Your adventure begins as you arrive from Podgorica or Tirana and converge in Shkodra, the storied gateway to the Albanian Alps. Upon arrival from Tirana, you will check into a centrally located hotel. If time permits before settling in, marvel at the majestic Rozafa Castle, which is perched at the city’s entrance. Its panoramic views promise epic landscapes to come. As dusk falls, immerse yourself in Shkodra’s vibrant pedestrian streets, where Italian-influenced architecture and the bustle of the local bazaar invite you to sample dried fruits and local snacks. Enjoy a delicious dinner accompanied by a celebratory toast to the journey ahead.

Highlights of the day: 

• Discover Shkodra’s cultural treasures with a visit to Rozafa Castle.
• Savor a delightful dinner that sets the stage for your mountain adventure.

Travel Details: Arrival in Albania and transfer to Shkodra; Expected travel distance: ~90 km; Overnight in Shkodra at a hotel (-/-/D)

Rise early for a scenic drive through the dramatic Drin Gorges en route to Komani Lake—a reservoir carved into steep, rock-walled landscapes reminiscent of a Norwegian fjord. Enjoy a unique boat ride that makes several stops along the way to pick up friendly locals from remote villages before arriving at Fierze. Continuing by car, you head into the highlands of Valbona National Park, where you can enjoy a light lunch in Bajram Curri. In the early afternoon, you will explore the Valbona Valley, renowned for its stone tower houses and ancient beech forests. A gentle warm-up trek follows a crystal-clear stream, where the sweetest wild strawberries beckon, and an occasional dip in an ice-cold river or secluded pond refreshes you for the adventures ahead.

Highlights of the day: 

• Experience a picturesque boat ride on fjord-like Komani Lake.

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~7 km; Time: 4h. Up: +250 m/Down: -50m. Overnight in Valbona area at a guesthouse (B/L/D)

After a rejuvenating start and a nourishing lunch pack in hand, you set out on one of the trek’s most ambitious ascents. The trail winds steadily upward along rugged mountain slopes, revealing ever-expanding vistas of the Albanian Alps in their full glory. As you traverse past verdant pastures, the path opens into a stark, treeless alpine valley where the solitary peaks rise boldly from the rocky terrain.

Your journey reaches its climax at the Persllopi Pass (2,039 m), offering a breathtaking panorama that seems to stretch to infinity. Shortly after, you approach the border with Montenegro at the towering Mt. Kollata (2,534 m). The route challenges you with a narrow wind cave and a tricky karst labyrinth—requiring every bit of your sure-footedness—before gently guiding you back into Albania. Along the way, friendly shepherds and the dramatic, unspoiled scenery serve as constant reminders of the wilderness that awaits. Finally, you arrive at the secluded village of Cerem, the last outpost before the true wild begins. Here, stripped of modern distractions electricity you’re welcomed with a hot, home-cooked meal, a refreshing shower, and the genuine warmth of local hospitality. Should weather conditions make the pass impassable, an alternate, shorter route through the Mt. Kollata Canyon leads to a similarly rustic guesthouse experience.

Highlights of the day: 

• Conquer the Persllopi Pass (2,039 m) and revel in panoramic views of the Albanian Alps.
• Experience authentic mountain hospitality in an isolated, off-grid village.

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~14 km; Time: 8:00 h; Up: +1,200 m / Down: –950 m; Overnight in a simple guesthouse (B / LP / D)

Today, your journey takes you along an elevated trail that borders the triangle, traversing vast meadows adorned with wildflowers. As you progress, the path briefly enters the territory of the former Yugoslavia, providing an opportunity to pause and enjoy forest fruits while admiring the diverse alpine flora. Along the route, breathtaking views of Mt. Kolata (2,534 m) serve as a constant reminder of nature’s grandeur. 

The trail then hugs the edge of a deep river canyon before winding through a dense conifer forest—revealing a striking transition between the rugged Western Alps and the gentler Eastern Alps. Here, the slopes are interspersed with vibrant alpine pastures, providing perfect spots to rest and enjoy a warm cup of coffee and raki with local herdsmen. Descend into the glacial valley of Doberdol (1,750 m), an almost timeless landscape where grazing animals roam freely freely the pace of life slows to a meditative rhythm.

As dusk falls, you reach a cluster of traditional shepherd huts where rustic comforts give way to genuine Balkan hospitality

Highlights of the day: 

• Trek along a high-altitude route through flower-carpeted meadows and ancient conifer forests.
• Marvel at panoramic views of Mt. Kolata (2,534 m) and the contrasting relief of the Alps.
• Experience authentic mountain life in the glacial valley of Doberdol (1,750 m) with warm hospitality at traditional shepherd huts.

