Conquer the Peaks: Guided Hiking Tour in the Accursed Mountains

Picking up the group at Podgorica International Airport (TGD) and transfer to Peja in northern Kosovo. This drive takes 4–5 hours. Accommodation check-in.

Our first day commences with an exploration of history and culture. We embark on a city tour that will unveil some of its rich cultural treasures. Later in the day, our journey takes us to the UNESCO setting of the Decani Monastery, a cultural monument of exceptional importance.nnIn the afternoon, we traverse the dramatic landscapes of the Rugova Gorge, engaging in a picturesque trek and relishing local hospitality around the village of Reka e Allages—the entrance to the Peaks of the Balkans trail. This remote village is home to shepherds, who return in the summer to tend to their herds.nnApproximate walk: 2 hours | Ascent: 250 m | Descent: 570 m | Distance: 5 km | Highest point: 1300 m.

Spending the day amidst the inspiring panoramas of the Rugova Valley, our goal is to ascend towards the summit of Hajla, the highest peak in the area. These mountainous landscapes are not only ethnographically diverse but also rich in animal and plant life, deeply intertwined with Albanian traditions.nnThe final ascent to the summit of Hajla is optional, and afterwards, we will descend towards Drelaj to unwind in the comforts of a local guesthouse.nnApproximate walk: 6 hours | Ascent: 650 m | Descent: 600 m | Distance: 16 km | Highest point: 2403 m.

After breakfast, we embark on a short transfer to Liquenat, setting the stage for an exhilarating day. Our adventure includes crossing into Montenegro via an unmanned mountain border. The trail winds through lush forests alongside two small blue glacial lakes named Liqueni i Kuchishtes and Dreljave.nnAscending beyond the treeline, we enter a dramatic valley and traverse the majestic Jelenak Pass at 2250 m. Crossing into Montenegro at the Ravno Pass on the ridgeline, we descend to the charming village of Babino Polje. Here, our vehicles await to transfer us to Grebaje Valley on the edge of the Prokletije Mountains.nnApproximate walk: 6 hours | Ascent: 1150 m | Descent: 1000 m | Distance: 14 km.

This day offers the most challenging walk, with up to 8 hours of walking time, showing a unique experience of crossing the green border between Montenegro and Albania.nnEmbark on your walk along ancient mountain trails, encountering the first shepherds and discovering the numerous bunkers scattered across Albania. Revel in the breathtaking mountain landscape, and experience a steep downhill descent (900 m) after Peja Pass, leading you to the Theth Valley.nnConclude your journey with a final, easy uphill walk on village trails, bringing you to our guesthouse—the oldest in Theth.nnTrail distance: 21 km | Elevation: 726 m – 1751 m | Ascent: 850 m | Descent: 1260 m.

Embarking on the trek from Theth to Valbona Valley, we continue our journey with packhorses, traversing a path that leads us to the stunning Valbona Valley.nnThe initial ascent is steep, but as we progress, we weave through enchanting forests towards the Valbona Pass. Enjoy panoramic views—looking back at the Theth Valley and ahead to the Valbona Valley. Cross the source of the Valbona River before reaching the picturesque village of Ragami.nnTrail distance: 14.5 km | Elevation: 745 m – 1840 m | Ascent: 1125 m | Descent: 768 m | Duration: approx. 7 hours.

Start your day with an early morning wake-up call to catch the ferry on Lake Koman—a scenic journey lasting 2 hours through narrow passages and past remote settlements only accessible by boat.nnUpon arrival, transfer to Shkodra (1.5 hrs), Albania’s second-largest city. Enjoy a city walk and visit Rozafa Castle with stunning views of Lake Skadar. Continue the journey into Montenegro, ending in the quaint lakeside town of Virpazar in Lake Skadar National Park.nnThis segment offers a beautiful mix of ferry cruising, urban exploration, and natural scenery.

Relax by the shores of stunning Lake Skadar and reflect on the cherished memories created during the past week of walking through the untamed wilderness of the Prokletije (Accursed) Mountains. nnThis day is free from a set program, allowing you to choose your own adventure—whether it’s a lakeside stroll, a visit to local villages, or even a dip in the Adriatic Sea. The perfect closing chapter to a journey through some of the Balkans’ most breathtaking landscapes.