Peaks of
the Balkans.

Meeting point: Shkoder, Albania
Overnight: Hotel in Shkoder (included)

Arrive independently in Shkoder and check in to your included hotel. Meet your fellow travellers and local guide for the welcome dinner, group meeting, pre-trek briefing, equipment check and final preparations for the trek.

Route: Shkoder -> Theth -> Valbona Pass -> Rragam -> 4×4 transfer to Valbone
Distance: approx. 12.4 km   |   Ascent/descent: +1,175 / -940 m   |   Walking: 6-7 hours
Overnight: Valbone

Leave Shkoder early on the arranged transfer to Theth and begin the trek beneath the limestone walls of the Accursed Mountains. The trail climbs through beech forest and open rocky ground to Valbona Pass, with broad views back over Theth and ahead into the long Valbone valley. Descend to Rragam, where the included 4×4 transfer takes you to Valbone, shortening the hike by approximately 4 km and avoiding the final off-road section. Dinner and your overnight stay await at the guesthouse.

Good to know: The included 4×4 transfer from Rragam to Valbone shortens the walking day by approximately 4 km and avoids the final rough-road section.

Route: Valbone -> Persllopi Pass area -> Cerem
Distance: approx. 17 km   |   Ascent/descent: +1,200 / -950 m   |   Walking: 7-8 hours
Overnight: Cerem

Climb out of Valbone into quieter, less-travelled terrain and follow mountain paths toward the seasonal village of Cerem. The route moves through forest, high meadows and limestone scenery near the Montenegrin border. This is a substantial mountain day with rewarding views and a strong sense of remoteness. Finish at a family-run guesthouse for dinner and a simple mountain overnight.

Good to know: There are limited services between villages. Carry the picnic lunch supplied by your guesthouse and enough water. Your guide will brief the group on the route and current trail conditions.

Route: Cerem -> forest and alpine pastures -> Doberdol
Distance: approx. 16 km   |   Ascent/descent: +1,100 / -450 m   |   Walking: 6-7 hours
Overnight: Doberdol

A beautiful transition from forested slopes to the open high country of Doberdol. Follow shepherd paths, cross broad pastures and gain altitude gradually toward one of the trail's most memorable summer settlements. Wooden huts and grazing animals sit beneath rounded border ridges, creating a landscape that still feels connected to traditional mountain life.

Good to know: Doberdol is remote and accommodation is simple, with shared facilities and limited electricity. The warm welcome, homemade food and high-mountain setting are the reward.

Route: Doberdol -> Gjeravica (2,656 m) -> Gacafer
Distance: approx. 18 km   |   Ascent/descent: +1,150 / -1,085 m   |   Walking: 8-9 hours
Overnight: Gacafer

Cross into Kosovo and climb through a chain of alpine basins and small glacial lakes toward Gjeravica, the highest mountain in Kosovo. From the 2,656-metre summit, layers of the Accursed Mountains spread across the borderlands. The long descent leads through open ridges and pastures to Gacaferi Guest House, where you can rest over a generous local dinner.

Good to know: This is one of the longest and most exposed days. Start early, carry adequate water and warm layers, and your guide will assess the conditions before the group commits to the summit.

Route: Gacafer -> Three Borders ridge -> Hrid Lake -> Babino Polje
Distance: approx. 18 km   |   Ascent/descent: +800 / -1,000 m   |   Walking: 7-8 hours
Overnight: Babino Polje

Climb from Gacafer toward the high ridge where Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro meet. Continue across open borderland terrain before descending toward Hrid Lake, a clear glacial lake surrounded by pine forest. The change from exposed ridges to cool woodland gives this day exceptional variety. Finish in Babino Polje for a full-board guesthouse stay.

Good to know: Your guide will confirm the safest operational line through the Three Borders area. Keep the border permit accessible and follow the guide near the frontier.

Route: Babino Polje -> transfer to Grbaja -> Taljanka/Vallushnica -> Vusanje
Distance: approx. 12 km   |   Ascent/descent: +950 / -950 m   |   Walking: 6-7 hours
Overnight: Vusanje

A morning transfer brings you from Babino Polje to Grbaja Valley, beneath the sheer rock faces of the Karanfili massif. Hike the Taljanka and Vallushnica circuit for some of the finest ridge views on the entire journey: green valleys on one side, jagged limestone towers on the other. After the hike, the arranged transfer continues to Vusanje for dinner and overnight.

Good to know: The ridge is exposed to wind and cloud. In poor conditions, your guide will choose the safest alternative for the group.

Route: Vusanje -> 4×4 to Shtraza/Ropojana Lake -> Qafa e Pejes -> Theth -> Shkoder
Distance: approx. 17 km   |   Ascent/descent: +750 / -1,000 m   |   Walking: 7-8 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Shkoder (included)

After breakfast, take the included 40-minute off-road transfer to Shtraza/Ropojana Lake, cutting roughly six kilometres from this long day. Hike into Albania through the dramatic Ropojana valley and over Qafa e Pejes. Communist-era bunkers, Mount Arapi and the Kullat e Langojve cliffs frame the steady descent toward Theth. Your driver meets you at the agreed pickup point for the included transfer to Shkoder, where your final hotel night is included.

Good to know: Shtraza Lake normally holds water mainly in June and July. Your guide will confirm the exact pickup point and time.

Location: Shkoder, Albania

Day 9 is the departure day from Shkoder. There is no hiking or guide service today.

Good to know: Airport transfers are included for bookings of 3 or more people travelling together; for 1–2 people, they can be arranged for an additional fee.