Trekking in Albania and North Montenegro
Trekking in Albania and North Montenegro
Trekking in Albania and North Montenegro
11 Days Starting in 42.820475,19.524081 and ending in 43.127796,19.034222
Visiting: Montenegro
Tour operator:
Tour code:
70
Recommended For:
Group size:
2 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishFrom:
$2249
$2148
Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$101
NB: Prices correct on 21-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
This holiday covers the mountains of North Montenegro and features two of the most beautiful untouched natural environments in Europe, including the exquisite natural wonder of Biogradska Gora, a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, one of the last three primeval rainforests in Europe and Durmitor National Park a UNESCO World Heritage site. There’s also some invigorating hikes past mountain lakes and katuns (Shepherds huts) to Crna Glava, the summit of Mount Blejasica, as well as a walk through the virgin beech forest of Biogradska Gora National Park, past 500 year old trees and through the most impressive part of the park and the serene beauty of Biogradsko Lake. The itinerary continues through to the breathtaking Durmitor National Park. Highlights
- Bjelasica and Biogradska Gora
- Durmitor
Highlights
Itinerary
Your driver will welcome you at the airport in Tirana or Podgorica. During the transfer to the hotel close to Shkodra’s centre, (90 minutes) you can gather first impressions. If the weather allows it you have the choice to swim at the Balkans' biggest lake or visit the Rozafa Castle. In the city, the cafés burst with people who flock for a stroll on the pedestrian area. Lined with bourgeoisie townhouses, a reminder of the city's rich past, it has a certain Italian atmosphere to it. When daylight fades you can choose between restaurants that offer carefully crafted traditional meals.
Day 2: Journey into the Accursed Mountains
You rise early for the transfer through a scenic gorge to the Koman Dam (55 km/1:30 h). The picturesque reservoir loops similar to a Norwegian fjord through sheer rock walls and is considered a highlight of the Alps. The custom-made ferry stops at several points to pick up locals from remote villages before arriving at Fierze (46 km/3 h). After lunch, you travel by minibus past traditional villages, composed of wooden shingle-covered stone houses, into the highlands and the Valbona National Park (35 km/1:15 h). On a first warm-up walk, you continue on foot along the crystal clean stream and on quiet berry-lined trails through the forest to the secluded Xhemes Lake for a swimming break. The walk ends at your cosy accommodation in a small hamlet.
Walking for the day: 3 hours, 7 km ?250m ?50m
Day 3: Valbona
You start your hike to Kukaj, an isolated hamlet where only two families reside, below bunkers that once protected the border and are now scattered in the riverbed. At 2,040 m a weathered border pyramid is a reminder of the isolation Albania once endured, from here views reach to the most dramatic parts of Montenegrin Prokletije. Catching the last glimpse at the Alps highest Mount Jezerca (2,694m) you descend on a different path to another guesthouse.
Walking for the day: 5-6 hours, 12 km ?750m ?700m
Day 4: The Grand Crossing: Valbona to Theth
Accompanied by a local and a mule that carries your load you set out for the transfer hike across Valbona Pass (1,811m) – another highlight and the highest point of your journey. After passing the village Rragam few steep segments need to be tackled. You can pause regularly near springs and on colourful meadows to enjoy the splendid views. Enjoy the picturesque landscape during a lunch break ahead of the descent to Theth. The fairy-tale beech forest provides cover from the sun in the afternoon for you. By the time the woods thin out Mount Arapi (2,217m) is visible and soon the houses of the village are reached. Spread below are the different hamlets. On a broad path, you enter another inviting guesthouse in the centre of the village.
Walking for the day: 6-7 hours, 15 km ?750m ?1,125m
Day 5: From Theth to Nderlysa and back to Shkoder
The short trail downstream follows an ancient bridle path that connected Theth with the lower villages of the Shala region. Without mobile phone coverage, electricity, and road access busy everyday life seems completely forgotten. After a meal at a guesthouse the minibus takes you to the Edith Durham Memorial, over a scenic pass road to the Boga Valley and Shkoder (3 hours). Overnight in Shkoder.
Walking for the day: 3-4 hours, 9 km ?150m ?300m
Day 6: Transfer Shkoder (Albania) - Kolasin (Montenegro)
Private car transfer from Shkoder to Kolasin (130 km / 3 hours). On the way to Kolasin you will pass through the impressive Moraca Canyon where you can take a break and visit the 13th century Moraca Monastery. The Moraca Monastery is one of the best preserved Serbian medieval orthodox monasteries. Overnight in Kolasin.
Day 7: Bjelasica Mountain
This morning, after breakfast, you will start your walking. The path leads you to the heart of the Bjelasica Mountain. The hiking is mostly uphill and on pastures and grassland. At the end of your invigorating first hike, you’ll arrive at the Katuns or Shepherds' huts, which are traditional mountain houses found all over Northern Montenegro.Traditionally, rural farming families close their village homes and move to these simple cottages during the summer months. Life in the katuns is rustic and simple and you will have a chance to feel the real rural life of the Montenegrins.
Walking for the day: 6-7 hours, 16 km ?950m ?250m
Day 8: Crna Glava Summit
During this day's walk, you will hike the gentle green slopes and summits of Bjelasica. This is a circular walk heading to Crna Glava, the peak of Bjelasica, passing by two lovely mountain lakes. There are excellent views to the shepherds' villages below your trail as well as to the surrounding mountains. On the way back you will have time to take a short break and taste the crystal clear water from the spring of the Biogradska river which is the main water supply for Biogradsko lake.
Walking for the day: 6-7 hours, 16 km ?700m ?750m
Day 9: Biogradska Gora National Park and Biogradsko Lake
The first part of today’s hike passes through the highlands of Lica mountain – heading to the hidden shepherd’s village of Goles Katun where you can stop for lunch or try a selection of home-made products. The forests are the most important natural feature of the park, as the 1,600-hectare woods are one of the last three primaeval forests in Europe so that you will be passing by 400 to 500 years old trees. On arrival to Biogradsko Lake, you will have plenty of time to relax and take a walk around the lake. We will then transfer you to Durmitor National Park through the canyon of the river Tara. Before you arrive in Zabljak, which is located in the heart of Durmitor National Park, you will be able to view one of the most beautiful bridges in this part of the world – Djurdjevica Tara bridge.
Walking for the day: 5 hours, 12 km ?350m ?950m
Day 10: The Three Lakes Tour
The last circular walk by the three Durmitor lakes is a relaxing one, with an optional rest/swim in Crno Jezero (the Black Lake). The terrain is flat, and a path leads through a fir and pine forest. During this hike you are going to see Barno, Zminje and Crno lakes, Barno being the smallest and Crno the biggest. Return to your accommodation.
Walking for the day: 4-5 hours, 12 km ?150m ?150m
Day 11: Departure or Onward Travel
(optional private transfer to Dubrovnik or Podgorica Airport)
What's Included
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- Detailed pre-departure holiday information pack including:
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- gps-checked and regularly updated route descriptions and road notes
- detailed maps with daily routes and optional hikes marked
- visual day-by-day photo guide
- daily distances and approximate walking times
- daily vertica
What's Not Included
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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Sep 30, 2024 - Oct 10, 2024Book with Confidence
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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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