Walking through the peaks of the Balkans
Walking through the peaks of the Balkans
- Cross valleys and mountain passes that connect Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo, following ancient routes used for centuries by shepherds and traders.
- Walk through expansive alpine landscapes such as the Dobërdol Valley, surrounded by high-altitude meadows and dramatic limestone peaks.
- Along the way, you will discover remote villages, beech forests, and panoramic mountain views—some of the least explored in Europe.
- At each stage, you will experience Balkan hospitality in family-run guesthouses, tasting local specialties such as mountain cheeses, homemade bread, and traditional dishes prepared with regional ingredients.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Shkodër
The first day begins with your arrival at Tirana Airport. From there, you will have an included transfer to Shkodër, considered the gateway to the Albanian Alps.
Afterward, you will have time to stroll through the city’s pedestrian area, surrounded by elegant historic buildings that reflect its cultural and commercial past. You can explore its lively atmosphere, visit the local bazaar, or head to the iconic Rozafa Castle, where you will enjoy magnificent views of the valleys and mountains you will explore in the coming days.
Overnight in Shkodër
Hotel Tradita
This traditional Albanian-style accommodation offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It features a large terrace, as well as a locally renowned restaurant where you can enjoy homemade specialties.
Day 2 - Shkodër to Valbonë
Today marks the beginning of your adventure through the Peaks of the Balkans. You will start with an included transfer from Shkodër to Lake Koman. Then, you will board a ferry that winds between steep rocky cliffs, offering one of the most spectacular routes into the Albanian Alps. During the journey, the boat makes stops to pick up locals in small villages, allowing you to observe daily life in these remote areas.
Upon arrival in Fierze, you will continue with an included transfer to Valbonë, enjoying a scenic drive as you begin to discover the valley, known for its stone tower houses and unspoiled mountain landscapes.
To end the day, you will enjoy traditional mountain cuisine, with local cheeses, homemade bread, and typical dishes that will help you recharge your energy for the days ahead.
Overnight in Valbonë
Vila Dini
Surrounded by a beautiful natural setting, this accommodation offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It features a restaurant and bar, as well as a terrace with views.
Day 3 - Valbonë to Çerem 8,1 miles | 13 km
During the hike, you will pass a unique cave and cross a karst labyrinth before returning to Albania, enjoying increasingly wide panoramas of the surrounding valleys and peaks. The stage ends in the village of Çerem, a remote refuge considered the last stop before entering true wilderness.
Here, you will enjoy warm homemade meals and the genuine hospitality of your hosts, a simple comfort that contrasts with the intensity of the landscape.
In case of adverse weather conditions that prevent crossing The Pass, there is a shorter alternative route through the Mount Kollata Canyon, which will still lead you to the guesthouse without missing the magic of the surroundings.
Overnight in Çerem
VITA Guesthouse
Surrounded by an idyllic landscape, this accommodation offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
In addition, you can enjoy a restorative breakfast with vegetarian, vegan, or halal options.
Day 4 - Çerem to Plav 14,5 miles | 23,4 km
The day begins in the peaceful and remote village of Çerem, in the middle of the Balkan Alps, where the murmur of tall grass and the scent of the forest announce a day full of nature. From the very first step, the trail gently ascends through clearings and wooded corners, awakening the feeling of moving deeper into a wild and authentic landscape. As you walk, the views progressively open over the nearby valleys and mountains, and the steady rhythm of your steps allows you to connect with the immensity of the surrounding mountains.
Little by little, the path gains elevation and winds through gentle slopes and mountain meadows. The atmosphere changes continuously, from wooded areas to open heights with panoramic views that invite you to stop and contemplate the grandeur of the surroundings.
In the final part of the stage, the trail descends toward the valley that embraces the city of Plav, framed by mountains and reflected in the waters of its nearby lake. Upon arrival, you can take a walk around Lake Plav, admire the traditional architecture of the town, or enjoy a coffee in the central square while contemplating the mountains you have just crossed.
