Peaks of the Balkans (9-days)
This tour includes six days of trekking on the Peaks of the Balkans Trail, a day exploring Kosovo's rich heritage and cultural elements at the beginning and end of the journey. It is suitable for fit hikers who are also interested in getting to know the country, people and culture of the three traveled countries, especially those of the highlands. Travelers should bring previous hiking experience, be willing to forego for one overnight the comfort of a hot shower and be able to walk more than seven hours on certain days.
Overview From the airport we head first to historical Shkodra. A scenic ferry ride on tranquil Lake Koman takes us into the Albanian Alps. We hike through the remarkable Valbona and Gashi River national parks and to the remote pasture Doberdol. The journey takes us to Kosovo's highest mountain Gjeravica and into Europe's youngest country. We immerse in its rich past visiting the cities Gjakova, Prizren and Junik, another highlight is the UNESCO proclaimed Decani Monastery. The trek continues from the the mighty Rugova Canyon to Montenegro's Babino Polje and Plav. Through the heart of the Accursed Mountains back into Albania and the village Theth but not without the opportunty to climb Mt. Arapi. The journey ends in the capital Tirana. “Peaks of the Balkans” Highlights:
hiking beyond borders in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro optional climb of Kosovo’s highest peak Gjeravica (2.625m) and the Matterhorn of Albania, Arapi (2.217m) travel through the Balkans Peace Park spanning five national parks authentic experiences staying with the shepherds on high alpine summer pastures being among the first to explore the Eastern Alps visiting UNESCO proclaimed Monastery Decani on a guided tour with one of the monks
Duration: 9 days Group Size: 6-12 (possibility for private departure starting from one person) Accommodation: simple mountain hut, family-run guesthouses and middle-class city hotels Difficulty: 3/4 – four long transfer hikes and two summits (more details in the FAQ) Walks: 6x | 6h average walking time – few trails can be shortened/extended Luggage Transfers: yes, by horse and car (private departure with self-carried luggage possible)
Tour Facts Services included:
accommodation as follows (price assuming double occupancy where possible): 1x overnight in a basic mountain hut 1x night in wooden mountain chalets 1x stay in a guesthouse 5x accommodation in hotels (private rooms) meals usually three per day, except arrival and departure days, usually packed lunch transfers, including the boat ride on Lake Koman, and for with cars and horses entrance fees, including sights and museums border crossing applications English or German speaking guide (inquire for others) support of the group during their journey on the Peaks of the Balkans Trail
At your own: airfare compulsory overseas health insurance gratitudes, drinks and souvenirs Hikers should bring the following equipment: Hiking boots, gaiters (if hike is in June), rainwear, sun protection (cream, hat, glasses), 25-40 liters backpack, 1.5 liters water gear, towel and swimsuit (optional). Please note that suitcases are not suitable for transport on horses and only one piece of baggage with maximum weight of 15kg is included. For the overnight in the mountain hut we recommend a sleeping bag liner (Hüttenschlafsack) Visitors are expected to respect the wildlife, leave what they find, dispose of their waste properly and to be considerate with locals.
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Historic Capital and Gateway to the Alps Arrival in Albania and Visit of Shkodra
Rendezvous at Tirana airport, during the transfer (85km/90min) to the hotel close to Shkoder’s center we gather first impressions and the country is introduced. After check-in and time permitting we can swim in one of the villages at the shores of the Balkans biggest lake, visit the Rozafa Castle to learn about its legend and enjoy fabulous views that excite our curiosity for the days of travel through the Albanian Alps. Back in the city the cafés bust with people that flock for a stroll to the pedestrian that is lined with bourgeoisie town houses, reminder of the cities rich past. We immerse in Italian flair of the city, the buzz of the bazaar or in Albania’s past captured on film at the Marubi photo library. Time to enjoy an espresso with the locals or meet an artisan before the daylight fades. The day comes over a carefully crafted traditional dinner to an end. After an eventful first day in Albania we are wishing each other a good night and anticipate the coming highlights of our adventure on the Peaks of the Balkans Trail.
