Balkan Peaks Trail

ByTravesía Pirenaica
Balkan Peaks Trail / Photo: Bruno Rijsman_(CC BY 2.0) Flickr
Balkan Peaks Trail / Photo: Bruno Rijsman_(CC BY 2.0) Flickr

The Path "The Balkan Peaks is a 192km circular route through the wild and rugged borderlands of Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo. Launched in 2013 to promote sustainable local tourism and transcend political borders, the trail winds its way through the spectacular scenery of the Prokletije Mountains (the southernmost range of the Dinaric Alps), taking in high passes, wide valleys and striking limestone peaks. It can be completed in about two weeks, is signposted and covers terrain between 670m and 2300m altitude: the hike itself is not difficult, although the route passes through some remote areas and requires a moderate level of fitness. The welcoming people offer accommodation and delicious local cuisine en route, although camping is also available.

The region remains underdeveloped and untouched, with traditional mountain villages that seem once forgotten, nestled in spectacular alpine landscapes.

Index

Books and maps

Peaks of the Balkans Albania - Kosovo - Montenegro r/v huber
Peaks of the Balkans Albania - Kosovo - Montenegro r/v huber
12,00 EUR
See on Amazon
The Peaks Of The Balkans Trail (International Trekking) [English language]: Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo (Cicerone Trekking)
The Peaks Of The Balkans Trail (International Trekking) [English language]: Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo (Cicerone Trekking)
26,00 EUR Amazon Prime
See on Amazon

Practical guide

When to go?

The trekking season starts in May/June and ends in October, with June-August the driest months. Wildflowers bloom in June. Snowpack can last until June/July.

Cities & Services

Theth (Albania), Valbona (Albania), Çeremi (Albania), Dobërdol (Albania), Milishevc (Kosovo), Rekë e Allagës (Kosovo), Drelaj (Kosovo), Babino polje (Montenegro), Plav (Montenegro), Vusanje (Montenegro)

Difficulties & Advice

Good physical condition is required, although the difficulty is moderate. The trail passes through some remote areas.

Not to be missed

  • Warm hospitality in the Balkans.
  • Four beautiful national parks: Prokletije (in Montenegro), Thethi and Valbona Valley (in Albania) and Rugova Valley (in Kosovo).
  • Birds, plants and butterflies.

Stages

  • Stage 1 Theth (Albania) - Valbona (Albania)
  • Stage 2 Valbona (Albania) - Çeremi (Albania) via the Prosllopit Pass
  • Stage 3 Çeremi (Albania) - Dobërdol (Albania)
  • Stage 4 Dobërdol (Albania) - Milishevc (Kosovo)
  • Stage 5 Milishevc (Kosovo) - Rekё e Allagёs (Kosovo)
  • Stage 6 Rekё e Allagёs (Kosovo) - Drelaj o Restaurant Te Liqeni (Kosovo)
  • Stage 7 Restaurant Te Liqeni (Kosovo) - Babino polje (Montenegro)
  • Stage 8 Babino polje (Montenegro) - Plav (Montenegro)
  • Stage 9 Plav (Montenegro) - Vusanje (Montenegro)
  • Stage 10 Vusanje (Montenegro) - Theth (Albania)

Map