Overnight in Plav
Elan Luxury Apartments & Rooms
Located in the center of Plav, this accommodation offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also features a restaurant and a bar where you can relax and enjoy time after the day’s activities.
Day 5 - Plav to Babino Polje 12,7 miles | 20,5 km
The day begins in Plav, a picturesque town surrounded by mountains and lakes. From the center of the town, the trail gently ascends through forests and meadows, leaving behind houses and fields as it enters the region’s wild nature. As you progress, the views open over the lake and surrounding valleys, creating the feeling of being increasingly close to the peaks that will dominate the landscape of the day.
The route gradually gains elevation, crossing mountain meadows and small streams. One of the most spectacular sections is near Lake Hridsko, a mirror-like body of water surrounded by steep peaks and grassy meadows, where it is worth pausing to admire the majesty of the surroundings. The trail continues with gentle ascents and descents, offering panoramic views that allow you to recognize some of the peaks and trails from previous stages, maintaining a constant connection with the grandeur of these mountains.
The final descent toward Babino Polje follows a valley that combines forests, meadows, and streams, gradually bringing you closer to the small mountain settlement. The arrival in Babino Polje marks the end of the stage, with a change of atmosphere: from alpine plateaus and silent trails to the tranquility of the village, where you can rest and regain strength before continuing the adventure through the Balkan Alps.
Overnight in Babino Polje
Maslo
This accommodation with beautiful mountain views offers cozy rooms with private bathrooms.
It also features a restaurant and a bar.
Day 6 - Babino Polje to Kuqishtë 12,4 miles | 20 km
The itinerary takes you through scattered forests and high mountain pastures, gradually ascending toward more open areas where you’ll find several points of interest, such as glacial lakes and freshwater streams emerging among the rocks. In places like Lugu i Shkodrës or the small lakes near Kuqishtë, you’ll have the opportunity to rest and admire the surroundings: crystal-clear waters reflecting rugged peaks and deep valleys that seem endless.
At the end of the day, the trail gently descends to reach the cozy village of Kuqishtë, where the sound of water and summer pastoral life welcome the hiker. Here, you can relax, share stories with other trekkers, and enjoy the local hospitality before continuing your journey through these legendary mountains that connect Kosovo and Montenegro.
Overnight in Kuqishtë
Guri i Kuq Hotel & Vila
Surrounded by mountains, this accommodation offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also features a beautiful garden, a bar, and a restaurant.
Day 7 - Kuqishtë to Plav 18 miles | 29 km
The day begins in the small and picturesque village of Kuqishtë, surrounded by mountains that seem to embrace the valley. From the start, the trail gently ascends through meadows and forests, with views that progressively open toward the nearby valleys and peaks. The grazing fields and scattered huts remind you of the traditional life of this mountain region, where every corner seems frozen in time.
As you continue, the path winds through hillsides and small streams, combining rocky sections and grassy trails. The panoramic views become increasingly wide, allowing you to admire the massif and the mountain lakes reflecting the sky. This section is demanding at times, but it offers constant rewards in the form of spectacular landscapes and the feeling of being fully immersed in the wild nature of Montenegro.
The final descent toward Plav passes through forests and open meadows, gradually approaching the life of the valley. Upon arrival in the town, you can enjoy the local hospitality and a well-deserved rest.
Overnight in Plav
Elan Luxury Apartments & Rooms
Located in the center of Plav, this accommodation offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
It also features a restaurant and a bar, where you can relax and enjoy yourself after the day’s activities.
Day 8 - Plav to Vusanje 13,6 miles | 22 km
The day begins in the charming town of Plav, where the reflections of the lake and the surrounding mountains anticipate the adventure that awaits you. From the center of the town, the trail gently ascends through forests and rural paths, leaving behind houses and fields as you enter wild nature. As you continue, the landscape gradually opens, revealing meadows and distant views that invite you to pause and contemplate the immensity of the region.