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Journey into the Accursed Mountains Tranquil ferry ride & warm up walk in the Valbona National Park
7km
250m
0m
2:30h
We rise early for the transfer through a scenic gorge to the Koman Dam (55km/1:30h). The picturesque reservoir loops similar to a Norwegian fjord through sheer rock walls and is considered a highlight of the Albanian Alps. The custom made ferry stops at several points to pick up locals from remote villages before arriving at Fierze (46km/3h). After lunch we travel by minibus past traditional villages composed of mighty, wooden shingle covered stone houses into the highlands and the Valbona National Park. As a warm-up for the anticipated trek we walk along the crystal clean stream, on trails lined with wild berries, through quiet forests to the secluded Xhemes Lake for a swimming break. The walk ends at our cozy mountain hotel in a small hamlet. We itch to start the trek when we see the jagged peaks from the balcony, tomorrow will be the day.
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Meadows and hospitable Shepherds Panoramic hike to the summer pastures of Doberdol
14km
1050m
425m
6:30h
On a rugged road that leads through a mighty canyon, the boundary between the karstic and volcanic ranges, we travel by minibus to Cerem (17km/1h). The small village is without electricity or mobile phone connection and only inhabited during summer time, it is the last outpost before the wilderness of the Gashi River National Park. For a short while we walk on a dirt road and pass through former Yugoslav territory. Along the way we sample wild berries, admire the plant life and views to Montenegro’s highest peak Zla Kolata (2.534m). With a bit of luck we spot the Golden Eagle (Albania’s national animal) at the rim of the deep river canyon. The slopes of the Shkelzen Massif are speckled with alpine pastures, we walk past them meeting shepherds before arriving at the glacial-shaped valley of Doberdol (1.750m). In the simple mountain hut we will relinquish the comfort of a shower in return for hospitality. A shepherd families prepares our meals and we have the opportunity to learn more about the lifestyle in the remote highlands.
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Europe’s newest Nation and its highest Mountain Cross-border trek into Kosovo and climb of Mt. Gjeravica
14km
750m
700m
7:00h (+1h)
Together with the pack mules we pass Tromeda / Trekufiri (2366m), the peak where the borders of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro meet in one point. Over blueberry covered slopes we ascend the border ridge and enter Kosovo. On military paths we move on to Mt. Gjeravica (2.656m), enjoy the panorama of the highest peaks of the Accursed Mountains and the alpine tundra dotted with glacial lakes. Climbing Kosovo’s highest summit is optional, the views over the Dukagjin / Metohija plain are splendid from both vantage points. Before ending the hike at a shepherd settlement (1.780m) we wash of the ascents sweat at the lakes. On jeeps we continue to Gjakova (1:30h), the city served as a trade center for the whole area, developed a large bazaar and rich merchant caste. Time permitting we can explore the bazaar and mosques before sampling Kosovo’s cuisine. Overnight in a hotel in the heart of the old town.
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Cultural Treasures and the Kosovo Question A UNESCO Site | The Albanian and Serbian Perspective
The day is dedicated to the unknown treasures of Kosovo and provides an overview of the past and present situation of the country. Prizren (38km, 1h) is still its cultural capital, was seat of the Ottoman government and amazes with a castle that provides panoramic views of the mosques and hamam (Turkish bath) in the old town below. In one of the cafes we absorb the vibrant oriental atmosphere of the city and talk about its historical importance and struggle for independence. In Junik (57km, 1:30h) awaits us a traditional lunch in a “kulla” (tower like building). Slowly the destroyed buildings, part of the cultural heritage, are being restored and given new purposes – the owner shares his personal story with us. The Serbian perspective on Kosovo is best experienced visiting the Orthodox Decani Monastery (13km, 25min), a monk guides us over the premises and tells us about the 13th cent church miraculously survived all conflicts unharmed and gained UNESCO World Heritage status – a truly spiritual place. Behind Peja we enter the dramatic Rugova Canyon, passing climbing routes, caves and a first Via Ferrata on our way to Liqenat (45km, 1:30h). Before dinner there’s time to relax at the terrace of our wooden chalets high above the canyon.
