Trekking and Hiking in Montenegro - All You Need to Know

For any trekking adventure, choosing the right time of the year is usually one of the most important decisions. This also applies to hiking in Montenegro. The interior of Montenegro has a sub-alpine climate, which means that summers are warm but winters can be quite harsh, with temperatures falling down to -15 °C and heavy snowfall. Summer and early fall are the best times to visit Montenegro, which means from June to September. Overnight lows in the mountains range from 3 to 8 °C and daily highs range from 13 to 20 °C. Across the country, it generally rains about a third of the days each month, so don't forget to bring waterproof clothing for your trek as well!

A reasonable level of fitness is required for hiking in the Durmitor National Park. During the treks, you will be ascending 700 m approximately, at a relaxed pace. You will need to be able to handle 5 – 6 hours of hiking at a continuous pace for this adventure.

Being fit for this trek is important not only for your own safety, but also for the whole team's. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the trek. If you are in good shape, this trek shouldn't be a problem for you. However, if you are worried that it might be too much, you can always train in advance. Walking a few hours a day and climbing some stairs is always a good way to start. Anyway, you don't have to worry too much, your guide will be with you at all times and will help you, if needed, to complete your adventure securely and safely.

Tipping is not so common in the Balkans and it is by no means a mandatory requirement after your hike in Montenegro. However, if you had a good time and you got a good service from your guide and, you can always thank him with a tip. The guides will always appreciate it. How much to tip your guide, however, is up to you. 

The treks in Montenegro's Durmitor National Pak begin at Dubrovnik Airport, in Croatia. However, if you are already in Montenegro, you can meet your guide in Podgorica as well. You can always get in touch with our trekking experts to arrange this.

There are many things to take into account when getting ready for a trek. Packing the right stuff should be at the top of the list: the right clothes and equipment can make the difference when spending several days in the mountains. This is the reason why we always ask our partners to recommend a packing list for their trekkers. Here is EST Adventure's packing list:

• Hiking shoes
• Hiking trousers
• Breathable, quick-drying, sport clothes
• Sandals
• Swimsuit and towel
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock)
• Warm layers for the colder evenings
• Backpack
• Shorts
• Energy/protein bars
• Waterproof jacket

During the hikes in Montenegro, the food is always local, fresh, home-cooked and hearty. After a long day in the mountains, you will be welcomed by typical Montenegrin dishes, like cheeses and other dairy products, dry meats, fish, freshly baked bread and pastries, and local fruits and veggies. If you have any dietary needs, you can always let the trekking company know, they will be more than happy to meet them.

During the treks on the Durmitor Massif, you will spend your nights at a mountain chalet in the highlands of Central Montenegro. You don't have to worry about anything, the trekking company will take care of all the arrangements. At the chalet, all bedding items will be provided so you can rest comfortably after a long but wonderful day of hiking. Dinners will be provided at the chalet.

A trek to Montenegro's highest peak costs EUR 335,- / USD 370,- per person. The hikes on the Durmitor Massif include accommodation in mountain chalets, a guide to take you safely to the top, heartwarming meals, and the park entrance fees. Transport from Dubrovnik Airport to the starting point of the trek is also included in the price of the hike.