Peaks of the Balkans Trail (Self Guided)

Route

Early in the morning you head towards the starting point of the trek. You will drive towards Tamarë in North Albania and pass by the city of Shkoder. From Tamarë, you will begin with your adventure of the Peaks of the Balkans. The Peaks of the Balkans are part of the Dinaric Alps that start all the way in Slovenia and end in the southeast of Albania. The Albanian Alps are even the highest section of the Dinaric Alps. You will get to explore them in the days to come.

Day 2: Lëpushë – Maja e Berizhdolit (1977m) – Lëpushë (guesthouse)
11km | 5-6 Hours | Level: Moderate | Elevation: 900m | Trail type: Loop

Today you will hike to Maja e Berizhdolit (1977m) in the Albanian Alps, also called the Accursed Mountains. This is a beautiful trek that passes water springs and has a rewarding view from the top. The spectacular rocky formation of mountains is covered in snow on one side while the other side has almost no vegetation. The hike is about 6 hours including breaks, which are fascinating when you are surrounded by these mountains. After soaking in the spectacular sight, you will head back to Lëpushë. 

Your destination for today is Vuthaj, but first you will hike to the Talijanka peak (2057m). Here you will cross the border from Albania to Montenegro. Mount Talijanka (2057m) is located in the Grbaje Valley in Montenegro. This valley is U-shaped and surrounded by the grey sharp mountain peaks. The Talijanka peak (2057m) is considered to be one of the most beautiful of the Balkan Peaks. The view of dramatic grey extraordinary-shaped mountains is a sight that even the professional hiker will be amazed by. From this peak, you can also see Lake Plav in Montenegro. You will take a minivan for the last 40 minutes to Vuthaj in Montenegro. In Vuthaj you will have the opportunity to visit the Ali Pasha springs, which is about a 40 – minute walk from the guest house, or you can reminisce on the spectacular views you have seen today. 
Day 4: Vuthaj – Arapi Peak (2217m) - Theth (Albania) (guesthouse)
18km | 8 Hour | Level: Moderate | Elevation: 1150m | Trail type: One way

From Vuthaj, you will head towards Theth and cross the border back to Albania. During this trek, you will visit a hidden water place which is difficult to find by yourself if you don’t know the exact location. You will also pass by one of the highest peaks of the Balkans, the Arapi peak (2217m) next to Maja Jezercë (2694m). You will come across multiple shepherd’s huts, in the Albanian Alps which show the way of life away from civilization. In Theth, you will visit the Old Church and the “Lock in” Tower (symbol of Theth). The stories behind these buildings take up centuries full of history. 

Day 5: Theth – Blue Eye – Theth (guesthouse)
20km | 8 Hours | Level: Moderate | Elevation: 450m | Trail type: Loop

A famous saying in Albania is “one who has seen Theth, has a reason to live’’ (Gjergj Fishta) and today you will see another beautiful phenomenon that supports his saying. The hiking tour of Theth continues to the natural wonder so-called the “Blue Eye of Theth”. The hike takes 4 hours to get there and 3.5 hours back to Theth. The Blue Eye is formed by the erosion of the rocks by the water that descends from the melting snow of the Albanian Alps. The pool of blue water gets its water from a small waterfall, which makes the picture complete. You will not be able to take your eyes off this iridescent glow of green and blue colours of this marvel of nature, inviting you to dive in. 

Day 6: Theth – Valbona Pass (1795m) - Valbona (guesthouse)
12km | 6-8 Hours | Level: Moderate | Elevation: 1050m | Trail type: One way

Trekking to Valbona from Theth will be an intense day as the walk takes about 6 to 8 hours in remote terrain, nevertheless unquestionably worthy! The route used to be an old mule trail and goes through a landscape full of impressive mountains. At one point, you will see the Theth valley on one side and Valbona valley on the other side. The Valbona pass (1795m) also offers a spectacular view of the Balkan Peaks and “Bjeshket e Nemuna” or the Accursed Mountains. “Bjeshket e Nemuna” is a national park in Gjakova and Peja in Kosovo, near the borders of Albania and Montenegro. On the way you will walk through some beautiful landscapes and wild forests. You might even see some shepherds passing by with their flock. When reaching the top of the Valbona Pass (1795m), you will experience a serious shot of adrenaline. 

