Self-guided: Peaks of the Balkans Tour in 8 days

Day 1 · Tirana / Shkodra – Theth – Blue Eye – Theth

1. 1

   Tirana

   Passing by

   This tour departs very early in the morning from Tirana or Shkodra. You will depart towards northern Albania with a shared transportation provided through our partners. Please make sure to arrive at the meeting point on time to catch the local transportation. (Details provided at the time of booking)

2. 2

   Shkoder

   5 min

   As you drive along the way towards Northern Albania, you will be amazed by beautiful landscapes; wild fields, rivers, Shkodra Lake and rugged untouched mountains. In Shkodra, we will switch to a different local transport to continue our journey to Theth.

3. 3

   Boge

   3 hours

   As you take the turn from the main road to Theth the area becomes more rural, with fewer cars but more wild nature and amazing landscapes. Due to its favorable position this area is famous for cultivating medicinal herbs, and if you are lucky to travel in May – June you would be amazed by the pretty and aromatic fields of lavender, making you feel like you are in Provence (France). On the way to the top, you will pass through a steep sneaky hillside reaching up to 1700 meters above sea level at Qafa e Thores. They say this is the spot with the best picture – perfect view of the Albanian Alps.

4. 4

   Blue Eye of Theth

   3 hours Admission included

   Have a short break for refreshment and start your hiking journey towards the Blue Eye at around mid-day. Blue Eye was formed by the erosion of the water from the melting snow of the Albanian Alps. The hike is about 3 hours one way, with a hiking distance of 6.2 km both ways and about 700 m of elevation. This trail is considered easy to moderate, requiring some experience in hiking. You will not be able to take your eyes off this stunning scene of nature with its bright blue and green colours, it’s like being inside a postcard. Also, fun fact, the temperature of the Blue Eye is just around 5 degrees Celsius. Would you dare to dive in the blue but very cold water?

   Hiking details (approx.):

   Distance: 18km

   Elevation gain: 700 m

   Technical difficulty: Moderate

   Time: 6h

   Trail type: Loop

5. 5

   Qender Theth

   one hour

   After the hike go back to the village center and 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 Traditional Guest House in Theth.

Day 2 · Theth National Park – Valbona Pass – Valbona Valley National Park

1. 1

   Valbona Pass

   8 min

   Get ready for the highlight of this trip. Trekking from Theth to Valbona will be an intense day as the walk takes about 6 to 8 hours (about 1050m elevation) in a remote terrain, nevertheless unquestionably worthy! The Valbona pass offers a spectacular view of the Peaks of the Balkans and “Accursed Mountains”. When reaching the top of the Valbona Pass, you will experience a serious shot of adrenaline. From here you will be able to see at both sides of the valleys. This top viewpoint is perfect for a short break and the possibility to capture amazing pictures of the Albanian Alps.

   From Valbona Pass, star your decent to the next destination, Valbona Valley, another picturesque village surrounded by high mountains. After reaching the village, we will walk towards the traditional guesthouse. Overnight in Valbona.

   Hiking details (approx.):

   Distance: 12.16 km

   Elevation: 1050m

   Technical Difficulty: Moderate

   Time: 6 -8h

   Trail type: one way

Overnight in a guesthouse in Valbone

Day 3 · Valbone - Cerem

1. 1

   Valbona

   one hour

   Your next destination on Peaks of the Balkans tour is Cerem. On your hike, you will pass through forests and meadows. You will arrive in an area that looks like a canyon and the only place that still has snow, even during the summer.

2. 2

   Cerem

   7 hours

   You will have the option to hike to the highest peak of Montenegro, Zla Kolata peak (2033m), which will add another 3 hours of hike. Another magnificent element that you will cross during the hike is a stone surface on the side of a mountain that looks like the face of a miserable old man. You will also pass a cave with an extremely cold wind along the trail of which no one knows the exit. So, all in all, there is definitely enough extraordinary things to see during the hike, besides the mountains. You will arrive at the shepherd’s huts in Cerem, which is located high in the mountains, 1300m above sea level. There is no connection to civilization from here, because they have no Wi-Fi and no electricity. However, the delicious food and hospitality of the people make up for the basic facilities.

   Hiking details (approx.):

   Hike Distance: 18km

   Elevation Max: 2033 m

   Elevation gain: 980m

   Technical Difficulty: Moderate

   Time: 7h 30min

   Trail type: one way

Overnight in Cerem

Day 4 · Cerem – Doberdol

1. 1

   Cerem

   2 hours

   From Cerem, you will hike towards Doberdol following a mule track. On your way, you will cross the border to Montenegro for about two hours. The hike brings us through pine forests and you can find all kinds of berries, such as blueberries, blackberries and raspberries (depending on the season). You will also pass the only National Reserve in Albania, which has brown bears and the last population of approximately 40 lynxes in the Balkans.

