Travel the Peaks of the Balkans
€ 1450
Peaks of the Balkans Tour
The full Peaks of the Balkans trek commences with pickup from Pristina Airport, marking the beginning of our 11-day adventure. Our journey unfolds as we head westward to the picturesque city of Peja in Kosovo. From there, we embark on our expedition to the majestic Peaks of the Balkans. Over the course of 11 days, we'll traverse enchanting mountain valleys, encounter remote shepherd settlements, and partake in the simple joys of mountain life. Our days will be punctuated by cozymountain hut stays. where we'll savor delicious mountain tea and sample locally crafted sheep cheese. Prepare for long days of trekking and occasional basic conditions as we immerse ourselves in the stunning landscapes of the Balkans. Yet amidst the challenges, we'll be enveloped by the genuine warmth of Balkan hospitality, creating memories that will endure a lifetime. Our journey will lead us through enchanting flower meadows, picturesque valleys, and towering peaks, as we make our way to unique guesthouses and traditional shepherd huts. Each day promises new experiences, from sipping steaming cups of mountain tea to savoring homemade meals prepared by welcoming hosts. Along the way, we'll encounter friendly faces and forge connections that will linger in our hearts long after the trek is over.
Day 1: Arrival at Prishtina Airport, stay at Guesthouse Ariu
We will provide transportation from Prishtina Airport to the city of Peja. Upon arrival, we
will embark on a brief city tour, exploring the charming old bazaar and pausing for a
delightful lunch. Finally, we will drive for an hour to Reka Allages, where we will be
accommodated at the Ariu Guesthouse.
Driving Time: 2.2h Accommodation: Ariu Guesthouse.
Driving Time: 2.2h Accommodation: Ariu Guesthouse.
Day 2: Hike to the Edelweiss Peak, the beautiful Hajla
After a delightful breakfast prepared by Mustafa and his wife Fetije, we will get ready for
the first day of our hiking adventure, filled with fun and excitement. We will begin our tour by hiking to the Era Mountain Hut and later on reaching the Hajla peak which is at 2403m
and stands in the border between Montenegro and Kosovo. Descending to the next village of the Rugova gorge, Drelaj.
Walking Time: 5-6h, Total Distance: 13 km Summit: 2km, Elevation Gain: 1150m Elevation Loss: 1200m Luggage Transfer: by Vehicle 4x4, Accommodation: Guesthouse.
Walking Time: 5-6h, Total Distance: 13 km Summit: 2km, Elevation Gain: 1150m Elevation Loss: 1200m Luggage Transfer: by Vehicle 4x4, Accommodation: Guesthouse.
Day 3: Scenic Pass Crossing: From Mountain Lakes to Verdant Fields
A short transfer will be mandatory in order to begin our next hike.
The hike from Liqenat to Babino Polje, crossing the Jelenka Pass 2274 and Zavoj Pass, descending through a grass field to the village
of Babino Polje.
Walking Time: 7.5h, Total Distance: 14.3 km, Elevation Gain: 1050m, Elevation Loss: 1000, Luggage Transfer: by Car, First Transfer: 30 minutes, Accommodation: Guesthouse.
Walking Time: 7.5h, Total Distance: 14.3 km, Elevation Gain: 1050m, Elevation Loss: 1000, Luggage Transfer: by Car, First Transfer: 30 minutes, Accommodation: Guesthouse.
Day 4: Circular Day Hike to Vajusha Peak: Majestic Views and Astonishing Mountains
With a short transfer, our driver will take us to one of the most beautiful mountain
settlements in Montenegro. In the era of ex-Yugoslavia, this area was one of the
premier attractions of the former Communist Era. Our destination is the stunning
Grebaja Valley, where we will embark on a remarkable hike. Here, we will be greeted by the
majestic Karanfil mountain massif, which bears a striking resemblance to the
magnificent Dolomites.
Today's hike will be more leisurely compared to previous days, offering a more comfortable pace while still providing breathtaking views of the Accursed Mountains and the Karanfil massif, weather permitting. Our journey will take us to the peak of Vajusha, standing at 2054 meters, where we will find ourselves straddling the border between Albania and Montenegro.
