12 Day Self-guided Tour: Peaks of the Balkans

Tirana

Right after arriving in the land of Eagles (Albania) you will be welcomed by our professional driver who will be waiting for you at the exit of the airport. You will have some free time so you can relax from your long journey.This day is planned as a meet/greet day giving your free time to get to know each other and explore the surrounding area by your selves. We will organize a meet and greet at our office, with our professional team, who will give you all the instructions for the tour. Overnight in Tirana.

6 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Shkoder

Your journey towards the Albanian Alps begins at 06:00 am in the morning. As you drive along the way towards Northern Albania, you will be amazed by beautiful landscapes; wild fields, rivers, Shkodra Lake and rugged untouched mountains.

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Theth

. From Shkoder you will experience local transport riding at around 7:30 am. As you take the turn from the main road to Theth the area becomes more rural, with fewer cars but more wild nature and amazing landscapes. Due to its favourable position this area is famous for cultivating medicinal herbs, and if you are lucky to travel in May – June you would be amazed by the pretty and aromatic fields of lavender, making you feel like you are in Provence (France).

1 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

On the way to the top, you will pass through a steep sneaky hillside reaching up to 1700 meters above sea level at Qafa e Thores. They say this is the spot with the best picture – perfect view of the Albanian Alps

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Blue Eye of Theth

You will have a short break for refreshment and start your hiking journey towards the Blue Eye at around mid-day. Blue Eye was formed by the erosion of the water from the melting snow of the Albanian Alps. The hike is about 3 hours one way, with a hiking distance of 6.2 km both ways and about 700 m of elevation. This trail is considered easy to moderate, requiring some experience in hiking. You will not be able to take your eyes off this stunning scene of nature with its bright blue and green colours, it’s like being inside a postcard. Also, fun fact, the temperature of the Blue Eye is just around 5 degrees Celsius. Would you dare to dive in the blue but very cold water? You will go back to the village center and visit the Old Church and the “Lock in” Tower (symbol of Theth). The stories behind these buildings take up centuries full of history. After a day full of exploration, you will go back to the village center.

3 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Theth

Get ready for the highlight of this trip. Trekking from Theth to Valbona will be an intense day as the walk takes about 6 to 8 hours (about 1050m elevation) in a remote terrain, nevertheless unquestionably worthy!

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Valbona Pass

The Valbona pass offers a spectacular view of the Peaks of the Balkans and “Accursed Mountains”. When reaching the top of the Valbona Pass, you will experience a serious shot of adrenaline. From here you will be able to see at both sides of the valleys. This top viewpoint is perfect for a short break and the possibility to capture amazing pictures of the Albanian Alps.

3 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Valbona Valley National Park

From Valbona Pass you will star our decent to the next destination, Valbona Valley, another picturesque village surrounded by high mountains. After reaching the village, we will walk towards the traditional guesthouse.

3 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Cerem

Your next destination on Peaks of the Balkans tour is Cerem. On your hike, you will pass through forests and meadows. You will arrive in an area that looks like a canyon and the only place that still has snow, even during the summer.

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

You will arrive in an area that looks like a canyon and the only place that still has snow, even during the summer. You will have the option to hike to the highest peak of Montenegro, Zla Kolate peak, which will add another 3 hours of hiking. Another magnificent element that you will cross during the hike is a stone surface on the side of a mountain that looks like the face of a miserable old man. You will also pass a cave with an extremely cold wind along the trail of which no one knows the exit. So, all in all, there is definitely enough extraordinary things to see during the hike, besides the mountains.

3 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Cerem

You will arrive at the shepherd’s huts in Cerem, which is located high in the mountains, 1300m above sea level. There is no connection to civilization from here, because they have no Wi-Fi and no electricity. However, the delicious food and hospitality of the people make up for the basic facilities.

3 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Cerem

From Cerem, you will hike towards Doberdol following a mule track. On your way, you will cross the border to Montenegro for about two hours. The hike brings us through pine forests and you can find all kinds of berries, such as blueberries, blackberries and raspberries (depending on the season). You will also pass the only National Reserve in Albania, which has brown bears and the last population of approximately 40 lynxes in the Balkans. It is a beautiful trail with the highest point being 2100 meters above sea level.

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Doberdol

You will have a chance to enjoy a nice coffee or other drink at some of the shepherd’s hut villages. These villages are only populated during the summer by shepherds. Doberdol, your destination for today, is about 1800m above sea level and this is where you will have another overnight in a shepherd’s hut. The village is beautiful and you can choose from different food options made from ingredients out of the region. The beds, however, are definitely not hotel beds, just matrasses and the conditions are basic. Yet again, the locals are very welcoming, the food is delicious and it will be a great once-in-a-lifetime experience

4 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

This day hike begins with a big climb up Tromedja Mountain. This peak is very unique because while summiting the top, at a particular point, you stand in Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo at the same time. Ideal spot to rest, take photographs, and appreciate the geopolitical significance of the tripoint. After reaching this peak, you will continue the hike following the border between Kosovo and Montenegro.

