Peaks of The Balkans Trail
Overview
Discover the Peaks of the Balkans on an 8-day adventure through Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo.
Experience stunning mountain views and quaint, timeless villages. This journey immerses you in a region where the landscape tells a story of resilience and beauty. Meet friendly locals and delve into the rich culture and traditions of the area. The trail takes you through Europe’s most pristine nature reserves, revealing breathtaking, untouched landscapes.
Awarded the World Travel & Tourism Award, the Peaks of the Balkans Trail is hailed as one of the best hiking trails globally and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This renowned route blends natural beauty and historical significance, inviting you to explore and connect with deep-rooted traditions. From alpine lakes and high peaks to spectacular vistas stretching beyond the horizon, this trek promises moments of wonder at every turn.
Only 5 group dates remain open for summer 2025; all other dates are booked
Trip Highlights
- Discover hidden corner of Europe.
- Visit the Castle of Krujë in Albania.
- Castle of Prizren in Kosovo.
- Hike Peaks of the Balkan Trail.
- Experience local culture
- Alpine lakes, high peaks.
- Climb one of the highest peaks in Kosovo.
- Meet the shepherds.
- Climb the two peaks of the Accursed Mountains.
- Hike in Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro.
Included/Exclude
- First day transfer Tirana - Lepushë
- Farm-to-table lunch at a traditional farm
- Agriculture tour
- Visits Krujë Castle and museum in Albania
- Prizren Castle in Kosovo
- Planned tour
- 7 nights in shared rooms (max 4) at unique local stays
- 7 days food breakfast/lunch packet, dinner
- All local transfers
- Border permit for the border crossings
- Entrance tickets to the national parks
- Guidance by english-speaking local guide
- Last day lunch in traditional restaurant
- Photography services ensuring high-quality photos of your adventure
- Any Private Expenses
- Insurance should be secured by the travellers
- Drinks
- Private room
- 8th day accommodation
Booking Tour
Tour Plan
- Meeting point: At your hotel in Tirana. This is where you will meet the guide, who will pick you up to start the journey. Note: We can arrange transfer from Podgorica airport as well.
- This trip is rated "vigorously 4/5 and is recommended for fit travelers with some experience. Participants will need to carry their own daypacks full of essential items and a lunch weighing 10–12 kg over a distance of up to 17 km with significant elevation gains and losses of up to 1000 meters a day.
Tirane → Lepushe
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 Lëpushë, about a two-hour and twenty-minute drive awayLepushe → Vusanje
Length of hike: 10 km / Uphill: 800 m / Downhill: 950 m
Our trek from the picturesque village of Lëpushë promises enchanting views as we ascend Vajusha Peak (2050 m), offering breathtaking vistas of the Albanian and Montenegrin landscapes. Lunch at the summit will be a memorable experience, with panoramic views to savor before we descend into Grebaja Valley. Crossing the border into Montenegro adds an extra layer of adventure as we transition between two stunning countries. We’ll take a local transfer to Vusanje, where a warm meal, comfortable accommodations, and the camaraderie of fellow trekkers await. With meals provided, you’ll have the energy to continue exploring this captivating region. Enjoy your stay in Vusanje, and may your travels ahead be filled with awe-inspiring moments! Breakfast, lunch packet, and dinner included.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 → 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
Today's hike along the Presllopi Pass takes you 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 three 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→Sylbice
Sylbice → Tirane
Farewell Mountains ! On our final day day in the mountains and the last shepherd hut, we depart from the mountainous terrain and journey back into civilization. Today's adventure takes us across the border into Kosovo but this time driving, with a stop planned in the Prizren region to explore the historic castle of Prizren. Our lunch break awaits us in Albania side at a traditional restaurant. The total drive time may take us around 5-6 hours, culminating in our arrival in Tirana. Breakfast/Lunch included Thanks for joining us on this remarkable journey. We genuinely hope you relished your time here, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back to our country in the future.Calendar & Price
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
1
2
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
24
25
26
27
28
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
€1150.00
Peaks
Maximum booking: 8 tickets
General price: €1150.00 / ticket
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
€1150.00
Peaks
Maximum booking: 8 tickets
General price: €1150.00 / ticket
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
€1150.00
Peaks
Maximum booking: 8 tickets
General price: €1150.00 / ticket
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
€1150.00
Peaks
Maximum booking: 8 tickets
General price: €1150.00 / ticket
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
€1150.00
Peaks
Maximum booking: 8 tickets
General price: €1150.00 / ticket
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
€1150.00
Peaks
Maximum booking: 8 tickets
General price: €1150.00 / ticket
30
1
2
3
4
5
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
29
€1150.00
Peaks
Maximum booking: 8 tickets
General price: €1150.00 / ticket
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
1
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
23
24
25
26
27
28
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
Related Tours
Review Scores
3 thoughts on “Peaks of The Balkans Trail”
Booking Tour
Last Minute Deals
5
Perfectly planned and executed. The scenery was beyond anything I’ve ever seen, and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. I’d give it more than 5 stars if I could!
5
Challenging yet deeply rewarding! The breathtaking peaks and warm hospitality of the locals left me in awe. This trail is a must-do for any avid hiker.
4.8
An absolutely unforgettable experience! The stunning landscapes, expert guides, and seamless organisation made this trek a true highlight. Highly recommend it for adventurers who love nature.