Peaks of the Balkans 9-day (Dual Program)

Peaks of the Balkans Trekking (9-days)

This journey includes seven days of trekking in the Accursed Mountains of Albania and Montenegro on the Peaks of the Balkans Trail. The trip is accompanied by two guides making it possible to offer a parallel program of two separte walks of differet difficulty degree (on average 4 and 6h per day).

It is tailored for fit travelers who want to experience the nature but are also interested in getting to know the country, people and culture of the traveled countries, especially those of the highlands.

All participants are required to walk once for 6h and willing to relinquish the comfort of a shower for one night in the mountain hut.

Overview From historical Shkodra a scenic ferry ride on tranquil Lake Koman takes you into the Albanian Alps. You walk in the remarkable Valbona and Gashi River nationalparks and to the remote pasture Doberdol, trek beyond borders to the point where all three boundaries meet and into Montenegro's Babino Polje and Plav. After a day hike in Grbaja Valley, part of the Prokletije NP, you make your way through the heart of the Accursed Mountains back into Albania and have the opportunty to climb Mt. Arapi. Learn about the Kanun and lifestyle of the highlanders during your stay in the friendly guesthouses of Theth ander Nderlysa. Your journey on the Peaks of the Balkans then ends with a walk to a magical karst spring called the „Blue Eye“ and visit of Skenderbeg's capital Kruja.

“Peaks of the Balkans” Highlights:     

Scenic ferry ride on the Koman Lake hiking beyond borders of Albania and Montenegro optional climb of the Matterhorn of Albania, Arapi (2.217m) travel through the Balkans Peace Park spanning four national parks authentic experiences staying with the highlanders on alpine pastures and guesthouses

Duration: 7-9day days Group Size: max. 15 persons + 2 guides Accommodation: simple mountain hut, family-run guesthouses and pleasant hotels Difficulty: 2 or 3/4 – optional extensions, choice between two different trails where possible Walks: 7x | 4/6h average walking time – trails can be shortened/extended Luggage Transfers: yes, by horse and car

Tour Facts Services included: 

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accommodation as follows (price assuming double occupancy where possible): 3x accommodation in hotels (Valbona, Plav) 2x stays in family-run guesthouses (Theth, Nderlysa) 1x overnight in a basic mountain hut, supported by GIZ (Doberdol) meals usually three per day, except arrival and departure days, packed picnic lunch transfers, including the boat ride on Lake Koman and luggage transport with cars and horses entrance fees, including sights and museums (Theth, Kruja) border crossing applications two hiking guides

At your own:  arrival to, meals and overnight in Shkodra & Tirana  compulsory overseas health insurance  gratitudes, drinks and souvenirs  airfare Hikers should bring the following equipment: Hiking boots, rainwear, sun protection (cream, hat, glasses), 20-40 liters backpack, 1.5 liters water gear, towel and swimsuit (optional).

Please note that suitcases are not suitable for transport on horses and only one piece of baggage with maximum weight of 15kg is included.

For the overnight in the mountain hut we recommend a sleeping bag liner (Hüttenschlafsack) Visitors are expected to respect the wildlife, leave what they find, dispose of their waste properly and to be considerate with locals.

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Historic Capital and Gateway to the Alps Individual journey to Shkodra

Individual arrival to Shkodra, the starting point of the tour. Gather first impressions on your way to the city. The beautifully arranged Hotel Tradita is housed in an Ottoman mansion close to Shkoder’s center. Time permitting you can swim in one of the villages at the shores of the Balkans biggest lake, visit the Rozafa Castle to learn about its legend and enjoy fabulous views that excite your curiosity for the days of travel through the Albanian Alps. Within the city the cafés bust with people that flock for a stroll to the pedestrian area that is lined with bourgeoisie town houses, reminder of the cities rich past. Immerse in cities’ Italian flair, the buzz of the bazaar (opportunity to shop for dried fruits and other snacks) or past captured on film in the Marubi photo library. The more relaxed can enjoy an espresso with the locals or visit artisans before the daylight fades. Over a carefully crafted traditional dinner the itinerary will be introduced and last questions cleared.