Day 8: Cerem - Doberdol (shepherd's hut)
15km | 6-7 Hours | Level: Moderate | Elevation: 1025m | Trail Type: One way

From Cerem, you will hike towards Doberdol following a mule track. On your way you'll cross the border to Montenegro in about two hours. The hike brings you through pine forests and you can find all kinds of berries, such as blueberries, blackberries and raspberries (depending on the season). We will also pass the only National Reserve in Albania, which has brown bears and the last population of approximately 40 lynxes in the Balkans. It is a beautiful trail with the highest point being 2100 meters above sea level. You will have a chance to enjoy a nice coffee or other drink at some of the shepherd’s hut villages. These villages are only populated during the summer by shepherds. Doberdol, the destination for today, is about 1800m above sea level and this is where you will have another overnight in a shepherd’s hut. The village is beautiful and we can choose from different food options made from ingredients out of the region. The beds, however, are definitely not hotel beds, just matrasses and the conditions are basic. Yet again, the locals are very welcoming, the food is delicious and it will be a great once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

What's Included

Included:

√ Transport
At the beginning of the trek, the trekking company will pick you up from your hotel in Tirana. All local transfers during the trek are also included in the price. At the end of the trek, we will take you back to your hotel in Tirana.

√ 6 nights accommodation in Guesthouse
Guesthouses are home to locals, they will welcome you with open arms and show you their way of life. 

√ 2 nights accommodation in a Shepherd's hut
Shepherd huts are less comfortable but good enough for a well-deserved night's sleep. Be surprised by the hospitality!

√ 1 night of accommodation in a Hotel
Hotel overnight is booked for the last night, ideal to have a mental farewell to the Peaks of the Balkans and give the legs some rest. 

* Prices are calculated on triple or quadruples room occupancy. The Triple/Quadruple room occupancy means you might share the room with other travelers. (who could be male or female).

√ Cross Border Pass
Permits to cross the various borders are included and prepared by our local partner Choose Balkans. 

√ Transport by 4X4 wheel drive from Junik to Gjakova
Day 9 includes a transfer from Junik to Gjakova where a 4x4 wheel drive will be waiting for you.

√ Entry Tickets 
Entry tickets are included for all sites you encounter along the way, for example the Old Church (Theth) and the Sinan Pasha Mosque (Prizren).

√ Breakfast
Breakfasts are included in the price of the trek. They will be provided at the accommodation where you spent the night before.

√ Taxes
Tourist taxes, road taxes, international car insurance, and petrol are included in the price of the trek.

Excluded:

× Airfare and Visa
You have to make your way to Tirana. The total amount is exclusive of flights to Albania. 

× Accommodation before and after the trek
Before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation.

× Travel Insurance
Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

× Meals, drinks, and snacks
The meals during the trek are not included in the final price, except for breakfast. One meal is about 6-8 Euro. At every accommodation, there are limited food options to buy for the next hike (bread, cheese, yoghurt, meat, vegetables and honey).

× Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks at the bar and other similar expenses are for your own account.

× Guide
For this trek, you will set off independently, which means without a guide. 

× Mule
Mule or horse caravan, to carry heavy luggage is excluded but available on request.

Accommodation

Safety

FAQ

FAQ

Best season
The best months to visit Albania are from mid-June to mid-September. The summer months are relatively warm due to its geographical location. Average temperatures in July, August and September are around 25 °C in the Riviera, while temperatures are lower in the Albanian Alps. The beaches are crowded during this period and you will meet most people on the trails. September, October and the first part of November are considered the most ideal period, there is no snow yet and the trails are a lot quieter. The weather conditions in these months are ideal for a brisk trek. 

