Peaks of the Balkans Extended Route
Peaks of the Balkans Extended Route
Peaks of the Balkans Extended Route
14 Days Starting and ending in 42.069299,19.503256
Visiting: Kosovo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
332
Recommended For:
Group size:
2 - 20
Tour operated in:
EnglishFrom:
$1855
$1772
Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$83
NB: Prices correct on 21-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Peaks of the Balkans is the first transnational long-distance hiking trail traversing the Western Balkans, taking you on an unforgettable 190-km circuit in the mountains of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro through some of the finest scenery this corner of Europe has to offer
Itinerary
This day a private transfer will be arranged to pick you up at the airport (Tirana or Podgorica) and transfer you to the city of Shkoder.
Accommodation: Hotel Rose Garden or similar
Day 2: Shkoder – Nderlyse – Theth 10 km
The village of Theth is one of the most picturesque places in Northern Albania. Preserved by the wild nature and very bad roads, the village has still the kulla and other buildings dating back in middle ages. Kulla e Ngujimit is a three-story rock building with no windows. It served as the self-imposed exile for people who were involved in blood feuds. You will spend this day walking in the village toward the waterfalls and naturally created “bath-tubs” of the river Shala. This is a short relaxing walk full of culture and natural beauties.
Distance for the day: 10 km, 3-4 hours ?266m ?435m
Accommodation: Guesthouse Polia or similar
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 3: Theth – Valbone 20 km
Today you will do one of Albania’s most iconic hikes from Theth (728m) over the Valbona Pass (1759m) to the town of Valbona (995 m) in the heart of the eponymous national park. This 14-kilometre route follows the path of an ancient mule track linking the tribal regions of Shala and Nikaj. The trail goes through a narrow crest that gives a view onto both valleys and the most southern glacier in the northern hemisphere. After a demanding ascent, you will reach the village of Valbona. You will be walking between the catholic valley of Shala and the Muslim valley of Valbona. The Albanian Catholics are descendants of pro-Venetian Albanians living in the city of Shkodra. These are the most southern Roman Catholics in Europe – the Albanian Catholics have moved to these mountains to preserve their religion from the Ottoman rule.
Distance for the day: 20 km, 7-8 hours ?1068m ?850m
Accommodation: Vila Dini or similar
Meals: breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 4: Valbone – Cerem 14 km
There are two possible routes from Valbone to Cerem: the low (valley) route and the spectacular high route via Prosllopi Pass (the one we recommend). The high route is quite demanding but also rewarding, revealing views on the steep rocky mountains of Kollata, which are popular among climbers. The low trail is mostly a tractor road offering less in terms of scenery but is suitable for those who would like to have an easier walking day.
Distance for the day: 14 km, 6-7 hours ?1200m ?950m
Accommodation: Gueshouse Kujtim Gocaj or similar
Meals: breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 5: Cerem – Doberdol 16 km
Today you will walk between two shepherds’ villages inhabited only during the summer because of the abundant pastures. Doberdol is a village connected to the world only by small tracks, and it is not reachable by car. The village is situated below the triple-border point between Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. On the way, you will pass through the village of Balqin where you can stop for a glass of fresh milk served by the local shepherds. This part of the mountains is under strict protection, as they are also home to the glacial lakes of Sulbica plateau. Gashi Valley was included in UNESCO’s Natural World Heritage list in 2017.
Distance for the day: 16 km, 6 hours ?1030m ?440m
Accommodation: Guesthouse Leonardi or similar
Meals: breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 6: Doberdol – Mount Gjeravica – Doberdol 18 km
Today you will be climbing the highest mountain of Kosovo and the second-highest of the Accursed Mountains after Mount Jezerca. The route to the summit from Doberdol is a straightforward hike. This is a loop path that will take you to Kosovo and then back to Albania.
Distance for the day: 18 km, 6-7 hours ?915m ?915m
Accommodation: Guesthouse Leonardi or similar
Meals: breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 7: Doberdol – Three Border Peak – Milisevac 16 km
You will be hiking again between two shepherds’ villages in two different countries, however sharing the same traditions and language. These two valleys have been connected by culture but disconnected by political borders. Around one hour walking from the guesthouse, you will reach the narrow pass on the border with Montenegro, offering spectacular views. From here you will be climbing Mount Tromedja (2366m) (Three Border Peak).
