Peaks of Balkans (8 days)

A boat ride on Lake Koman and warm-up walk in Valbona NP

⟺ 7 km ▲ 250 m ▼ 50 m ⧗ 3:30 h

An early start is followed by a scenic drive through the Drin Gorges to the Komani Lake (58km/2h). The picturesque reservoir loops similar to a Norwegian fjord through sheer rock walls and is the most attractive route into the Albanian Alps. You're in for a surprise by the peculiar ferry, which stops several times to pick up talkative locals from remote villages before arriving at Fierze (46 km/3h). By car you continue further into the highlands of the Valbona National Park, stopping for a light lunch in the small-city Bajram Curri. In the early afternoon, you reach the Valbona Valley and it’s tower-houses made of stone. The warm-up walk follows a crystal clear stream through ancient beech forests, speckled with the sweetest wild strawberries. Along the way, the brave will stop for a swimming break at the ice-cold river or a secluded pond. The jagged peaks towering high above you give itchy feet for tomorrow's trek into the highlands. Tonight, you enjoy a delicious, hearty dinner and a well-earned rest after this impression-packed introduction to the Accursed Mountains.

Eastern Alps and Seasonal Life on the Summer Pastures of Doberdol

⟺ 16 km ▲ 1,250 m ▼ 650 m ⧗ 7:00 h

After a 45 min drive to Cerem, the path leads across flower carpets towards the first border triangle. Along the way you can enjoy forest fruits, admire plant life, and the views of Mt. Kolata (2.534m). Reaching the rim of the deep cut river canyon and following the high route through a conifer forest, you notice just how much the relief changes between the Western and Eastern Alps. Slopes are speckled with alpine pastures, where one can meet the herdsmen over coffee and raki. In the glacial-shaped valley of Doberdol (1.750m), animals roam the grazing grounds freely and time appears frozen. Locals still live in harmony with nature, as humankind did many years ago. This archaic place helps set the inner compass and grounds the soul. In the simple shepherd's huts, you relinquish comfort for one night in return for hospitality. The family prepares your meals and you learn more about the seasonal lifestyle of the shepherds at the campfire.

A Panoramic View of the Balkans Borderlands and Visit at Lake Hrid

⟺ 13 km ▲ 600 m ▼ 850 m ⧗ 6:00 h

Wishing farewell to our hosts, we climb out of the valley towards Mt. Trekufiri (2.366m). On the very top, the borders of three countries merge in sweeping vistas of the borderlands. The blueberry covered border trail leads us into Montenegro, around Bogicevica (2.374m) and to secluded Lake Hrid. The tranquil pond reflects the mountains, is shrouded in legends and provides habitat for newts, salamanders and fireflies. After a refreshing dip above 1.900m, we continue on a trail encompassed by a dense pine forest towards a hamlet of seasonal huts called "katund". Further down an unmade road, we reach the scattered settlement of Babino Polje. Here we overnight at the rim of the wilderness at simple but welcoming mountain huts.

Ridge Hike to the Double Peaks of Mt. Popadija & Taljanka (2.056m)

⟺ 12 km ▲ 950 m ▼ 950 m ⧗ 6:30 h

The Grbaja Valley is one of the most awe-inspiring in the Balkans. A 30 min transfer leads into a  narrow valley, wedged between the karst towers of Karanfili (2.461m). Arguably one of the most rugged and dramatic peaks in the Prokletije, it’s a dream of many climbers. Ascending through a shaded fairy tale beech forest, a last steep climb takes you to the double peak of Popadija and Taljanka (2.056m). Here the hostile walls across seem almost within our reach and views gaze across the border into the Kelmend region of Albania. Choosing the most suitable route, traverse the narrow spine to a series of panoramic viewpoints back onto the shaded forest path, where the balloon hike closes. At a beer garden on the valley floor, you can celebrate the adventure with a cold drink before traveling back to the guesthouse in Vusanje. The nearby waterfall invites for a stroll, but views from the house are equally beautiful.

The caravan route to Albania with optional climb of Mt.Arapi (2.217m)

⟺ 11 km ▲ 650 m ▼ 900 m ⧗ 6:45 h

Traveling up the Ropojana Valley, formed by a 26 km long glacier, you visit the pupil-shaped karst spring on the way, where an ice-cold river is born from the melting snow high up in the mountains. At the trailhead, a weathered border stone is the only reminder of the once tightly sealed borders of former Communist Albania. The mountain-framed corridor takes you past a dry lake, shepherd huts, and an abandoned military post into the heart of the Albanian Alps. Here, the canine tooth of Mt. Arapi (2.217m) stands high above the Thethi National Park, forming the highest wall in the Balkans. Arriving at Peja Pass (1.711 m), your guide determines whether the summit can be tackled. The ones who take a pass on thechallenging peak, suitable for experienced and sure-footed hikers only, rest at the pass or start descending with the horsemen. A steep, well-trodden caravan path leads to the local watering hole, followed by a short ride to a guesthouse in the center of the lively, iconic village of the Albanian alps.

Learn about the Kanun & blood feud, hike via the Grunas waterfall to Nderlys

⟺ 16 km ▲ 225 m ▼ 500 m ⧗ 5:30 h

Only a walk through the village and its lush green fields reveals the full extent of Theth. Visit its iconic church and dive at the lock-in tower into the history of the "Kanun". The "kulla" offered protection to those affected by the Blood Feud and is the right place to learn about the former highland law code; it also marks the trailhead to Nderlysaj. Following water channels, the path ascends to the Grunas Waterfall, drops again to a cliff above the river and the 50 m deep Grunas Canyon. A well-worn bridle path leads you along the river downstream to Nderlysaj. Arriving there in the hot midday sun, the Kaprea river and it’s stone pools invite for a swim. The scenic transfer across the Thorja Pass (1.630 m) into the Valley of Boge and along the Lake of Shkodra (2 h) takes you back to the hotel of the first night in Shkodra. At night it's time to celebrate the eventful trek over a somewhat different atmosphere than that of the previous days. With all the party in mind, please also doublecheck tomorrow's departure details.

Departure day from Shkodra

Group transfer to TIA/Tirana, 10:00 AM

After breakfast, there’s time for a walk in the pedestrian area and for any last-minute souvenir shopping fever. You can join the group transfer to Tirana (airport or city). For the ones wishing to extend their travels, you can explore the town, head to the nearby beaches in Velipoja and Ulcinj (Montenegro), experience Albania's modern side in the capital Tirana or spend your beach holidays at the Albanian Riviera (5-7 h travel time). Thank you for joining us on this adventure, we hope you had a great time and hope it’s not your last visit to the country of warm hospitality, countless mountains and sun-kissed beaches. Like to stay longer? Ask us about discounts (up to 10%) on combined trips, transfers and extension nights in Tirana, Shkodra or elsewhere - plenty to explore that merits a full day in each town.