High Trails of the Balkans

The triumph of reaching the viewpoint over the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro

Walking towards the picturesque Church of Theth in Albania

Crossing the rugged terrain between Montenegro and Albania

Discovering a blood feud tower in Theth on the High Trails of the Balkans walk

Enjoying the rugged mountain landscape on the High Trails of the Balkans walk

Admiring the flowers on the High Trails of the Balkans

The triumph of reaching the viewpoint over the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro

Walking towards the picturesque Church of Theth in Albania

Crossing the rugged terrain between Montenegro and Albania

Admiring the flowers on the High Trails of the Balkans

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Duration

8 days

Activities

guided walk

Accommodation

hotel / guesthouse

Meals

7 Dinners
6 Lunches
7 Breakfasts

Price

$2090USD

Overview

Trip Code: PMW

Trip highlights

A culturally immersive and challenging hike in the mountains in Kosovo, Montenegro and Albania
Visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Monastery of Decan in Kosovo and the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro
Crossing the Drin Canyon (Lake Koman) in Albania and Lake Skadar in Montenegro by boat
Enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals and the camaraderie of your fellow walkers

On the western Balkan Peninsula and extending from Kosovo to eastern Montenegro and northern Albania, lies the dramatic landscapes and settlements of the Prokletije Mountains, also known as the Accursed Mountains. Through a series of challenging walks over passes and across borders, take in sweeping views from the Jelenak pass (2272m) and cross between valleys as you walk between the three countries. Experience the warm hospitality of the locals and gain a unique insight into their fascinating mountain culture, staying in guesthouses and enjoying farmhouse lunches and refreshment stops. Walk in the footsteps of the early British traveller Edith Durham, author of 'High Albania' on a section through the Theth Valley, visit the highest waterfall in Albania and spend time exploring Shkodra with its impressive view of Lake Skadar, the largest lake of the Balkan Peninsula. In Montenegro, visit Cetinje, the old royal capital and walk to the Bay of Kotor, one of the most impressive bays in the Balkans. This is an ideal holiday for those seeking a challenging walking and cultural immersion experience, in the company of a likeminded group and an expert mountain guide.

Trip Grading

moderate to challenging

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Prishtina, group transfer to the city of Peja, explore the town, transfer to a hamlet near the Montenegro border

Arrive at Prishtina airport by 1pm for your transfer (1 hour) to the city of Peja (Pec) at the foothills of Prokljetije Mountains. There will be a walking tour to explore the town which is one of the oldest inhabited places in Kosovo and will include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Orthodox monastery of Decani. Built between 1327 and 1335 this represents an exceptional fusion of Byzantine and Western medieval traditions. Transfer to our overnight accommodation close to the Montenegrin border (quad share).

Meals: D

Day 2
Ascend to the Jelenek Pass (2272m) and descend into Montenegro, transfer to Gusinje (7.5hrs)

Today's hike starts from our accommodation. Walking past picturesque glacial lakes we will reach the Jelenek pass (2272m) with a fantastic panoramic view of the border between Kosovo and Montenegro. A descent through the Ravna pass will take us to the first Montenegrin settlement - Babino Polje. After refreshments at a local house we will travel by jeep via Plav to Gusinje for our overnight stay. Dinner will be in a lovely restaurant next to a bubbling spring. Distance 15.5km-9.6mi, +1020m/3346ft, -870m/2850ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Demanding walk in the Theth Valley, across the border into Albania (9hrs)

Today we walk in the footsteps of the early 20th century British traveller Edith Durham. It is a demanding day but offers a unique experience to cross the green border between Montenegro and Albania. Packhorses will accompany us, carrying our luggage as there is no road connection. A final steep descent leads us to the bottom of the Theth valley where jeeps will be waiting to take us to our guesthouse. A delicious home made dinner will be part of the experience tonight. Distance 21km-13mi +850m/2788ft, -1250m/4100mi

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Relaxed morning in the Theth Valley, lunch with a local family (4hrs)

Relax this morning and enjoy your breakfast on the terrace above the Theth valley. We will take a gentle walk to explore the valley and visit the highest waterfall in Albania with remains of settlements dating back to the Bronze Age. We'll continue to the village of Nyderlysa where we can take a swim in the pristine river before a lovely garden lunch prepared by a local family. Distance 8km/5mi +200m/650ft -500m/1640ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Walk to the Valbona Valley, transfer to Bajram Curri (7hrs)

This morning we will walk from the Theth valley to the Valbona Valley. Once again packhorses will take our luggage as there is no road connection. Upon arrival in Valbona we will transfer to the small town of Bajram Curri where we will stay overnight. In the evening we'll have a delicious dinner in a local restaurant prepared by two charming sisters. Distance 14.5km/9mi, +1200m/3937ft, - 900m/2952ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Ferry on Lake Koman, transfer to Shkodra with time to explore, continue to Montenegro

This morning we make an early start and transfer (1hr) to reach the ferry on Lake Koman. This is an artificial lake created by damming the Drin River in 1978. The boat ride takes 2 hours and passes through narrow passages and remote settlements only accessible by water. On completion of the boat trip we will transfer to the second biggest city in Albania, Shkodra. After lunch there will be a city walk covering notable sites of the city including the photo collection of Marubi and the castle of Shkodra. Continue into Montenegro for our overnight stay in the village of Virpazar (total 2hrs transfer).

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
By boat on Lake Skadar, transfer to Cetinje then walk to the Bay of Kotor (3hrs)

Again we start the day with a journey by boat from Virpazar on Lake Skadar (2hrs) to the village of Rijeka Crnojevica. From here we transfer (20mins) to Cetinje for a city walk in the old royal capital of Montenegro, before a short ride to the starting point of our final walk in the Bay of Kotor. This trail once connected the port of Kotor with the mountainous interior of Montenegro. Enjoy the fantastic views over the bay. On arrival at the old town of Kotor we will check into our hotel and enjoy a group farewell dinner tonight. Distance 9km/5.6mi -900m/2950ft

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8
Trip concludes

After breakfast transfer to either Dubrovnik/Podgorica (1.5hr) or Tivat (30mins)

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfasts, 6 lunches (packed lunches or lunch with local families), 7 dinners - Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices.
4 nights in 1-4 star hotels on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities, 3 nights in simple guesthouses in quadshare rooms with shared bathroom
Luggage transfer with jeeps or packhorses. 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Local English speaking mountain guide
Private group transfers throughout
Boat rides on Lake Koman (Drin River) and Lake Skadar
Entrance fees for sights and National Parks
Administration of border crossing permits

What's not included

Travel to Prishtina and from Dubrovnik/Podgorica or Tivat
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
A supplement will apply if you book a single room (3 nights)
Entrance fees not listed as included
Excess luggage
Tips
Items of a personal nature

Grading

moderate to challenging

The trip is grade 4 (moderate to challenging) with guided daily walks of around 3-9 hours, with a maximum ascent and descent of 1200 metres/3900 feet. There are some stages during the walk where you will encounter steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only. At any time weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds.

Departure dates

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Priceper person from

$2090USD

Options & Supplements*

*Prices listed are per person

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