Peaks of the Balkans Self-Guided Tour – 10 Days Hiking

Your adventure begins in Shkodra, the vibrant cultural heart of northern Albania. Nestled between the expansive Lake Shkodra and the dramatic Albanian Alps, the city is the perfect starting point for your journey. First, meet your local support team and enjoy a scenic transfer along winding mountain roads. As the landscape gradually rises toward the highlands, take in the breathtaking views—a preview of the wild beauty that awaits over the next ten days.

Upon arrival in Theth, often called the jewel of the Albanian Alps, settle into your guesthouse before a short exploration. Begin with a leisurely stroll to the stunning Grunas Waterfall, a hidden cascade framed by lush forests and alpine meadows. Along the way, discover local traditions, including the historic practice of blood feuds, immortalized in Ismail Kadare’s Broken April. Also, pause to visit the iconic Lock-In Tower, a reminder of the village’s resilient and fascinating past.

Even as a self-guided traveler, your transport and accommodations are fully arranged. This ensures your journey focuses entirely on the region’s natural and cultural wonders. In the evening, enjoy a hearty, locally prepared dinner at the guesthouse, surrounded by peaks that will become familiar companions over the coming days. Overnight in Theth.

Today marks one of the most iconic stages of your Peaks of the Balkans self-guided tour. You begin hiking from Theth (745 m) to Valbona (995 m) via the stunning Valbona Pass (1,759 m). This ancient mule track once connected the tribal regions of Shala and Nikaj. The trail is moderately challenging, yet every uphill stretch rewards you with sweeping views of rugged peaks, green valleys, and sparkling alpine streams.

Along the way, several scenic stops provide ideal opportunities for a short break or a picnic-style lunch. As a self-guided hiker, you can set your own pace, pausing to admire delicate wildflowers, listen to distant waterfalls, or watch herds of sheep grazing on the high pastures. These moments allow you to fully immerse yourself in the peace and beauty of the mountains.

Upon arrival in Valbona, settle into your guesthouse for the evening. Enjoy a homemade dinner prepared with fresh local ingredients, and breathe in the crisp mountain air from your room or terrace. Take this time to reflect on the day’s journey and the breathtaking landscapes that have unfolded along your self-guided Balkans hiking trip. Overnight in Valbona.

Today is one of the most iconic stages of your Peaks of the Balkans self-guided tour. You hike from Theth (745 m) to Valbona (995 m) via the breathtaking Valbona Pass (1,759 m). This ancient mule track once connected the tribal regions of Shala and Nikaj. The trail is moderately challenging, yet every uphill step rewards you with sweeping views of rugged peaks, lush valleys, and sparkling alpine streams.

Along the way, several scenic stops offer ideal opportunities for a short break or a picnic-style lunch. As a self-guided hiker, you set your own pace. You can pause to admire delicate wildflowers, listen to distant waterfalls, or watch herds of sheep grazing in the high pastures. These moments let you fully absorb the tranquility and beauty of the mountains.

Upon arrival in Valbona, settle into your guesthouse for the evening. Enjoy a homemade dinner prepared with fresh local ingredients. Then, breathe in the crisp mountain air from your room or terrace, and reflect on the day’s journey. The breathtaking landscapes you encountered along your self-guided Balkans hiking trip will stay with you long after this evening. Overnight in Valbona.

Today, your Peaks of the Balkans self-guided tour takes you across international borders, adding an exciting layer to your adventure. From Dobërdol, follow high mountain ridges toward Kosovo, hiking through remote alpine terrain largely untouched by modern development. The trail climbs steadily to the Three Border Peak, a remarkable viewpoint where Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro meet. The panorama stretches endlessly, with rugged peaks, forested valleys, and sparkling streams unfolding in every direction. It is a perfect spot for photographs or a quiet moment to absorb the vastness of the Balkans.

After descending from the pass, the trail leads to the secluded village of Milishevc, inhabited mainly during the summer months. This peaceful mountain community welcomes hikers with warm hospitality and offers a unique chance to experience traditional Kosovar alpine life. Settle into a local guesthouse and enjoy a wholesome dinner prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Then, take time to reflect on the dramatic landscapes and cultural richness of your first international day on the trail. Overnight in Milishevc.

After breakfast in Milishevc, you begin a moderately challenging stage of your Peaks of the Balkans self-guided tour. First, hike along the Lumbardhi Ridge, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and Kosovo’s rugged mountains. Then, the trail descends toward Rugova Camp, a serene mountain settlement where warm local hospitality awaits.

