastes have made that food in Albania, Kosova, and Montenegro is quite varied, but Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are present in almost every meal, and all locally produced. Drinks are reasonably priced and traditional drinks Raki and ‘Scanderbeg’ Cognac are known for their unique flavor and aroma. Locally made beers are inexpensively priced at about 1-2 Euro per bottle.
Vegetarians are in the right country, this tour offers a lot of vegetarian dishes with a lot of greens and vegetables, please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests.
Vegan diet should expect a limited variety of food on this tour.
Meals are included in this tour and Tour Leader will recommend different local dishes, in most cases meals can be organized by the leader or if you have other preferences than that you will be welcomed to do so. Reminder to you that in some places it is necessary to order meals in advance and stay organized. Experienced and familiar with hiking/trekking areas and especially with the rich and variety of local dishes provided for us while on tour, your leader is the right person who can suggest and if needed choose and order a delicious meal for you. Eating healthy is very important and we pay special attention to this.
Wather
Albania has a Mediterranean climate and it is characterized by warm, dry summer and mild, wet winter. Summer temperatures are on average 25ºC and humidity is low, with temperatures in July and August that can rise to 30 ºC and above. Albanian Alps in the north have an annual precipitation from more than 2,500 mm to less than 760 mm along the eastern border. Winter is with low temperatures and heavy snow In the Albanian Alps. A typically Mediterranean climate shows in the coastal lowlands, and the highlands have a continental climate. Weather varies markedly from north to south. Daytime maximum temperatures in the Albanian Alps can be, but the nights are almost always cool.
Daytime summer temperatures in the Albanian Alps, Prokletije NP, Bjeshket e Nemuna NP can be 30 ºC or more, but the nights are almost always cool. Higher in the elevation cooler it will be. Summers can be hot and with clear skies, but the weather can be variable, sometimes cloudy and little rain.
Mediterranean climate is characterized by warm, dry summer and mild, wet winter. Albanian Alps in the north have annual precipitation from more than 2,500 mm to less than 760 mm along the eastern border. Winter is with low temperatures and heavy snow in the Albanian Alps, Prokletije NP, Bjeshket e Nemuna NP. A typically Mediterranean climate shows in the coastal lowlands, and the highlands have a continental climate. Weather varies markedly from north to south.
