• Wild Montenegro-Tour 2: „The mountains are calling”

    Biogradska Gora National Park & Durmitor National Park

  • “Mountains are the beginning and the end of all natural scenery.”

    – John Ruskin

  • “The lake and the mountains have become my landscape, my real world.”

    – Georges Simenon

  • “Great things are done when men and mountains meet; This is not done by jostling in the street.”

    – William Blake

  • "Stay Close to the Serenity of a Lake to Meet Your Own Peace of Mind."

    – Munia Khan

  • “It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.”

    – Edmund Hillary

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  • Group size

    min 4 – max 18 persons

  • Difficulty grade

    Easy to Moderate

  • Availability

    May – November

INQUIRY

From 1,299 €

Download Trip Brochure

Overview

The diverse flora and fauna of Biogradska Gora National park is 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 put Biogradska Gora under state protection in 1878. Due to its immense natural wealth and its preservation, Biogradska Gora National park was proclaimed a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site.

The most impressive part of the National Park is the primeval rainforest reserve, one of the last in Europe. It is located in the valley of Biograd and Jezerstica River, surrounding Biograd Lake where the beauty of the ancient forests reflects in their waters. Many of the trees in the forest are over half a millennium old, with some soaring to 60m high. This is the 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. Here, the water and ice have eroded the limestone typical of the place and thus creating a rare-beauty landscape – a reason enough why you shouldn’t miss experiencing it.

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.

Trip Highlights:

  • Discover Biogradska Gora National Park. Visit one of the three remaining rainforests in Europe. The trails lead to mountain peaks and glacier lakes, which offer the most stunning scenery

  • Tour signature site of the park - Biogradsko Lake and Pesica Lake, arguably the prettiest glacial lake in the park

  • Durmitor National Park is a paradise for lovers of exceptional nature, and one of the most stunning nature reserves in Europe

  • Rafting the Tara River, the deepest canyon in Europe at 1.300 m, and the second deepest in the world

Gallery:

Trip itinerary:

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

Note

Moraca Monastery

Day 1

Monastery Moraca & 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

National Park Biogradska Gora – Hiking Zekova glava summit (2117) 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 village. 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.

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

Note

Pesica lake

Note

Bjelasica

Day 3

Jeep safari (4WD) tour – “Bjelasica ring”

This tour begins at the ski centre Jezerine (1450 m) where we take an off-road vehicle (4WD) and drive up to the mountain along. Passing through some traditional villages (called “katuns”– summer cottages for cattle breeders), we arrive at the mountain hut Vranjak. We will proceed over the roof of Bjelasica Mountain along the foothills of the highest peaks, to the spring of Biogradska River. Further, we enter National Park Biogradska Gora and drive to the most attractive viewpoint Bendovac. From this place, a stunning view is spreading on the whole virgin rainforest reserve of Biogradska Gora with Biogradsko Lake surrounded by it. Here we make a photo stop and then proceed through the scenic area of Bjelasica Mountain to the “katun” Dolovi Lalevica, where lunch with traditional food will be organized. After lunch, we drive along the curved serpentine road through the Biogradska forest all the way to Biogradsko Lake. Biogradsko Lake is situated in the heart of the National park and is surrounded by thick forest, which makes it unique and leaves a lifetime impression on all those who had a chance to visit it.

Day 4

National Park Durmitor – Three lakes tour

The “Three Lakes Hike” 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 adventurers, 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. A hike around Black Lake, that we will take, a 3.6 km long walking path is a must for each visitor. Its position is wonderful: the rounded mass of Mount ‘Bear’, as its guardian behind it. Following a picturesque trail along Mill Creek, we continue our hike 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. After Snakes Lake, we continue the journey through the Bosaca village and surrounding pine forests to visit Jablan Lake. You will enjoy excellent views from the trail to the most prominent lake in Durmitor – the Black Lake.

Walking for the day: 6-7 hours, 13 km ↑400m ↓400m

Note

Durmitor-Black Lake

Note

Black Lake & Savin Kuk

Day 5

National Park Durmitor – Savin Kuk summit hike (2313 m)

Savin Kuk is one of the most beautiful, 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 beautiful views of Durmitor Peaks (Sljeme, Terzin Bogaz, Medjed, Bobotov Kuk, etc.). It’s a beautiful triangle shaped peak on the left from Bear peak, which dominates above the amazing beauty of Black Lake, which is surrounded by 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 the Savin Kuk Peak. There is also a possibility of taking a ride with a cable car instead of walking, which stops around 1 km below the summit.

