Peaks of the Balkans Trail: 9-Day Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo Hike

Tirane → Theth

Our first day starts in Tirana with a one-hour drive to Kruja Castle, the site of Skanderbeg's rebellion against the Ottoman Empire. Inside, you'll find the Teqe of Dollme, the National Skanderbeg Museum, the remains of the Fatih Sultan Mehmed mosque and its minaret, and an ethnographic museum. After exploring the castle, we drive about an hour to Mrizi i Zanave, a farm-to-table restaurant offering delicious, locally sourced dishes. Following lunch, we take a short culinary tour to learn about food preparation and local sourcing. We then head to the village of Theth, about a two-hour and twenty-minute drive away

Theth → Valbone

Length of the hike: 14 km   Uphill Walking: 1000 m   Downhill walking: 800

Today's hike starts on the most popular trail in the Balkans, a trail which was nominated by National Geographic as a must-do for everyone. From the valley of Theth, we are going to pass through the Valbona Pass at 1800m to reach Valbona Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in the Balkans. When the Romans came to this region, they named the valley vala buona, meaning 'beautiful valley.' In the past, the trail was used as a connection between two villages. From the top, we can see the highest summits of the Accursed Mountains. Breakfast/Lunch packet/Dinner included.

Valbone → Cerem

Length of hike: 14.9 km / Uphill: 1200 m / Downhill: 950 m

The hike along the Presllopi Pass takes us through the stunning terrain of the Albanian Alps. Experience beautiful valleys, alpine meadows, and remote villages while learning about Albania’s communist history. Expect a challenging trek, with 70% of the route exposed to the sun and no water sources; bring 3 liters of water and sunscreen. The trail ascends through beech forests to a scenic lunch spot at 2043 meters. After crossing into Montenegro, we’ll descend past the cold cave “Shpella e Eres” to a large field connecting Valbona, Vuthaj, Plavë, and Cerem. The right path leads to Cerem, an abandoned village with a few guesthouses now welcoming tourists. Meals included: breakfast, lunch packet, and dinner.

Cerem → Doberdol

Length of hike: 15.5 km / Uphill: 1175 m / Downhill: 500 m

After days of varied walking, today’s trek will be lush and green. In the highlands, villagers will offer their natural products and refreshments, with makeshift cafes under trees adding charm to the trail. You’ll see sheep, goats, cows, and horses supporting the local economy, along with locals gathering blueberries and medicinal plants to sell. The hike features some of Europe’s oldest beech forests, designated as UNESCO heritage in 2017, in the untouched Gashi Valley. As we approach Doberdol, a remote highland valley, you'll find simple shepherd’s huts offering warm hospitality for the night. Enjoy meals prepared by a local family and learn about Albanian life from shepherds around the bonfire. Meals included: breakfast, lunch packet, and dinner.

Doberdol → Roshkodol

Length of hike: 16 km / Uphill: 900 m / Downhill: 600 m

This stage leads through remote alpine valleys and rolling pastures, offering expansive views of the Peaks of the Balkans. Shepherds and their animals are a common sight, while locals gather wild fruits, herbs, and hay for daily life. The trail meanders past streams and flower-filled meadows, creating a serene hiking experience. Today we will pass the border into Kosovo. In Roshkodol, enjoy the warmth of stone huts and meals prepared by local families, ending the day with stories around the fire. Meals included: breakfast, lunch packet, and dinner.

Roshkodol → Babinopolje

Length of hike: 11 km / Uphill: 400 m / Downhill: 700 m

This stage leads through untouched mountain landscapes, where wildlife and pastoral life coexist. Shepherds guide their flocks across meadows while locals gather medicinal herbs and berries. Streams and alpine meadows punctuate the trail, with views of surrounding peaks at every turn. Today we are hiking further intoMontenegro. As you arrive in Babinopolje, a remote highland village, warm stone huts await, and locally prepared meals offer insight into traditional mountain living. Meals included: breakfast, lunch packet, and dinner.

Plave → Vusanje

Length of hike: 15 km / Uphill: 750 m / Downhill: 1100 m

On this day, you'll journey from Babinopolje to the charming village of Vusanje. The day starts early with packing your bags and enjoying a hearty breakfast. Afterward, a 50-minute transfer from Babinopolje to Plav will take us to the starting point of the hike.

The trail begins with an ascent on a wide path, leading to a stunning viewpoint at the top. From here, you can admire Lake Plav on one side and the dramatic peaks of the Accursed Mountains known in Albanian as Bjeshkët e Nemuna, meaning "The Accursed Mountains" on the other.

After taking in the breathtaking scenery and enjoying lunch at the summit, you'll begin your descent to Vusanje. Upon arrival, you'll be accommodated in beautiful lodge cabins offering magical views of the surrounding mountains. Meals included: breakfast, packet lunch, and dinner.

Vusanje → Theth

Length of the hike: 17 km    Uphill Walking: 1100 m   Downhill walking: 1060m

This is a relatively long hike that crosses the border between Montenegro and Albania. One of the best hikes on The Peaks of the Balkan Trail. The path passes along the craggiest part of the accursed mountains, or Albanian Alps. Almost the entire hike is surrounded by steep mountains with amazing views. The trail was used in the past as a trade route between the Shkodra region in north of Albania and the Peja region in Kosovo. This itinerary gives us a glimpse into the region’s past, when it was a forbidden zone during the Communist era. A border military post, bunkers, and the border crossing pyramid sign still remain by the crossing. The hike finishes at the beautiful village of Theth, where you can explore its traditional tower houses surrounded by steep mountains. Breakfast/Lunch packet/Dinner included.

Theth → Tirana

Farewell, Mountains! On our final morning in the highlands, we say goodbye to the last guesthouse and leave the rugged mountain landscapes behind as we return to civilization. Today’s journey takes us by vehicle  into Shkodra city, where we’ll pause to explore its historic charm. Lunch is planned on the Albanian side at a traditional restaurant, before continuing the drive toward Tirana. The total transfer time is around 5–6 hours. Meals included: breakfast and lunch.

Thank you for joining us on this remarkable journey. We truly hope you enjoyed your time with us, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Albania again in the future.