Wild Montenegro-Tour 6: „Peaks of the Balkans“
Cross-border hiking transversal between Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo
Albanian Alps
“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.” – Sir Edmund Hillary
Albanian Alps
“Over every mountain, there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley.” – Theodore Roethke
Valbona Valley
“The sun shines brightest from the peaks of mountains.”
Valbona Valley
“A walk in nature walks the soul back home.”
Peaks of the Balkans
“The mountains are the last place where a man can feel truly wild.”
Peaks of the Balkans
“Climb mountains, not so the world can see you, but so you can see the world.” – David McCullough Jr.
Peaks of the Balkans
“It feels good to be lost, in the right direction.”
Peaks of the Balkans
“You are not in the mountains. The mountains are in you.” – John Muir

Holiday type
Guided trekking
Duration
11 nights/12 days (or on request 5 or 7 days)
Locations
Podgorica, Theth, Valbona, Cerem, Dobërdol, Milisevc, Reka e Allagёs, Drelaj, Babino Polje, Grebaja, Vusanje

Group size
min 4 – max 18 persons
Difficulty grade
Moderate to strenuous
Departure dates 2023
09 July – 20 July

19 August – 30 August

10 September – 21 September

Peaks of the Balkans trail!

Introduction

The “Peaks of the Balkans” trail runs through a mountain range called The Accursed Mountains (Albanian: Bjeshkët e Nemuna; Montenegrin: Prokletije) also known as the Albanian Alps. The name Accursed Mountains lends itself to all sorts of obvious metaphors – but these days, walking here is much more of a blessing than anything.

With some of Europe’s most pristine scenery, ancient pastoral traditions little altered by modern life, and a title to capture the imagination, Accursed Mountains make for a wild holiday with an element of time travel. These peaks, which span the borders of Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo, have been easier to explore since 2012, when a hiking route, “Peaks of the Balkans”, opened to tempt trekkers. Considering the region’s turbulent history and once tightly controlled borders, especially during the communist period, it was impossible to move across these places. No longer! Nowadays, the trek has become very popular and people around the world are coming to visit this very remote area.

The “Peaks of the Balkans” trail is an epic trek along shepherd paths and footpaths winding through alpine scenery up to 2300 m above sea level, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes and rugged peaks. The views and the trails transform, switching from rocky paths and bare peaks to meadows rich with flowers and plants, where nature has been left to run wild. To date, over 1700 wild plants have been recorded in this region. A total of 50 flora species are endemic, sub-endemic or endangered plant species. This European wilderness is home to superb wildlife including lynx, chamois, wolf, deer, golden eagles, buzzards, owls and falcons.

Trip Highlights:

Traverse lush green valleys, wildflower meadows and craggy passes in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro;
Taste regional food and enjoy distinct culture in the remote villages of Albania;
Visit one of the most picturesque villages in Albania - Village of Theth;
Cross the jagged heights of the Valbona Pass;
Hike through magnificent Valbona Valley National Park;
Hike Hajla mountain for a scenic view over the mountain range;
Grebaja Valley – Considered the most beautiful valley in the ex-Yugoslavia;
Pass through majestic Ropojana Valley - a vast valley with awe-inspiring views of surrounding mountains.

Gallery:

Trip Itinerary:

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

Albania

THETH NATIONAL PARK (ALBANIA)

Day 1 – Welcome to Montenegro! Arrival in Podgorica and transfer to Theth Valley (Albania)

Welcome to the Balkans! On arrival, you will be met by your team leader and transferred by private vehicle (minivan) directly from Podgorica (TGD) airport to the village of Theth (Albania) a small hamlet at the foot of the Peaks of the Balkans trail and starting point of our trek (approx. 3-4 hrs).

Theth (750 m.a.s.l) is a wonderful village in northern Albania’s Shkodra region. This unique mountain village has the most dramatic setting in Albania. Theth National Park combines the beauty of mountains with majestic rivers, stunning waterfalls and lagoons as blue as one could ever imagine. Theth is now well on its way to being Albania’s next big thing.

Edith Durham, a famous English traveller and writer on the Balkans visited the area in 1908. She wrote of its seclusion: ‘I think no place has where human beings live given me such an impression of majestic isolation from the entire world. It is a spot where the centuries shrivel; the river might be the world’s well-spring, its banks the fit home of elemental instincts–passions that are red and rapid.’

