Hiking the Balkans

Airfare is not included in this tour, so participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from Kosovo. For a smooth start to the trip, we recommend arriving in Pristina either on a morning flight or the day before the tour begins. Once in Kosovo, the group will meet with the guide at our charming hotel in the mountain town of Peja. After checking in and lunch, we start off the adventure with an exciting afternoon of Via Ferrata in Rugova Canyon. You can choose between a slightly easier or a more challenging route—both led by certified Via Ferrata guides. If you prefer a gentler start to your journey, you’re welcome to spend the day exploring Peja’s historic neighborhoods at your own pace. In the evening, we all gather for a cozy welcome dinner to get to know each other and look ahead to the days to come.

Today’s hike begins with an early breakfast before we set out on the trail. This is a relatively long day, as we cross the border between Kosovo and Montenegro. We walk through beautiful mountain terrain with many natural springs, glacial lakes, and mountain passes offering stunning views. After passing the lakes, we gradually ascend to Lugu i Shkodrёs – a truly scenic area. It is known as the “Shkodra Pass” because it lies along an ancient route that once connected this region to the city of Shkodra in Albania. After a lunch break, we continue toward the Montenegrin border and descend into the remote summer village of Babino Polje, where we will spend the night.

After breakfast, we set off toward the beautiful Hrid Jezero Lake for a refreshing swim in the heart of the forest. We then continue to a viewpoint with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Here, we enjoy a picnic lunch in picturesque surroundings, surrounded by beech trees. Today's route mostly takes us through beautiful old growth forests with panoramic views of Prokletije and the Albanian Alps in the distance. Upon arrival in Plav, there will be time for a leisurely stroll through the town, a visit to the lake, or to relax at the guesthouse before we gather for dinner.

In the morning, we enjoy a warm drink and a hearty breakfast before taking a short drive to Grbaja Valley to begin our hike. The trail starts with an ascent through the forest, eventually leading us to Vallushnica Peak, the first summit of the day, where the views are truly spectacular. We continue along the path, crossing a mountain ridge, and then head up to Taljanka Peak (2056 meters). After reaching the summit, we pause for a relaxing picnic lunch, taking in the stunning surroundings. Following lunch, we descend into the valley, where we'll be picked up and driven back to the village of Vusanje.

Today's hike begins with a short drive along a rough 4x4 mountain road to the Zastan Valley. From Zastan, we follow a steep path gradually ascending through the forest, with approximately 3 km to the first lake. The stunning glacial lakes of Jezerca are among the finest sights the Albanian Alps have to offer. The lakes are a perfect spot to rest, and if you're feeling brave, you might even take a refreshing swim. After spending some time at the lakes, we continue upwards to a new pass along a beautiful trail with dramatic views of the surrounding mountains. Upon reaching Shelega Pass, around 2100 meters above sea level, we descend while enjoying the view of the Valbona Valley below.

The hike connecting the two remote summer villages of Cerem and Doberdol is a highlight of the Peaks of the Balkans route. It is the highest accommodation stop on the trip and undoubtedly one of the most isolated. After breakfast, we leave Çerem and the Kollata massif behind and slowly hike upwards through the forest for a couple of hours. Today's hike is relatively long, with a lot of elevation gain and loss. We walk a fair bit through the forest, but still enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. We briefly cross the border into Montenegro before returning to Albania and passing the ruins of an old military border post. We then take a picnic break in the village of Balqin, which is used by shepherds during the summer season. After a hearty lunch and coffee break, we continue along a mostly flat, scenic path through patches of beech forest. Finally, we arrive at the remote and idyllic Doberdol, where we check in at the guesthouse for the night.

The final day of the trek takes us from Doberdol via Gjeravica Summit (2,656 meters) to Gropa Erenikut and then on to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo and the youngest capital in Europe. Depending on the conditions and the guide's recommendation, we may also choose to hike to the point where the borders of the three countries meet. Gjeravica is the highest peak in Kosovo and definitely worth the climb. On this day's hike, we pass two beautiful glacial lakes: Heart Lake and Big Lake of Gjeravica. Once the hike is complete, we are transported for a 2.5-hour drive to Pristina. Here, we check into the hotel and gather in the evening for a pleasant farewell dinner.

After breakfast at our hotel, participants are free to arrange their onward travel, whether heading home or off to another exciting destination. If you're looking for suggestions, we have plenty of great ideas to share! It's time to say goodbye to our new travel friends as we head home, taking with us wonderful memories of an unforgettable adventure!