• Wild Montenegro-Tour 7: „Montenegro’s Three ‘Crown Jewel’ National Parks“

    Discover highlights of Montenegro’s three National Parks

    Hiking and trekking in Albanian Alps

  • Prokletije National Park

    “The mountains are the last place where man can feel truly wild.”

    Hiking in Albania

  • Durmitor National Park

    is the jewel in northern Montenegro’s crown

    Durmitor NP

  • Durmitor and Skrka Lakes

    “Stop staring at mountains. Climb them instead, yes, it’s a harder process but it will lead you to a better view.”

    Durmitor National Park

  • Skrka Lake

    “So lovely was the loneliness of a wild lake.”
    – Edgar Allan Poe

    Montenegro Discovery Tour

  • Bjelasica Mountain

    invites nature lovers for an easy hike with breathtaking views

  • Komovi massif

    “May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” – Edward Abbey

    Komovi Nature Park

  • Hrid Lake

    “Make your heart like a lake with a calm, still surface and great depths of kindness.”
    – Lao Tzu

  • Accursed Mountains

    “Real freedom lies in wildness, not in civilization.”
    – Theodore Roosevelt

  • Ropojana Valley

    “To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” – Mary Davis

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  • Group size

    min 4 – max 18 persons

  • Difficulty grade

    Moderate

  • Departure dates 2023

    24 June – 03 July

    15 July – 24 July

    12 August – 21 August

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Price on Request

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Explore Montenegro’s three national parks!

Our “Montenegro’s Three ‘Crown Jewel’ National Parks” features the highlights of North Montenegro, including the beautiful Durmitor National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site, Biogradska Gora NP – one of the last three primaeval rainforests in Europe and  Prokletije National Park – considered one of the most breathtaking mountain areas in Europe.

Durmitor National Park is the largest National Park in Montenegro and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Park is characterized by diversified ecosystems and numerous endemic species, as well as some of the highest peaks of the Dinaric mountains, Tara River Canyon, which was proclaimed a world ecological reserve, 18 glacial lakes known as “the mountain eyes” of which the Black Lake is the most famous one. The Park territory covers the Durmitor massif and the narrow Tara Canyon which is 1.300 meters deep – the second deepest in the world, after the Grand Canyon Colorado.

The diverse flora and fauna of Biogradska Gora National Park are another amazing treasure of nature. Biogradska Gora is one of the oldest protected areas in the world. Only 6 years after Yellowstone was declared the first national park in America, Prince Nikola I Petrovic put Biogradska Gora under state protection in 1878. Due to its immense natural wealth and its preservation, Biogradska Gora National Park has been proclaimed a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site.

Prokletije National Park is the most scenic hiking destination in Montenegro. Prokletije or Accursed Mountains are the southernmost and highest part of the Dinaric Alps. Surreally scenic and remote, this magnificent area may be one of Europe’s least explored corners. Here, vertical peaks pierce the sky. The park encompasses most of the Prokletije Mountains (also known as the Albanian Alps), which form the natural border between Montenegro and Albania.  Given the remoteness of this region, you’ll see very few people hiking here.

Trip Highlights:

  • Durmitor National Park, marvelous European nature reserves is a paradise for those seeking to experience the exceptional nature

  • Rafting the Tara River whose 1300 m deep canyon is the deepest in Europe and the 2nd deepest in the world

  • The majestic wilderness of Prokletije (aka the Accursed Mountains) providing the stunning sceneries of Europe’s most remote part

  • Pure nature and wild beauty of Montenegro’s highest and most beautiful lake - Hrid Lake at 1970m

  • Grebaje Valley - the heart of the Prokletije National Park

  • Beautiful Ropojana valley with natural attractions – Eye of the River Skakavica, the waterfall of the River Grlja and Alipasa’s springs

Gallery:

Trip Itinerary:

Explore day-by-day destinations, activities, routes, stops and more…

Note

Žabljak

Day 1 – Welcome to Montenegro!

