Balkan Borderlands Trek – Across Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro

⟺ 7 km ▲ 250 m ▼ 50 m ⧗ 3:30 h

Start your day early with a scenic drive through the dramatic Drin Gorges to the stunning Komani Lake (58 km / 2 hrs). Board a ferry like no other, winding through fjord-like waters between sheer cliffs, stopping to pick up friendly locals from remote mountain villages — a true cultural gem.

Arrive at Fierze and continue by car to Valbona National Park, pausing for a light lunch in Bajram Curri. By early afternoon, reach the enchanting Valbona Valley, where stone tower-houses nestle among alpine meadows.

Stretch your legs with a gentle warm-up hike along a crystal-clear stream, shaded by ancient beech forests, dotted with wild strawberries. Brave hikers may dip into an ice-cold river or hidden pond.

As the day ends, enjoy a hearty traditional dinner and rest up in a cozy guesthouse — the perfect start to your journey through the Accursed Mountains.

B / L / D
3 h drive + 3 h boat

⟺ 14 km ▲ 1,200 m ▼ 950 m ⧗ 8:00 h

Refreshed and fueled, you begin one of the longest and most rewarding ascents of the trek. As you climb along winding trails, the majestic Albanian Alps open up around you, revealing their tallest peaks.

Cross open alpine pastures and enter a stark, treeless valley, where the rugged wilderness feels truly untouched. At Persllopi Pass (2,039 m), pause to take in the sweeping views — and note, just above you lies Mt. Kollata (2,534 m), Albania’s highest peak near the border with Montenegro.

Navigate through a dramatic karst labyrinth and past a curious wind cave, requiring some sure-footed steps, before re-entering Albania. Panoramas stretch endlessly, and shepherd encounters offer insight into the mountain way of life.

Arrive in the remote village of Cerem, cut off from the grid — no phone signal, no electricity, just home-cooked meals, a warm shower, and heartfelt hospitality. If weather makes the pass inaccessible, a scenic route through Mt. Kollata Canyon leads you to a rustic guesthouse nestled in nature.

B / LP / D
10 min transfer

⟺ 16 km ▲ 1,250 m ▼ 650 m ⧗ 7:00 h

Today’s hike leads you through lush alpine meadows and across flower-strewn trails, briefly entering the once-sealed lands of former Yugoslavia. Along the way, enjoy foraging wild forest berries, admiring vibrant alpine flora, and soaking in views of the mighty Mt. Kolata (2,534 m).

As you reach the rim of a deep river canyon, the landscape transforms dramatically. The route continues along a high ridge through conifer forests, revealing the contrast between the Western and Eastern Alps. Stop in a sunlit alpine pasture, where you can sip coffee or raki with local herdsmen.

In the tranquil glacial valley of Doberdol (1,750 m), time seems to stand still. Here, livestock roam free and locals live in harmony with nature, much like in centuries past. Staying in simple shepherd huts, you’ll trade comfort for authentic warmth and hospitality. Share stories by the bonfire, enjoy freshly cooked traditional meals, and immerse yourself in the seasonal rhythm of mountain life.

B / LP / D

⟺ 18 km ▲ 825 m ▼ 1,100 m ⧗ 7:45 h

After saying goodbye to your gracious hosts, ascend out of the Doberdol Valley as the huts and grazing herds shrink beneath you. Your goal is Mt. Tromedja / Trekufiri (2,366 m) — the meeting point of Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro, offering sweeping borderland panoramas.

To the left lies the rolling green of Montenegro’s Babino Polje, while to the right, Kosovo’s Mt. Gjeravica (2,656 m) towers above the land before plunging into the Dukagjin Plain. Follow a historic caravan trail along the edge of the Bjeshket e Namuna National Park, skirting the majestic peaks of Mt. Marijash and Mt. Rops (both nearing 2,500 m), with breathtaking views over two countries at once.

Cross the Roshkodoli Pass and descend into the serene pine-forested village of Milishevc, a remote summer settlement. Here, traditional wooden huts offer a warm welcome, hot meals, and a peaceful place to rest after a rewarding day on the trail.

B / LP / D

⟺ 14 km ▲ 525 m ▼ 1,200 m ⧗ 6:00 h

Today’s adventure takes you over the Lumbardhi Ridge (2,130 m), the final barrier between Milishevc and the dramatic Rugova Gorge. The barely visible path climbing out of the Alps rewards you with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.

Beyond the crest lies a hidden alpine paradise — vast grazing meadows surrounding a tranquil artesian pond beneath the towering Mt. Red Rock (Guri i Kuq, 2,522 m). While much of Kosovo's highlands were abandoned after the war, this part of the Lumbardhi Alps remains active with traditional pastoral life.

Cross this sea of grass before descending sharply into the Rugova Gorge, following a steep, sometimes challenging trail through ancient woodlands and rocky gullies. At the canyon’s base, stop to refresh with a drink or a swim, if the weather allows.

A short transfer over rugged mountain roads brings you to Reka e Allages, where your friendly hosts, a cold beer at sunset, and a home-cooked dinner await — all with views of Guri i Kuq glowing in the twilight.

