DAY 1
MEET YOUR FELLOW TRAVELERS IN SHKODRA AND DRIVE TO THETHI NATIONAL PARK

Meet and greet with your guide in Shkoder, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Albania, with a rich 2,500-year history. After the introduction, you’ll begin your journey toward Theth, passing through the stunning Valley of Boga — the scenic gateway to the Albanian Alps.

We will stop at Qafe Thore – the diagonal Pass, to enjoy the spectacular mountainous landscape unfolding in front of us. We continue driving in a zig-zag descent to a lovely guesthouse in the village, where we will stay overnight and enjoy a delicious homemade meal.

In the afternoon, we will have a short walk into Thethi National Park.

Note: We can arrange a transfer from Tirana & Podgorica as well.

Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Dinner
Drive: Up to 2hr 20min

DAY 2
HIKE FROM THETH TO VALBONA VIA SPECTACULAR VALBONA PASS

Today, our trail leads us toward the spectacular Valbona Pass. It's a moderate/challenging hike, often taken on by many first-time mountain walkers. Over the next couple of hours, the trail gradually becomes steeper as we gain elevation, eventually reaching Valbona Pass at 1,792 meters. From the top, we’re rewarded with outstanding views of the Albanian Alps and the beautiful Valbona Valley below.

After lunch, we make our way down to the valley. Of course, we can choose whether to continue independently walking down the main, wide, dried-up riverbed road or take a van to avoid it.

Trail: ~16Km; Total ascent/descent: 1050m/800m, Maximum altitude: 1760m; Time: 6-7hr
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3
HIKE UP THE EPIC AND REMOTE “PREJSLLOPI PASS” TRAIL. OVERNIGHT IN CEREM

After a hearty breakfast and a cup of hot mountain tea with honey, we begin our ascent up a steep, zig-zagging trail to the epic and remote Prejsllopi Pass. After several hours of hiking, we reach the highest point of today’s journey at 2,000 meters, climbing a series of switchbacks that reward us with stunning views of the snowcapped peaks of the Alps in every direction.

Shortly after crossing the pass and briefly entering Montenegro, we enter a rocky section of the trail that lasts about 45 minutes. This part of the hike requires extra attention, as the path is covered with loose stones and sharp rocks. It can be especially slippery on rainy days, so careful footing is essential. Trekking poles are highly recommended to help with balance and stability through this rugged terrain.

Stopping at the stone border to capture some memorable moments, we re-enter Albania and begin our descent toward Cerem. The trail from here is a gentle downhill walk, leading us through open meadows and peaceful beech forests, making for a relaxing and scenic end to the day’s hike.
Note: We do not recommend this trail in stormy weather. Instead, we take a 30-minute 4x4 car to the guesthouse in Cerem.

Trail:~14Km; Total ascent/descent: 1150m/870m, Maximum altitude: 2040m; Time: 7-8hr
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4
TREK FROM CEREM TO DOBERDOL, A VAST ALPINE PASTURE

After breakfast and a cup of hot mountain tea, we continue the trek to Dobёrdol. Leaving Çerem and the Kollata massif behind, we walk slowly in the forest for a couple of hours.

Today’s hike is relatively long, with many ups and downs, mainly in the forest. We briefly cross the Montenegro border and return to Albania until we reach the ruins of the old military border post. Further on, we take a picnic break at the hamlet of Balqin, which is used by the shepherds during the summer season. After a hearty lunch and coffee break, we continue to walk along a mostly flat, scenic trail through patches of beech forest. We finally reach the Dobёrdol pasture.

Trail: ~16Km; Total ascent/descent: 1025m/440m, Maximum altitude: 1920m; Time: 6-7hr
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5
HIKE DOBERDOL TO MILISHEVC VIA THREE BORDER POINT

This long trail involves a hike from the remote shepherd’s village of Dobёrdol to another, less remote shepherd’s village in Kosovo (Milishevc).

After an early breakfast, today's hike begins through the bilberry-covered meadows of Dobërdol in the direction of the mountain ridge, which forms the border between the three countries. The highlight of this trail is the magical Triple Peak (2,266 m), offering views of the Albanian Alps, where we walked days before. After a photo break, you walk slowly through a beautiful alpine meadow toward Milishevc. All meals are included.

*The trail may be shorter, depending on the guesthouse we stay in.

