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Intensive Peaks of the Balkans Trail (Self Guided)
Duration: 7 days
Trails: T3 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day
> Set off on your own and conquer the most famous peaks of the Balkans: Talijanka, Arapi and Gjeravica
> Visit the Old Church of Theth, the ‘’Lock in’’ Tower in Theth and the famous Old Bazaar in Gjakova
> Get surprised by the local cuisine
> Discover the Valbona Valley National Park
Being self-reliant is a challenge you will gladly accept! In this intensive program, you will discover the Peaks of the Balkans in 7 days and set off self-guided. The Peaks of the Balkans is a collection of unspoiled mountains in a remote region shared by Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro and is connected by a circular route. This route has 192km of marked trails, of which you'll cover 90km in this program. You wind through the high Alpine mountains, crossing several mountain landscapes with a diversity of breathtaking views. In this adventure, you explore some of the most beautiful mountain peaks in the world!
Cross Border Permits will be fixed for you and you will have the chance to get to know the local culture while you are staying in Guesthouses and Shephard's huts. You will be picked up from Tirana (Albania) and driven to the starting point in Tamarë. In the upcoming days you can enjoy great views from the Valbona Pass (1795m) or Talijanka Peak (2057m). Climbing the roof of Kosovo; Gjeravica (2656m) is the highest in the country. Encounter many picturesque mountain villages where time seems to have stood still. Until 20 years ago, the region was virtually inaccessible to visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience today. Above all, be surprised, as this trek has much more to offer!
> Visit the Old Church of Theth, the ‘’Lock in’’ Tower in Theth and the famous Old Bazaar in Gjakova
> Get surprised by the local cuisine
> Discover the Valbona Valley National Park
Being self-reliant is a challenge you will gladly accept! In this intensive program, you will discover the Peaks of the Balkans in 7 days and set off self-guided. The Peaks of the Balkans is a collection of unspoiled mountains in a remote region shared by Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro and is connected by a circular route. This route has 192km of marked trails, of which you'll cover 90km in this program. You wind through the high Alpine mountains, crossing several mountain landscapes with a diversity of breathtaking views. In this adventure, you explore some of the most beautiful mountain peaks in the world!
Cross Border Permits will be fixed for you and you will have the chance to get to know the local culture while you are staying in Guesthouses and Shephard's huts. You will be picked up from Tirana (Albania) and driven to the starting point in Tamarë. In the upcoming days you can enjoy great views from the Valbona Pass (1795m) or Talijanka Peak (2057m). Climbing the roof of Kosovo; Gjeravica (2656m) is the highest in the country. Encounter many picturesque mountain villages where time seems to have stood still. Until 20 years ago, the region was virtually inaccessible to visitors, which makes it an authentic cultural experience today. Above all, be surprised, as this trek has much more to offer!
Itinerary
Day
1
Tirana (Albania) – Shkoder – Tamarë – Lëpushë - Talijanka Peak - Vuthaj
Duration: 05:00 h
Distance: 11 km
Your tour starts very early in the morning Tirana. You will drive towards Tamarë in North Albania and pass the city of Shkoder. From Tamarë, you will begin your hiking 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.
You will arrive in the small village of Lëpushë, known for its stunning nature and for us a great resting point after an exciting first day. The name Lëpushë refers to the yellow flowers that you can find there in the spring season. In the North of Albania, they are known for many delicious bio-dishes with products from the region. Their culinary is unique, tasty and can only be found in these areas. You will have the chance to try these during the tour.
Your destination for today is Vuthaj, but first you will hike to the Talijanka peak. Here you will cross the border from Albania to Montenegro. Mount Talijanka itself is located in Grbaje Valley in Montenegro. This valley is U-shaped and surrounded by the grey sharp mountain peaks. The Talijanka peak 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.
Vuthaj
Day
2
Vuthaj (Montenegro) – Arapi Peak - Theth
Duration: 08:00 h
Distance: 21 km
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 above sea level), and multiple shepherd’s huts in the Albanian Alps. These shepherd’s huts show the way of life away from civilization. In Theth, you will visit the Old Church and the “Lock in” Toyour (symbol of Theth). The stories behind these buildings take up centuries full of history. Overnight in a guest house in Theth.
Theth
Day
3
Theth – Valbona Pass - Valbona
Duration: 07:00 h
Distance: 12.16 km
Get ready for the highlight of this trip. Trekking from Theth to Valbona will be an intense day as the walk takes about 6 to 8 hours (about 1050m elevation) in a remote terrain, nevertheless unquestionably worthy! The Valbona pass offers a spectacular view of the Peaks of the Balkans and “Accursed Mountains”. When reaching the top of the Valbona Pass, you will experience a serious shot of adrenaline. From here you will be able to see at both sides of the valleys. This top viewpoint is perfect for a short break and the possibility to capture amazing pictures of the Albanian Alps.
From Valbona Pass we will star our decent to the next destination, Valbona Valley, another picturesque village surrounded by high mountains. After reaching the village, we will walk towards the traditional guesthouse. Overnight in Valbona.
Valbona
Included
Excluded
FAQ
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What Is the Best Season for the Peaks of the Balkans Trail?
Cross Border Permits on the Peaks of the Balkans
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Contact our Trekking Expert
Jan Bakker
This trek is operated by
Just for You
