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. 

In 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. 

The approximate duration of our walk is 2 hours, involving a 250 m ascent and 570 m descent. The total distance covered is 5 km, with the highest point reaching 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. 

The 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. 

The approximate duration of the walk is 6 hours, involving a 650 m ascent and 600 m descent. The total distance covered is 16 km, with the highest point reaching 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. 

Ascending 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 (an hour and a half drive) to Grebaje Valley, a quaint village on the edge of the Prokletije Mountains, boasting a population of approximately 1700 and adorned with mosques and churches. 

The approximate duration of our walk is 6 hours, featuring an 1150 m ascent and 1000 m descent, covering a total distance of 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. 

Embark 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.

Conclude your journey with a final, easy uphill walk on village trails, bringing you to our guesthouse—the oldest in Theth. 

The trail distance for the day covers 21 km, with an elevation ranging from 726 m to a maximum of 1,751 m. The cumulative height uphill is 850 m, and downhill is 1,260 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. 

The initial ascent is steep, but as we progress, we weave through enchanting forests towards the pass of Valbona. From this vantage point, you can relish panoramic views—looking back at the Theth Valley and ahead to the Valbona Valley with its multitude of peaks. Our route includes crossing the source of the Valbona River before reaching the picturesque destination of Ragami.

The trail covers a distance of 14.5 km, with elevations ranging from 745 m to 1.840 m. The cumulative height uphill is 1.125 m, and downhill is 768 m. The estimated time for this challenging trek is 7 hours. This portion of the journey promises not only physical challenges but also rewards you with breathtaking vistas along the way.

Start your day with an early morning wake-up call as we make our way to catch the ferry on Lake Koman, a mesmerising artificial lake. This ferry journey stands out as a significant highlight of our adventure, spanning 2 hours through narrow passages and unveiling remote settlements that can only be reached by boat. 

Upon reaching our destination, a minibus (1.5 hrs drive) will transfer you to Shkodra, the second-largest city in Albania. Here, we will enjoy a city walk and explore the impressive Rozafa Castle, offering fantastic views of Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkan peninsula.

Our journey continues to Montenegro, specifically to the townlet of Virpazar in the National Park Lake Skadar. 

This portion of the trip promises a seamless blend of scenic ferry rides, cultural exploration in Shkodra, and an introduction to the natural beauty of Lake Skadar in Montenegro’s national park.

Relax by the shores of the 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. This day is free from a set program, allowing you the flexibility to choose from various activities. Whether you prefer a leisurely lakeside stroll, exploring local villages, basking in the tranquillity of the surroundings, or even taking a short drive to enjoy wild swimming in the Adriatic Sea – the day is yours to tailor to your preferences.