Upon arrival at Podgorica Airport (TGD), your team leader will be waiting for you at the arrivals hall, greet you and direct you to the transfer. After assisting you with the luggage, you will be transferred by private vehicle (minivan) from the airport to the small town of Zabljak (Durmitor National Park, 125 km, 2,5 hrs drive) with several photo stops or coffee breaks. The town of Zabljak is situated in the northwest of Montenegro, in the heart of the Durmitor region, at an altitude of 1,450 meters above sea level is the highest urban settlement in the Balkans. Check-in to the hotel and a short time for refreshments and lunch. Afterwards, an easy walking tour around Black Lake, the premium tourist attraction of the Durmitor area. It is the largest and the best-known of 18 glacial lakes on the mountain. A path around Black Lake, that we will take, is a 3,6 km long walking path and is a must-do for each visitor to the Park. Black Lake’s position is wonderful: surrounded by coniferous forest and the rounded mass of Mount Bear, as its guardian behind it. Following a picturesque trail along Mill Creek, we continue our walking to Snakes Lake, which is hidden deep in the spruce forests at an altitude of 1,520 m. It is a calm and peaceful place, perfect for rest. Transfer to our accommodation. For dinner, we have a chance to sample traditional Montenegrin dishes, including highland specialities and Montenegrin red wine with a Mediterranean character called Vranac. Overnight.

Day 2 – Hike to ‘Red Rock’ (2,175 m) peak

We hope you’ve had an enjoyable night’s rest and are excited by today’s adventure. After breakfast, you will be transferred (20 mins drive) following the gently winding road through the forest to ‘Red Rock’ massif, this mountain stands out not only for its natural beauty and the magnificent views it offers but its amazing diversity of lakes surrounding it. The trail goes along the meadows and clearings, partly through a thin pine forest and slightly upward in the direction of Red Rock. During summertime, flowers and wild plants create a beautiful carpet which makes it even more impressive. For the next 1,5–2 km the path is semi-circular, going along the edges of the mountain through the small pine woods, gradually uphill, around the beautiful Jablan Lake (1,791 m). From the peak, you will enjoy the stunning view of Black Lake, the highest peak – Bobotov Kuk and the entire Durmitor massif. Short break time after which will hike downwards to Jablan Lake and make a short photo stop. Then we will continue approx. 5-6 km towards Black Lake (1,416 m) which, despite the name, this glacial lake gleams in emerald green reflecting mysterious pine forests and craggy peaks. Here we will rest and enjoy at the shores of this alluring lake. Return to Zabljak. Overnight.

Hiking for the day: 7-8 hours, 14 km ↑450m ↓850m

Note

Jablan Lake

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Tara River

Day 3 – Whitewater rafting on Tara River

The inevitable outdoor activity during the visit to Durmitor National Park is undoubtedly rafting on the Tara River. Tara River Canyon is the deepest canyon in Europe and the second-deepest in the world next to the Grand Canyon in the United States. Tara River is 158 km long whilst 80 km of its length belongs to Durmitor National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. Rafting is by far the most fun and exciting way to see the Tara Canyon. During the tour you will enjoy in untouched nature of the National Park, passing by river Ljutica, which is the shortest river in Europe and under the famous Tara Bridge. At the time it was built, this bridge which stands 172 meters above the Tara River, was the biggest vehicular concrete arch bridge in Europe. Lunch after rafting and for those who want another adrenaline shot – the longest zipline in Europe is around the corner (optional). Driving back to Zabljak, towards villages Njegovudja and Zminica, amazed by the spectacular nature, we arrive at Zminicko Lake. Without a doubt, you will find this mountain lake surrounded by a thick pine forest perfect. After admiring Zminicko, we continue towards Fish and Devil’s Lake. Beside the road are situated mysterious carved stone tomb monuments (stećci) – dating from between the 12th and 16th centuries (added to Unesco’s World Heritage list in 2016). Arrival and overnight at Zabljak.

Day 4 – ‘Prutas’ (2393 m) peak hike

A hiking tour that provides views of the most beautiful Durmitor NP landscapes — a real mountaineering pleasure and experience! Adorned with unique rock shapes (sticks or rods), the name “Prutas” (eng. mountain of rods), ideally reflects the real beauty of this peak. With easy ascent along the deep, green slopes, amazing views over the glacial Skrcka lakes, including peaks of Djevojka (2440 m), Bezimeni Vrh (2487 m) and Bobotov Kuk (2525 m), the Prutas hiking trail is probably the most beautiful trail at Durmitor National Park.

Our start is from Sarban ( 1,707 m) and during the next 2,5-3 hours with a total ascent of 700 m over the 4 km trail, we will reach this magnificent, grass-covered peak. It is adorned with gentle ridgelines, green mountainsides, miraculous oblique layers of “Rods” after which it was named, cliffs of vertically elevated layers, but also typical limestone rock formations. The peak is a spacious plateau covered with grass and the view spreading from the peak is remarkable in all directions — you will take great photos! This is one of those hiking tours that provide dazzling views thus creating immensity hiking pleasure and experience! At the top, you will have a well-deserved time for rest, while soaking up the beauty surrounding you. This hike will be the highlight of your Montenegro and Durmitor National Park adventure.