B / LP / D
30 min transfer

⟺ 15 km ▲ 1,150 m ▼ 1,300 m ⧗ 8:00 h

This morning’s path winds through flower-filled meadows and into a dense pine forest, leading to the base of Mt. Hajla (2,403 m). For those craving a challenge, a steep, trail-less ascent to the summit offers breathtaking views into Montenegro, including the town of Rozaje. Your guide will assess conditions and help decide if the climb suits your pace. Prefer to take it easy? Enjoy a relaxed day with a shorter hike (<5 hrs) — perfect for reading, relaxing, or discovering rare alpine flowers like Edelweiss and the Albanian Lily.

Continuing at altitude, follow a scenic, now-abandoned mountain road to Pepaj, the highest of the 13 Rugova villages. A rocky descent through tall pine forests offers fleeting views over the picturesque hamlet of Drelaj, your destination for the night.

Here, the atmosphere is more lively — a sign you’re nearing civilization. At your cozy guesthouse, enjoy a hearty dinner and gather around the campfire under the stars.

B / L / D

⟺ 15 km ▲ 1,150 m ▼ 1,050 m ⧗ 7:30 h

After breakfast, enjoy a final stroll through Shkodra’s pedestrian zone or grab some last-minute souvenirs. Join the group transfer to Tirana (city or airport), or continue your journey independently.

If you’re extending your trip, consider relaxing on the nearby beaches of Velipoja or Ulcinj (Montenegro), discovering modern Tirana, or heading south for a beach escape on the stunning Albanian Riviera (5–7 hrs by road).

Thank you for joining us on this unforgettable adventure through a land of warm hospitality, majestic mountains, and sun-kissed shores.

Want more? Ask us about discounts on combined tours, extra nights in Tirana, Shkodra, or beyond. There’s so much more to explore — each town deserves a full day!

B / LP / D
Transfer 30 min

⟺ 12 km ▲ 950 m ▼ 950 m ⧗ 6:30 h

The Grbaja Valley is one of the most awe-inspiring in the Balkans. On a morning transfer, you shuttle into the narrow valley wedged between the karst towers of Karanfili (2.461 m). Arguably one of the most rugged and dramatic peaks in the Prokletije, it’s a dream of many climbers. Ascending through a shaded fairy-tale beech forest, you reach an alpine meadow encompassed by multiple peaks.

The connected ridge trail lets you enjoy a series of panoramic viewpoints, culminating in the highest two peaks of Popadija and Taljanka (2.056 m). From here, the hostile walls seem almost within reach, and views gaze across the border into the Kelmend region of Albania. From the top of the spine, a steep descent takes you back onto the shaded forest path, where the balloon hike closes.

Once back down at the valley floor, you can choose one of the beer gardens to enjoy a cold drink. On a transfer, you continue to the family-run guesthouse in Vusanje. Here, the nearby Grla Waterfall invites for an evening stroll, though the views from the veranda over the Accursed Mountains are equally beautiful.

B / LP / D
Transfer 1.25 h + 30 min

⟺ 11 km ▲ 650 m ▼ 900 m ⧗ 6:45 h

Traveling up the Ropojana Valley, formed by a 26 km long glacier, you visit the pupil-shaped karst spring on the way, where an ice-cold river is born from the melting snow high up in the mountains. At the trailhead, a weathered border stone is the only reminder of the once tightly sealed borders of former Communist Albania.

The mountain-framed corridor takes you past a dry lake, shepherd huts, and an abandoned military post into the heart of the Albanian Alps. Here, the canine tooth of Mt. Arapi (2.217m) stands high above the Thethi National Park, forming the highest wall in the Balkans.

Arriving at Peja Pass (1.711 m), your guide determines whether the summit can be tackled. The ones who take a pass on the challenging peak, suitable for experienced and sure-footed hikers only, rest at the pass or start descending with the horsemen. A steep, well-trodden caravan path leads to the local watering hole, followed by a short ride to a guesthouse in the center of the lively, iconic village of the Albanian alps.

B / LP / D
Transfer 30 min

⟺ 16 km ▲ 225 m ▼ 500 m ⧗ 5:30 h

Only a walk through the village and its lush green fields reveals the full extent of Theth. Visit its iconic church and dive at the lock-in tower into the history of the "Kanun". The "kulla" offered protection to those affected by the Blood Feud and is the right place to learn about the former highland law code; it also marks the trailhead to Nderlysaj.

Following water channels, the path ascends to the Grunas Waterfall, drops again to a cliff above the river and the 50 m deep Grunas Canyon. A well-worn bridle path leads you along the river downstream to Nderlysaj. Arriving there in the hot midday sun, the Kaprea river and it’s stone pools invite for a swim.

The scenic transfer across the Thorja Pass (1.630 m) into the Valley of Boge and along the Lake of Shkodra (2 h) takes you back to the hotel of the first night in Shkodra. At night it's time to celebrate the eventful trek over a somewhat different atmosphere than that of the previous days. With all the party in mind, please also doublecheck tomorrow's departure details.

B / L / D
Transfer 3 h

After breakfast, there’s time for a walk in the pedestrian area and for any last-minute souvenir shopping fever. You can join the group transfer to Tirana (airport or city). For the ones wishing to extend their travels, you can explore the town, head to the nearby beaches in Velipoja and Ulcinj (Montenegro), experience Albania's modern side in the capital Tirana or spend your beach holidays at the Albanian Riviera (5-7 h travel time).

Thank you for joining us on this adventure, we hope you had a great time and hope it’s not your last visit to the country of warm hospitality, countless mountains and sun-kissed beaches.