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~16 km; Time: 7:00 h; Up: +1,250 m / Down: –650 m; Overnight in shepherd huts (B / LP / D)

After bidding farewell to the warm hospitality of Doberdol, you begin an inspiring ascent toward the famed three-border peak, Mt. Tromedja/Trekufiri (2,366 m). As you leave the valley behind, the familiar huts and grazing herds gradually shrink in the distance, replaced by a vast expanse of rugged terrain. At the summit, the borders of three nations converge, unveiling sweeping panoramas of isolated borderlands: to your left, the lush, evergreen Babino Polje in Montenegro, and to your right, the dramatic drop of Kosovo’s highest peak, Mt. Gjeravica (2,656 m), plunging into the Dukagjin Plain.

Continuing along a timeworn caravan route that skirts the edge of Kosovo’s “Bjeshket e Namuna” National Park, you traverse a border ridge beneath towering peaks such as Mt. Marijash and Mt. Rops, each rising above 2,500 m. The path then guides you across the Roshkodoli Pass before beginning a steady descent into the serene village of Milishevc. efreshing drinks, and genuine local comfort await you after a day of epic trekking.

Highlights of the day: 

• Ascend Mt. Tromedja/Trekufiri (2,366 m) to witness the convergence of three national borders.
• Marvel at the contrasting vistas: Montenegro’s evergreen Babino Polje and Kosovo’s dramatic Mt. Gjeravica (2,656 m).
• Experience the timeless allure of a caravan path along Kosovo’s “Bjeshket e Namuna” NP before descending into the tranquil village of Milishevc.

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~18 km; Time: 7:45 h; Up: +825 m / Down: –1,100 m; Overnight in a private mountain hut (B / LP / D)

Today’s journey takes you along the scarcely marked Lumbardhi Ridge, cresting at 2,130 m—the final natural barrier between Milishevc and the vast Rugova Gorge. As you follow this high-altitude route, expansive views of the surrounding peaks reveal themselves, setting the stage for what lies ahead. Hidden behind the ridge, you will discover extensive grazing lands encircling an artesian pond at the foot of Mt. Red Rock (Guri i Kuq, 2,522 m). Unlike many pastoral areas that were abandoned after the conflict, this part of the Lumbardhi Alps remains alive with traditional livestock tending.

Leaving behind a sea of vibrant grass, the trail plunges dramatically into the Rugova Gorge. A steep, meandering path through a gully and ancient woodland offers the perfect spot to pause for drinks—and if weather allows, even a refreshing swim in the cool canyon waters. As the day winds down, a short transfer along a rugged road brings you to the friendly guesthouse in Reka e Allages. 

Highlights of the day: 

• Trek along the Lumbardhi Ridge (2,130 m) with expansive alpine panoramas.
• Experience the dramatic descent into Rugova Gorge via steep, scenic trails.

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~14 km; Time: 6:00 h; Up: +525 m / Down: –1,200 m; Overnight in a guesthouse (B / LP / D);

Today, your journey takes you along a rugged blueberry trail through expansive meadows, where the vibrant hues of wild berries herald the start of a steep ascent. In a dense pine forest, you quickly gain altitude toward the base of Mt. Hajla (2,403 m), where several challenging, partially off-trail routes await. For those seeking an extra thrill, an optional climb along a 300 m high cliff offers commanding views that stretch into Montenegro and even reveal glimpses of the distant city of Rozaje

After exploring the slopes of Mt. Hajla, the path continues along a high-altitude, long-forgotten road leading to Pepaj, the highest of the thirteen Rugova villages. As you navigate a rocky gully encircled by towering pines, you catch occasional views of the scenic hamlet of Drelaj—a lively village that offers a refreshing contrast to your remote previous nights. 

Highlights of the day: 

• Ascend the alpine slopes of Mt. Hajla (2,403 m) along a picturesque blueberry trail in a dense pine forest.
• Optionally challenge yourself on a 300 m high cliff for breathtaking views into Montenegro and Rozaje.

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~15 km; Time: 8:00 h; Up: +1,150 m / Down: –1,300 m; Overnight in a guesthouse (B / LP / D)

After a brief transfer to the trailhead, your day begins with a gentle ascent through a serene pine forest leading to the striking emerald waters of Liqenat Lake (1,850 m). The lake’s banks, adorned with a vibrant array of alpine flora, offer a refreshing pause before you embark on the long climb to the Jelenka Pass (2,272 m) – the highest point of the Peaks of the Balkans route. This ancient trail, once used by caravans to transport silver and other goods to the coast, now stands as a quiet testament to history, inviting you to rest and absorb panoramic views of the Plav, Theth, and Valbona mountain ranges.