After an eventful first day in Albania we wish each other a good night and anticipate the coming highlights of our adventure on the Peaks of the Balkans trail.

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Journey into the Accursed Mountains Tranquil ferry ride & warm up walk in the Valbona National Park

7km

250m

0m

2:30h

We rise early for the transfer through a scenic gorge to the Koman Dam (55km/1:30h). The picturesque reservoir loops similar to a Norwegian fjord through sheer rock walls and is considered a highlight of the Albanian Alps. The custom made ferry stops at several points to pick up locals from remote villages before arriving at Fierze (46km/3h). After lunch we travel by minibus past traditional villages composed of mighty, wooden shingle covered stone houses into the highlands and the Valbona National Park. As a warm-up for the anticipated trek we walk along the crystal clean stream, on trails lined with wild berries and through quiet forests to the secluded Xhemes Lake for a swimming break. The walk ends at our cozy mountain hotel in a small hamlet. We will be itching to start our trek when we see the jagged peaks from the balcony, tomorrow will be the day.

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Meadows and hospitable Shepherds Panoramic hike through the Gashi NP to the pastures of Doberdol

7km 12km

300m 750m

350m 425m

4:00h 5:45h

The rugged road to Cerem (17km/1h) leads through a mighty canyon, the boundary between the karstic and volcanic ranges. The small village is without electricity or mobile phone connection and only inhabited during summer time, it is the last outpost before the wilderness of the Gashi River National Park. The longer trail leads through former Yugoslav territory, the others stay a little bit longer on the bus. Along the way we sample wild berries, admire the plant life and views to Montenegro’s highest peak Zla Kolata (2.534m). With a bit of luck we spot the Golden Eagle (Albania’s national animal) at the rim of the deep river canyon. The slopes of the Shkelzen Massif are speckled with alpine pastures, we walk past them meeting shepherds before arriving at the glacial-shaped valley of Doberdol (1.750m). In the simple mountain hut we relinquish the comfort of a shower in return for hospitality. A shepherd families prepares our meals and we learn more about the lifestyle in the remote highlands. In the afternoon optional walk to the glacial lakes.

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Hiking beyond borders into Montenegro The point where three borders meet and two magical lakes

11km 13km

400m 600m

700m 850m

4:15h 6:00h

Wishing farewell to the shepherds the group splits up into two parties, one will climb Trekufiri (2.365m), the point where the borders of all three countries meet, and leave a note in the summit book, the others head directly into Montenegro and across the saddle of Krs Bogicevica (~2.200m) to the secluded Lake Hrid - where both groups rejoin later. Everybody will enjoy the blueberry covered fields, views of the green valley of Babino Polje and the scenery of the Alps highest mountains that surround the vantage point. The lake itself is a unique habitat on above 1.900m, we watch salamander or fireflies and swim before continuing through the dense conifer forest past to the first collection of huts, called katun, and further on a unmade road to the village itself. From there a car takes us to the hotel in Plav (12km, 30min), located right at the bank of Lake Plav (900m) you can swim and enjoy the sun set on its mirror-like surface during dinner.

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Grbaja - The best Views of Prokletije Day hike nearby the Karst Towers of Karanfili

7km 12km

700m 950m

700m 900m

4:30h 6:30h

The route in Montenegro’s Grbaja Valley is among the most beautiful of the Balkans. A short ride along the lakeshore shows traditional houses before arriving in the narrow valley wedged between the karst towers of Karanfili (2.461m). This massif is among the most impressive of the Accursed Mountains and dream of many climbers. Ascending through the ancient oak forest we enjoy great views from Mt. Can (1.863m) before climbing over a ridge to the summit of Mt. Taljanka (2.057m).

