The Peaks of the Balcans

⟺ 7 km ▲ 250 m ▼ 50 m ⧗ 3:30 h

You start early with a scenic drive through the dramatic Drin Gorges to Komani Lake (58 km, 2 h) and board a ferry that winds through fjord-like waters and stops at remote mountain villages.

You disembark at Fierze and continue by car to Valbona National Park, pausing for a light lunch in Bajram Curri before reaching Valbona Valley by early afternoon, where stone tower houses nestle among alpine meadows.

Then, you hike beside a clear stream through ancient beech forest dotted with wild strawberries and cool off in an icy river or hidden pond.

In the evening you enjoy a hearty traditional dinner and rest in a cozy guesthouse.

Meals: B / L / D
Transfers: 6 h

⟺ 14 km ▲ 1,200 m ▼ 950 m ⧗ 8:00 h

After breakfast you tackle one of the trek’s longest and most rewarding ascents, climbing winding trails as the Albanian Alps reveal their tallest peaks.

You cross open alpine pastures into a stark, treeless valley, pause at Persllopi Pass (2 039 m) to admire breathtaking views of Mt Kollata (2 534 m), then navigate a karst labyrinth and a wind cave before re-entering Albania.

Along the way, you meet shepherds and learn about mountain life.

You arrive in the remote village of Cerem — off the grid yet warmed by home-cooked meals, a hot shower, and genuine hospitality. If the pass is closed by weather, you follow a scenic detour through Kollata Canyon to a rustic guesthouse.

Meals: B / LP / D
Transfers: 10 min

⟺ 16 km ▲ 1,250 m ▼ 650 m ⧗ 7:00 h

Today you hike through lush alpine meadows and flower-strewn trails, briefly crossing into the once-sealed lands of former Yugoslavia as you admire vibrant alpine flora against the backdrop of Mt Kollata (2 534 m).

The trail then takes you along a high ridge above a deep river canyon, through conifer forests, before pausing in a sunlit pasture to share coffee or raki with local herdsmen.

In the tranquil glacial valley of Doberdol (1 750 m), you settle into simple shepherd huts and spend the evening around a bonfire over traditional meals.

Meals: B / LP / D

⟺ 18 km ▲ 825 m ▼ 1,100 m ⧗ 7:45 h

Today you climb out of Doberdol Valley toward Mt Tromedja (Trekufiri, 2 366 m), where Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro meet: to your left, Montenegro’s Babino Polje stretches green; to your right, Kosovo’s Mt Gjeravica (2 656 m) towers above the Dukagjin Plain.

You follow an ancient caravan trail along the Bjeshket e Namuna National Park, skirting the peaks of Mt Marijash and Mt Rops (near 2 500 m), before crossing Roshkodoli Pass and descending into the pine-forested village of Milishevc.

Meals: B / LP / D

⟺ 14 km ▲ 525 m ▼ 1,200 m ⧗ 6:00 h

Today you tackle the Lumbardhi Ridge (2 130 m), the last barrier before the powerful Rugova Gorge. Beyond the crest, you cross vast meadows beside a tranquil pond under Mt Red Rock (2 522 m), where traditional shepherds still tend their flocks.

Then, you descend into the gorge along steep trails through ancient woodland and rocky gullies

A short drive over rugged mountain roads brings you to Reka e Allages, where your hosts welcome you with cold beer at sunset and a hearty home-cooked dinner against the glowing silhouette of Guri i Kuq.

Meals: B / LP / D
Transfers: 30 min

⟺ 15 km ▲ 1,150 m ▼ 1,300 m ⧗ 8:00 h

Today you wind through flower-filled meadows into a dense pine forest at the base of Mt Hajla (2 403 m). Your guide helps you choose between a steep, trail-less summit climb or a relaxed 5-hour hike perfect for spotting Edelweiss and Albanian Lilies.

Continuing at altitude, you follow an abandoned mountain road to the highest Rugova village, Pepaj, then descend through pine woods to Drelaj.

In the evening, you settle into a cozy guesthouse for a hearty dinner and campfire under the stars.

Meals: B / L / D

⟺ 15 km ▲ 1,150 m ▼ 1,050 m ⧗ 7:30 h

After breakfast, you enjoy a final stroll through Shkodra’s pedestrian zone and buy some souvenirs before joining the group transfer to Tirana (city or airport) or continuing on your own.

If you are extending your stay, you can relax on the nearby beaches of Velipoja or Ulcinj, explore modern Tirana, or head south to the Albanian Riviera (5-7 h).

Meals: B / LP / D
Transfer: 30 min

⟺ 12 km ▲ 950 m ▼ 950 m ⧗ 6:30 h

This day takes you into the narrow Grbaja Valley flanked by the towering karst spires of Karanfili (2 461 m) and leads you through fairy-tale beech forests to high meadows beneath Popadija and Taljanka (2 056 m).

Along the way, you marvel at panoramic vistas into Albania’s Kelmend region before a steep descent back to the valley floor, where you can relax in a beer garden or stroll to the nearby Grla Waterfall.

You end the day at a family-run guesthouse in Vusanje, soaking in the veranda views over the Accursed Mountains.

Meals: B / LP / D
Transfers: 2 h

⟺ 11 km ▲ 650 m ▼ 900 m ⧗ 6:45 h

You travel up the 26 km glacial Ropojana Valley. There a weathered border stone marks the old Communist frontier as you follow a mountain corridor past a dry lake, shepherd huts, and an abandoned post into Thethi National Park.

Under the looming wall of Mt Arapi (2 217 m), you reach Peja Pass (1 711 m), where experienced hikers may summit while others relax or descend with horsemen.

A steep caravan trail leads to a local watering hole before a short ride delivers you to a guesthouse in the heart of the Albanian Alpine village.

Meals: B / LP / D
Transfers: 30 min

⟺ 16 km ▲ 225 m ▼ 500 m ⧗ 5:30 h

Today you wander through Theth’s village and lush fields, visiting the historic church and the “kulla” lock-in tower to learn about the Kanun blood-feud code.

You then follow mountain water channels to Grunas Waterfall, pause atop the 50 m-deep Grunas Canyon, and cool off with a swim in the Kaprea river’s stone pools.

In the afternoon, you transfer across Thorja Pass into the Boge Valley and along Lake Shkodra back to your hotel.

Meals: B / L / D

Transfers: 3 h

After breakfast, you have time for a stroll through the pedestrian zone and shopping before joining the group transfer to Tirana (airport or city).

If you are extending your stay, you can relax on the beaches of Velipoja or Ulcinj, explore Tirana, or head south to the Albanian Riviera (5–7 h).