6 Days Self-Guided Peaks of the Balkans

Arrival in Shkodra, a private transfer will be organized to take you from Shkodra to Theth. You will be comfortably accommodated at a guesthouse, ensuring a smooth and pleasant start to your stay.

The trek begins with one of Albania’s most iconic hikes, journeying from the village of Theth (728 m) over the majestic Valbona Pass (1759 m) to the charming town of Valbona (995 m), nestled in the heart of its namesake national park. This picturesque 20-kilometer trail traces the footsteps of an ancient mule track, connecting the tribal regions of Shala and Nikaj. Get ready for a scenic adventure through history and nature.

There are two possible routes from Valbone to Cerem: the ‘low’ (valley) route and the spectacular, the ‘high’ route via Prosllopi Pass (the one we do). This trail will go through Kollata and it is the longest trail of the hike. This has been opened as the usual Valbona – Cerrem through the ‘low’ trail is mostly a tractor trail offering very little. The Kollata trail is very nice and offers views on the steep rocky mountain of Kollata, which is used for climbing.

Today you will walk between two shepherd’s villages which are inhabited only during the summer in order to use the abundant pastures. Doberdol a village which is connected to the world only by small tracks is not reachable by cars. The village is situated below the triple-border point between Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. On the way you will pass through the village of Balqin where you can stop for a glass of milk served by the local shepherds.

This part of the mountains is under strict protection, as they are also home to the glacial lakes of Sulbica platou. Gashi valley was included in the UNESCO Natural World Heritage list in 2017.

On this day, you’ll cross from Albania to Montenegro, starting a shorter hike from Doberdol to Babino Polje. Near the beginning, climb the Three-Border peak to step into Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro in 15 minutes. Then walk along the Kosovo-Montenegro border before descending to Bogicevica Katun, a Montenegrin shepherd settlement. The hike concludes in Babino Polje, where the guesthouse host awaits

After a transfer from Babino Polje to Vusanje, you will begin the 23-kilometer hike to the historic Albanian village of Theth, which is famous for its traditional way of life and stone houses.

The trail winds through the rugged terrain of the Accursed Mountains (Prokletije/Albanian Alps), once a forbidden area in the Communist era. Alongside dramatic cliffs, you’ll encounter a military bunker and old border crossing signs upon entering Albania.

After the hike, you will be transferred to Shkodra.