Picturesque beauty is fit for any postcard or painting, but nothing comes close to seeing Theth with your own eyes.

For group dinner, we enjoy typical Albanian specialities.

Accommodation: Guesthouse in Theth (double or triple occupancy)

Meals Included: Lunch (depending on arrival), welcome dinner

Day 2 – Theth (Albania) – Waterfall of Grunas (Theth) – The Blue Eye of Theth

Today’s walk doesn’t have many gradients but is rich in culture, as we discover Theth, one of the most traditional villages of Northern Albania. The first point of interest you’ll see along the trail is Kishna e Thethit or the Church of Theth, which dates back to 1892. Then we’ll visit the Blood Feud Tower, a four-sided stone tower that dates back over 400 years and discuss the “Kanun of Lekë Dukagjin”, the century-old oral regulatory code of the mountains. We continue to the Waterfall of Grunas an impressive sight with a 30 m-high cascade of plunging water. The water cascades across high rocks and splashes down into a pool below. The water may look tempting, but be warned—it comes straight from the heart of the Albanian Alps and is downright icy! The rugged and narrow canyon of Grunas in close proximity adds to the magical atmosphere, with crystalline waters running through it for more than a kilometre. Upon crossing the canyon, a 40-minute hike will take you into the heart of the village of Nderlysa. In this village you will discover Vaskat e Gurit (literally ‘Stone Bathtubs’), awe-inspiring rock formations carved out by the Black River set amongst crystal-clear turquoise waters. We hike then further to the narrow valley of Kaprre. The Black River descending from the village of Kaprre creates yet another majestic pool: The Blue Eye of Theth. It is a karst pool fed by a gushing mountain stream that enters from the valley of Upper Kaprre. With a rich-blue colour and surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a magical sight. The bravest can take a dip in the icy waters. We trek back to Nderlysa where a transfer will take us to Theth for dinner and overnight at the same guesthouse as the night before.

Difficulty level: Easy

Hike Details: 9 km, ▲ 225 m ascent, ▼ 500 m descent, 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Guesthouse in Theth

Meals Included: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

Albania

THETH – GRUNAS WATERFALL (ALBANIA)

Albania

VALBONA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK (ALBANIA)

Day 3 – Iconic hike from Theth to Valbona (Albania)

Today on Peaks of the Balkans trail you will do one of Albania’s most iconic hikes from Theth (745 m) over the Valbona Pass (1,795 m) to the valley of Valbona (995 m) in the heart of the eponymous national park.

We’ll use horses and mules to carry our baggage to our next guesthouse. This 14-kilometre route follows the path of an ancient mule track linking the tribal regions of Shala and Nikaj. The hike is a continuous ascent through an ancient beech forest, shaded and lovely. Up and up we go until we reach the pass with views down to Valbone valley, our next destination. The trail goes through a narrow crest that reveals a view of both valleys. The path is the most travelled trail of the Albanian Alps and it remains the only direct connection with Valbona Valley. When reaching the top of Valbona Pass you will experience a serious shot of adrenaline. At the pass on a clear day, you’ll have breathtaking views of the highest peaks of the Albanian Alps like Maja Jezerces (2,694 m), Maja e Boshit (2,416 m) Maja Madhe (2,561 m), and onto two valleys Valbona on the east, Theth on the west. From there the rocky path winds downhill toward the springs of Valbona and a forest trail that will lead us to the village of Rrogam (1100m). We will continue a few kilometres further on a dry riverbed before reaching our guesthouse. This evening we’ll enjoy a hearty, homemade meal and a well-deserved rest after this impressive entry into the Albanian Alps. Overnight.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Hike Details: 14 km, ▲ 1,050 m ascent, ▼ 800 m descent, 7-8 hours

Accommodation: Guesthouse or hotel in Valbona

Meals Included: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

Day 4 – Hike from Valbona over the Persllopit Pass to the village of Cerem (Albania)

There are two possible routes from Valbone to Cerem: the low (valley) route and the spectacular high route via Persllopit Pass (the one we recommend). The high route is quite demanding but also rewarding, revealing views of the steep rocky mountains of Kollata, which are popular among climbers. The low trail is mostly a dusty road offering less in terms of scenery but is suitable for those who would like to have an easier walking day.