The most demanding part of the stage begins after the pass, when climbing Mount Borit to the south, but the reward is worth every effort, and from the summit you will enjoy incredible views of Plav and the lake. Tall pastures, eroded rocks, and small springs accompany the ascent, reflecting the authenticity and ruggedness of this alpine environment.
The descent toward Vusanje crosses meadows dotted with wildflowers and shepherds’ huts, while the atmosphere slowly shifts toward a more inhabited environment. Upon arrival in the village, you will feel the tranquility of this small mountain settlement, where you can rest, interact with the local community, and enjoy the hospitality that characterizes this region before continuing your journey through the Balkan Alps.
Overnight in Vusanje
Guest House Kollata
Surrounded by a beautiful garden, this accommodation offers private rooms and free Wi-Fi.
In addition, you can enjoy a restorative breakfast with vegetarian, vegan, or halal options.
Day 9 - Vusanje to Theth 12,2 miles | 19,6 km
The day begins by leaving Vusanje and entering the impressive Ropojana Valley, a 26 km glacial corridor that winds between mountains covered with forests and alpine pastures. The trail first leads to a karst spring called Oko Skakavice, where an icy river emerges from the melting snow at higher altitudes, offering a natural spectacle of freshness and purity.
Further along, passing near Lake Gjeshtare, you can observe a weathered border stone, the only remaining trace of the former strict borders of communist Albania.
After crossing dense forests, the terrain opens into a vast alpine meadow dotted with shepherds’ huts and an abandoned military post, silent witnesses to the history and traditional life in these mountains. The walk continues ascending to the Peja Pass (1711 m), from where breathtaking panoramic views unfold over the surrounding valleys. The descent will finally take you to Theth, the heart of the Albanian Alps.
Overnight in Theth
Trojet e Mija
This accommodation offers rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
In addition, it is surrounded by a garden and features a restaurant and a bar.
Day 10 - Theth to Tirana 4,8 miles | 7,8 km
Start this final day with a short walk through the picturesque village of Theth, among traditional houses and cultivated fields, leading you to some of its most emblematic landmarks, such as the iconic church and the historic isolation tower (kulla), where you can learn more about the ancient blood feuds and the Kanun, the traditional code of laws that for centuries regulated life in these mountains.
In Theth, you will begin walking along a trail that leads toward Nderlysaj. The path first ascends to the Grunas Waterfall, whose waters fall between rock walls in one of the valley’s most well-known natural spots. Shortly afterward, the trail follows an impressive cliff rising above the Grunas Canyon, about 50 meters deep, offering spectacular views of the gorge.
An old horse trail descends gently along the river until reaching the small settlement of Nderlysaj, where you will have the opportunity to refresh yourself with a swim in its cold, crystal-clear mountain waters.
From here, an included transfer will take you across the Thore Pass (1630 m) toward the Bogë Valley, continuing afterward along Lake Shkodër until you finally reach Tirana. The capital offers a very different atmosphere from the mountains you have traveled, being a vibrant and modern city that reflects another side of Albania.
Overnight in Tirana
Marinaj Hotel & SPA
This modern accommodation offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi.
In addition, it features a restaurant and a bar.
Day 11 - Tirana
End of our services.
Itinerary Map
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms
- Daily Breakfasts
- Lunches
- 5 evening meals
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & Transfers
For your return journey to your home city, we recommend flying from Tirana Airport. An included transfer will take you from Tirana to the airport.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
This trip can be undertaken between June and September, when conditions are most favorable for hiking the trails. During these months, the high mountain paths are usually free of snow, and the alpine valleys display their greenest and most open landscapes. The period with the most stable weather typically occurs between July and September, when mild and sunny days prevail, ideal for enjoying the panoramic views.
What should my physical preparation be?
How far in advance should I book my trip?
What equipment do I need to bring?
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
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