Peaks of the Balkans
The Peaks of the Balkans is one of the most spectacular and remote trekking routes in Europe. The trail crosses the borders of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro, leading you through pristine alpine valleys, dramatic mountain passes and traditional villages that remain off the beaten tourist track. Over 8 days you'll walk through the heart of the Western Balkans, discover rich cultures, and stay in family-run guesthouses managed by local families. This is a true journey off the well-known path, for those seeking nature, simplicity and authenticity. The Peaks of the Balkans trek is not just a physical journey - it's a spiritual and cultural experience. The snow-capped mountain scenery, the fresh air, the silence and the majesty will leave a deep impression that will stay with you for years to come. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and make a meaningful contribution to the fight against cancer!
Trip details
- Country: Albania
- Summit elevation: 2656m
- Duration: 10 days
- Price: from €1750
- Success rate: 96%
- Recommended seasons: June-October
Highlights
- Gjeravica Peak 2656m
- Lake Komani boat ride
- Albania-Kosovo-Montenegro borders
- Local family guesthouses
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Albania!
After landing at Tirana International Airport, we head north toward Shkodra - one of Albania's oldest and most fascinating cities, with a history spanning more than 2500 years. We check in to our hotel and, after a short rest, set out for an evening stroll along the lively main street, buzzing with cafés, restaurants and vibrant local culture. In the evening we enjoy a celebratory opening dinner and get to know the team and fellow group members.
Accommodation: Hotel Tradita in Shkodra or similar
Day 2: Shkodra - Komani Lake Ferry - Valbona (927m)
Our journey begins with a drive from Shkodra to Lake Komani, the departure point for one of Europe's most beautiful ferry crossings. We glide across turquoise waters flanked by dramatic gorges, sheer cliffs and untouched wilderness. After disembarking, we continue by vehicle to a local town for a traditional lunch at a restaurant. We then drive on to the village of Dragobia - the starting point of today's hike. From here we follow the crystal-clear Valbona River through pristine nature and breathtaking mountain scenery, all the way to the village of Valbona, the heart of the national park.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Valbona
Day 3: Valbona - Prosllopi Pass (2030m) - Çerem (1150m)
After breakfast, we begin our ascent on a stunning trail toward the remote Prosllopi mountain pass. We climb in steep switchbacks for several hours until we reach the day's highest point at approximately 2030m. Throughout the ascent, breathtaking views of the Albanian Alps unfold in every direction. After crossing the border into Montenegro, we stop for lunch at the Buri Pass - an open meadow that serves as grazing land for shepherds from the villages of Çerem and Vuthaj. From Buri, a short half-hour walk brings us to a local shepherd's hut where we rest over a coffee and mountain tea. From here the village of Çerem is already visible in the distance. We descend gradually for another two hours through dense forest until we reach our accommodation.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Çerem
Day 4: Çerem - Dobërdol (1800m)
After breakfast at the guesthouse, we continue toward Dobërdol. Today is a transition day leading us from Çerem to Dobërdol - a remote shepherds' village accessible only by mule tracks, inhabited in summer only by local herders. From Çerem we begin a gradual climb to the Montenegro border, cross the beautiful shepherds' hamlet of Balqin, and continue through the Gashi Valley - a protected nature area renowned for its wild beauty. The trail winds up through the valley all the way to Dobërdol, one of the most remote and pastoral spots in Albania, where we settle in for the night.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Dobërdol
Day 5: Dobërdol - Gjeravica Summit (2656m) - Gacafar (1840m)
Today we leave Albania and cross into Kosovo. After a few hours of steady climbing, we reach a high mountain pass on the Albania–Kosovo border. From there we push on to the summit of Gjeravica, rising to 2656m, one of the highest peaks in Kosovo. The view from the top is particularly dramatic: sharp cliffs, deep valleys and endless peaks in every direction. At the end of the day we descend toward Gacafar, situated close to the Triple-Border Point. The guesthouse is run by the Gacafari family, known for their warm hospitality, outstanding mountain cuisine and wonderful atmosphere.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Gacafar
Day 6: Gacafar - Triple-Border Peak (2366m) - Babino Polje (1550m)
Our first goal today is the Triple-Border Peak at 2366m - a symbolic point where the borders of Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro converge. A small monument marks the spot, and many trekkers stop here to be photographed standing in three countries at once! After a short rest we descend the ridge separating Kosovo and Montenegro, ending at the lush alpine meadows of Kosovo. We cross into Montenegro and hike toward Lake Hrid - a magical, crystal-clear mountain lake. From there we continue down into the pastoral valley of Babino Polje, a picturesque mountain village in Montenegro surrounded by green meadows and dramatic alpine scenery.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Babino Polje
Day 7: Babino Polje - Taljanka Peak (2056m) - Vusanje (953m)
We wake to a crisp clear morning, enjoy a warm drink and breakfast while taking in the stunning views around us, then set off on a short drive to the Grbaja Valley - considered one of the most beautiful and dramatic valleys in Montenegro, enclosed by the immense rock walls of the Karanfili massif. From here we begin today's hike, ascending through alpine forest until we reach the Volušnica summit - the first of the day's two peaks. From this vantage point we enjoy a sweeping view of the valley and the jagged peaks of the Accursed Mountains. We then continue along a narrow, impressive ridge to the day's main summit, Taljanka at 2056m. We finish by descending back to the Grbaja Valley and driving back to the village of Vusanje for the night.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Vusanje
