Peaks Of The Balkans - Hiking Beyond Borders In Albania, Kos

Arrival Day: Fly in via Tirana/Podgorica | Meeting in Shkodra after 5 pm Welcome to the Balkans! Don't hesitate to ask us for recommendations on possible flight connections to Tirana or Podgorica. You will find convenient direct flights from the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Sweden, Ireland, Turkey and other European cities through budget carriers WizzAir and RyanAir as well as Britih Airways, Austrian Airlines, Eurowings, Alitalia, AirSerbia and others. Those getting in earlier during the day, we provide with recommendations what to do in town. Should you have questions and the guide is not present, you may contact us through the hotel. After 5pm the group gathers for an introduction round and tour briefing at the accommodation. We look forward to a sumptuous traditional dinner afterwards! Don't stay up too long, we're having a early start at 6 am, which is the latest opportunity to join this trip. Optional: Airport transfer? Please let us know your flight details or pick-up location at least one week in advance to arrange the transfer or pool you with other travelers. Arriving earlier? Ask us about extension nights in Tirana & Shkodra. ?️ - / - / D  ? Hotel 

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. You'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 there’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. ? ⟺ 7 km          ▲ 250 m          ▼ 50 m          ⧗ 3:30 h ? 3:00 hr (+ 3 hr boat trip) ?️ B / L / D  ? Guesthouse

Across the Persllopi Pass or through the Maskollata Gorge to Cerem  Refreshed, fed and provided with a lunch pack we tackle the first longer ascent vigorously. Winding up our way to the mountain side, we are rewarded with views of the highest peaks of the Albanian Alps. Past the pastures we reach a treeless alpine valley, where surrounded by rock, the solitary mountains are all ours. The Persllopi Pass (2.039m) marks today’s highest point and the border with Montenegro at the country's highest peak, Kolata (2534m). Past a unique, so-called wind cave and through a karst labyrinth that requires surefootedness, we return to Albania and meet shepherds on our way to the rather isolated village Cerem. Without a mobile phone signal or electricity, it remains the last outpost before the true wilderness starts. Meals here are prepared from what is harvested in the garden and the hospitality of our hosts makes up for the lack of comfort. If the weather doesn't permit crossing the pass, we will walk a shorter route through a canyon to reach our simple guesthouse (no electricity). ? ⟺ 14 km          ▲ 1,200 m          ▼ 950 m          ⧗ 8:00 h ? 0:10 hr ?️ B / L / D  ? Simple Guesthouse