After a short transfer, we will reach the starting point of our trekking tour. First, we have a long ascent to the Persllopit pass (2,039 m) in front of us. Step by step we climb over lonely alpine pastures and through shady forests, the highest peaks of the Albanian Alps always in view. Past the pastures we reach a treeless alpine valley, where surrounded by rock, the solitary mountains are all ours. Over a unique, so-called Ice cave and through a karst labyrinth, that requires surefootedness, we are passing the border and getting into the territory of Montenegro. After an hour of walk-in Montenegro, the grassy plateau leads to another lower pass: the Borit pass (1,850 m) and we return to Albania, meeting shepherds on our way to the rather isolated village Cerem (1,150 m). This off-the-beaten-track destination is an area of outstanding natural beauty because of the lush green meadows alongside rustic farm buildings that are topped with traditional wooden roof tiles. Without mobile phone coverage, busy everyday life there feels completely forgotten. In Cerem we spend the night in a simple guesthouse. The warm hospitality of our hosts and the hearty traditional dinner with ingredients fresh from the garden make up for the lack of comfort.

Difficulty level: Moderate to strenuous

Hike Details: 14 km, ▲ 1,100 m ascent, ▼ 850 m descent, 7-8 hours

Accommodation: Guesthouse in Cerem (basic accommodation)

Meals Included: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

Albania & Montenegro

KOLATA PEAKS (2.534 M)

Albania

DOBERDOL (ALBANIA)

Day 5 – From Cerem to shepherd’s village Dobërdol (Albania)

This day involves a hike from Cerem to Dobërdol, a remote shepherd’s village accessible only by mule tracks and populated only during summertime by shepherds.

We start on foot over undulating terrain in beautiful alpine scenery, leaving Cerem and the Kollata mountains behind. Our bags are loaded on horses once again and we make our way first on a forest path with grassy clearings, then on a gravel road until we reach the Montenegrin border. Then we continue on Montenegro territory for a while to the ruins of the old military border post. Here we can enjoy countless forest fruits and the great view back to the Kollata (2,534 m). The change into the coniferous forest and dark volcanic rock illustrates the difference between the western and eastern Albanian Alps. Further on we take a break in the hamlet of Balqin which is used by shepherds during the summer season. The last leg of the walk takes us to the valley of Gashi that is included in UNESCO’s Natural World Heritage list in 2017. We arrive at the glacial-shaped valley of Doberdol (1,750m), where domestic animals roam freely on the grazing grounds and time appears frozen.

Locals still live in harmony with nature, as humankind did many years ago. This archaic place helps to set our inner compass and grounds our souls. In the simple shepherd huts, we give away comfort for one night in return for hospitality. The family prepares our meals and we learn more about the seasonal lifestyle of the shepherds at the campfire. During the night without any light pollution, you can see Milky Way in a clear sky.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Hike Details: 15,5 km, ▲ 1,025 m ascent, ▼ 450 m descent, 7-8 hours

Accommodation: Mountain huts with basic facilities

Meals Included: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

Day 6 – Hike from Doberdol to Milishevc (Kosovo), summit tour on Trekufiri

This long stage of the Peaks of the Balkans trail involves a hike from the remote shepherd’s village of Dobёrdol to another less remote shepherd’s village in Kosovo – Milishevc, which has a good road connection with the city of Peja and, more and more mountain huts in this village are being used for touristic purposes.

We strengthen ourselves at breakfast, because the longest, approx. 18 km long stage of our tour lies ahead of us. The hike starts at an altitude of 1,750 m – the mountain hut of Dobёrdol and we climb approx. 600 m steeply over barren, rocky meadow paths up to the summit of Trekufiri (2,366 m). The name means “three borders” – and that’s right, we are in the triangle where the borders of Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo meet! We then follow the mountain ridges to the Roshkodol pass at 2,258 m, where there can still be snow in early summer. It continues by the ridge and will join the same trail from the Liqenat to the Babino Polje section that will go through Ravno Brdo Pass (Zavoj). We descend and reach the tree line again, hike through coniferous forests, cross a river valley and make the last ascent to the village of Milishevc. Today we will spend the night again in small mountain huts.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Hike Details: 18 km, ▲ 915 m ascent, ▼ 980 m descent, 8-9 hours

Accommodation: Mountain huts with basic facilities

Meals Included: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

Kosovo

MILISEVC (KOSOVO)

Kosovo

REKE E ALLAGES (KOSOVO)