Day 8: Vusanje - Peja Pass (1740m) - Theth (750m)
Today's hike through the Prokletije reserve promises to be one of the most memorable of the entire journey. It is a relatively long trekking day crossing the border between Montenegro and Albania. The trail passes through the wildest and most dramatic section of the Prokletije range - the jagged mountain ridge. For almost the entire route we walk between steep peaks and breathtaking scenery with infinite views in all directions. Along the way we glimpse the history of the region: an old military border post, Communist-era bunkers, and a border pyramid marker - remnants of a time when this area was a forbidden zone. We stop for a picnic in a meadow carpeted with colourful wildflowers and butterflies, soaking up the stillness of the wild Balkans. We end the day with the descent to the village of Theth for our last night in the mountains.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Theth
Day 9: Theth - Grunas Waterfall - Blue Eye - Shkodra
The final day of our journey combines a short magical hike to Grunas Waterfall and a visit to the "Blue Eye" of Theth - two of the most beautiful natural sites in the Albanian Alps. The village of Theth is one of Albania's most iconic destinations, a place where time stands still and nature preserves its raw power. Along the way we enjoy stunning views of the Albanian Alpine peaks and the sound of a river rushing through a deep canyon beside the trail. As we approach the waterfall the forest thickens, the air cools, and the roar of water plunging some 30 metres into a crystal-clear natural pool grows louder. After the waterfall visit, we drive to the "Blue Eye" - a natural turquoise pool fed by a deep underground spring in the heart of the forest. It is the perfect spot for a moment of rest and for some final breathtaking photos of the journey. At day's end we drive back to Shkodra, where we close out this adventure.
Accommodation: Hotel Tradita in Shkodra or similar
Day 10: Flight Back Home!
We start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then pack up and check out. Board the transfer to Tirana airport for the flight back home. During the flight, share memories and experiences from this wonderful journey - full of photos and stories to tell :)
What's included
- Gift kit - cap and dry-fit shirt!
- A personal area for every customer in the HighAir app
- Transfers from/to Tirana airport to Shkodra hotel
- 2 nights in a 3-star hotel on B&B basis in Shkodra
- Accommodation in guesthouses (shared rooms) throughout the trek
- 3 meals per day throughout the trek
- Professional local English-speaking guides
- Luggage transfers throughout the trek
- Komani Lake boat ride
- Border crossing permits between countries
- Live WhatsApp updates for families during the trek
- Personal gear checklist and an online gear consultation
- Online preparation call with your group and guide before departure
- Meaningful donation to the fight against cancer!
What's not included
- International flights (we recommend the best routes from your city)
- Travel & medical insurance, including evacuation cover (required)
- Lunch & dinner at Shkodra hotel
- Personal gear - clothing and footwear
- Tips for guides - €50 per person
- Anything not listed in the included section
- Optional extras:
- Single room at hotel in Shkodra - €40/night
Good to know
- The Balkans trek crosses 3 countries - you need a valid passport and must have no entry restrictions for Albania, Kosovo or Montenegro.
- Accommodation is in family guesthouses - rooms are simple, food is home-cooked and genuine. Not recommended for those expecting hotel comfort.
- Daily walking distances range from 13-22 km - solid hiking fitness is required, with the ability to carry a daypack for 7-9 hours.
- Mobile signal may not be available on some sections of the route.
- Medical clearance and a health declaration are required before departure!
- No prior climbing experience needed - this is a trekking route without technical climbing, but the cumulative days demand reasonable fitness.
- Safety first - safety always takes priority.
- In the event of an early descent from the mountain, for any reason, all additional costs involved are the traveler's responsibility, such as extra hotel nights, meals, and any required flight changes.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is the Peaks of the Balkans trek?
The trek is moderate. Walking days range from 13 to 22 km with ascents of up to 1,100 m, and it takes good fitness and the ability to carry a daypack for 7-9 hours. There is no technical climbing - it is trekking at its best, across Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro.
What is the group size on the Peaks of the Balkans trek?
Our groups are limited to a maximum of 14 participants, to keep personal guidance, flexibility on the trail and a high-quality experience.
Is a single room available?
A single room is available only for the hotel nights in Shkodra, before and after the trek. During the trek itself accommodation is in family guesthouses with shared rooms only, with no single-room option - and that is part of the route's charm.
Do I need climbing experience for the Peaks of the Balkans trek?
No technical experience is needed - this is a trek with no climbing. That said, the accumulation of walking days requires reasonable fitness and prior experience with long hikes in mountainous terrain.
What happens if I turn back mid-trek?
Trekker safety comes first. If for any reason you need to descend early, the guide accompanies you back safely and arranges what comes next. Note that any extra costs arising from an early descent are the traveller's responsibility.