As you continue, shepherds from Roshkodol make their way along the path, gathering berries amid peaks that soar above 2,500 m. The journey then transitions onto a level stretch leading to the Ravno Brdo Pass (2,178 m), where the scenery transforms into a dreamlike panorama of rugged peaks and lush green valleys, including the expansive Babino Polje below. Descending through verdant, grassy terrain, you pass by a few humble huts before arriving at a scattered settlement. Here, at the very edge of wilderness, you settle in simple yet welcoming mountain huts.

Highlights of the Day:

• Trek through a tranquil pine forest to the emerald Liqenat Lake (1,850 m).
• Conquer the historic Jelenka Pass (2,272 m) for breathtaking views of Plav, Theth, and Valbona.

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~15 km; Time: 7:30 h; Up: +1,150 m / Down: –1,050 m; Overnight in a guesthouse (B / LP / D)

Today, immerse yourself in one of the Balkans’ most awe-inspiring landscapes—the Grbaja Valley. After a short transfer into a narrow valley framed by the rugged karst towers of Karanfili (2,461 m), begin your ascent through a shaded, fairy-tale beech forest. A final steep climb brings you to the double summit of Mt. Popadija & Mt. Taljanka (2,056 m), where dramatic, almost tangible rock walls frame a panorama that stretches across the border into Albania’s Kelmend region. Choose your pace along a narrow spine that reveals several panoramic viewpoints, then descend to a cozy beer garden on the valley floor where a cold drink awaits to celebrate your achievement. Later, return to your mountain guesthouse in Vusanje, with the nearby waterfall offering a quiet moment of reflection.

Highlights:

• Trek to the twin summits of Mt. Popadija & Mt. Taljanka for unparalleled vistas of the Prokletije.
• Celebrate your adventure with a refreshing pause at a rustic beer garden in the Grbaja Valley.

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~12 km; Time: 7h. Up: +950 m/Down: -950m. Overnight in a mountain guesthouse in Vusanje (B/LP/D)

Embark on a journey up the storied Ropojana Valley—a glacier-carved corridor stretching 26 km—where you will encounter a unique pupil-shaped karst spring and the birth of an ice-cold mountain river from melting snows. Along this ancient caravan route, a weathered border stone marks the memory of former, tightly sealed frontiers. The trail leads you past a dry lake, scattered shepherd huts, and an abandoned military post into the very heart of the Albanian Alps. Here, the jagged profile of Mt. Arapi (2,217 m)—the highest wall in the Balkans—looms large. Your guide will assess the possibility of an optional climb on this challenging peak for experienced and sure-footed hikers. Either way, you will reach Peja Pass (1,711 m), where a steep, well-trodden caravan path leads you to a local watering hole and a short ride to a guesthouse in the vibrant center of Theth.

Highlights:

• Follow an ancient caravan trail through the glacier-carved Ropojana Valley.
• Optionally challenge yourself with a climb on Mt. Arapi 
• Marvel at the dramatic views from Peja Pass (1,711 m).

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~11 km; Time: 7h. Up: +650 m/Down: -900m. Overnight in Theth (B/LP/D);

Step into Theth, the enchanting heart of the Albanian highlands, where tradition and nature blend seamlessly. A gentle walk through the village’s lush green fields reveals Theth’s iconic church and the ancient “kulla” that once safeguarded those affected by blood feuds—a living reminder of the Kanun, the highland code of honor. Your trek then leads you along water channels ascending to the majestic Grunas Waterfall, cascading 50 m into a deep canyon. Continue along a well-worn bridle path following the Kaprea River to Nderlysaj, where natural stone pools invite you for a refreshing swim under the hot midday sun. Finally, traverse the scenic Thorja Pass (1,630 m) before we hit the wa back to the Lake of Shkodra, where the evening is set aside for celebration and reflection after days of epic trekking.

Highlights:

• Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Theth with visits to its ancient church and protective kulla.
• Marvel at the natural splendor of Grunas Waterfall and enjoy a rejuvenating swim in Nderlysaj’s stone pools.

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~16 km; Time: 5,30 h; Up: +225 m/Down: –500 m; Overnight in Shkodra at a hotel (B/L/D);

On your final day, take a leisurely morning stroll through the historic pedestrian areas of Shkodra. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and take time for any last-minute souvenir shopping as you reminisce about your transformative journey through the Albanian Alps and Montenegro’s rugged landscapes. When you’re ready, join the group transfer to Tirana (airport or city) for your onward journey. For those with lingering wanderlust, ask about extension nights and discounted combined trips to further explore the vibrant culture and sun-kissed beaches of Albania or Montenegro.

Highlights:

• Savor a peaceful farewell in Shkodra’s charming streets.
• Reflect on an unforgettable trekking adventure that transcends borders and connects you with nature and tradition.

Travel Details: Group transfer to Tirana (airport or city) (2.5 h); Departure at 10:00 AM; (B/–/–).