Hiking for the day: 6-7 hours, 8 km ↑700m ↓700m

Durmitor National Park.

Prutas

Bjelasica

PESICA LAKE

Day 5 – Zabljak – Kolasin – Hiking Zekova glava summit (2117 m)

After breakfast, transfer from Zabljak to Kolasin (90 km, around 1.5 hrs drive), along the road that mostly goes above the stunning Tara River Canyon. Upon arrival to Kolasin, check-in and short refreshment and then departure to our today’s hiking tour which begins at Bjelasica ski centre Jezerine (1450 m). Mountain Bjelasica with its specific shapes, rolling hills and smooth pastures is predestined for sustainable mountain tourism both in summer and winter. This pastoral mountain invites nature lovers for an easy hike with breathtaking views. As we hike across the trails of Bjelasica, a massif with ten separate peaks above 2,000 m, views stretch across spectacular mountain terrain, while the lush meadows below are scattered with wooden shepherd’s huts (called “katuns”) amid the dense beech forest. Walking through the forest, we will arrive at the Vranjak village. After a brief stop, we will hike up to the grassy summit of Zekova Glava (2117 m) and then descend and enjoy a prolonged rest at a nearby glacial lake – Pesica Lake (1.771 m). On our way back to the starting point we will pass by the natural spring of the Biogradska River. Transfer to Kolasin. Dinner. Overnight.

Hiking for the day: 6-7 hours, 12 km ↑600m ↓600m

Day 6 – Summit of Kom Vasojevicki (2460 m)

Breakfast. Transfer from Kolasin to the Stavna village (1650 m), at the foot of Komovi massif, where we will hike up to the Kom Vasojevicki summit. Ripping through clouds, the giant Komovi mountain impressively dominates the southeastern part of Montenegro and is considered the most beautiful mountain in Montenegro.

Upon arrival to Stavna, we start our Komovi adventure to Kom Vasojevicki. The route to Kom Vasojevicki begins from Stavna, on the north side below the rocky massif. The path continues along with grassy and rocky areas. After approximately 2,5 hours of ascent, you will reach to beautiful Vera Pass (2200 m) where you will have the opportunity to enjoy in border mountains of Albania, particularly to Prokletije mountain range (aka Accursed Mountains) and its highest peak Maja Jezerce (2694 m) which dominates the wider area. From there, the path continues to the summit and very soon you’ll have the privilege to enjoy the view from the summit of Kom Vasojevicki (2460 m). Return to Stavna village on the same trail. Transfer to the small town of Plav (45 km, 1-hour drive). Dinner and overnight in Plav.

Hiking for the day: 5-6 hours, 6 km ↑650m ↓650m

Note

KOMOVI

Note

HRID LAKE

Day 7 – Hiking tour to Hrid Lake (1968 m)

Breakfast. Transfer from Plav to starting point of today’s hike in Babino polje (40 min drive). Our destination for today is situated around 20 km from Plav and according to many opinions, it is the most beautiful mountain lake in Montenegro – Hrid Lake.

Hrid Lake is situated in the heart of a spectacular landscape of high pine and spruce trees and interesting rock formations. It is a glacial lake also known as the “Pearl of Prokletije”. The clearness of its water was an inspiration to many legends. One of them says that the Lake was created by the Gods as a hidden bathing place for fairies where they could bathe hidden from human eyes.
Short break to take photos with 2 options – we can continue to the nearby Hridski Krs peak or rest and swim in the lake. Return transfer to Plav. Visit the Ethno-Museum in Redzepagica Tower in Plav. Dinner. Overnight.

Hiking for the day: 5-6 hours, 8 km ↑400 m ↓400 m

Day 8 – Grebaja Valley – wedged between the towers of Karanfili Peaks

After breakfast, transfer to Grebaja Valley. The Grebaja Valley is one of the most astonishing Balkans valleys, lodged between the karst towers of Karanfili Peaks (2.461 m). A narrow, U-shaped valley embraced by high sharp peaks seems like a colossal jaw of a Balkan wolf but is definitely a true paradise for outdoor lovers!

