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About the tour

Peaks of the Balkans – 9-Day Adventure

Go a step further – cross three countries on foot and explore the most fascinating peaks of the Western Balkans. This journey takes you through the rugged landscapes of Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo. You’ll hike along ancient paths, cross mountain passes, visit remote shepherd settlements, and experience authentic local hospitality in hidden valleys. From Valbonë to Theth, from the high pastures of Dobërdol to the summit of Gjeravica, every day reveals a new adventure.

Trip Highlights:
• Cross borders between Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro entirely on foot.

• Trek through multiple national parks in one of Europe’s last wild mountain
regions.

• Summit panoramic peaks including Gjeravica (2,646 m), Trekufiri/Three-Border Peak (2,366 m), and Mt. Vajusha (2,005 m).

• Meet welcoming mountain communities and stay in local guesthouses and huts.

• Experience diverse Balkan cultures, cuisines, and landscapes in one journey.

Duration [Days]

9

Duration [Nights]

8

Difficulty

Season

Accommodation

Guesthouse, Shepherd Hut, Small Hotel

Accommodation Styles

Shared Rooms

Activity Types

Hiking

Luggage Transportation

Vehicle

Meals Included

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Transportation

Local Transfers, Private minivan

Peaks of the Balkans – 9-Day Adventure

Tour Itinerary

Welcome to Albania: Arrival in Theth

Arrival day in Theth (pick‑up from Tirana or Podgorica Airport). Meet your guide and group, enjoy a welcome dinner, and prepare for the adventure in the heart of the Albanian Alps.

Journey into the Accursed Mountains: Theth to Valbonë

This classic hike connects the two most beautiful valleys of the Albanian Alps. Starting from Theth, the trail climbs through beech forests and alpine meadows toward Qafa e Valbonës Pass (1,898 m), offering breathtaking views over both valleys. The descent follows an old shepherds’ path through forests and the village of Rragam, before continuing along the clear waters of the Valbona River to reach the guesthouse — a peaceful end to a memorable mountain day.

Distance: 17km Duration: 6-7 h Ascent: 1078m Descent: 978m

The Shepherd Valley: Cerem to Dobërdol

After a short transfer to Cerem, begin hiking toward the high pastures of
Doberdol.

From Çerem (1,260 m), the trail climbs gently toward the shepherds’ village of
Dobërdol (1,800 m). Here, families spend the summer with their livestock, living
without electricity or phone connection but offering warm hospitality and fresh
homemade dairy products. The route passes briefly through Montenegrin forest
before returning to Albania, crossing alpine meadows dotted with shepherds’
huts. Along the way, hikers can enjoy local treats such as traditional pie,
blueberry.

The Peak: Gjeravica Summit (2,646 m)

From Dobërdol (1,800 m), the trail leads toward Sylbica, reaching about 1,955 m before turning left toward the Kosovo border. The path continues across rolling hills and stone plains, passing the scenic Lake Zemër, and then ascends to Gjeravica (2,646 m) — the highest peak in Kosovo. On the way down, we walk near Lake Gjeravica, surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery, before returning to Gacafer Guesthouse for a warm meal and an overnight stay in the heart of the mountains.

From Kosovo to Montenegro: Gacafer to Babino Polje

Gacafer – Lake of Zanave – Babino Polje – Transfer to Vuthaj From Gacafer Mountain, the trail climbs to the Three-Border Point, where Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro meet. Following the ridge along the Albania - Montenegro border, we descend to the beautiful Lake of Zanave (2,000 m), where we can take a refreshing swim. The path then continues through pine forests down to Babino Polje, where our transport awaits for the transfer to Vuthaj.

Distance: 14.21km Duration: 5h Ascent: 936m Descent: 700m

The View: Gerbaja Valley and Mt. Vajusha (2,005 m)

From Vuthaj, we head to Gerbaja Valley, starting our hike near the famous House of Alpinists. The trail passes through oak forests and alpine meadows before climbing to Trojan Peak (1,855 m), offering fairytale views over the Karafil and Langoj mountains. We then follow the ridge to Vajusha Peak (2,005 m), on the border with Albania, before descending back to Vuthaj for an overnight stay in a guesthouse.

Distance: 11.33 km Duration: 6 h Ascent: 984 m Descent: 984 m

Through the Valley: Vusanje to Theth via Qafa e Pejës 16

After a short drive to Ropojan Valley (1,200 m), we start our hike from Lake
Gjeshtar, near the border between Montenegro and Albania. The trail passes
through forest and across the open plain of Fusha e Rrunicës (1,500 m)before
climbing toward Qafa e Pejës Pass (1,800 m), where we can see the small glacial
Lake of Peja. From the pass, the path descends through pine forests and along a
historic route once used by merchants, leading us down to Theth (820 m) for an
overnight stay in a guesthouse.

Distance: 16 km Duration: 7 h Ascent: 1093 m Descent: 1493 m

The Village: Explore Theth, then transfer to Tirana

Theth, located between 750 and 950 m in one of the most remote valleys of northern Albania, is surrounded by dramatic peaks and untouched nature. Today we take easy hikes around the village, visiting the Kulla e Ngujimit (Lock-In Tower), the Theth Waterfall, and the Canyon of Nderlysa. In the evening, we return to Tirana for accommodation.

Distance: 13.87 km Duration: 4-5 h Ascent: 424 m Descent: 676 m

Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport or continue your journey independently.
Farewell and end of services.

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