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

This hike includes beautiful views of endless meadows and Bogicevica National Park. Once crossing the border into Kosovo, you will continue on the trail winding through the mountains.

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Next, you will take a right turn and descend into the village of Roshkodol, where you will spend overnight in a local guesthouse in Roshkodol.

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Babino Polje

After wakening up in the wild beauty of Kosovo’s Nature and enjoying your breakfast you will continue your hike to Babino Polje, Montenegro. Babino Polje is set in a picturesque and mountainous region of Montenegro, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Durmitor National Park. Babino Polje meaning ‘Grandma’s fields’ feature traditional architecture, with stone houses and structures that reflect the cultural heritage of the region. The region is rich in biodiversity, and hikers may have the opportunity to spot various plant and animal species. Locals here makes you feel welcomed and do not let you go without trying Raki, their traditional alcoholic drink.

6 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Plav

Embarking on the hike from Babino Polie to Plav is an extraordinary journey through nature's breathtaking beauty. As you traverse the pristine landscapes, nature unveils its wonders in every step.

3 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Hrid Lake

This trail goes through untouched forests and the most beautiful lake in all of Montenegro, Lake Hrid, this lake is the highlight of the trail. Local legend says that swimming in this alpine lake brings good health and good luck in marriage. Nestled in a thick pine forest, Lake Hrid is the perfect place to take a break and cool down after hiking. Here in the wilderness, you will feel completely isolated from the outside world. The journey through the trail allows for a profound sense of isolation from the outside world, as the dense forests and pristine landscapes envelop you in a tranquil natural splendour. It becomes a truly immersive experience, where the hustle and bustle of everyday life fade away, replaced by the soothing sounds of nature. As you reach the summit, the view of Plav unfolds in front of you like a postcard brought to life. Plav is nestled between the Prokletije Mountains, which are part of the Dinaric Alps.

3 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Plav

After enjoying very local breakfast at the guesthouse you will continue your adventure through the Peaks of the Balkans.This trail unfolds like a tapestry of wonder, leading you through landscapes that seem almost surreal in their beauty. The path meanders through dense forests, where ancient trees reach towards the sky, creating a cathedral of greenery.

3 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Vusanje

As the ascent in elevation continues, the scenery undergoes a breathtaking transformation into an alpine paradise. The path reveals panoramic views that stretch across rugged valleys and expansive meadows, each vista more awe-inspiring than the last. The rugged beauty of the landscape serves us as a constant companion. Approaching Vusanje, the landscape opens up to reveal a valley of unparalleled beauty. Nestled between mountains, the quaint village is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of human settlement and the natural world.

4 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Grebaje Valley

Your destination for today is Talijanka peak. Here you will cross the border from Montenegro to Albania. Mount Talijanka (Maja e Vajushes in Albanian) itself is located in Grbaje Valley in Montenegro. This valley is U-shaped and surrounded by the grey sharp mountain peaks. The Talijanka peak is considered to be one of the most beautiful of the Balkan Peaks. The view of dramatic grey extraordinary-shaped mountains is a sight that even the professional hiker will be amazed by. From this peak, you can also see Lepushe Village in Albania and Lake Plav in Montenegro.

3 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

After enjoying the spectacular views of the Accursed Mountains, you will continue the hike back to Vuthaj. If you wish, once back in Vuthaj you will have the opportunity to visit the Ali Pasha springs, which is about a 40 – minute walk from the guest house, or you can reminisce on the spectacular views you have seen today.

3 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Theth

From Vuthaj, you will head towards Theth and cross the border back to Albania. During this trek, you will visit a hidden water place which is difficult to find by yourself if you don’t know the exact location.

3 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Theth

You will also pass by one of the highest peaks of the Balkans, the Arapi peak (2217m above sea level) next to Jezerca Peak (2694 m above sea level). You will come across multiple shepherd’s huts, in the Albanian Alps which show the way of life away from civilization.

3 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Waking up with such a magnificent view of the Albanian Alps will make you want to stay longer. You will have some free time to enjoy the wild beauty of the Accursed Mountains. Latter during the day, you will drive back through a steep sneaky hillside reaching Qafa e Thores.

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Tirana

The elaborated zig-zags road through the mountainous terrain smoothens down little by little taking us towards Shkoder or Tirana. You will return home full of the wonders of Albania with a new sense of self excitement to share with those around you.

4 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free