8 days tour

Peaks Of The Balkans - Hike Beyond Borders In Albania & Mont

$ 1,053 .38 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $1,053.38

Peaks Of The Balkans - Hike Beyond Borders In Albania & Mont

This tour includes:

Guide

English-speaking tour leader + additional assistant guide for groups of more than 8 participants

Transport

Transfers as foreseen and listed on the day by day itinerary Ferry ride on the Koman Lake The tour starts and ends in Shkoder: pick up and drop off are optional

Others

Luggage transport: one piece up to 15 kg per person, soft bags only due to transport by horse => please take a duffel or rucksack, hardcases are not suitable. Entrance fees, trekking and border crossing permits.

Meals

All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners

Accommodation

Comfort 2/4 - Welcoming That means: hotels with priatve ensuite twin/double rooms & guesthouses with shared rooms and facilities - participants share a room with 2-5 other travelers from the group - includes at least one overnight at a basic accommodation (shepherdโ€™s huts, no electricity) Breakdown: 2 night(s) in private ensuite, 5 night(s) in shared room(s) Twin/double rooms are by default shared between two participants. Single room available on request (a single supplement is due).

Not included:

Flights

Flights are not included.

Insurance

ยญInsurance is not included.

Others

Meals not listed above, as well as drinks other than table water. Personal expenses such as gratuities and souvenirs

Optional

Airport or other pick up/drop off transfers. Additional overnights in Shkodra or Tirana before or after the journey.

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Peaks Of The Balkans - Hike Beyond Borders In Albania & Mont

  • Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To Albania!
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Welcome To Albania!

      Pickup from Tirana/Podgorica | Meeting in Shkodra at 5 pm 

      Welcome to the Balkans! We reccomend flying to Tirana (TIA) or Podgorica (TGD) airport, both two hours away from this tourโ€™s starting point (first accommodation in Shkoder). You can get there by public transportation or enquire about a private transfer with us: we pick you up from your preferred location and bring you to the doorstep of the hotel in Shkodra. Just let us know your flight details/pick-up location at least one week in advance.

      To those getting in earlier during the day, we provide recommendations on what to do in town. Should you have questions and the guide is not present, you may contact us through the hotel. At 5pm the group gathers for an introduction round and tour briefing at the accommodation. Afterward, you can look forward to a sumptuous traditional dinner! But donโ€™t stay up too long, weโ€™re starting tomorrow at 6 am. This is the latest by which you may join the trip. 

      Arriving early? Ask us about extension nights in Tirana & Shkodra.

      ? -

      ?๏ธ - / - / D

      ? Hotel

  • Day 2 Day 2: Journey Into The Accursed Mountains
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Journey Into The Accursed Mountains

      A Boat Ride on Koman Lake and Warm Up Walk in the Valbona National Park

      We rise early for the scenic drive through the Drin Gorges and to the Komani Lake (55km/2h). The picturesque reservoir loops similar to a Norwegian fjord through sheer rock walls and makes for the most attractive route into the Albanian Alps. Youโ€™re in for a surprise by the peculiar ferry which stops several times to pick up talkative locals from remote villages before arriving at Fierze (46 km/3h). We travel by car further into the highlands of the Valbona National Park into a traditional village composed of imposing tower houses. The afternoon warm-up walk follows a crystal clear stream through ancient beach forests speckled with the sweetest wild strawberries. Along the way, we can enjoy a swimming break at the river or a secluded pond. The walk ends at our cozy guesthouse in upper Valbona and thereโ€™s the opportunity to explore the vicinity further. The jagged peaks towering high above us give us itchy feet, tomorrow will be the day! Tonight we enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal and well-earned rest after this impression packed introduction to the Accursed Mountains.

      ? โŸบ 7 km          โ–ฒ 250 m          โ–ผ 50 m          โง— 3:30 h

      ? 3:00 hr (+ 3 hr boat trip)

      ?๏ธ B / L / D 

      ? Guesthouse

  • Day 3 Day 3: High Route Into The Remote Border Triangle
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: High Route Into The Remote Border Triangle

      Eastern Alps and Seasonal Life on the Summer Pastures of Doberdol

      After a 45 min drive to Cerem, we start across flower carpets towards the first border triangle. Along the way we enjoy forest fruits, admire plant life, and the views of Mt. Kolata (2.534m). Reaching the rim of the deep cut river canyon and following the high route through a conifer forest, we notice just how much the relief changes between the Western and Eastern Alps. Slopes are speckled with alpine pastures and at one we stop to meet the herdsmen over coffee and raki. In the glacial-shaped valley of Doberdol (1.750m) animals roam freely the grazing grounds and time appears frozen. Locals still live in harmony with nature, as humankind did many years ago. This archaic place helps to set our inner compass and grounds our souls. In the simple shepherdโ€™s huts, we relinquish comfort for one night in return for hospitality. The family prepares our meals and we learn more about the seasonal lifestyle of the shepherds at the campfire.

      ? โŸบ 16 km          โ–ฒ 1,250 m          โ–ผ 650 m          โง— 7:00 h

      ? 0:45 hr

      ?๏ธ B / L / D 

      ? Shepherdโ€™s Huts

  • Day 4 Day 4: Via The Three Border Peak Into Montenegro
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Via The Three Border Peak Into Montenegro

      A Panoramic View of the Balkans Borderlands and Visit at Lake Hrid

      Wishing farewell to our hosts, we climb out of the valley towards Mt. Trekufiri (2.366m). On the very top, the borders of three countries merge in sweeping vistas of the borderlands. The blueberry covered border trail leads us into Montenegro, around Bogicevica (2.374m) and to secluded Lake Hrid. The tranquil pond reflects the mountains, is shrouded in legends and provides habitat for newts, salamanders and fireflies. After a refreshing dip above 1.900m, we continue on a trail encompassed by a dense pine forest towards a hamlet of seasonal huts called "katund". Further down an unmade road, we reach the scattered settlement of Babino Polje. A one hour transfer takes us to the guesthouse in Vusanje. From itโ€™s veranda we admire the majestic view from afar on Arapi (2.217 m), already excited for the grand crossing across the Accursed Mountains and the big climb.

