• Group size

    min 4 – max 18 persons

  • Difficulty grade

    Easy to Moderate

  • Departure dates 2023

    17 Jun – 24 Jun

    01 July – 08 July

    05 August – 12 August

    02 Sept. – 09 Sept.

Hiking in Durmitor NP!

Overview

For any hiker, hiking in Durmitor and Biogradska Gora National Parks in Montenegro is a must!

The diverse flora and fauna of Biogradska Gora National Park are the amazing treasures of Montenegro’s nature. Biogradska Gora came under state protection in 1878, only six years after Yellowstone became America’s first national park. UNESCO proclaimed Biogradska Gora National Park as a World Heritage Site in recognition of its natural wealth and preservation. The most impressive part of the National Park is the primeval rainforest reserve, one of the last in Europe. Many of the trees in the forest are over half a millennium old, with some soaring to 60 m high. This is a region of magnificent beauty and graceful experience.

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 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 and represents a sort of the symbol of the Park and its beauty.  The Park territory covers the Durmitor massif and the narrow Tara Canyon which is 1.300 meters deep – second after the Grand Canyon Colorado. Tara River, also known as the “Teardrop of Europe”, is considered to be one of the most beautiful rivers on the entire continent.

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Moraca Monastery

Day 1 – Monastery Moraca and Kolasin

Transfer from airport Podgorica/Tivat/Dubrovnik to Kolasin. The road to Kolasin will lead us through the impressive canyon of the Moraca river, Platije Canyon, where we will take a break to visit the orthodox monastery Moraca built in the 13th century, one of the most monumental medieval memorials in Montenegro.

Kolasin is a small resort located 954 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by three mountain ranges – Sinjajevina, Komovi and Bjelasica. Like most ski towns, it looks far prettier under a blanket of snow, but even in summer, it’s a handy base for exploring Biogradska Gora National Park and other parts of the Bjelasica Mountain.

Day 2 – NP Biogradska Gora – Hiking Zekova glava summit (2117 m) with descending to Pesica Lake

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.

This hike begins at Bjelasica ski centre Jezerine (1450 m). Walking through the forest, we will arrive at the Vranjak katun (“katun” is a small mountain village made of huts inhabited by shepherds in the summer). After a brief stop, we will hike up to the summit of Zekova Glava and enjoy a prolonged rest at a nearby glacial lake called Pesica Lake. At the lake, we will have a chance to enjoy spectacular nature, take beautiful pictures, and possibly go swimming in the cold water.

Hiking for the day: 5-6 hours, 6 km ↑600m ↓600m

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Biogradska Gora NP – Pesica Lake

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Bjelasica Mt.

Day 3 – NP Biogradska Gora – Vranjak – Ogorela glava – Goles – Biogradsko Lake

Today’s hike begins at the ski center Jezerine (1450m) where we take a dirt road to the mountain eco-village Vranjak. Then we will climb over the roof of Bjelasica Mountain, following the ridge line of the peaks to the top of the Ogorela glava peak (1988 m). Our hike continues along the ridge to the attractive viewpoint, where a panoramic view of the entire virgin rainforest reserve of Biogradska Gora is offered, with Biogradsko Lake in the middle. Then we proceed downhill to the shepherd village of Goles, which saved its centuries-long tradition of cattle breeding. There will be served a buffet lunch with traditional food. Afterwards, we take a steep mountain path that leads downhill through the untouched rainforest of Biogradska Gora to Biogradsko Lake (1099 m). Biogradsko Lake is situated in the heart of the National park and is surrounded by thick old forest, which is unique and leaves a lifetime impression on all those who had a chance to visit it.

Hiking for the day: 7-8 hours, 14 km ↑400m ↓900m

Day 4 – National Park Durmitor – Three lakes tour

This tour confirms why UNESCO listed Durmitor as one of its World Heritage sites in Montenegro. Glacial lakes reflecting the peaks towering above offer one-of-a-kind landscapes for hikers, nature lovers, and photographers.

Black Lake is the premium tourist attraction of the Durmitor area. It is the largest and the best-known of 18 glacial lakes on the mountain. We will take a 3.6 km long walking path around Black Lake, a must for all visitors. Mount Bear is a charming feature behind it. Following a picturesque trail along Mill Creek, we continue our hike to Snakes Lake. This lake is hidden deep in the spruce forests and it is a calm and peaceful place, ideal for rest. After Snakes Lake, we continue the hike through the Bosaca village and surrounding pine forests to visit Jablan Lake. You will enjoy excellent views from the trail to the most prominent peaks in Durmitor NP as well as on Black Lake.

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Durmitor NP – Black Lake

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Black Lake & Savin Kuk

Day 5 – NP Durmitor – Hike to Savin Kuk peak (2313 m)

Savin Kuk is one of the most scenic, most recognized, most photographed and most visited peaks on Durmitor. Savin Kuk is an unfailing part of the famous and incredible panorama view above Black Lake (1416 m), offering perhaps the most picturesque views of Durmitor Peaks (Sljeme, Terzin Bogaz, Medjed, Bobotov Kuk, etc.). It’s a striking triangle-shaped peak on the left of Bear Peak, which dominates above the amazing beauty of Black Lake, which is surrounded by a beautiful black pine forest. This panorama is the trademark of Durmitor and Montenegro.

The climb starts from the parking lot at the ski lift. The track follows an unmarked but well-trodden and visible path to Savin Kuk Peak. There is also the possibility of taking a ride in a cable car instead of walking, which stops around 1 km below the summit.

Hiking for the day: 5-6 hours, 8 km ↑800m ↓800m

Day 6 – 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. During your rafting tour, you will pass by the Ljutica river, the shortest river in Europe, and afterwards under the famous Tara Bridge, which stands 172 meters above the Tara River. Lunch after rafting is included. Driving back to Zabljak, towards villages Njegovudja and Zminica, we arrive at Zminicko Lake. After admiring Zminicko, we continue towards Fish and Devil’s Lake. Beside the road are situated mysterious carved stone tomb monuments – dating from between the 12th and 16th centuries (Unesco’s World Heritage site). Arrival and overnight in Zabljak.

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Prutas summit

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Durmitor National Park

Day 7 – NP Durmitor – Hike to Prutas peak (2393 m)

Today’s hiking tour provides views of the most picturesque Durmitor NP landscapes. Adorned with unique rock shapes, the name Prutas (eng. mountain of rods), ideally reflects the magnificence of this peak. With easy ascent along the green slopes, and amazing views over the glacial Skrcka lakes, including the highest peak of Durmitor – Bobotov Kuk (2525 m), this hiking trail is probably the most scenic trail in Durmitor NP.
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 peak. The peak is a plateau covered with grass and the view spreading from the peak is remarkable in all directions! At the top, you will have a well-deserved time for rest, while soaking up the beauty surrounding you. This tour will be the highlight of your Durmitor NP hiking adventure.

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

Day 8 – Departure or extensions

Departure or extensions. Transfer to airport Podgorica/Tivat/Dubrovnik.

Note: In case you are arriving/leaving one or two days before/after the group departure do not hesitate to contact us for organizing your stay, activities and/or transfers.

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Durmitor National Park