In winter (November, December, January, February and March), temperatures can drop considerably. You will encounter snow in the mountains, making northern Albania in particular very suitable for winter sports. The transition periods between winter and summer are very unstable. A day with temperatures of 25 °C is certainly not unusual, however, the next day can be 15 °C cooler. This applies mainly to the months of April, May, June and October. From mid-May to around the end of June, weather conditions are good for a nice trek and you won't meet as many other hikers on the route.

Training
The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the trek. No doubt about that. If you are in good shape, this trek shouldn't be a problem for you. Remember that during these treks in Albania you will be walking many hours in the mountains for several days. 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. 

Tipping
Tipping is not a must in Albania or the Balkans. However, if you got a good service from your guide and you want to thank him, it will always be much appreciated. How much to tip your guide is up to you. Our recommendation is to tip the tour guide/driver 5 – 10 Euros per day/person as it is an international practice to tip good service.

Single room occupancy
Single room occupancy is possible for EUR 30 extra per person per night. Please ask our trekking experts about the possibilities. 

If you want to get more in-depth information you can check out the following blog posts from Bookatrekking.com about hiking in the Balkans: 

Hiking Albania
Hiking in Croatia
Climb Triglav
Hiking in Montenegro

Packing List

Packing List

Balkans-Challenge accepted! But what should I actually take with me? That's a hard question to answer, because you don't want to compromise on quality but certainly don't want to carry too much weight as well. Perhaps this packing list will help you to prepare for the trek. Use these as a guideline, our trekking experts are happy to advise you if you have any questions. 

Clothing:

- Hiking boots
- Hiking trousers 
- Fleece/down jacket
- Rainwear (jacket, trousers, poncho, etc.)
- Hiking socks
- Hat or buff
- Gloves
- Swimwear (in the summer months)

Equipment:

- Backpack
- Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.)
- Headlamp
- Nightwear
- Travel towel 
- Earplugs

Personal care:

- Water bottle and/or water bottle
- Plastic bag (for rubbish)
- Snacks
- Toiletries 
- Painkillers 

Indispensables:

- Passport/ID
- Travel and/or mountaineering insurance
- Cash money
- Chargers
- Camera for capturing memories

Choose Balkans

Choose Balkans & Bookatrekking.com

Choose Balkans has been Bookatrekking.com's preferred partner in Albania and the Balkans since 2019. Alban and his team are operating from their office in Tirana and they have excellent knowledge of the region. Arranging the local logistics, but also showing the hidden gems of their country is one of their specialities. They also have broad experience in Guided and Self-Guided hiking Trips in Albania and on the Peaks of The Balkans Trail.

If you book your tour through Bookatrekking.com, we will be glad to help you with making the right choice and advise you in the best way possible. Once the booking is made, we leave Choose Balkans to do where they are best. Arranging your accommodations, routes, and all other travel plans to make your hiking trip in Albania an unforgettable experience!

How to Book

How does it work?

On Bookatrekking.com you can find and compare the adventures of your dreams. Is this trekking adventure your match? In that case you can proceed to booking. At Bookatrekking.com you make a deposit of 20% of the total amount. You pay the remaining amount on location prior to the trek directly to the trekking company.

Bookatrekking.com uses only the safest payment methods. Once your booking has been received, your place is reserved, your place is safe and you can look forward to your chosen trekking.

After you have made your booking, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with all necessary information and the contact details of the trekking company. If you have any questions or if you want to clarify something, you can obtain information directly from the right person. Of course, you can also always ask us your question. Send us an e-mail on support@bookatrekking.com

The trekking company will also receive your details and can therefore always contact you and provide you with extra information.

Cancellation Policy

You wish you didn’t have to, but there is no other way: You find yourself having to cancel your plans. In this case, you lose your deposit, but since you haven’t paid the large sum yet, you at least save that. Please do let us know if you cannot make it. A no-show can be a small disaster for your trekking provider, who did its best to block your dates. View our complete cancellation policy here.