Hiking today starts by ascending through shaded beech forest, whilst the last steep climb takes us to the double peak of Popadija and Talijanka (2,056 m) from where extends a spectacular view of the nearby Karanfili, continues on the massif of Prokletije with all its highest peaks. Here the craggy peaks across us seem almost within our reach and the gaze wanders across the border between Montenegro and Albania. We’ll go along the ridge walk which is the best option and the most suitable route to take us back to the track down, rewarding us with staggering views of the craggy Karanfili Mountains, for a reason nicknamed the ‘Dolomites of Montenegro’. On our way back we will pass by the rock carvings (petroglyphs) dating back to the Neolithic Age, some 600 years B.C. There is a primitive drawing showing a wolf attacking a child, as well as other Paleolithic carvings. Traversing the narrow spine to a series of panoramic viewpoints back onto the shaded forest path, where the circular hike closes. In a guesthouse garden on the valley floor, we celebrate the adventure before dinner and overnight in our accommodation.

Hiking for the day: 6-7 hours, 10 km, ↑ 950 m ↓ 950 m

Note

KARANFILI PEAKS & Albanian Alps

Note

Ropojana

Day 9 – Ropojana valley, Eye of the River Skakavica, the waterfall of the River Skakavica and Alipasa’s springs

The Ropojana Valley belongs at the top of the list of natural beauties in the region of Plav and Gusinje and is a pleasure we should indulge in. Besides, without a visit to Ropojana, our stay in this magical world on the northern side of Prokletije would not be complete. The Ropojana Valley is a spectacularly beautiful place – jagged limestone peaks, rolling green pastures, high passes and beech forests – the perfect postcard picture. Hidden deep in the valley and surrounded by a dense forest, the karst spring of Eye of the River Skakavica (or Sava’s Eye) attracts visitors with its crystal-clear water through which every stone can be seen, which constantly changes its colour from shades of blue to green throughout the day. Fed by water from this spring, the River Skakavica, after slightly more than two kilometres of its course, suddenly disappears under the surface, forming a 30-metre high waterfall of the River Skakavica, one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the Prokletije Mountains.

We continue with the tour to Alipasa’s springs. It is said that the famous Ali-Pasha of Gusinje used to come here every morning to enjoy the beauty and serenity of this place in which a magnificent play of nature created a large karst spring comprised of 25 minor springs.

During farewell dinner, we celebrate the eventful trek with our new friends, recalling the past days of travel and celebrating the memorable journey through the Montenegrin mountains.

Hiking for the day: 4-5 hours, 5-6 km ↑ 200 m ↓ 200 m

Day 10 – Departure through amazing Cem River Canyon

After breakfast, a transfer to the airport Podgorica is arranged (75 km, 2 hours drive). Shortly after the border crossing between Montenegro and Albania, we will be greeted with a breathtaking view of the valley of the Cem river (Montenegrin: Cijevna) and the mountains of Montenegro and Albania. It is worth stopping at the lookout point! The road winds its way over numerous, tight curves towards the valley floor. The River Cem is a river that rises in Kelmend, Albania, and after nearly half of its length, crosses into Montenegro where it pours into the Moraca River near the capital city Podgorica. The river’s basin is a source of very high biodiversity, and hundreds of plant and animal species live along its banks. The marble trout is one of the 22 fish species in the river, which consistently ranks as one of the least polluted rivers in Albania and Montenegro. River Cem passes mostly through limestone terrain where many karstic formations are observed. The terrain through which it flows in its 60 kilometres course, is at an elevation of more than 1,200 m and can reach as low as 50 m. Tamare is the main settlement in the Albanian region of Kelmend and has been restored over the last few years with international support. The pretty village square invites us to stop for a coffee in one of many restaurants. After crossing a border between Albania and Montenegro, and 40 min drive we arrive at the airport Podgorica (TGD). Departure. End of the tour.

Thank you for joining us for this adventure, we hope you had a great time and hope it’s not your last visit to the country of warm hospitality, countless mountains and exceptional nature.