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Hiking Beyond Borders from Kosovo to Montenegro Past glacial lakes to the greenest valley of the Alps and Lake Plav
14km
1150m
1050m
7:30h
We ascend through the idyllic pine forest and rest at two emerald glacial lakes (1.850m), at their banks prospers a wide range of alpine flora. We follow the now almost invisible trail as merchants used to when this was a caravan route connected to Shkodra. At Jelenka Pass (2.272m) we reach the highest point, from here the trail is lined with blueberries in late summer, passes pads of flowers and grey rock. Below us the shepherd settlement Roshkodol is visible and around us many peaks above 2.500m. Following the ridge the terrain to Ravno Brdo Pass (2.178m) is almost level. The pass proofs to be a magnificent viewpoint of the rugged peaks and into the lush valley of Babino Polje below. While we can freely cross the border on foot the shortest road connection still remains closed. From the tiny village a car takes us to our hotel in Plav (12km, 30min). Located right at the bank of Lake Plav (900m) you can swim and enjoy the sun set on its mirror-like surface during dinner.
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Through the Heart of the Accursed Mountains Back to Albania with option to climb Mt. Arapi (2.217m)
11km
550m
900m
6:15h (+3h)
On a 4wd vehicle we drive to the village Vusanje and visit the Grlja Waterfall or a karst spring named Eye of the Skakavica. The ice-cold little river is born from the snows high up in the mountains and surfaces here as a pupil-shaped spring. The mountain framed Ropojana Valley leads to a lake where we cross back into Albania, a weathered border stone is the only reminder of the once sealed boundaries. Several shepherd huts, some shacks others abandoned military posts, line the scenic trail that take us to the heart of the Alps. The canine tooth of Mt. Arapi (2.217m) is visible from afar, reaching the Peja Pass (1.711m) your guide will decide if the summit can be tackled. The ones that decide to pass the challenging peak, suitable for the experienced only, rest at the pass. The isolated location of the mountain provides breathtaking views. A steep descent on a well-trodden caravan path followed by a short ride take us to the village Theth.
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From the untouched Alps to the Capital The highlights of Theth, ancient Kanun and modern Tirana
6km
200m
200m
3:00h
On a walk through the village we visit the iconic church, famed waterfall and upon entering the lock-in tower dive into the history of the “kanun”. It is the perfect place to elaborate on the highland law code of Leke Dukagjini, its origins, impact and present day relevance. After lunch we joyfully take in the last views of the dramatic mountains on a scenic drive to Shkodra (75km, 3h). After a coffee brake we continue to the capital Tirana (100km, 1:45h). On a city walk we immerse in the turmoil of the vibrant city, admire historic buildings of all periods and explore the “blloku” district. Once the living quarters of politburo elite, it now turned into a chic upmarket neighborhood packed with boutique shops and cafes. The last day presented us a very different image of Albania that stands in stark contrast to the rural areas we explored in the Accursed Mountains. Our day concludes with a final sumptuous dinner, we recall the past week and celebrate a successful and memorable trekking journey on the Peaks of the Balkans Trail!
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A great Journey on the Peaks of the Balkan Trail ends Farewell from the Balkans
If time permits we may visit after breakfast the National History Museum, Art Gallery or other sights of the city prior to departure. Our multi-faceted journey through Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro ends with a single timed transfer to the airport (25km, 30min). We wish each other farewell and you loaded with many a memory a safe trip home
Not yet, you are looking for more? Extend your stay by adding days at the beaches of the Riviera, join a tour in Southern Albania or explore the other Balkans nations on a trip to neighboring Montenegro, Croatia, Kosovo or Macedonia.