Walking Time: 5-6h, Total Distance: 10 km, Elevation Gain: 1000m, Elevation Loss: 1000, Luggage Transfer: by Car, First Transfer: 1h, Second Transfer: 30min Accommodation: Guesthouse.
Today's hike will be more leisurely compared to previous days, offering a more comfortable pace while still providing breathtaking views of the Accursed Mountains and the Karanfil massif, weather permitting. Our journey will take us to the peak of Vajusha, standing at 2054 meters, where we will find ourselves straddling the border between Albania and Montenegro.
Walking Time: 5-6h, Total Distance: 10 km, Elevation Gain: 1000m, Elevation Loss: 1000, Luggage Transfer: by Car, First Transfer: 1h, Second Transfer: 30min Accommodation: Guesthouse.
Day 5: Discovering Albania's Hidden Gem: A Journey Through the Magnificent Fields and Valleys
Embarking on a thrilling journey, we will venture just 5 kilometers up a rugged 4x4 road to
reach the enchanting Ropojana Valley. Along the way, we will pause to visit a captivating karst spring before continuing our
ascent into the heart of the Ropojana Valley. Today, we embark on a scenic hike tracing the footsteps behind the magnificent Karanfil
massif, a sight that left us spellbound the day before. Along the way, we will have the
privilege of visiting mountain shepherds, immersing ourselves in their world as we
sample their high-altitude sheep cheese and milk. Continuing on our journey, we will encounter remnants of Albania's tumultuous past as we
stumble upon old, forgotten bunkers and a military base dating back to the communist
era. Eventually, we will cross the scenic Peja Pass and descend down to the village of Theth. As we journey downward, we will
be treated to the breathtaking natural beauty of Theth, taking in the sights at a leisurely
pace. Along the way, we will pause for a refreshing drink at a quaint café, where we will
await our driver to whisk us away to our next guesthouse.
Walking Time: 5-6h, Total Distance: 12.3 km, Elevation Gain: 600m, Elevation Loss: 1000, Luggage Transfer: by Car or by Horse, First Transfer: 50 minutes, Second Transfer: 30min Accommodation: Guesthouse in Theth.
Walking Time: 5-6h, Total Distance: 12.3 km, Elevation Gain: 600m, Elevation Loss: 1000, Luggage Transfer: by Car or by Horse, First Transfer: 50 minutes, Second Transfer: 30min Accommodation: Guesthouse in Theth.
Day 6: The chilly karst spring of the Blue Eye
Today, we will enjoy a shorter and easier hike, allowing for a bit more rest in the
morning. After breakfast, we will prepare our swimming gear and set out to visit the
stunning Grunas Waterfall. Our path will take us alongside the Theth River, eventually
leading us to the picturesque village of Nderlysa. Here, we will either have lunch at a
guesthouse or enjoy a packed meal.
Following lunch, we will hike for about 45 minutes to an hour to reach the karst spring
known as the Blue Eye.
Walking Time: 3h, Blue Eye: 1.5h Total Distance: 12km km, Elevation Gain: 500m, Elevation Loss: 360, Transfer Minibus: 40min, Accommodation: Guesthouse in Theth.
Walking Time: 3h, Blue Eye: 1.5h Total Distance: 12km km, Elevation Gain: 500m, Elevation Loss: 360, Transfer Minibus: 40min, Accommodation: Guesthouse in Theth.
Day 7: The Spectacular Valbona Pass
Today will be a bit more challenging as we embark on our journey toward the stunning
Valbona Pass. Our hike begins through a beautiful birch forest, where we will stop at a
charming café hidden among the trees to enjoy a warm cup of tea or a refreshing drink.
After several hours of walking through picturesque forests and valleys, we will arrive at
the Valbona Pass. Our descent continues to the small village of Rragam, where we will stop at a local bar for
a drink while we wait for our driver to transfer us to the next guesthouse, where we will
be welcomed at a beautiful guesthouse in Cerem.
