Description

Experience a breathtaking 6-day guided hiking adventure through the Peaks of the Balkans. Cross borders, explore remote trails, and immerse yourself in untouched nature. Send a request now.

Get yourself on a once-in-a-lifetime hiking adventure through the breathtaking Peaks of the Balkans! This 6-day guided trek takes you through stunning mountain landscapes, crossing Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo. Experience untouched nature, ancient villages, and panoramic views while following some of Europe’s most scenic trails.

HIGHLIGHTS

Zla Kolata Peak – Option to hike the highest Peak of Montenegro
Stay in Doberdol, the most remote part of the trail
Hike Vusanje – Theth, see how borders were guarded during the cold war
Food: Experience the unique cuisine and hospitality of the Accursed Mountains provided by the local villagers.

Dates 2025: June 4 – 10; June 25 – July 1; July 16 – 22; July 30 – Aug 5; Sep 3 – 9

Day 1

Arrive in Shkoder and check-in at the hotel. Meet the guide and group for a briefing from 19:00 to 20:00. Nearby airports include Podgorica and Tirana (1.5 hrs), Tivat (2.5 hrs), Prishtina (3.5 hrs), and Skopje (4.5 hrs). The transfer from the airport and back can be provided on demand.

Day 2

Distance: 16.4 km (10.50 mi)
Uphill Cumulative: 1175m (3855ft)
Downhill Cumulative: 940m (3080ft)
Minimal Elevation: 730m (2390ft)
Maximal Elevation: 1854m (6082ft)

On this hike, you will get a real taste of the Accursed Mountains and the Peaks of the Balkans Trail. This diverse hike is bookended by mountain villages and filled with picturesque views. You’ll traverse meadows, woodlands, rocky terrain, and crests, and witness the most southern glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Despite its breathtaking highlights, this trail remains largely untapped by tourists.

Day 3

Distance: 15.5 km (9.63 mi)
Uphill Cumulative: 1215m (3986ft)
Downhill Cumulative: 1005m (3300ft)
Minimal Elevation: 1215m (3985ft)
Maximal Elevation: 2039m (6689ft)

This trail leads to the Montenegrin border and the country’s highest peak, Kollata e Keqe. For strong groups, the peak can be included in the itinerary, making this the highest and longest hike of the trip. (Advance notice is required to add the peak.)

Balkan Natural Adventure has modified this route from the classic Peaks of the Balkans trail to avoid gravelly, dusty tractor roads. From the highest point, hikers can enjoy stunning views of mountain ranges spanning three countries.

Cultural Note: Cerem is a small, largely abandoned village populated only during the summertime by shepherds. In winter, the village is empty due to harsh conditions, and the road connecting it to Valbona is blocked by snow.

Day 4

Distance: 16.8 km (10.43 mi)
Uphill Cumulative: 1100m (3608ft)
Downhill Cumulative: 520m (1706ft)
Minimal Elevation: 1180m (3871ft)
Maximal Elevation: 1920m (6299ft)

After two days of mixed hiking through diverse environments, this trail is dominated by lush greenery. The hike to Doberdol offers abundant flora in the region’s pastures. Along the way, villagers provide natural products, drinks, and refreshments. Two makeshift cafes under a canopy of trees add unique charm to the trail. You’ll encounter sheep, goats, cows, and horses that sustain the local economy, and pass by some of the oldest woodlands in the world.

Cultural Note: The Gashi Valley begins in this region. Its woodlands have been under UNESCO protection since 2017 as part of the Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians. These forests are also part of the Ancient Beech Forests of Germany that now extend across 12 countries.

Day 5

Distance: 14.7 km (9.13 mi)
Uphill Cumulative: 430m (1410ft)
Downhill Cumulative: 685m (2247ft)
Minimal Elevation: 1509m (4950ft)
Maximal Elevation: 2160m (7086ft)

From Doberdol (Albania), embark on a shorter hike to the village of Babino Polje in Montenegro. Along the way, climb the Three Border Peaks, where you can literally step into three countries within 15 minutes. The hike continues along the borderline between Kosovo and Montenegro. For those seeking an extended adventure, the trail can include the Maja e Qenit mountain peak, adding approximately 2 kilometers with spectacular views of the Kosovo Mountains. The hike concludes in Babino Polje.

Day 6

Distance: 17.8 km (11.06 mi)
Uphill Cumulative: 922m (3024 ft)
Downhill Cumulative: 1323m (4340 ft)
Minimal Elevation: 730m (2395 ft)
Maximal Elevation: 1740m (5705 ft)

Begin your hike from Vusanje, heading back to the historic Albanian village of Theth. The trail passes along the rugged terrain of the Accursed Mountains, a region that was a forbidden zone during the Communist era. The hike starts towards the Ropojane Valley, flanked by rocky gullies on both sides. This long valley follows a 4WD track for about 6.5 km until it reaches Ropojane Lake, a seasonal lake that depends on winter snowfall. A car transfer can be arranged to cover this section if preferred.

As you continue, you will encounter dramatic cliffs, a military bunker, and old border crossing signs as you hike into Albania. The trail traverses Ropojane Lake, marking the border between the two countries. Known as the rockiest hike of the trip, it offers stunning views of mountains, meadows, and valleys. The journey ends in Theth, completing the loop. After a short rest, you will be transferred to your hotel in Shkodra for a farewell dinner and overnight stay.