High Trails of the Balkans
8 Days Starting in Prishtina, Kosovo and ending in Kotor, Montenegro
Visiting: Peja, Gusinje, Theth Valley, Valbona Valley, Shkodra, Kotor, Podgorica
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PMW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 14
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "High Trails of the Balkans" for a culturally immersive and challenging hiking adventure through the stunning mountains of Kosovo, Montenegro, and Albania. This tour offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical exploration, including visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Monastery of Decan and the Bay of Kotor. Experience the thrill of crossing the Drin Canyon and Lake Skadar by boat, and enjoy the picturesque glacial lakes and panoramic views from the Jelenek pass. With a mix of comfortable hotels and charming guesthouses, this journey promises both adventure and relaxation, culminating in the historic city of Kotor.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Prishtina, Group Transfer To The City Of Peja, Explore The Town, Transfer To A Hamlet Near The Montenegro Border
Location: Peja
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse near Montenegro border
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive at Prishtina airport by 1pm for your transfer (1 hour) 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 (quad share).
Day 2 : Ascend To The Jelenek Pass (2272M) And Descend Into Montenegro, Transfer To Gusinje (7.5Hrs)
Location: Gusinje
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Gusinje
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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. Distance 15.5km-9.6mi, +1020m/3346ft, -870m/2850ft
Day 3 : Demanding Walk In The Theth Valley, Across The Border Into Albania (9Hrs)
Location: Theth Valley
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse in Theth Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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. Packhorses will accompany us, carrying our luggage as there is no road connection. 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 home made dinner will be part of the experience tonight. Distance 21km-13mi +850m/2788ft, -1250m/4100mi
Day 4 : Relaxed Morning In The Theth Valley, Lunch With A Local Family (4Hrs)
Location: Theth Valley
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse in Theth Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 prepared by a local family. Distance 8km/5mi +200m/650ft -500m/1640ft
Day 5 : Walk To The Valbona Valley, Transfer To Bajram Curri (7Hrs)
Location: Valbona Valley
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Bajram Curri
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we will walk from the Theth valley to the Valbona Valley. Once again 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 Shkodra With Time To Explore, Continue To Montenegro
Location: Shkodra
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Virpazar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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, Shkodra. After lunch there will be a city walk covering notable sites of the city including the photo collection of Marubi and the castle of Shkodra. Continue into Montenegro for our overnight stay in the village of Virpazar (total 2hrs transfer).
Day 7 : By Boat On Lake Skadar, Transfer To Cetinje Then Walk To The Bay Of Kotor (3Hrs)
Location: Kotor
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Kotor
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Again we start the day with a journey by boat from Virpazar on Lake Skadar (2hrs) to the village of Rijeka Crnojevica. 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 in 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 tonight. Distance 9km/5.6mi -900m/2950ft
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
Location: Podgorica
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast transfer to either Dubrovnik/Podgorica (1.5hr) or Tivat (30mins)
What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches (packed lunches or lunch with local families), 7 dinners - Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices.
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Accommodation
4 nights in 1-4 star hotels on a twin share basis generally with ensuite facilities, 3 nights in simple guesthouses in quadshare rooms with shared bathroom.
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Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer with jeeps or packhorses. 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess.
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Local Guide
Local English speaking mountain guide.
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Private Transfers
Private group transfers throughout.
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Boat Rides
Boat rides on Lake Koman (Drin River) and Lake Skadar.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees for sights and National Parks.
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Border Permits
Administration of border crossing permits.
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Travel to and from Destinations
Travel to Prishtina and from Dubrovnik/Podgorica or Tivat.
What's Not Included
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Meals and Drinks
Meals not listed as included, drinks.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance - mandatory.
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Transfers if Skipping a Stage
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.
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Single Room Supplement
A supplement will apply if you book a single room (3 nights).
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Additional Entrance Fees
Entrance fees not listed as included.
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Excess Luggage
Excess luggage.
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Tips
Tips.
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Personal Items
Items of a personal nature.
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Drinks
Drinks daily.
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Entrance Fees to Unlisted Sites
Entrance fees to monuments/sites not included in the itinerary.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, camera etc.
Grading
The trip is grade 4 (moderate to challenging) with guided daily walks of around 3-9 hours, with a maximum ascent and descent of 1200 metres/3900 feet. There are some stages during the walk where you will encounter steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. 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 sun and extreme winds.
Mode of Transport
Private group transfers throughout the tour, including boat rides on Lake Koman and Lake Skadar, and luggage transfer with jeeps or packhorses for a seamless travel experience.
Accommodation
Enjoy 4 nights in 1-4 star hotels with ensuite facilities and 3 nights in simple guesthouses with quadshare rooms and shared bathrooms, providing a mix of comfort and local charm.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will enjoy 4 nights in 1-4 star hotels with ensuite facilities and 3 nights in simple guesthouses with quadshare rooms and shared bathrooms, providing a mix of comfort and local charm.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches (packed lunches or lunch with local families), and 7 dinners. Continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee, and juices.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
Private group transfers are provided throughout the tour, including boat rides on Lake Koman and Lake Skadar. Luggage transfer is handled with jeeps or packhorses for a seamless travel experience.
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Are there any entrance fees included in the tour?
Yes, entrance fees for sights and National Parks are included in the tour.
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What kind of physical fitness is required for this tour?
The trip is graded as moderate to challenging with guided daily walks of around 3-9 hours, with a maximum ascent and descent of 1200 meters/3900 feet. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure, and it is considered suitable for experienced walkers only.
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What should I carry during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, and camera.
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What kind of weather conditions should I be prepared for?
Weather conditions may be variable, and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun, and extreme winds.
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Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, additional costs not included are meals and drinks not listed as included, travel insurance, transfers if you need to skip a stage, single room supplement, additional entrance fees, excess luggage, tips, personal items, and daily drinks.
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What kind of local experiences can I expect during the tour?
You will have lunch with local families, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, and visit notable sites in cities like Shkodra. You will also experience local culture through homemade dinners and interactions with local communities.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.