High Scardus Trail 2024

Upon your arrival at the airport, a private group transfer will be arranged accordingly to pick you up and drive you to Kukes, in the North of Albania, where you will be accommodated on that night.

Trail distance: 14.5 kilometers
Elevation min: 1290 meters | max: 2174 meters
Cumulative height uphill: 775 meters | downhill: 885 meters
Difficulty level: moderate
Time: 6-7 hours

With a short transfer from Kukes to Bafe, you will start this hiking journey. This stage is very popular amongst local tourists due to the spectacular color combination that accompanies the trail along a large part of it. ‘The Trail of Colors ‘, is the hiking section commencing from Bafa – Shishtavec to the village of Grykë Çaje. This stage is part of the High Scardus Trail since the path crosses through the largest Alpine Pastures in Southeast Europe, in which during the spring there is an immense variety of colorful flowers.

Trail distance: 13.5 kilometers
Elevation min: 1290 meters | max: 2200 meters
Cumulative height uphill: 910 meters | downhill: 960 meters
Difficulty level: moderate
Time: 6 hours

Matrans (Çaje) is a very remote and isolated village located between two small rivers in Gryke-Çaje canyon in Kukës County – Albania. This day’s hiking stage commences from the basin of the Matrans (Çaje) village following the path which winds up towards the high and immense pastures. This daily stage on the High Scardus Trail offers more distance and mesmerizing insight into the surrounding valleys and canyons combined with the way of life of the shepherds in the mountains of Albania and Western Balkans.

Trail distance: 17 kilometers
Elevation min: 1260 meters | max: 2764 meters
Cumulative height uphill: 1510 meters | downhill: 1510 meters
Difficulty level: moderate
Time: 8+ hours

Korab Mountain which is 2764m of altitude is the highest Peak of the region.
The Dibra Mountain range is the crown of Albania, culminating with the Korabi Mountain massif and peak. The mountain peak is shared between Albania and North Macedonia. Korabi Mountain is a part of a national park Korabi – Koritnik. A third of the mountain range is rich in deciduous forests and half of the alpine ridge is high pastures. Glacial lakes provide additional beauty. Korabi Valley is adorned by eight permanent lakes, and the largest of them is Lake Korab, which is located at an altitude of 2470 meters and is the highest body of water in Macedonia – a true mountain gem.
This stage is a day round-trip hiking trail that starts directly from the village of Radomire, Dibër County, winding through the valleys and pine tree forests.

Trail distance: 10 kilometers
Elevation min: 1240 meters | max: 2039 meters
Cumulative height uphill: 780 meters | downhill: 280 meters
Difficulty level: easy-moderate
Time: 5-6 hours

Commencing from Radomirë mountain village (Albania) at first highly alpine and later becoming even lovelier the winding trail goes through the settlement’s hill. After few kilometers the first nomad huts start to emerge in the beautiful and green scenic valley surrounded by the high steep mountain peaks.

Highland landscapes at the High Scardus Trail from Radomire village (Diber – Albania) at the bottom of the Korab Peak massif over a magnificent mountain pass (2.090m) to the wide high pastures and Lake of Grama.

On the high plateaus of the Gramë Valley hardly any other daily stage on the High Scardus Trail offers more intensive and mesmerizing insight into the seasonal settlement way of life of the shepherds in the mountains of the Albania and Western Balkans.

Trail distance: 17 kilometers
Elevation min: 1240 meters | max: 2039 meters
Cumulative height uphill: 820 meters | downhill: 1450 meters
Difficulty level: moderate
Time: 7 – 8 hours

One of the most outstanding stages on the High Scardus Trail: a scenic route takes you through breathtaking mountains with mesmerizing scenery to the unique stone mountain village of Rabdisht.

A moderately long and persistently spectacular section of the High Scardus: this stage is without a doubt one of the highlights of the trail. Even the start of the hike from the small timber cottages, continuing amidst the sheep pastures of Grama, up into a spectacular mountain basin, is impressive.

From here on, the trail artfully winds its way over the main ridge of the Korab Mountains with many a change of direction, always looking for the best possible hike, to reveal a breathtaking panorama at the top of the stage

Trail distance: 12 kilometers
Cumulative height uphill: 700 meters | downhill: 750 meters
Difficulty level: easy-moderate
Time: 5 hours

Trekking along the picturesque High Scardus Trail from Rabdishte to Bellove offers an adventure through stunning scenery and cultural landmarks. Following this section of the route, the charming village of Zagrad greets you with its classic stone cottages and friendly residents. Each step on this scenic route is a blend of natural beauties and cultural exploration, making the Rabdishte to Bellove hike an unforgettable chapter in the rich tapestry of the High Scardus Trail.

A group transfer will be arranged to pick you up at Bellove and take you to Tirana.

This is your departure day! In case you have extra days in Albania, we suggest a city visit to Tirana, the vibrant capital of the country. Tirana is known for its rich history, colorful architecture, and lively atmosphere. Explore the bustling streets, visit landmarks like Skanderbeg Square and the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and immerse yourself in the local culture in the Blloku district, filled with trendy cafes, restaurants, and shops. Tirana offers a delightful mix of historical charm and modern vibrancy, making it a perfect destination for a memorable city experience.

Here is the link with more details.