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

Day 6

Rafting on Tara River or hiking Prutas summit (2393 m)

*Option 1- Rafting on Tara River

The inevitable activity during the visit to Durmitor is undoubtedly rafting on the Tara River: its main feature is rapids that might seem scary, but are suitable even for the less experienced visitors as long as they are accompanied by a good instructor. We start the rafting tour from Splaviste, which is within National Park Durmitor. During the tour guests will enjoy in untouched nature of the National Park, passing by the river Ljutica, which is the shortest river in Europe and under the famous Djurdjevica Bridge which is 149 m high. We will raft to the Radovan Luka Camp, which is situated at the foothills of Curevac, a place where Tara Canyon is the deepest (1300m). Return to Zabljak.

*Option 2- Hiking Prutas summit (2393 m) 

The peak was named after the parallel white limestone cliffs that extend from the foot to the summit. Prutas is one of the most beautiful, most popular and the highest of Durmitor peaks. Nowhere on Durmitor can you have so impressive, breathtaking and unforgettable view as from Prutas summit. Observed from a foothill it looks amazing, but the view is even more breathtaking once you reach the summit. Hiking Prutas is a whole day activity and it requires a certain level of physical fitness. From the top of Prutas, we will be able to see some of the most beautiful parts of the Durmitor mountain range, including its highest peak Bobotov Kuk, as well as the glacial lakes named Skrcka lakes.

Walking for the day: 6-7 hours, 11 km ↑700m ↓700m

Note

Prutas summit

Note

Durmitor National Park

Day 7

„The Ring of Durmitor“- jeep (4WD) safari

The Panoramic Road “Durmitor Ring” is one of the most impressive routes in the region. Discover the unique, wild landscape and fascinating nature of the Durmitor National Park and the Piva Nature Park in northern Montenegro. Durmitor Ring is a circular route of around 76 km that will take you through some of Durmitor’s most stunning scenery.

During this tour, you will have a unique chance to feel the beauty of the mountain, unspoiled nature and Tara canyon.  During this trip, we will pass the highest villages in the Balkans (Bosaca, Mala Crna Gora) through the Susica river canyon, until we reach village Trsa, where we make a lunch break. We continue towards the picturesque plateau Pisce, passing by Prutas massif, enjoying the most beautiful view at the highest peak of the Durmitor, Bobotov Kuk. On the way back to Zabljak, we will pass by the ski centre, Savin Kuk.

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.

Note

Durmitor National Park

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INCLUDED
  • 7 nights/8 days
  • All accommodations
  • All breakfasts & farewell dinner
  • Packed lunches during hikes and homemade traditional Montenegrin lunch on the 3rd and 7th day
  • 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
  • Parks entrance fees
  • Local tourist tax
NOT INCLUDED
  • International flights tickets
  • Travel insurance
  • Lunches outside of the program
  • 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

Additional info

You will mostly stay in 3* hotels (4* upon request) or in private lodgings (apartments & guesthouses) that are especially appealing. We have selected small family-run hotels and cozy 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. Generally, rooms in Montenegro are double or triple rooms (we will assign you a roommate of the same gender, if possible) and you may find that some are small apartments with a kitchen. 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, and single accommodations may not be available for the village stay.

Breakfast is included. When no restaurant location is available on the route, packed lunches will be pre-ordered. Dinner is available either in the restaurant in your hotel or 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 25 kg per person.

Mostly Easy but may include longer moderate hikes on some days with some moderate uphill/downhill elevations and steeper ascents/descents. Generally, routes will be well maintained but may involve some mixed/rougher terrain and steep/exposed sections on certain days. Appropriate for regular walkers. A reasonable level of fitness is required.

Walking is on average 4-6 hours per day (up to 12 km of walking).

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

  • 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 ( more info on- https://mvp.gov.me/en/sections/consular-affairs/visa-regimes-for-foreign-citizens/ ).
  • 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.

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.

Typically, you can expect excellent weather in Montenegro from April to November.

  • Time difference to GMT +1
  • Currency-Euro (€)
  • Religion-Christian (mainly Orthodox)
  • Language-Montenegrin, English is widely spoken
  • Electric supply and plugs: 220V, 50Hz, two-pin round plugs

The right equipment for walking tours is important for a convenient holiday. Take care that you wear comfortable clothes to meet the climate of the region and season.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection.

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. On hot days you will carry fewer clothes but more drinking water.

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 (25 – 30 l) with raincover
  • Hiking shoes (mid-to high-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)
  • Shorts
  • Hat or cap – Sun protection is important!
  • Swimwear and Towel
  • Hiking poles (if you usually use them)
  • Reusable water bottle(s) 1.5 – 2 L per person
  • Small backpack pharmacy
  • Casual Clothing and Shoes for Travel and Town Wear
  • Camera and Accessories
  • Mobile phone and charger
  • Headlamp
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen/sunblock and lip balm
  • Insect repellent
  • Travel Pillow
  • Toiletries

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