Day 7 – Milishevc – Rugova Gorge – Orthodox monastery near the town of Peja – Reka e Allages (Kosovo)

The interesting transfer hike to the Rugova Gorge begins with an ascent to the Lumbardhi ridge, a vantage point that offers breathtaking views towards the surrounding mountains and Milishevc. The Lumbardhi Ridge (2,130 m) is the last obstacle that separates Milishevc (us) from the Rugova Gorge. The first is an ascent hike to the Lumbardhi ridge and then the steep descent to Rugova Gorge. The barely visible route up to the crest is rewarded with breathtaking views towards Gjeravica Mountain (the highest peak in Kosovo, 2,656 m), and Marjashi peak (southwest from our position, 2,533 m). Hidden behind the ridge, extensive grazing grounds surround the pond at the foot of Mt. Red Rock (Guri i Kuq, 2,522m). Most pastoral grounds were abandoned and are now used only for recreational purposes, the Lumbardhi Alps is one of the few exceptions where livestock is still tended to on a greater scale. Beyond this sea of grass, the mountain plunges deep down into the Rugova Gorge. Our descent follows north along the mule tracks, dirt roads, and some junctions until we reach Rrugova Gorge. The main road is located next to the river in the gorge and we take a short minivan transfer to visit the UNESCO-protected Monastery of the Patriarchate of Pec which is located at the very entrance of the Rugova Gorge. The entire complex dates from between the 1230s and the 1330s. It is therefore not only the centre of the Serbian Orthodox Church but also an important repository of its cultural heritage. Then we continue a 40-minute minivan drive north to our guesthouse for overnight at the charming village of Reka e Allages.

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

Hike Details: 9 km, ▲ 500 m ascent, ▼ 1,200 m descent, 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

Day 8 – Hike from Reka e Allages to Drelaj (Kosovo), summit tour on the Mt. Hajla

After breakfast, this trekking day on the Peaks of the Balkans trail we start with a hike over mountain meadows and through shady pine forest up to the pass at the foot of Mount Hajla (2,403 m). This point offers open views of the mountains, and the city of Peja, up to the Kosovo plain. From here, you have the option to rest at the nearby mountain hut or continue up the steep trail to reach the peak. Multiple very steep and partly trail-less routes lead to the peak that forms the border with Montenegro. Ascend is optional and you may opt out to keep the day short (< 5h). Daydream, read your book or admire the surrounding flora instead. Though challenging, the climb to the summit will reward you with 360-degree views of the Kosovo and Montenegrin sides of the border, making clear why Montenegro earned the denomination “Black Mountains”. The formal trail Peaks of the Balkans doesn’t actually include summiting Hajla but we believe it is worth it. Colourful mountain flowers and rare plants such as the edelweiss or the endemic Albanian lily grow along the way, and in late summer we can find blueberries in the bushes. We descend on another route and follow a high path down to our guesthouse in the picturesque hamlet of Drelaj. You will be delighted by another yummy dinner.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Hike Details: 15 km, ▲ 1,150 m ascent, ▼ 1,300 m descent, 7-8 hours

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

Kosovo

HAJLA SUMMIT (2403 M) (KOSOVO)

Kosovo

LAKES OF LIQENAT (1850 M) (KOSOVO)

Day 9 – Drelaj – Kuqishte – Babino Polje – Plav (Montenegro)

Today we start the day with a short scenic transfer (30 mins) to the trailhead. The route climbs through an idyllic pine forest to the two emerald lakes of Liqenat (1,850 m). At their banks prospers a wide range of alpine flora and above awaits the highest point of the official Peaks of the Balkans route, the Jelenak Pass (2,272 m). Leaving the lakes, you’ll continue to climb until you leave the forest behind and step up into the mountains. The route follows southwest uphill to the Lugu i Shkodrёs Pass (Shkodra Pass, 2,188 m). The pass is called Shkodra Pass because it used to be the pass of an ancient path connecting this area and the city of Peja with the city of Shkodra in Albania. Caravans have used this route since old times to move silver and other goods to and from the coast – nowadays it’s almost invisible. We continue uphill to the Jelenak Pass, the place which invites a rest stop with scenic views of the mountains above Plav, Theth and Valbona. Sitting among a field of wildflowers, it is the perfect spot for lunch. Next, the walk to Ravno Brdo Pass (2,178m) is almost levelled and offers dreamy therapeutic walking and good views. The last pass proofs to be a magnificent view towards the rugged peaks ahead of us and into the lush valley of Babino Polje ( ‘Grandma’s fields’) below. By mid-afternoon, you will reach Montenegro and reach the village of Babino Polje.

