Adventure Overview
Experience the best of the legendary Peaks of the Balkans on our curated 7-day adventure. This tour is designed to showcase the most breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural encounters across Albania and Montenegro, without requiring the time commitment of the full trail. Journey through Europe's most spectacular and unspoilt mountain regions, stay in traditional guesthouses, meet friendly locals, and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant traditions of this hidden gem. This is your chance to witness the highlights of the Accursed Mountains in a condensed, unforgettable journey.
Highlights
- Experience the legendary hospitality of mountain villagers in remote hamlets like Dobërdol and Theth
- Traverse ancient paths through the Accursed Mountains, one of Europe’s last true wildernesses
- Sleep in off-grid guesthouses and seasonal shepherd huts, far from roads, cities, or mobile signal
- Swim in alpine lakes, follow rivers, and cross high passes with jaw-dropping views at every turn
- Discover traditional ways of life where sheep herding, wild herbs, and wood-fired meals are still the norm
What's Included
- Professional, experienced mountain guide
- All accommodations in local guesthouses
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), starting from breakfast on Day 2 and up to and including a celebratory dinner on day 6
- Border crossing permits and arrangements
- Transportation to and from the trail
- Detailed trip planning and logistics
- Digital logbook which includes route information, distances, and GPX files
7 day itinerary
This 7-day itinerary provides a fantastic experience of the Peaks of the Balkans, including arrival and departure logistics:
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Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Plav
Arrive at your chosen airport (Podgorica or Tivat). You'll be met and transferred to Plav, Montenegro. Settle into your guesthouse and prepare for the incredible trek ahead.
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Day 2: Plav – Vusanje (Montenegro)
Distance: ~21 km
Elevation gain/loss: +900 m / –800 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Transfer from Plav to the alpine village of Vusanje. Trek through the dramatic Ropojana Valley, passing turquoise springs and limestone cliffs. Overnight in a traditional guesthouse, experiencing local hospitality. -
Day 3: Vusanje – Peja Pass – Theth (Albania)
Distance: ~19 km
Elevation gain/loss: +1,000 m / –1,000 m
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Ascend through lush meadows and past waterfalls to panoramic Peja Pass (~1,700 m), crossing into Albania. Descend into the remote village of Theth, with time to explore its historic stone kulla and the Grunas Waterfall. -
Day 4: Theth – Valbona Pass – Valbona (Albania)
Distance: ~14 km
Elevation gain/loss: +800 m / –700 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Follow the iconic route over Valbona Pass (1,795 m), enjoying breathtaking views of the Accursed Mountains. Descend through ancient beech forests into Valbona Valley. Overnight in a welcoming guesthouse. -
Day 5: Valbona – Cerem – Doberdol (Albania)
Distance: ~20 km
Elevation gain/loss: +1,000 m / –700 m
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Hike from Valbona to Cerem, optionally taking the scenic Prosllopit Pass. Continue to Doberdol, a remote highland shepherds’ village near the Montenegrin border, surrounded by wildflower meadows. -
Day 6: Doberdol – Babino Polje (Montenegro)
Distance: ~13 km
Elevation gain/loss: +550 m / –900 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Depart Doberdol and ascend gently through open meadows and past shepherd huts, reaching the Montenegro border near the tri-border point. Continue along panoramic ridges and descend through pine forests to the tranquil mountain village of Babino Polje, surrounded by dramatic peaks and alpine pastures. -
Day 7: Exploration, Relaxation & Departure
Depending on your outbound flight schedule, there may be time for local exploration or simply relaxing and soaking in the views. Transfer to your chosen airport (Podgorica or Tivat) for your departure.
A 10 day itinerary that includes the Kosovo sections of the trail is also available, please get in touch for more information.
Accommodation
Provided by small village guesthouses, offering simple but charming experiences with local providers.
Rooms are shared, and each room accommodates between two to five people.
Food
Cooked at the guesthouses, prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Breakfast will consist of eggs, breads, and jams. A packed lunch will be provided for the trail, and dinner is usually fresh salads, some meat, potatoes, stuffed peppers, pies.
Hearty food with local specialties - you will be well fed!
Highlights
Theth to Valbone
Valbone to Doberbol
Plav to Vusanje
Vusanje to Theth
Theth to Valbone
Valbone to Doberbol
Plav to Vusanje
Vusanje to Theth
Book This Adventure
Phone / Whatsapp: +447 5932 52407
Email: info@hikebalkans.com
Booking Information
- Minimum 2 participants required
- 50% deposit required to confirm booking
- Full payment due 14 days before departure
- Cancellation policy: Full refund if cancelled 30+ days before departure, 50% refund if cancelled 15-29 days before departure