Trail: ~18Km; Total ascent/descent: ~950m, Maximum altitude: 2236m; Time: 6-7hr
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6
BORDER-CROSSING FROM MILISHEVC TO BABINO POLJE

Today’s trek starts with an early breakfast before we set off another full day of walking. This relatively short hike crosses the border between Kosovo and Montenegro. The path leads us through lovely mountain areas with colorful and breathtaking views that make the journey very enjoyable. After crossing the border, we gradually descend to Babino Polie, taking our time to appreciate the beautiful surroundings along the way.

Trail: ~16Km; Total ascent/descent: 700m/880m, Maximum altitude: 2166m; Time: 5-6hr
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7
BEAUTIFUL HIKE FROM BABINO POLJE TO PLAV VIA HRID LAKE

After breakfast, we set out for the beautiful Lake Hrid Jezero, where we enjoy a cool swim in the middle of a quiet forest. After taking some time to rest, we continue to a high viewpoint that offers beautiful views of the surrounding land. We also enjoy a picnic lunch in the picturesque meadow of Treskavica Katun. The final part of the trail is mostly a dirt road, but it can be shortened by taking a 30-minute transfer from Treskavica Katun, reducing the hike by about 6-7 km.

Plav is the largest town along the Peaks of the Balkans trail. It offers a variety of amenities, including many shops, stores, ATMs, and pharmacies if needed.

Trail: ~21Km; Total ascent/descent: 600m/1190m, Maximum altitude: 2236m; Time: 7-8hr
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8
HIKE TO VUSANJE VIA BORI PEAK FOR THE EPIC ACCURSED MOUNTAIN VIEWS

After another healthy breakfast to start your day, we trek to Vusanje for the two other nights in Montenegro. You hike through dense beech forest, encountering flowering plants before reaching the open meadows of Bori ridge. The final approach to the high pass begins here with a steep ramp leading to the peak of Bori at 2106m. At the top, the views of the surrounding peaks of the Accursed Mountains are spectacular. The trail then descends gradually, passing through a meadow and forest to Vusanje. All meals included.

Trail: ~17Km; Total ascent/descent: 740m/1170m, Maximum altitude: 2100m; Time: 6-7hr
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Drive: 40min 4X4

DAY 9
DAY HIKE: VUSANJE – GREBAJA NATIONAL PARK – VAJUSHA SUMMIT

Enjoy waking up with a hot drink, then settle in for a hearty breakfast, snap a few last-minute photographs, and prepare for a short drive to Grbaja Valley.

Our trek starts with a gradual uphill passing through the forest and ultimately arriving at Vallushnica Peak, the first peak for today's hike. The views here are fantastic! The last part of the trail passes across the ridge before the final ascent, Taljanka Peak, 2056m. Finding the perfect spot for a picnic lunch, we take time to soak in all of the beauty of this special spot. After lunch, we’ll descend down to the Valley and then take a transfer back to Vusanje. All meals included.

Trail: ~10Km; Total ascent/descent: 1020m, Maximum altitude: 2056m; Time: 5-6hr
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Drive: 40min both ways

DAY 10
SPECTACULAR HIKE FROM VUSANJE TO THETH – DRIVE TO SHKODER

Start the day with a delicious breakfast and watch as the fog burns away, opening to spectacular views of the Albanian Alps. We start with a short 4x4-drive to Ropojana Valley, the starting point of the trek.

Today’s cross-border trail into Prokletije National Park, crossing from Montenegro to Albania, is certain to be a memorable hike.

The path passes along the craggiest part of the Prokletje/Bjeshkёt e Namuna/Alpet Shqipёtare Mountains. Almost the entire hike is surrounded by steep mountains with stunning views. This itinerary allows us a glance into the region’s past when it was a forbidden zone during the Communist era. A border military post, some bunkers, and the border crossing pyramid sign still remain by the crossing. We will have a picnic lunch in lush Alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers and full of butterflies. The final section of the trail, from Peja Pass down to Okol, is a steep, zigzagging path covered in loose scree, making it a challenging descent.

Transport from Theth to Shkoder after the hike.

Trail: ~17Km; Total ascent/descent: 780m/1000m, Maximum altitude: 1435m; Time: 6-7hr
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Drive: Up to 2hr

Note: The guided Peaks of the Balkans trail has been adapted slightly to meet the needs of most travelers. It can be booked for a minimum of four people (open group), for private groups, or for a self-guided tour.