2. 2

   Doberdol

   5 hours

   It is a beautiful trail with the highest point being 2100 meters above sea level. You will have a chance to enjoy a nice coffee or other drink at some of the shepherd’s hut villages. These villages are only populated during the summer by shepherds. Doberdol, your destination for today, is about 1800m above sea level and this is where you will have another overnight in a shepherd’s hut. The village is beautiful and you can choose from different food options made from ingredients out of the region. The beds, however, are definitely not hotel beds, just matrasses and the conditions are basic. Yet again, the locals are very welcoming, the food is delicious and it will be a great once-in-a-lifetime experience.

   Hiking details (approx.):

   Distance: 15 km

   Elevation Max: 1925m

   Elevation gain: 1047m

   Technical Difficulty: Moderate

   Time: 6h 30min

   Trail type: one way

Overnight in a shepherd’s hut in Doberdol.

Day 5 · Doberdol (Albania) – Three borders Point (Albania, Montenegro & Kosovo)/ /Tromedja 2366 m– Babino Polje (Montenegro)

1. 1

   Stop 1

   3 hours

   This day hike begins with a big climb up Tromedja Mountain. This peak is very unique because while summiting the top, at a particular point, you stand in Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo at the same time. Ideal spot to rest, take photographs, and appreciate the geopolitical significance of the tripoint. After reaching this peak, you will continue the hike following the border between Kosovo and Montenegro.

2. 2

   Babino Polje

   4 hours

   After reaching this peak, you will continue the hike following the border between Kosovo and Montenegro. This hike includes beautiful views of endless meadows and Bogicevica National Park. The trail winds through blueberry bushes and is a leisurely walk-through untouched nature. As the day concludes, you will arrive in the charming village of Babino Polje, where you can immerse yourself in the natural splendour and cultural richness of this unique corner of the Balkans.

   Hiking details (approx.):

   Distance: 12km

   Elevation max: 2366m

   Elevation gain:635m

   Technical Difficulty: Moderate

   Time: 7h

   Trail type: one way

Overnight in Babino Polje

Day 6 · Babino Polje - Plav via Hrid Lake

1. 1

   Babino Polje

   2 hours

   Embarking on the hike from Babino Polie to Plav is an extraordinary journey through nature's breathtaking beauty. As you traverse the pristine landscapes, nature unveils its wonders in every step. This trail goes through untouched forests and the most beautiful lake in all of Montenegro, Lake Hrid, this lake is the highlight of the trail.

2. 2

   Plav

   6 hours

   Local legend says that swimming in this alpine lake brings good health and good luck in marriage. Nestled in a thick pine forest, Lake Hrid is the perfect place to take a break and cool down after hiking. The journey through the trail allows for a profound sense of isolation from the outside world, as the dense forests and pristine landscapes envelop you in a tranquil natural splendour. It becomes a truly immersive experience, where the hustle and bustle of everyday life fade away, replaced by the soothing sounds of nature.

   As you reach the summit, the view of Plav unfolds in front of you like a postcard brought to life. Plav is nestled between the Prokletije Mountains, which are part of the Dinaric Alps. Known for its stunning natural beauty, including picturesque lakes and mountains.

   Hiking details (approx.):

   Distance: 20km

   Elevation Max: 2068 m

   Elevation gain:1960m

   Technical Difficulty: Moderate

   Time: 7-8h

   Trail type: one way

Overnight in Plav

Day 7 · Plav - Vusanje

1. 1

   Plav

   2 hours

   After enjoying very local breakfast at the guesthouse you will continue your adventure through the Peaks of the Balkans. This trail unfolds like a tapestry of wonder, leading you through landscapes that seem almost surreal in their beauty. The path meanders through dense forests, where ancient trees reach towards the sky, creating a cathedral of greenery.

2. 2

   Vusanje

   5 hours

   As the ascent in elevation continues, the scenery undergoes a breathtaking transformation into an alpine paradise. The path reveals panoramic views that stretch across rugged valleys and expansive meadows, each vista more awe-inspiring than the last. The rugged beauty of the landscape serves us as a constant companion. Approaching Vusanje, the landscape opens up to reveal a valley of unparalleled beauty. Nestled between mountains, the quaint village is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of human settlement and the natural world.

   Hiking details (approx.):

   Distance: 21km

   Elevation Max: 2100m

   Elevation gain: 1194m

   Technical Difficulty: Moderate

   Time: 7h

   Trail type: one way

Overnight in Vusanje

Day 8 · Vuthaj (Montenegro) - Theth (Albania) - Tirana

1. 1

   Theth

   8 hours

   From Vuthaj, you will head towards Theth and cross the border back to Albania. During this trek, you 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). You will come across multiple shepherd’s huts, in the Albanian Alps which show the way of life away from civilization.

   Hiking details (approx.):

   Distance: 21 km

   Elevation Max:1741m

   Elevation gain: 1294m

   Technical difficulty: Moderate

   Time: 8h

   Trail type: one way

2. 2

   Tirana

   4 hours

   ou will come across multiple shepherd’s huts, in the Albanian Alps which show the way of life away from civilization. After arriving in Theth we will organize your transfer back to Tirana or Shkoder through our local partners using shared transportation. In Tirana/Shkodra, you'll be dropped off at the bus station; from there, you can make your own way to your hotel by bus or taxi (not included). You will return home full of the wonders of Albania with a new sense of self excitement to share with those around