The Balkan Peaks guided tour -10 Days in 3 Countries from Tirana

Leaving Tirana and heading toward the North of Albania, Theth as our first destination of this Adventure of Balkans peaks. Often known as probably the most famous village of the Albanian Alps and the Dukagjin region, Theth is covered by a mantel of natural beauty, history, and local traditions and rules. 

In addition, after the arrival and a light lunch at the guesthouse, the next destination will be the beautiful Gurnas waterfall, located around a 45-min walk. On the way back we will be introduced to the fascinating rules and history of the Blood feuds, part of Albanian history. For a better understanding take a short look at “Broken April” book from Ismail Kadare. This tower and its history, highly entangled also with the phenomenon of “Burrnesha” or “Sworn Virgin”

Overnight in Theth. 

This itinerary involves a hike from Theth (745 m) over the Valbona Pass (1759 m) to Valbonë (995 m). This hike follows the route of an ancient mule track linking the tribal regions of Shala and Nikaj. The hike is not particularly difficult, with very diverse sceneries and panoramic views. In addition, on the trail there are also 2 possible stopping and resting places for a quick mountain tea and lunch break. 

Dinner and overnight in Valbona. 

Trail Details 

• Trek: 16.3Km; Uphill: 1040m, Downhill: 945m; Maximum altitude: 1759m; Time: 6-7hrs
• Difficulty: Moderate
  
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Valbona we will take a local transfer to Cerem, a smaller village on the northeast of Valbona. Now Cerem, is largely abandoned by poor weather conditions and a lack of infrastructure. Now it is only inhabited by pastoral families during the summer season, and the Peaks of the Balkans trail is one of the strongest reasons people are repopulating these areas and providing for travelers and tourists. A short stop in Cerem before continuing to Doberdol.

This day involves a transfer hike from Çerem to Doberdol, a remote shepherd’s village accessible only by mule tracks and populated only during the summertime by shepherds. From Çerem, the hike climbs up to the Montenegrin border, passes the beautiful summer shepherd’s village of Balqin, and continues through the Gashi valley (protected area) to the shepherd’s village of Dobërdol. The main attractions in Dobërdol are the glacial lakes of the Doberdol-Sulbices plateau. Dinner and Overnight in Shepherd huts in Doberdol. 

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

The trail will continue to another remote area in between the mountains, away from phone reception, this time in Kosovo. Even though better connected to the main road to the City of Peja, Milishevc is mainly inhabited during the summer season for touristic purposes. The highlight of the tour will be the “Three border Peak” where we can see the border between Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. 

Dinner and Overnight in Milishevc. 

Trail Details

• Trek: 18.2Km; Uphill: 950m, Downhill: 1045m; Maximum altitude: 2236m; Time: 7-8hrs
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Accommodation: Guesthouse
  
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In addition, the tour will be followed up by a shorter hike. The interesting transfer hike to Reka e Allagёs begins with an ascent to the Lumbardhi ridge, a vantage point that offers breathtaking views towards the surrounding mountains and Milishevc. It then continues with a steep descent to Rugova Camp Hotel before continuing up along gravel roads to Reka e Allagёs.

Trail Details

• Trek: 11.8Km; Uphill: 607m, Downhill: 1430m; Maximum altitude: 2136m; Time: 5-6hrs
• Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
• Accommodation: Guesthouse
  
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Drive: 15min

We will remain in Kosovo for the day and implement a scenic hike to the Hajla peak (2403 m). From the top of Hajla, if the weather indicates clear views, we can see five different countries; Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia, Serbia, and Macedonia. A rich area of endemic flowers and flora like Albanian Lilies. The descend will continue toward the village of Drelaj, a bit more “modern” from the last stop. Overnight and dinner at Drelaj. 

Tour Details 

• Trek: 15.8Km; Uphill: 1020m, Downhill: 13320m; Maximum altitude: 2403m; Time: 7-8hrs
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Accommodation: Guesthouse
  
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a short ride from the guesthouse to the starting point, we will head toward Montenegro. Today’s hike is long but magical, in an area with plenty of water resources and glacial lakes. Walking through the “Shkodra pass” we will reach the next stop on the Montenegro side, Babinopolje.  This pass has been one of the most important for caravans carrying silver and other precious goods. On the other hand, Babino Polje (meaning ‘Grandma’s fields’) is a very beautiful place located on the way of the trails of the Peaks of Balkans in Montenegro. 

Trail Details

• Trek: 15.8Km; Uphill: 1140m, Downhill: 1050m; Maximum altitude: 2265m; Time: 7-8hrs
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Accommodation: Guesthouse
  
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Drive: 20min

The valley of Grbaj is described as one of the prettiest in the country. It is situated in Montenegro and considered the most beautiful valley in Tito’s Yugoslavia now home to seven independent states. You will start the hike with a 20- minute transport to climb the Taljanka peak.

Gerbaja is home to a bronze-age rock engraving of a mother and father protecting their child from wolves. They call it The Great Mother. After an ancient legend, locals believe that the rock has healing powers and helps women’s fertility. 

Coming to an end, this day of the tour is relatively long and also one of the most memorable ones. Almost the entire hike is surrounded by steep mountains with stunning views, in an area where not too long ago it was strictly guarded against armed guards of both the Socialist Republic of Albania and Yugoslavia. In addition, the trail will be followed by a line of bunkers and protection points, testifying more about those dark times. Going through the Alps we will be reaching Theth in the late afternoon as the last stop before leaving with the best memories from the Accursed Mountains and Albanian Alps. 

Trail Details

• Trek: 17.8Km; Uphill: 788m, Downhill: 1231m; Maximum altitude: 1734m; Time: 6-7hrs
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Accommodation: Hotel
  
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After a late morning and a rich breakfast, we will leave Theth and drive for a short stop to Shkoder, the biggest city in the Albanian Alps.

You can possibly terminate the tour in Shkoder if you would like to privately continue or in Tirana as the last stop. 

• Being dropped off somewhere else out of the Itinerary is available on request.