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Embark on the Peaks of the Balkans self-guided adventure, a 6-day hut-to-hut trek through Albania and Montenegro. This journey takes you across iconic mountain passes, traditional villages, and some of the most dramatic landscapes of the Albanian Alps.

As National Geographic highlights, the Balkans are a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering unforgettable trails, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural experiences.

From soaring alpine passes over 2,300 meters to lush valleys, traditional villages, and crystal-clear mountain lakes, this self-guided route provides one of the most authentic mountain trekking experiences in Europe. Follow shepherd paths, cross remote borders, meet welcoming mountain families, and immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions—while navigating confidently with a well-detailed route.

Tour Details

This self-guided trek allows you to enjoy the raw beauty of the Balkans independently, while we take care of all the logistics: transportation, accommodation, meals, navigation tools, and cross-border permits.

You will hike through remote valleys, ancient pastoral communities, towering peaks, and iconic landscapes that have shaped local myths and traditions. As the Lonely Planet writer Oliver Smith noted, these mountains feel as if they were “carved in 24 hours by the devil himself”. Wild, raw, and endlessly fascinating.

Departure & Return Location

Shkoder, Albania

Departure Time

07:00

Price Includes

Paperwork for border crossing
5 Nights Hotel Accomodation
5 x Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Entrance Fees
Transportation from Shkoder to Theth (Day 1)
Transportation from Theth to Shkoder (Day 6)

Price Excludes

Anything else not mentioned

Bring with you

Hiking boots
25–35 L backpack
Layered clothing
Rain jacket
Hiking poles
Quick-dry underwear & clothing
Basic first-aid kit
Personal hygiene products (sunscreen, shampoo, etc.)
Optional: water purification tablets (water is mostly from mountain springs)

What to Expect

The Peaks of the Balkans is more than a trail—it’s a cultural journey, ranked as one of the best hiking trails in Europe by various magazines. POB offers it all: you’ll encounter old stone houses, shepherd communities, and the deep-rooted tradition of “Besa”, the sacred code of honor and hospitality. The trail is accessible for only five months a year, making it a rare and unforgettable mountain adventure.

Stunning alpine landscapes with towering peaks and panoramic views
Fresh mountain streams throughout the journey
Authentic hut-to-hut experience
Deep cultural encounters with local families and shepherds
Unpredictable mountain weather – a key element of the adventure!

Itinerary

Day 1Drive from Shkodër to Theth • Explore Theth Village & Grunas Waterfall

Your Peaks of the Balkans self guided adventure begins in Shkodër, one of Albania’s cultural capitals. After meeting your local driver, you will be transferred to Theth, the most famous village of the Albanian Alps and a true gateway into the Peaks of the Balkans.

Theth is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, centuries-old traditions, and unique historical sites. After arrival and a light lunch at your guesthouse, you will begin a short but beautiful hike to the Grunas Waterfall, located about 45 minutes from the village center.

On the way back, you can visit the iconic Lock-In Tower (Kulla e Ngujimit), a fascinating symbol of the Kanun, Blood Feuds, and the cultural heritage described in Ismail Kadare’s Broken April. This area is also connected to the cultural phenomenon of the “Burrnesha” (Sworn Virgin).

Overnight in Theth.

Day 2Hike from Theth to Valbona

Today you hike one of the most famous trails in the entire Peaks of the Balkans route: Theth → Valbona via Valbona Pass.

This historic path once served as an ancient mule track connecting the Shala and Nikaj tribes. The trail is well-marked, offering a mix of forest paths, open meadows, and panoramic views of the Albanian Alps. Along the way, two mountain cafés provide ideal spots for a rest, tea, or a simple lunch.

Dinner and overnight in Valbona.

Trail Details

Day 3Transfer from Valbona to Çerem • Hike to Doberdol

After breakfast, a short local transfer will take you from Valbona to Çerem, a remote village inhabited mainly by pastoral families during the summer months. The Peaks of the Balkans Trail has helped revive life here, bringing opportunities for locals to support hikers.

From Çerem, your hike continues toward Doberdol, one of the most remote shepherd settlements on the trail. Expect a scenic climb to the Montenegro border, passing through the beautiful Balqin summer pastures and into the Gashi Valley, a protected nature reserve.

The day ends in Doberdol, known for its glacial lakes and wide mountain plateaus.

Dinner and overnight in Doberdol shepherd huts.

Trail Details

Trek: 12.8Km; Uphill: 686m, Downhill: 410m; Maximum altitude: 1922m; Time: 5-6hrs
Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: Mountain huts
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive: 45min

Day 4Border Crossing Hike – Doberdol to Babino Polje (Montenegro) • Transfer to Vusanje

Today’s route takes you across the borders of Albania, Montenegro, and near Kosovo, passing close to the famous Three-Border Point. As you leave Doberdol behind, the trail leads through open alpine valleys, pine forests, and wide meadows.

The descent toward Babino Polje makes up most of the route. After reaching the village, a short shuttle transfer will take you to Vusanje, your next overnight stop in Montenegro.

Overnight in Vusanje (Montenegro).

Day 5Hike from Vusanje (Montenegro) to Theth (Albania)

This is one of the longest and most rewarding days of the tour. The route passes through dramatic landscapes surrounded by steep alpine walls. Historically, this entire area was strictly monitored by armed border forces during the former Yugoslavia and Communist Albania. You will even spot old bunkers and border fortifications along the way—silent reminders of a different era.

After crossing back into Albania, the trail gradually descends into Theth, where you will spend your final night in the mountains.

Overnight in Theth.

Day 6 Visit the Blue Eye of Theth • Drive from Theth to Shkodër

After a relaxed morning and a delicious breakfast in Theth, you have the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the Albanian Alps: the Blue Eye of Theth (Syri i Kaltër). This crystal-clear natural pool, fed by underground springs, is known for its icy turquoise waters and stunning surrounding forest. The walk to the Blue Eye is scenic, peaceful, and the perfect final highlight before leaving the mountains.

Once you finish your self-guided visit, your driver will meet you in Theth for the return transfer to Shkodër, where your 6-day Balkan Peaks self-guided adventure officially ends.

Shkodër is the cultural heart of Northern Albania and an excellent place to continue your travels, relax, or explore more of the region.