Note

Cem (Cijevna) river

Dates

24 JUNE – 03 JULY

Duration

9 nights/10 days

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Dates

15 JULY – 24 JULY

Duration

9 nights/10 days

INQUIRY
Price on Request

Dates

12 AUGUST – 21 AUGUST

Duration

9 nights/10 days

INQUIRY
Price on Request
INCLUDED
  • 9 nights/10 days
  • All accommodations
  • All breakfasts & dinners
  • Lunch on the 1st and 10th day and homemade traditional Montenegrin lunch on the 3rd day
  • Packed lunches during hikes
  • All transfers – minivan and driver from and back to the airport, as well as local transfers, in accordance with the program
  • English-speaking licensed tour guide
  • All National Park fees, entrance fees, taxes, and permits
  • Rafting on Tara River
  • Local tourist tax
NOT INCLUDED
  • International flights tickets
  • Travel insurance
  • Your own trekking/hiking gear
  • Personal expenses such as phone calls, alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, extra transfers, tips, etc.
  • Optional gratuities to your guide(s)
  • Any items not explicitly mentioned in the program
  • All expenses associated with nonscheduled departure

Additional info

Recommended airport for this trip is Podgorica Airport (TGD) (Montenegro). You’ll be met on arrival by our representative and taken to your vehicle (air-conditioned van/minibus). Return transfer to the airport is included in the trip cost.

You will mostly stay in 3-star hotels or in private lodgings (guesthouses) that are especially appealing (4-star hotels on request where is available). We have selected small family-run hotels and cosy guesthouses whenever possible for their intimate atmospheres, as well as for their ability to share with you the history and culture of their specific Montenegrin region and they put a little extra effort into the food. Generally, rooms in Montenegro are double or triple rooms (we will assign you a roommate of the same gender, if possible) with private bathrooms. If you request single accommodations, you will be required to pay the single supplement fee. Please be advised there are a limited number of single accommodations available. We will make the reservations after we receive a deposit from you. If a room in your hotel is unavailable on your arrival (due to an event beyond our reasonable control) then we agree to provide a room and subject to the availability of any equivalent in another hotel.

Breakfast is included. When no restaurant location is available on the hiking route, packed lunches will be pre-ordered. Dinner is available either in the restaurant in your hotel or in restaurants and taverns in the village near your accommodation. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available upon request.

All transfers from and back to the airport, as well as local transfers, in accordance with the programme, are included. Luggage transfer also is included, and your bags will be transferred by private transfer to your next accommodation. Baggage limit 20 kg per person. 

  • Valid Visa*, passport and ID card
  • Money, and/or credit card (currency in Montenegro is the Euro – €)
  • Travel health insurance certificate 
  • *Holders of travel documents containing a valid Schengen visa, a valid visa of the United States of America, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, or a permission to stay in these countries, may enter and stay, or pass through the territory of Montenegro up to 30 days, and not longer than the expiry of visa if the period of validity of the visa is less than 30 days.
  • We recommend taking sufficient cash for your daily requirements. Banks and  ATMs are available,  and credit/debit card payments are widely accepted in towns but might be limited in some of the villages we visit.

Suitable for more regular hikers who are generally fit. Moderate grade itineraries include longer walking days and steeper ascents and descents. May include longer stretches of uphill climbs and descents or a number of shorter steeper uphill and downhill sections along the route. Terrain may be mixed including rocky areas and mixed surfaces underfoot.

Moderate grade holidays include on average 5-7 hours of walking per day (up to 15 km of walking).

Each evening your guides will inform you about the next day’s activities and answer any questions you may have.

If you require any medication, please take adequate supplies for the duration of your holiday. It’s advisable to carry your medication in your hand luggage instead of packing it in your suitcase (backpack). 

Montenegro’s coastline has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters, whereas the more mountainous inland areas have a sub-alpine climate with warm summers and cold winters with snowfall. There is a chance of sporadic rain in spring and autumn in the coastal areas, though generally, this is in the form of short showers. In the mountains, rainfall tends to be more frequent including around the Bay of Kotor. Average temperatures from May to October are generally in the mid 20’s(in °C) but can reach into the 30’s(in °C) in July and August. 

Bring one main piece of luggage and a 20-30 litre day backpack is recommended. You will need to carry what you need for the day which may include a rain jacket, fleece, t-shirts, camera, sun-cream, water and picnic lunch.

This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, this will help you and the field staff. 

  • Backpack (20–30 l) with raincover
  • Hiking shoes (mid-cut models)
  • Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
  • Hiking Pants (Convertible, Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
  • Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
  • Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
  • Fleece/Wool Jacket or Sweater
  • T-Shirts (Synthetic)
  • Hat or cap – Sun protection is important!
  • Small backpack pharmacy
  • Casual Clothing and Shoes for Travel and Town Wear
  • Camera and Accessories
  • Mobile phone and charger
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen/sunblock and lip balm
  • Toiletries

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