From Babino Polje, a 40 minutes transfer by minivan takes us past the tranquil Plav Lake to our guesthouse/hotel in Plav.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Hike Details: 15 km, ▲ 1,150 m ascent, ▼ 1,050 m descent, 7-8 hours

Accommodation: Guesthouse/hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

Day 10 – Plav – Grebaja Valley (Montenegro) – Dramatic highlight of the Prokletije Mountains

The Grebaja Valley is one of the most awe-inspiring in the Balkans, a narrow valley, wedged between the karst towers of Karanfili (2,461 m). The valley is U shaped, surrounded by high sharp peaks resembling a titanic jaw of a Balkan wolf. Here is a true paradise for outdoor lovers! This is a place you should not miss if you are doing the Peaks of the Balkans trail. It is only a slight detour from the official route but it is really a must-see and something you will never forget.

We start the hike by ascending through shaded beech forest, a last steep climb takes us to the double peak of Popadija and Talijanka (2,056 m). From the top, there is a magnificent view first to the nearby Karanfili, and then to the Prokletije massif with all the highest peaks and down to the beautiful valley of Grebaje. We will choose the most suitable route, a ridge walk which will bring you back to the track down offering staggering views of the craggy Karanfili Mountains, nicknamed – with good reason – the ‘Dolomites of Montenegro’. During the return journey, we will pass by the rock carvings (petroglyphs) dating from the Neolith Age of 600 years B.C. There is a primitive drawing showing a wolf attacking a child, as well as other Paleolithic carvings. In a garden on the valley floor, we celebrate the adventure before dinner and overnight in our guesthouse.

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

Hike Details: 10 km, ▲ 950 m ascent, ▼ 950 m descent, 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

Montenegro

GREBAJA VALLEY AND KARANFILI PEAKS

Montenegro

ROPOJANA VALLEY (MONTENEGRO)

Day 11 – Village of Vusanje – Ropojana Valley -Through the Heart of the Accursed Mountains – Theth (Albania)

After breakfast, a short transfer will bring us to the village of Vusanje (alb. Vuthaj), where we load our bags on horses and start the long trek to Theth valley. Travelling up the Ropojana Valley, formed in the past by a 26 km long glacier, we stop at a pupil-shaped karst spring Sava’s (Skakavica) Eye where an ice-cold river is born from melting snow high up in the mountains. The mountain-framed corridor takes us to pass a dry lake, shepherd huts, and an abandoned military post to the heart of the Albanian Alps. A weathered borderstone is the only reminder of the once tightly sealed borders of former Communist Albania. The trail is flanked by the spectacular Karanfili massif on the right and Maja Jezerces – the highest summit of the Dinaric Alps on the left. Walking forward we come to the foot of Mt. Arapi (2,217 m), a canine tooth-shaped peak which stands high above the Theth National Park forming the largest big wall in the Balkans. Arriving at Peja Pass (1,711 m), we stop for our picnic lunch with a fantastic view of the beautiful valley of Theth surrounded by an incredible panorama. Then we go down a steep well-trodden caravan path that leads by the small café where we take a rest, and by a short minivan transfer to a guesthouse in the centre of the lively village of Theth.

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

Difficulty level: Moderate

Hike Details: 14 km, ▲ 1,000 m ascent, ▼ 950 m descent, 7-8 hours

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner

Day 12 – Departure

After breakfast airport transfer is arranged. Depending on the flight schedule, we will explore the town of Shkodra.

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 countries of warm hospitality, countless mountains and exceptional nature.

Please note that the itinerary may change slightly based on the weather and the needs and desires of the group.

Please note that this itinerary can be shortened and the tour organised to last 5 or 7 days.

