Today you will hike to Maja e Berizhdolit (1977 meters above sea level) in the Albanian Alps, also called the Accursed Mountains. This is a beautiful trek that passes water springs and has a rewarding view from the top. The spectacular rocky formation of mountains is covered in snow on one side while the other side has almost no vegetation. It will be a maximum hike of 6 hours, including breaks surrounded by these mountains. After soaking in the spectacular sight, you will head back to Lëpushë. Overnight in a guest house in Lëpushë.

Hiking details (approx.):
Distance: 10km
Elevation gain: 900 m
Technical difficulty: Moderate
Time: 5-6 h
Trail type: Loop

Your destination for today is Vuthaj, but first you will hike to the Vajusha (Talijanka) Peak. Here you will cross the border from Albania to Montenegro. Mount Talijanka itself is located in Grbaje Valley in Montenegro. This valley is U-shaped and surrounded by the grey sharp mountain peaks. The Vajusha (Talijanka) Peak is considered to be one of the most beautiful of the Balkan Peaks. The view of dramatic grey extraordinary-shaped mountains is a sight that even the professional hiker will be amazed by. From this peak, you can also see Lake Plav in Montenegro. You will take a minivan for the last 40 minutes to Vuthaj in Montenegro. In Vuthaj you will have the opportunity to visit the Ali Pasha springs, which is about a 40 – minute walk from the guest house, or you can reminisce on the spectacular views you have seen today. Overnight in a guest house in Vuthaj.

Hiking details (approx.):
Distance: 12 km
Elevation gain: 1100 m
Technical difficulty: Difficult
Time: 6h hike
Trail type: one way

From Vuthaj, you will head towards Theth through Peja Pass and cross the border back to Albania. During this trek, you will visit a hidden water place which is difficult to find by yourself if you don’t know the exact location. You will also pass by one of the highest peaks of the Balkans, the Arapi peak (2217m above sea level), and multiple shepherd’s huts in the Albanian Alps. These shepherd’s huts show the way of life away from civilization. In Theth, you will visit the Old Church and the “Lock in” Toyour (symbol of Theth). The stories behind these buildings take up centuries full of history. Overnight in a guest house in Theth.

Hiking details (approx.):
Distance: 21 km
Elevation gain:1150m
Technical difficulty: Moderate
Time: 8h
Trail type: one way

After breakfast continue your hike to the natural wonder so-called the “Blue Eye of Theth”. The hike from the village is about 3 hours one way, with a hiking distance of 18 km both ways and about 700 m of elevation. (If you choose to book local transportation from Theth Village to Nderlysaj, where the hike begins, the hike will take around 1 hour each way. The cost for local transportation is between 5-7 euros per person). The Blue Eye is formed by the erosion of the rocks by the water that descends from melting snow of the Albanian Alps. The pool of blue water gets its water from a small waterfall, which makes the picture complete. You will not be able to take your eyes off this iridescent glow of green and blue colours of this marvel of nature, inviting you to dive in. Overnight in a guesthouse in Theth.

Hiking details (approx.):
Distance: 18km
Elevation gain: 700 m
Technical difficulty: Moderate
Time: 6h
Trail type: Loop

Get ready for the highlight of this trip. Trekking from Theth to Valbona will be an intense day as the walk takes about 6 to 8 hours (about 1050m elevation) in a remote terrain, nevertheless unquestionably worthy! The Valbona pass offers a spectacular view of the Peaks of the Balkans and “Accursed Mountains”. When reaching the top of the Valbona Pass, you will experience a serious shot of adrenaline. From here you will be able to see at both sides of the valleys. This top viewpoint is perfect for a short break and the possibility to capture amazing pictures of the Albanian Alps. From Valbona Pass we will star our decent to the next destination, Valbona Valley, another picturesque village surrounded by high mountains. After reaching the village, we will walk towards the traditional guesthouse. Overnight in Valbona.

Hiking details (approx.):
Distance: 14 km
Elevation gain: 1050m
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 6 -8h
Trail type: one way

Your next destination on our Peaks of the Balkans tour is Cerem. Before you begin our trekking of today, you will have to use transport to the starting point. On our hike, you will pass through forests and meadows. You will arrive in an area that looks like a canyon and the only place that still has snow, even during the summer. You will have the option to hike to the highest peak of Montenegro, Zla Kolate peak, which will add another 3 hours of hiking (10 hours in total). Another magnificent element that you cross during our hike is a stone surface on the side of a mountain that looks like the face of a miserable old man. You will also pass a cave with an extremely cold wind along the trail of which no one knows the exit. So, all in all, there is definitely enough extraordinary things to see during the hike, besides the mountains. You will arrive at the shepherd’s huts in Cerem, which is located high in the mountains, 1300m above sea level. There is no connection to civilization from here, because they have no Wi-Fi and no electricity. However, the delicious food and hospitality of the people make up for the basic facilities. Overnight in a guest house in Cerem.

Hiking details (approx.):
Distance: 20km
Elevation gain: 541 m
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 7h30min
Trail type: one way

From Cerem, you will hike towards Doberdol following a mule track. On our way, you will cross the border to Montenegro for about two hours. The hike brings us through pine forests and you can find all kinds of berries, such as blueberries, blackberries and raspberries (depending on the season). You will also pass the only National Reserve in Albania, which has brown bears and the last population of approximately 40 lynxes in the Balkans. It is a beautiful trail with the highest point being 2100 meters above sea level. You will have a chance to enjoy a nice coffee or other drink at some of the shepherd’s hut villages. These villages are only populated during the summer by shepherds. Doberdol, our destination for today, is about 1800m above sea level and this is where you will have another overnight in a shepherd’s hut. The village is beautiful and you can choose from different food options made from ingredients out of the region. The beds, howevr, are definitely not hotel beds, just matrasses and the conditions are basic. Yet again, the locals are very welcoming, the food is delicious and it will be a great once-in-a-lifetime experience. Overnight in a shepherd’s hut in Doberdol.

Hiking details (approx.):
Distance: 15 km
Elevation gain: 1025 m
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 6h30min
Trail type: one way

Today you will head towards civilization, but not before you hike to the highest peak of Kosovo, Gjeravica. It is also the second highest peak of the Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps). From the top, you will see the Accursed Mountains on one side and the Sharr Mountains on the other. You will have the opportunity to swim in three different lakes, formed by the alpine and glacier waters. One of the lakes really stands out as it is heart-shaped. You will arrive in Gropat e Erenikut in Kosovo. From Gropat e Erenikut onward, you will have to go by 4x4 wheel drive to Gjakova. Overnight in a hotel in Gjakova.

Hiking details (approx.):
Distance: 14 km
Elevation gain: 700 m
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 6h
Trail type: one way

After you have had the chance to recharge from the Peaks of the Balkans hikes, have some free time to explore on your own Gjakova. The city has the oldest and largest bazaar of Kosovo. Even though, it got destroyed during the first Balkan wars, the second world war and the Kosovo war, the bazaar got rebuilt again to its old state and is a nice place to enjoy a meal or to take a look at the stores that sell traditional clothing and items. After having explore the city you will experience local transport towards Prizren. From here you will then get onto a larger bus headed towards Tirana, Albania. In Tirana, you'll be dropped off at the Bus Terminal; from there, you can make your own way to your hotel by bus or taxi (not included). You will return home full of the wonders of the Balkan Peaks, with a new sense of self-excitement to share with those around you.