Distance for the day: 16 km, 8 hours ?915m ?980m
Accommodation: Guesthouse Lojza or similar
Meals: breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 8: Milisevac – Reke e Allages – Mount Hajla – Drelaj 14 km
Begin with an easy 10-km hike to the village of Drelaj. This beautiful stretch will give you further insight into mountain life in Kosovo as you will pass several more villages along the way. The hike is easier than previous days as the elevation gain (1100 meters to 1820 meters) is gradual, especially if the climb to Hajla Mountain is skipped. Upon your arrival in Drelaj, you will stay with the family of Osman Shala. The hike’s variation extends to the top of Mount Hajla, a beautiful crest on the border between Kosovo and Montenegro. From the crest, one can see the mountains extending through all three counties. The climb of Hajla is optional, and you decide to do it or not on the day of the hike.
Distance for the day: 14 km, 6 hours ?1150m ?1110m
Accommodation: Guesthouse Shqiponja or similar
Meals: breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 9: Drelaj – Kuqishte – Babino Polje 11 km
This day will begin with a short 4×4 transfer to the village of Kuqishte (20 min to avoid asphalt) where you will begin your hike over the border into Montenegro. This intense 11.2-kilometre hike offers some of the region’s most breathtaking views, passing several glacial lakes. This part of the mountain offers spectacular views at the town of Peja and the rest of the Accursed Mountains.
Distance for the day: 11 km, 4-5 hours ?720m ?1250m
Accommodation: Eco Lodge Hrid or similar
Meals: breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 10: Babino Polje – Plav 20 km
The walk today is long but not too difficult as the elevation gain is not so big. The hike can also be shortened with a transfer from the Hrid Lake which is also the highlight of the walk. Hrid Lake is the third glacial lake you will see when entering from Kosovo. You will be hiking through the most protected part of the Accursed Mountains that belongs to Montenegro. During this hike, you will be going through the village of Treskavica, where you can taste some of the local products from the sheep milk.
Distance for the day: 20 km, 6-7 hours ?719m ?1250m
Accommodation: Apartmani Ambiente or similar
Meals: breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 11: Plav – Vusanje 27 km
Today’s section in Montenegro is quite long; it can be done in one day, still, when you reach Katun Grlata, which is after 15 kilometres, you can cover the rest of the route with an optional car transfer (not included, payable on-site). Starting from Plav, the route climbs up to Mount Bor (2106 m). From Bor summit, follow the ridge north-west and head down from the saddle where Kolendarsko lake lies.
Distance for the day (full route): 27 km, 10-11 hours ?1025m ?450m (shorter option: 15 km, 6-7 hours)
Accommodation: Guesthouse Vucetaj or similar
Meals: breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 12: Grbaja Valley and Mount Taljanka 10 km
Gerbaja, situated in Montenegro, was considered as the most beautiful valley in Tito’s Yugoslavia. It’s a detour from classic Peaks of the Balkans route; still, we consider it a highlight of the region and add it to our extended tour. To start the hike, you will take a 20-minute transfer to the trailhead. The hike will take you to Mount Taljanka, offering great views onto the rigged Karanfil massif.
Distance for the day: 10 km, 6-7 hours ?834m ?908m
Accommodation: Guesthouse Vucetaj or similar
Meals: breakfast, lunch box and dinner
Day 13: Vusanje – Theth/Shkoder 21 km
From Vusanje Prokletije, you will begin the 21-kilometre hike to the historic Albanian village of Theth. The path passes along the craggiest part of the Accursed Mountains or Prokletije (Albanian Alps), which was a forbidden zone during the Communist era, so nature is entirely preserved. In addition to the dramatic cliffs that form the backdrop for the day’s hike, you will also see a military bunker and the old border crossing signs as you cross into Albania. After the hike, you will be transferred to Shkoder.
Distance for the day: 21 km, 8-9 hours ?1110m ?1440m
Accommodation: Hotel Rose Garden or similar
Meals: breakfast and lunch box
Day 14: Departure
This day private transfer will be arranged for you to take you to Podgorica or Tirana airport for your flight back.
Meals: breakfast
What's Included
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Accommodation for 13 nights in a mix of hotels, guesthouses, homestays and mountain huts. All rooms and facilities are shared (except in Shkoder)
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Maps and GPS tracks to use via smartphone app or on your own GPS device (please note that for this tour we do not provide detailed paper road notes as the GPS and map guidance is very accurate)
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13 breakfasts, 11 dinners, 12 lunches
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Daily luggage transport to next accommodation of one soft bag of up to 15 kg per person
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All ground transfers and baggage transfers as listed in itinerary, including airport transfers Tirana or Podgorica
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Arranging the issuance of border crossing permits*
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24/7 phone assistance by our local office in Kosovo
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13 breakfasts, 11 dinners, 11 lunches
Check out our Q&As
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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