Once refreshed, continue along quiet gravel paths through high pastures and small forested sections toward the charming village of Reka e Allagës. Here, pristine landscapes, crystal-clear streams, and the peaceful rhythms of village life have remained unchanged for generations. Walking independently allows you to pause freely, explore hidden corners of the valley, or simply soak in the natural beauty around you.

In the evening, settle into a cozy guesthouse in Reka e Allagës, where a home-cooked dinner awaits. Take time to reflect on the cultural and natural diversity you have already experienced while preparing for the upcoming summit day. Overnight in Reka e Allagës.

Today is one of the highlights of your Peaks of the Balkans self-guided tour. From Reka e Allagës, begin the ascent to Hajla Peak (2,403 m), a mountain famed for its sweeping alpine views. The trail climbs steadily through meadows dotted with endemic wildflowers, including delicate Albanian lilies. It then winds along rocky ridges that frame dramatic vistas of Kosovo, Montenegro, and Albania. On exceptionally clear days, you may even see five countries stretching across the horizon—a truly unforgettable sight.

After enjoying the breathtaking scenery, descend toward the village of Drelaj, a slightly more modern settlement compared to the remote highland villages you passed. The hike features moderate climbs and descents, offering a balanced and scenic experience. Upon arrival, settle into your guesthouse for a warm, home-cooked dinner and a restful night. In the evening, reflect on the incredible landscapes, traditional cultures, and the sense of freedom that comes with traveling independently on this self-guided Balkans hiking trip. Overnight in Drelaj.

After a short transfer from Drelaj to the trailhead in Kuqishtë, you begin one of the most scenic stages of your Peaks of the Balkans self-guided tour. The hike winds through high alpine meadows, past crystal-clear streams, and alongside two glacial lakes that reflect the rugged mountains. The trail follows the historic Shkodra Pass, once a vital route for caravans carrying silver and other goods between regions.

Next, crossing into Montenegro, the path descends toward Babino Polje, a tranquil village whose name means “Grandma’s Fields.” Here, traditional pastoral life continues at a gentle pace, providing an authentic glimpse into the enduring customs of the region. The mix of mountain scenery, sparkling lakes, and cultural encounters makes this stage one of the most memorable of your journey.

In the evening, settle into a welcoming guesthouse and enjoy a dinner prepared with local ingredients and fresh mountain herbs. Overnight in Babino Polje.

Today, your Peaks of the Balkans self-guided tour takes you through one of Montenegro’s most stunning alpine landscapes: the Valley of Grbaja. After a short transfer, begin a scenic climb toward Taljanka Peak, passing through verdant pastures, dense forests, and streams that glisten in the morning light. Grbaja is renowned for both its natural beauty and cultural significance, including a Bronze Age rock engraving known as The Great Mother, believed by locals to hold protective and healing powers.

The trail gradually descends toward the village of Vusanje, where traditional stone houses and mountain pastures create a timeless atmosphere. As a self-guided hiker, you can pause to take photographs, enjoy a quiet picnic, or simply soak in the pristine environment. In the evening, relax in your guesthouse and savor a warm dinner prepared with local ingredients while reflecting on the breathtaking landscapes and authentic mountain life experienced so far. Overnight in Vusanje.

Today’s stage is a long but incredibly rewarding section of your Peaks of the Balkans self-guided tour. Leaving Vusanje, you traverse steep mountain trails and ridgelines that offer sweeping views of the Albanian Alps and the Montenegrin wilderness. The path follows historic routes once guarded during communist times, with remnants of bunkers and lookout points serving as silent witnesses to the region’s turbulent past.

The trail winds through alpine meadows, crystal-clear streams, and rugged valleys, gradually descending toward Theth. Along the way, you may encounter shepherds, grazing livestock, and the occasional mountain village, all adding to the authentic highland experience. This long day of hiking brings a deep sense of accomplishment as you approach the final section, returning to the village where your journey began in Albania. Overnight in Theth, with a hearty dinner to celebrate your penultimate day and the unforgettable landscapes and cultural encounters experienced along the trail.

After a relaxed morning and a hearty breakfast in Theth, your Peaks of the Balkans self-guided tour concludes with a scenic drive back to Shkodra. The journey winds through rolling valleys, rivers, and the striking foothills of the Albanian Alps, offering one last chance to soak in the region’s natural beauty.

Upon arrival in Shkodra, you may choose to conclude your adventure in this historic city, celebrated for its rich culture, Ottoman-era architecture, and lively lakeside promenade. Alternatively, private transfers to other destinations can be arranged upon request. As your self-guided journey comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences of hiking across three countries, following ancient trails, and connecting with the traditions and landscapes of the western Balkans.