Peaks of the Ballkan is the trail between Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. It passes between green borders, where will be touched the traditions and hospitality of the local people.The trails go through the still wild Dinaric Alps, glacial lakes, mountain valleys, and shepherds’ huts.
Itinerary
Welcome to Albania! You're met by a driver at the airport for the transfer to the hotel in Shkodra town. Arriving days earlier? No problem, we pick you up from town instead. Please let us know your flight details / pick-up location at least one week in advance to arrange the transfers.
Those getting in earlier during the day, are provided with recommendations what to do in town. Should you have questions and the guide is not present, you may contact us. In the afternoon the group gathers for an introduction of the tour at the hotel. Afterwards a sumptuous traditional dinner is waiting for you! But don't stay up too long, we’re starting next day at 6 am. This is the latest by which you may join the trip.
You would like to stay longer, arrive earlier or leave later? Ask us about extension nights!
Departing from Shkodra to Theth (820m amsl) in direction to Valbona (920m amsl) , the trail acrossed a wonderful forest, through which will be reached the Valbona Pass (1898m amsl) where will open the majestic view of Albanian Alps and see clearly the beauty of Valbona and Theth Valleys. After a refreshment starts the descending through an historic path to reach another forest, arrive in Ragam village, and continue to Valbona village, spending the night in a guesthouse.
The path starts from Valbona (950m amsl) and after 2 km passes in Kukaj village (1100m amsl). Here is needed to walk on an off roads for about other 2 km and then starts the path to Rosi Pass. The path is a little steep but, with zigzags at the height of 1700m amsl, arrives in a shepherd hut where is the opportunity to rest and drink some coffee. The walk continues to the border with Montenegro (2100m amsl) and get back to Valbona Village.
Departure from the guesthouse toward Çerem village passing by Pesllop Pass (2033m amsl) and Bori Pass (1820m amsl) where is also the border between Albania and Montenegro. The path snakes through the green border of the two countries. In the Albanian part it will pass by the Glacial Grotto, visit shepherds huts where possible to taste local mountain tea or traditional coffee, walk adjacently to a stream and later on pass through a forest until arriving to Çerem village (1260m amsl). There will be the accommodation in a guesthouse, but the area does not have neither electric power nor cellular network.
Leaveing Çerem (1260m amsl) the walk starts toward the shepherds village of Doberdol (1800m amsl), which spend the summer season with their families and livestock. We will be hosted in the huts of these families, that live without electric power or telephone network, but on the other hand will be possible to get back in old times of shepherds lifestyle witch is lost in Europe, while in this valley is still present nowadays. It will be a unique experience how everything here is simple and dairy products are genuine and delicious. This path will be characterize from passing in and out in different forests, one of them enters a few km for the first time in Montenegro. Thruway will be different shepherds’ huts, and in Balqin will be possible to try traditional pie, blueberries cake and taste fresh yogurt with blackberries (during the blackberry season).
From Doberdol (1800m amsl) will be followed the so called Horses Path toward Gjeravica Peak. At 1955m of altitude we will cross Kosovo border: Welcome! The path continues through stone slates and small hills until arriving at Heart Lake, where is possible to have a unique swiming experience at round 2300m above sea level! The path will continue toward Gjeravica, the highest Peak in Kosovo (2646m amsl).
From the shepherd hut path goes toward the Three Border Peak (2366m asml), where clearly can be seen the beauty of the three countries! It continues along an attractive ridge which is also the border between Kosovo and Montenegro! All the background is surrounded by beautiful forests, fields, small houses. From Thieves Pass (2250m amsl) which is on the left side of Mariashi Mountain to Roshkodol village the walk continues on an off roads toward Milishevc village (1556m amsl).
The hike will be through magnificent panoramas, and there will be also the opportunity to collect naturally grown blueberries. The descent will bring to Babino Polje Park (1500m amsl), which is inhabited mostly by shepherds. From there, with a vehicle, will be possible to reach Vuthaj village and have an overnight stay in a guesthouse.
From Guci in direction to Gerbaja Valley, the path starts from the beautiful view of the alpine houses. The trail goes inside an oak forest, goes through meadows which leads us to slopes toward the Peak of Cam (1855m amsl). A fairytale view of Karafil and Langoj Mountains will be viewed from this peak. The path continues along a very panoramic crest toward Vajusha Peak (2005m amsl), which is also the border Montengro - Albania. After the top conquer will be possible to have a pause to admire the unique view and afterward start the descending to Guci village.
After a short vehicle trip to Ropojan area (1200m amsl), starts the trail from Gjeshtari Karst Lake, the end of which is also the border between Montenegro and Albania, and is possible to see the border pyramid. The walk continues through a forest until in front appears the impressive Rrunica Field (1500m amsl), continues toward Peja Pass (1800m amsl) and visit along it the iced lakes. From there starts the descent to Theth village in a historical caravan path, used from inhabitants and merchants in medieval times. The path follows along a coniferous forest and mountain slopes to reach Theth village (820m amsl) where will be spend the night in a guesthouse.
Theth (750 to 950m amsl) is a village located in one of most remote valleys in North Albania, surrounded by amazing jagged mountains. This day is reserved to some easy hikes in the nearby, visiting Kulla e Ngujimit, Grunas Waterfall, Blue Eye and the Canyon of Ndërlysa. At the end of the day the trip continues by vehicles toward Shkodra and get the accommodation in the hotel.
After breakfast transfer to the airport is at disposition (if the flight is in the afternoon will be possible to visit Shkodra town).