Peaks of the Balkans Hike

Arrive in Tirana

Upon arrival in Tirana, Albania's capital, we'll greet you and transfer you approximately one and a half hours north to the city of Shkoder. In the early evening, we'll gather for an orientation meeting before going out to savor local cuisine for dinner at a traditional local restaurant. Albanian cuisine reflects its history, enriched by over 400 years of Ottoman occupation, offering simple, healthy and fresh dishes.

*Note: If guests arrive on different flights, we will wait until everyone is gathered before departing for Shkoder.

MEALS INCLUDED : Dinner

We travel north along the Montenegro border for approximately two hours until we reach Vermosh. Here is where we will launch on our day's hike. Our trail takes us through dense forested valleys with the majestic peaks of the Dinaric Alps standing out in the distance. We ascend Gerben peak after a challenging climb and then descend more throughout the rest of the hike. It's an ideal day to delve into the natural and cultural history of this fascinating region with our knowledgeable local guide.

Distance and Altitude: 10 km (6.3 miles) and +750 meters (2460’) and – 440 meters (1443’).  Highest point: 1840 meters (6036’)

ACCOMMODATION : Simple Guesthouse

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We start the day with a robust mountain breakfast before setting out on the trail. Today's hike features less uphill and more downhill as we descend from Albania into Montenegro. We hike well above the tree line down below, surrounded by striking limestone karst peaks. Our route takes us toward Vajusha (Talijanka) Peak, followed by a descent to Grebaje Village. From there, we have a short transfer to a guesthouse in Vuthaj, where we unwind and enjoy another delicious local meal.

Distance and Altitude:  10 km (6.3 miles) and +580 (1902’) and – 790 meters (2592’).  Highest point: 1931 meters (6335’).

ACCOMMODATION : Simple Guesthouse

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we’ll take a short ride to the nearby border, where we begin one of the most scenic and panoramic trails of our journey. Todays hike is a bit longer, but the gentle ascent through the Ropojana valley is truly rewarding. We traverse a dry lake bed, and at the Montenegro-Albania border, our luggage is transferred from one set of pack horses to another. The incline becomes steeper as we approach the summit, passing by bunkers from the era of President Hoxha, who isolated Albania and built these fortifications to guard against potential invasions.

Reaching Peja Pass, we're greeted with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the valley of Theth below. A steep descent following the summit takes us to Thethi, Albania's most historic alpine village, known for its traditional stone houses with wooden-tiled roofs perched on natural terraces. We enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a simple guesthouse with shared rooms. Our hosts share stories about their family's history in the valley and discuss the positive impact the new Peaks of the Balkans Trail has had on the local community.

Distance and Altitude:  15 km (9.3 miles) and +845 meters (2772’) and – 660 meters (2165’).  Highest point: 1721 meters (5646’).

Time: 8 hours. Rating: Difficult. The descent on todays hike is steep and can be very hard on knees. This is on a trail of uneven terrain - with loose rock and gravel, which can add discomfort.  By request (in advance) a horse can be arranged for this day for hikers that would prefer to ride. Once we reach the valley floor after our descent, an optional jeep transfer will be available for those wishing to shorten the final miles to our accommodations which otherwise require an additional climb of 200 meters (600').

ACCOMMODATION : Simple Guesthouse

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Discovering the Thethi Valley. So secluded that even the Ottomans never ventured here, the valley's inhabitants are predominantly Catholic. In 1908, English traveler Edith Durham visited Thethi and penned in her book High Albania: “Life at Thethi was of absorbing interest... I forgot all about the rest of the world, and... there seemed no reason why I should ever return.“

Since her visit, little has changed except for the introduction of electricity, running water, and other modern amenities. We’ll spend the day leisurely exploring and uncovering the valley, admiring the charming wooden and stone houses, and delving into the local history on a four-mile hike to Grunas Waterfall and Nderlysa. Alternatively, if you’re not feeling up to it, you may choose to wander and explore independently. To ensure a relaxed day, we return to our lodging by vehicle.

Distance and Altitude:  7 km (4.3 miles) and +600 meters (1970’) and – 240 meters (787’).  Time: 4 hours.  Rating: Easy to moderate (Jeep ride back to start).

ACCOMMODATION : Simple Guesthouse

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll leave out lodge for the day and head to Valbona, where we’ll set off on another challenging hiking day filled with breathtaking scenery. Horses and mules will be there to lend a hand and transport our baggage for us, leaving us light to hike. The morning hike features a continuous climb, making the steepest ascent of our journey together thus far, through a shaded and beautiful ancient forest. We climb steadily until we reach the pass, where we're greeted with views overlooking Valbone, our next destination. The descent follows a rocky path with numerous switchbacks down the mountain. After our hike, we take an hour-long drive to the small town of Bajram Curri, where we settle into a hotel for the night.

Distance and Altitude:  13 km (8 miles) and +980 meters (3215’) and – 770 meters (2526’).  Highpoint: 1860 meters (6102’). Time: 7 hours. Rating: Difficult.

ACCOMMODATION : Hotel

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We’ll get an early start to our day, and after enjoying breakfast, set off for the hour drive to Lake Drin. Once we arrive, we embark on a relaxing two-and-a-half-hour boat ride through a stunningly scenic gorge. Following the leisurely boat ride, we have a two-hour transfer to Shkodra, the second-largest city in Albania. depending on the day, before or after lunch, we will visit the hilltop Rozafa Castle.

Next, we continue our journey with a three-hour drive to the mountainside town of Kruje, the heart of Albanian resistance against the Ottoman invasion in the 15th century. This resistance was led by Gjergj Kastrioti, known as Skanderbeg, who is celebrated as a national hero. We’ll learn about the historical significance of this place as we explore. Within the castle walls, you'll find a bazaar perfect for shopping, an excellent historical museum, and an ethnographic museum. We will stay the night in a local hotel offering expansive views.

If possible, before dinner, we may the opportunity for a staff member from the local history museum will join us to provide deeper insights into Albania's rich and complex history.

ACCOMMODATION : Hotel

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart from Tirana or Continue on Kayaking

We travel to the nearby Tirana airport for your departure flights. Alternatively, you can continue with our Albania Discovery - Kayaking & Walking Tour!

*Please note: Several days of this trip involve strenuous hiking, requiring prior conditioning. Although the altitude is not extremely high, there are significant elevation gains and losses. The descents can be tough on knees and joints, making walking poles essential. The trails are often covered with loose limestone, which can become slippery when wet. If you have any concerns about your suitability for this trip, please contact our office. For groups, the itinerary can be adjusted with easier hikes, which will also change the order of destinations.