The best part of Balkan Peaks Trail Albania & Montenegro in 6 Day

This itinerary involves a hike from Theth (745 m) over the Valbona Pass (1759 m) to Valbonë (995 m). This hike follows the route of an ancient mule track linking the tribal regions of Shala and Nikaj. The hike is not particularly difficult, with very diverse sceneries and panoramic views. In addition, during the trail, there are also 2 possible stopping and resting places for a quick mountain tea and lunch break.

Dinner and overnight in Valbona.

Leaving Valbona we will take a local transfer to Cerem, a smaller village on the northeast of Valbona. Now Cerem is largely abandoned by poor weather conditions and a lack of infrastructure. Now it is only inhabited by pastoral families during the summer season, and the Peaks of the Balkans trail is one of the strongest reasons people are repopulating these areas and providing for travelers and tourists. A short stop in Cerem before continuing to Doberdol.

This day involves a transfer hike from Çerem to Doberdol, a remote shepherd’s village accessible only by mule tracks and populated only during the summertime by shepherds. From Çerem, the hike climbs up to the Montenegrin border, passes the beautiful summer shepherd’s village of Balqin, and continues through the Gashi valley (protected area) to the shepherd’s village of Dobërdol. The main attractions in Dobërdol are the glacial lakes of the Doberdol-Sulbices plateau. Dinner and Overnight in Shepherd huts in Doberdol.

We will leave Doberdol, to head toward Montenegro with our stop in Babino Polje. As the village starts to disappear behind our backs we will go very close to “3 Borders point” where the border of Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro meets. In addition, the path will continue down to Babino Polje for the next 60% of the trail. Most of the trail continues on an open valley between mountains and a dense, pine forest. 

After reaching Babino Polje, the last part of the day is a shuttle to Vusanje, less than an hour from the departure. Overnight in Vusanje (Montenegro)

Distance: 13km. Time: 3:11.

Ascend: 452m. Descend: 745m.

Going to an end, this day of the tour is relatively long and also one of the most memorable ones. Almost the entire hike is surrounded by steep mountains with stunning views. It is an area where not too long ago it was strictly guarded against armed guards of both the Socialist Republic of Albania and Yugoslavia. In addition, the trail will be followed by a line of bunkers and protection points, testifying more about those dark times. Going through the Alps we will be reaching Theth in the late afternoon as the last stop before leaving with the best memories from the Accursed Mountains and Albanian Alps. 

After a late morning and a hearty breakfast, we will leave Theth and drive for a short stop to Shkoder. It is the biggest city in the Albanian North and a real cradle of culture.

You can terminate the tour in Shkoder if you would like to privately continue or in Tirana as the last stop. 

Being dropped off somewhere else out of the Itinerary is available on request.