Here the grey walls seem almost within our grasp and views gaze far into the Kelmend region of Albania. From the first viewpoint part of the group can return on a similar path to the valley while the others tackle the summit and make their way on a longer route through the Vajusa Pass back to the Eko Katun where we jointly celebrate our great hike over cold drinks. For dinner we visit the Ali Pasha spring before returning to the previous nights’ hotel. The walk can also be skipped and day spend individually with sightseeing in Plav or relaxation at the lake.

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Through the Heart of the Accursed Mountains Back to Albania with option to climb Mt. Arapi (2.217m)

11km (+3km)

550m (+500m)

900m (+500m)

6:15h (+3h)

On a 4wd vehicle we drive to the village Vusanje and visit the Grlja Waterfall or a karst spring named Eye of the Skakavica. The ice-cold little river is born from the snows high up in the mountains and surfaces here as a pupil-shaped spring. The mountain framed Ropojana Valley leads to a lake where we cross back into Albania, a weathered border stone is the only reminder of the once sealed boundaries. Several shepherd huts, some shacks others abandoned military posts, line the scenic trail that take us to the heart of the Alps. The canine tooth of Mt. Arapi (2.217m) is visible from afar, reaching the Peja Pass (1.711m) your guide will decide if the summit can be tackled. The ones that decide to pass the challenging peak, suitable for the experienced only, rest at the pass or walk to the shepherd huts. The isolated location of the mountain provides breathtaking views. A steep descent on a well-trodden caravan path followed by a short ride takes us then to the guesthouse in the village Theth.

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Theth – In the Heart of the Albanian Alps Grunas Waterfall & Canyon | Kanun & Blood Feud

9km

375m

100m

3:30h

A walk through the village and the green gardens reveals the full extent of Theh. We visit the iconic church, well-kept fields and dive at the lock-in tower that offered protection for men threatened by blood feud into the history of the “kanun”. It is the perfect place to elaborate on the highland law code of Leke Dukagjini, its origins, impact and present day relevance. Onward along the water channels we ascend the plateau of the famed waterfall at which’s base often a rainbow appears.

On a cliff above the river archeologists discovered stone-aged terraces, we rest here, enjoy our picnic lunch and gaze into the adjacent 50m deep Grunas Canyon. Along the river a well-worn bridle path takes us downstream to Nderlysa where we stay on a farmstead. You can use your free time to sample mulberries, grapes and plums in the garden, harvest corn and milk sheep with the family, learn to cook a typical dish, explore the surroundings or swim.

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The “Blue Eye” and old Capital Kruja Walk to a hidden Oasis, Scenic Drive and Castle of Skenderbeg

9km 9km

275m 1150m

275m 50m

3:00h 5:00h

Through a canyon we hike to the karst spring called “Blue Eye”. Only the bravest take a dip in the icy waters while butterflies swirl around us – truly a hidden oasis to relax at. Without mobile phone coverage, electricity and road access busy everyday life seems completely forgotten. While one group returns for lunch to the guesthouse, the others press on to reach the Terthorja Pass (1.630m) on foot. The minibus to Shkodra (75km/3h) passes the Edith Durham Memorial, where you can enjoy last views of the Accursed Mountains and picks up the second group at the pass before descending the scenic pass road to Boga. Back in the city we take refreshments and change cars for Kruja (88km/90min). National hero Skenderbeg used the castle as his headquarters in the campaign against the Ottoman invaders. We visit the castle, museum and handcrafts bazaar before returning to Tirana. (Alternatively we recommend an overnight in Kruja)

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A great Journey on the Peaks of the Balkan Trail ends Farewell from the Balkans

If time permits we may visit after breakfast the National History Museum, Art Gallery or other sights of the city prior to departure. Our multi-faceted journey through Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro ends with a single timed transfer to the airport (25km, 30min). We wish each other farewell and you loaded with many a memory a safe trip home

Not yet, you are looking for more? Extend your stay by adding days at the beaches of the Riviera, join a tour in Southern Albania or explore the other Balkans nations on a trip to neighboring Montenegro, Croatia, Kosovo or Macedonia.