Self-Guided Peaks Of The Balkans Tour In 7 Days

Your tour starts very early in the morning Tirana or Podgorica at 6:00 am. You will drive towards Tamarë in North Albania and pass the city of Shkoder. From Tamarë, you will begin your hiking adventure of the Peaks of the Balkans. The Peaks of the Balkans are part of the Dinaric Alps that start all the way in Slovenia and end in the southeast of Albania. The Albanian Alps are even the highest section of the Dinaric Alps. You will get to explore them in the days to come. You will arrive in the small village of Lëpushë, known for its stunning nature and for us a great resting point after an exciting first day. The name Lëpushë refers to the yellow flowers that you can find there in the spring season. In the North of Albania, they are known for many delicious bio-dishes with products from the region. Their culinary is unique, tasty and can only be found in these areas. You will have the chance to try these during the tour. Your destination for today is Vuthaj, but first you will hike to the Talijanka peak. Here you will cross the border from Albania to Montenegro. Mount Talijanka itself is located in Grbaje Valley in Montenegro. This valley is U-shaped and surrounded by the grey sharp mountain peaks. The Talijanka peak is considered to be one of the most beautiful of the Balkan Peaks. The view of dramatic grey extraordinary-shaped mountains is a sight that even the professional hiker will be amazed by. From this peak, you can also see Lake Plav in Montenegro. You will take a minivan for the last 40 minutes to Vuthaj in Montenegro. In Vuthaj you will have the opportunity to visit the Ali Pasha springs, which is about a 40 – minute walk from the guest house, or you can reminisce on the spectacular views you have seen today. Overnight in a guest house in Vuthaj. Distance of hike: 11km Elevation gain: 868m Technical difficulty: Moderate Time: 5h Trail type: one way

From Vuthaj, you will head towards Theth and cross the border back to Albania. During this trek, we will visit a hidden water place which is difficult to find by yourself if you don’t know the exact location.  You will also pass by one of the highest peaks of the Balkans, the Arapi peak (2217m above sea level) next to Jezerca Peak (2694 m above sea level). We will come across multiple shepherd’s huts, in the Albanian Alps which show the way of life away from civilization. In Theth, we will visit the Old Church and the “Lock in” Tower (symbol of Theth). The stories behind these buildings take up centuries full of history. Overnight in a guest house in Theth.  Distance: 18 km Elevation:1150m Technical difficulty: Moderate  Time: 8h Trail type: one way

Trekking to Valbona from Theth will be an intense day as the walk takes about 6 to 8 hours in a remote terrain, nevertheless unquestionably worthy! The route used to be an old mule trail and goes through a landscape full of impressive mountains. At one point, you will see the Theth valley on one side and Valbona valley on the other side. The Valbona pass also offers a spectacular view of the Balkan Peaks and “Bjeshket e Nemuna” or the Accursed Mountains. “Bjeshket e Nemuna” is a national park in Gjakova and Peja in Kosovo, near the borders with Albania and Montenegro. On your way, you will walk through some beautiful landscapes and wild forests. You might even see some shepherd’s passing by with their flock. When reaching the top of the Valbona Pass, you will experience a serious shot of adrenaline. Overnight in a guesthouse in Valbona.  Distance: 12.16 km Elevation: 1050m Technical Difficulty: Moderate Time: 6 -8h Trail type: one way