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Journey deep into one of Europe’s last true wilderness regions, where the rugged Prokletije Mountains stretch across Kosovo, Montenegro and northern Albania. This guided hike crosses borders and cultures, with each day revealing breathtaking scenery - from the high mountain passes like Jelenak (2,272m / 7,454ft), to remote valleys dotted with traditional villages. Along the way, enjoy warm Balkan hospitality in family-run guesthouses and enjoy authentic farmhouse meals. Follow in the footsteps of early travellers such as Edith Durham through the dramatic Theth Valley, visit Albania’s tallest waterfall, and explore historic Shkodra overlooking Lake Skadar, the largest lake of the Balkan Peninsula. In Montenegro, walk to the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor and discover the former royal capital of Cetinje. This is an ideal holiday for those seeking a challenging hiking and cultural immersion experience, in the company of a likeminded group and an expert mountain guide.
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33kg of CO2-e PP per day
(228kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Prishtina, group transfer to the city of Peja, explore the town, transfer to a hamlet near the Montenegro border
Meet your group and guide in Prishtina (time and location TBC) for your 1 hour transfer to the city of Peja (Pec) at the foothills of Prokljetije Mountains. There will be a walking tour to explore the town which is one of the oldest inhabited places in Kosovo and will include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Orthodox monastery of Decani. Built between 1327 and 1335 this represents an exceptional fusion of Byzantine and Western medieval traditions. Transfer to our overnight accommodation close to the Montenegrin border.
Meals: D
Day 2
Ascend to the Jelenek Pass (2272m) and descend into Montenegro, transfer to Gusinje (7.5hrs)
Today's hike starts from our accommodation. Walking past picturesque glacial lakes we will reach the Jelenek pass (2272m) with a fantastic panoramic view of the border between Kosovo and Montenegro. A descent through the Ravna pass will take us to the first Montenegrin settlement - Babino Polje. After refreshments at a local house we will travel by jeep via Plav to Gusinje for our overnight stay. Dinner will be in a lovely restaurant next to a bubbling spring or at our accommodation. Distance 15.5km-9.6mi, +1020m/3346ft, -870m/2850ft
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Superb walk to the Theth Valley, across the border into Albania (7.5hrs)
Today we walk in the footsteps of the early 20th century British traveller Edith Durham. It is a demanding day but offers a unique experience to cross the green border between Montenegro and Albania. A final steep descent leads us to the bottom of the Theth valley where jeeps will be waiting to take us to our guesthouse. A delicious dinner will be part of the experience tonight at our comfortable guesthouse. Distance 18km-11mi +850m/2788ft, -1250m/4100mi
Day 4
Relaxed morning in the Theth Valley, lunch at a local family restaurant (4hrs)
Relax this morning and enjoy your breakfast on the terrace above the Theth valley. We will take a gentle walk to explore the valley and visit the highest waterfall in Albania with remains of settlements dating back to the Bronze Age. We'll continue to the village of Nyderlysa where we can take a swim in the pristine river before a lovely garden lunch in a typical restaurant where we can try the superb bbq fish or goat together with salads with local cheese. Distance 8km/5mi +200m/650ft -500m/1640ft
Day 5
Walk to the Valbona Valley, transfer to Bajram Curri (7hrs)
This morning we will walk from the Theth valley to the Valbona Valley. Packhorses will take our luggage as there is no road connection. Upon arrival in Valbona we will transfer to the small town of Bajram Curri where we will stay overnight. In the evening we'll have a delicious dinner in a local restaurant prepared by two charming sisters. Distance 14.5km/9mi, +1200m/3937ft, - 900m/2952ft
Day 6
Ferry on Lake Koman, transfer to Shkoder with time to explore, continue to Montenegro
This morning we make an early start and transfer (1hr) to reach the ferry on Lake Koman. This is an artificial lake created by damming the Drin River in 1978. The boat ride takes 2 hours and passes through narrow passages and remote settlements only accessible by water. On completion of the boat trip we will transfer to the second biggest city in Albania, Shkoder. Lunch is a special treat in a gourmet restaurant showcasing local ingredients. After lunch there will be a city walk covering notable sites of the city including the photo collection of Marubi and the castle of Shkoder. Continue into Montenegro for our overnight stay in the fishing village of Virpazar in a comfortable hotel (total 2hrs transfer).
Day 7
By boat on Lake Skadar, transfer to Cetinje then walk to the Bay of Kotor (3hrs)
Again we start the day with a journey by boat from Virpazar on Lake Skadar (2hrs) to the village of Rijeka Crnojevica with its historic bridge. From here we transfer (20mins) to Cetinje for a city walk in the old royal capital of Montenegro, before a short ride to the starting point of our final walk down to the Bay of Kotor. This trail once connected the port of Kotor with the mountainous interior of Montenegro. Enjoy the fantastic views over the bay. On arrival at the old town of Kotor we will check into our hotel and enjoy a group farewell dinner. Distance 9km/5.6mi -900m/2950ft
Day 8
Trip concludes
After breakfast there will be a group airport transfer to Dubrovnik. Other locations such as Dubrovnik town centre, Podgorica (1.5hr) or Tivat (30mins) are on request and additional costs apply.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
In Virpazar and Kotor you stay in a 3 or 4 star hotel with a high comfort level, often with a swimming pool
In the Theth Valley and the Valbona Valley you stay in comfort guesthouses with well equipped private bathrooms and a good dining room.
On 2 nights you stay in simple guesthouses with private bathrooms. They are clean and comfortable and usually have heating.
GRADE 4 - Guided daily hikes of around 3-8 hours, with a maximum ascent and descent of 1200 metres/3900 feet. There are some stages during the hike where you will encounter steep uphill's, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care including over rocky ground. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced walkers only. At any time weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong hot sun and extreme winds and extreme cold.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
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12Days
Challenging
8Days
Moderate to Challenging