      ?  โŸบ 13 km          โ–ฒ 600 m          โ–ผ 850 m          โง— 6:00 h

      ? - 

      ?๏ธ  B / L / D 

      ? Guesthouse

  • Day 5 Day 5: Grbaja Valley โ€“ The Culmination Of Prokletije
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Grbaja Valley โ€“ The Culmination Of Prokletije

      Ridge Hike to the Double Peaks of Mt. Popadija & Taljanka (2.056m)

      The Grbaja Valley is one of the most awe-inspiring in the Balkans. A 30 min transfer leads into a narrow valley, wedged between the karst towers of Karanfili (2.461m). Arguably one of the most rugged and dramatic peaks in the Prokletije, itโ€™s a dream of many climbers. Ascending through a shaded fairy tale beech forest, a last steep climb takes us to the double peak of Popadija and Taljanka (2.056m). Here the hostile walls across seem almost within our reach and views gaze across the border into the Kelmend region of Albania. Your guide will choose the most suitable route, traversing the narrow spine to a series of panoramic viewpoints back onto the shaded forest path, where the balloon hike closes. At a beer garden on the valley floor, we celebrate the adventure before traveling back to our guesthouse in Vusanje. The nearby waterfall invites for a stroll, but views from the house are equally beautiful.

      ? โŸบ 12 km          โ–ฒ 950 m          โ–ผ 950 m          โง— 6:30 h

      ? 1:00 hr (broken up)

      ?๏ธ  B / L / D 

      ? Guesthouse

  • Day 6 Day 6: Through The Heart Of The Accursed Mountains
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Through The Heart Of The Accursed Mountains

      The Caravan Route into Albania with Optional Climb of Mt. Arapi (2.217m)

      Traveling up the Ropojana Valley, formed by a 26 km long glacier, we stop at a pupil-shaped karst spring where an ice-cold river is born from melting snow high up in the mountains. A weathered border stone is the only reminder of the once tightly sealed borders of former Communist Albania. The mountain-framed corridor takes us past a dry lake, shepherd huts, and an abandoned military post into the heart of the Albanian Alps. Here the canine tooth of Mt. Arapi (2.217m) stands high above the Thethi National Park, forming the highest wall in the Balkans. Arriving at Peja Pass (1.711m), your guide determines whether the summit can be tackled. The ones who take a pass on the challenging peak, suitable for experienced and sure-footed hikers only, rest at the pass or start descending with the horsemen. A steep, well-trodden caravan path leads to the local watering hole, followed by a short ride to a guesthouse in the center of the lively village.

      ? โŸบ 11 km          โ–ฒ 650 m          โ–ผ 900 m          โง— 6:45 h

      ? 0:30 hr

      ?๏ธ  B / L / D 

      ? Guesthouse

  • Day 7 Day 7: Theth โ€“ Tradition In The Albanian Highlands
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Theth โ€“ Tradition In The Albanian Highlands

      Learn about Kanun & Blood Feud, Hike to the Grunas Waterfall & Blue Eye

      In Theth we visit the iconic church and the lock-in tower (kulla), which offered protection to men threatened by blood feud. Itโ€™s the perfect place to dive into the history of the โ€œkanunโ€ and elaborate on the highland law code. Following water channels, we climb to the famed waterfall and descent along a well-worn bridle path to the quieter hamlet Nderlysa for a hearty lunch. Continue the hike to the colorful karst spring called the โ€œBlue Eyeโ€ or spend an easy-going afternoon swimming at the glacier-shaped rock formations. In the late afternoon, we ride across the scenic Thorja Pass (1.630m) back to Shkodra (75km/3h) and our hotel from the first night. At night we celebrate the eventful trek with our new friends over a somewhat different dinner from the last days. How about drinks at the bustling bar zone of Shkodra? With all the party in mind, please also double-check with your guide for tomorrowโ€™s departure transfers.

      ? โŸบ 16 km          โ–ฒ 225 m          โ–ผ 500 m          โง— 5:30 h

      ? 3:00 hr

      ?๏ธ B / L / D 

      ? Hotel

  • Day 8 Day 8: Farewell From Albania!
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Farewell From Albania!

      Departure Day from Shkodra 

      Time allowing you can explore the lively streets of Shkodra, head to the nearby beaches in Velipoja and Ulcinj (Montenegro), experience Albaniaโ€™s modern side in the capital Tirana or spend your beach holidays at the Albanian Riviera (5-7 h travel time). 

      Thank you for joining us on this adventure, we hope you had a great time and hope itโ€™s not your last visit to the country of warm hospitality, countless mountains and sun-kissed beaches. Thereโ€™s always something new to explore in the Balkans!

      Like to stay longer? Ask us about discounts (up to 10%) on combined trips, transfers and extension nights in Tirana, Shkodra or elsewhere - plenty to explore that merits a full day in each town.

      ? -

      ?๏ธ B / - / -

+5
Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Challenging

Long and challenging experience. Youโ€™ll be required to have good physical fitness to go on it. In some of these activities you'll need previous experience on similar activities.

Age range

Age range

Min: 18 / Max: 80

Age range allowed for this experience.

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