Walking Time: 6h, Total Distance: 12.3 km, Elevation Gain: 1150m, Elevation Loss: 750, Luggage Transfer: by Horse, Transfer: 1h Accommodation: Guesthouse in Cerem.
Walking Time: 6h, Total Distance: 12.3 km, Elevation Gain: 1150m, Elevation Loss: 750, Luggage Transfer: by Horse, Transfer: 1h Accommodation: Guesthouse in Cerem.
Day 8: Cerem – Doberdol
This time from Cerem we are going to the high alpine pastures where the
mountain huts are located. Before the tourism outbreak there used to be during the
summer months and late autumn, lots of families who came with the herd, nowadays
those families build guesthouses in a more mountain hut style, with wooden roofs,
wooden houses etc. Thus, we are going to
Doberdol, a beautiful place, situated on the foot of the mountain of Trekufiri/Tromeda
where the three countries come together.
Walking Time: 6-7h, Total Distance: 15 km, Elevation Gain: 1100m, Elevation Loss: 500, Luggage Transfer: by 4x4, Accommodation: Simple Mountain Hut.
Walking Time: 6-7h, Total Distance: 15 km, Elevation Gain: 1100m, Elevation Loss: 500, Luggage Transfer: by 4x4, Accommodation: Simple Mountain Hut.
Day 9: From Doberdol to the highest peak in Kosovo: Gjeravica 2656m
Our journey will take us to a stunning mountain pass and along a beautiful
ridge, ultimately leading to the Ali Peja pass. Along the way, we will visit serene
mountain lakes, with the opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the bluest
lake in Gjeravica. Our hike will culminate at the summit of Gjeravica Peak, the highest
mountain in Kosovo at 2,656 meters, and the second highest in the Accursed
Mountains. The views from the top are truly breathtaking.
In the afternoon, we will descend and await our 4x4
transfer, which will take us to the city of Gjakova. Our mountain adventure takes a new
turn as we settle into a hotel and enjoy the vibrant city life.
Walking Time: 7h, Total Distance: 16 km (-2.5km without the peak), Elevation Gain: 1300m, Elevation Loss: 1200m, Luggage Transfer: by Horse or 4x4 or Car, Transfer: 2.5h Accommodation: Hotel in Gjakova.
Walking Time: 7h, Total Distance: 16 km (-2.5km without the peak), Elevation Gain: 1300m, Elevation Loss: 1200m, Luggage Transfer: by Horse or 4x4 or Car, Transfer: 2.5h Accommodation: Hotel in Gjakova.
Day 10: Culture Day in Gjakova and Prizren: Unique Wine Tasting Experience
After our exhilarating mountain adventures, we will spend a day immersing ourselves in
the rich cultural heritage of Gjakova and Prizren.
In Gjakova, we will explore the historic Carshia e Vjeter (Old Town), with its charming
cobbled streets, traditional shops, and ancient mosques like Hadumi Mosque.
To top off our cultural exploration, we will indulge in a unique wine tasting experience,
sampling exquisite local wines that reflect the region’s rich winemaking traditions, and eating lunch at a local restaurant.
Next, we head to Prizren, known for its stunning architecture and lively atmosphere.
We will stroll through its bustling streets, visiting sites such as the League of Prizren, and
the medieval Prizren Fortress, which offers panoramic views of the city.
Total Driving Time: 3.5h Luggage Transfer: Minibus (together with us), Lunch: Restaurant, Accommodation: Hotel in Prizren.
Total Driving Time: 3.5h Luggage Transfer: Minibus (together with us), Lunch: Restaurant, Accommodation: Hotel in Prizren.
Day 11: Transfer to Prishtina International Airport
After 11 days of adventure through three countries, immersing ourselves in diverse
cultures, savoring different cuisines, learning new words, and experiencing the local life
in guesthouses, it is time to say goodbye. Hopefully, we have blended well with the
communities and created lasting memories.
After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport. Hopefully, we will see each other again
soon. Thank you for experiencing the Western Balkans with us and choosing us to
guide you through the wild nature of the Accursed Mountains.
Driving Time: 1h.
Driving Time: 1h.