Albania

ALBANIAN ALPS

Tour dates for 2023

Dates

09 JULY – 20 JULY

Duration

11 nights/12 days (or on request 5 or 7 days)

INQUIRY

Price on Request

Dates

19 AUGUST – 30 AUGUST

Duration

11 nights/12 days (or on request 5 or 7 days)

INQUIRY

Price on Request

Dates

10 SEPTEMBER – 21 SEPTEMBER

Duration

11 nights/12 days (or on request 5 or 7 days)

INQUIRY

Price on Request

INCLUDED

Accommodation for 11 nights in a mix of hotels, guesthouses, homestays and mountain huts.
All meals on the trek as specified in the itinerary.
English-speaking guide(s).
All National Park fees, entrance fees, taxes, and permits.
Arranging the issuance of border crossing permits*.
Daily luggage transport to the next accommodation of one soft bag of up to 15 kg per person.
All ground transfers and baggage transfers as listed in the itinerary, including airport transfers.

*Hikers can now cross borders in these mountains at unofficial crossing points, but they must get special permission in advance from the Border Authorities in the respective countries (Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro). We will arrange all formalities for you in this regard. The application should be sent at least 15 days before travelling to the area and because of that, we need your passport copy/scan.

NOT INCLUDED

Flights tickets to/from the destination.
Travel insurance.
Meals not listed above as well as drinks other than table water.
Gratuities and souvenirs.
Personal equipment and clothing.
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra hotel nights, extra meals, etc.).
All expenses associated with nonscheduled departure.

Additional info

Accommodation

The accommodation is in a mix of simple but welcoming B&Bs hotels, guesthouses and homestays, some of them with shared bathroom facilities. Some rooms are likely to accommodate between two to five people, and it may be necessary for male and female groups to share the rooms. Sheets and blankets, towels, warm water and other basic services are provided. Private rooms can be booked at an additional cost, but their availability is minimal.

The village guesthouses, whilst charming and friendly have basic facilities however the warm welcome more than makes up for the lack of hotel facilities. Staying with local families is all part of the overall ‘Peaks of the Balkans’ trekking experience and allows us to experience a genuine side to the Albanian Alps.

Hotels and guesthouses are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates it will be replaced with a hotel of equal value and quality level; sometimes you will need to spend the night in a different building in close vicinity to the main building. While we try to arrange accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, this might not be possible on this particular trip on all days, especially in the high mountain.

Meals

With a mix of Turkish and European influences, Balkan offers a rich variety of dishes. In hotels, breakfasts are continental style, with cereals, bread and jam or honey, cheese, tea, coffee and eggs. You may also have the chance to try a more traditional Albanian breakfast of flavoured rice. At the guesthouses, breakfasts are simple but filling. Picnic lunches are provided (bread, meat, cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers etc.). Therefore “packed lunches” or sandwiches will not be the same as you are used to at home. There will also be fruit and a snack/muesli bar etc. If you are someone who enjoys chocolate/sweets/nuts on the trail then please feel free to bring extra snacks from home. Evening meals include traditional soups, locally-grown vegetables and local dairy and meat dishes. You can buy extra food or alcohol at the hotels/guesthouses if you wish.

Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, with a limited choice, it may be more difficult to cater for special diets. The hosts are very good at trying to accommodate different dietary requirements but a vegan and gluten-free diet will be difficult to cater for. It may be necessary to supplement your diet with food products that you are used to eating as well as snacks from home. Please let us know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies. Please note that we are unable to provide separate menus and cannot accept liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements or intolerances.

Water is provided, but very often this is from local wells or mountain springs/streams and is not chlorinated. If you are concerned about drinking untreated water, we suggest you bring a supply of water treatment tablets. Many places on this holiday have drinkable water from the tap to fill your personal water bottles.

Transfers

All transfers from and back to the airport, as well as local transfers, in accordance with the programme, are included. Baggage will be transported between overnight stops by vehicle (4×4), other than on days 3, 5 and 6 when it will be transported by horses/mules. There is no weight restriction other than that imposed by your international carrier but we do ask you to limit your luggage to one piece which weighs no more than 15 kg plus your day pack. For this trip, we recommend a soft duffel bag or rucksack (not a suitcase) which is easier to secure and more comfortable for the horses/mules.

Documents & credit cards

Valid Visa*, passport and ID card
Money, and/or credit card
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, Albania and Kosovo 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. Currency is Euro (EUR) in Kosovo and Montenegro, Lek in Albania, however, you can use Euro freely. Credit cards and Cash machines are available only in Podgorica, Peja, Plav, and Shkodra.

Travel Insurance

It is essential that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

Trip Safety

Your safety, and the rest of the group, is our highest priority. Our trips are designed and planned with safety in mind. Your crew will be equipped with communication devices, a medical kit and other safety apparatus appropriate to the destination. Our leaders are responsible for safety on the trip, and will make any changes to the itinerary they deem necessary, should local conditions dictate. Pre-trip administration – such as medical questionnaires and travel insurance as appropriate – is all done with your safety in mind.

Whilst we will do everything to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewelry, necklaces, rings and even watches. Your passport and money should be kept on you at all times.

Phone & Wi-Fi

Most of the accommodation you are in will have limited Wi-Fi which you will be able to use, but please do not rely upon this. You will not have phone reception in some places on the trip. Please remember that Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo are not in the EU so the EU Roaming Regulations do not apply and you will be charged when using your mobile data.

Medication

Carry medicines (including those bought over the counter) in their correctly labelled original packaging, as issued by the pharmacist. These should be carried in your hand luggage. Consider packing a spare supply of medication in the hold luggage in case of loss of hand luggage.

Take out an appropriate level of travel health insurance including repatriation and specific cover for any preexisting illnesses.

Climate

Daytime temperatures in the lower valleys will vary between 20ºC/68ºF and 30ºC/86ºF at the times of year we operate this trip. The weather in summer is generally excellent – with hot days, clear skies and sometimes little rain. Note that temperatures do drop in the evenings by several degrees. High up, we may encounter cooler conditions and stormy weather cannot be ruled out at any time of year in this mountainous region. Although we will do our very best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed, it is subject to change for numerous reasons, including weather. Generally, the weather won’t strongly impact the trip, but all travellers should bring a rain/breathable jacket just to be prepared.

Luggage

For this holiday we recommend a soft duffel bag or rucksack (not a suitcase) which is easier to secure and more comfortable for the horses/mules.

Bring one 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.

What to pack?

GEAR LIST

The following checklist has been created to help you choose your clothing and gear for this trip. Try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. Feel free to ask us if you have any questions regarding the gear list.

REQUIRED

Good walking boots (high ankle support)
Day pack (25L – 35L)
Large Rucksack/Duffle bag
Wide-brim sun hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen (min factor 30) and SPF stick for your lips
Fleece Gloves
Fleece Hat
Fleece Jacket or Sweater
Hardwearing waterproof and breathable jacket (GORE-TEX recommended)
Waterproof overtrousers
Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
Trekking trousers (not jeans)
Trekking Poles
Flashlight or Headlamp (plus spare batteries)
Anti-bacterial hand gel
Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight)
Personal toiletries
2 x 1-liter water bottle
High energy snacks (cereal bars, dried fruit, chocolate, nuts)
Insect spray
Water purification tablets*

*Water is provided, but very often this is from local wells or mountain streams and is not chlorinated. If you are concerned about drinking untreated water, we suggest you bring a supply of water treatment tablets.

OPTIONAL

Shorts
Trainers or sandals
Swimming suit
Liner Socks (Synthetic)
Shoes for Travel and Free Time
Casual Clothing for Travel and Town Wear (Lightweight, Easily Washable)
Spare laces
Pen-knife
Camera and Accessories
Ear Plugs
Reading and Writing Materials
Small Binoculars

Difficulty grade

The average walking time per day is 6-8 hours. Hikes can be up to 19 km (11.8 miles) on rolling or mountainous terrain. There are some steep ascents/descents and uneven trails at altitudes of up to 2300 meters. The trekking portion of the trip is challenging and previous conditioning is necessary. While jeeps and horses do carry the bulk of your gear, you will need to carry a small day pack with water, food, rain gear and a cool weather layer, your camera, etc. While the distances are not huge, the elevation gain and loss on two or three of the days (as outlined in the itinerary) are substantial.

Age limit

For our group tours, the minimum age is 18. Children under 18 must be accompanied by at least one parent.

There is no upper age limit on our trips. However, should you be 70 or older at the time of travel we will discuss the itinerary with you before booking you on the trip and may ask you additional questions about your health and fitness.

Environment protection

Almost all services are sourced from the local community. This includes accommodation at family-run guesthouses and huts; local transport with village minibus, jeeps and horses; local guides.

Income provided to the rural stakeholders provides incentives and creates awareness about the importance of nature preservation and conservation. It’s a valuable long-term alternative to the short term exploitation of natural resources.

Guides have received “Leave No Trace” – training and promoting the principles of “take only photos and leave only footsteps”. They’re also encouraged to collect waste during the trip and participate in annual clean-up events.

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