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Peaks of the Balkans Trail

12 days / 11 nights

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Head on a true wilderness adventure in the Balkans, hiking remote trails across Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo with stunning views and rustic accommodations.

Starting point

Theth

Finish point

Theth

Season

From June to October

Technical level

3/5

Fitness level

4/5

Tour type

Hut-to-Hut

Choose your style

Cancel in the first 48h for free
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Samo Korelec
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Highlights

  • Experience the untouched beauty of the Accursed Mountains
  • Cross borders on foot between Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo
  • Stay in rustic mountain huts and guesthouses, experiencing authentic Balkan hospitality
  • Discover hidden shepherd hamlets and traditional villages where time seems to stand still
  • Follow the path as it winds from rocky paths to lush meadows and shaded forests
  • Enjoy the tranquility of a wilderness adventure in one of Europe’s most secluded regions

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

11 nights in mountain guesthouses with breakfast
Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Tour design and organization
Service and support during your hike

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer
Private rooms

What to bring to the tour

  • Hiking shoes/boots
  • 25 to 45-liter backpack
  • Base layer
  • Sports T-shirts
  • Hiking shorts
  • Hiking water-repellent pants
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Midlayer
  • Sports socks and underwear
  • Leisurewear for evenings
  • Down jacket
  • Gloves
  • Shade hat/cap
  • Warm headwear
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Headlamp
  • Hiking poles
  • ID card or passport
  • Snacks
  • Cash
  • Water bottles or hydration pack
  • Sleeping liner
  • Toiletries
  • Toilet paper
  • Small first aid kit

The Peaks of the Balkans trail connects some of the most remote and untouched mountain landscapes in Europe. This 10-day hiking journey will take you across Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo, winding through the rugged Accursed Mountains, past isolated shepherd huts, and over high mountain passes.

The terrain is varied, with sections of forested trails, open meadows, and rocky paths. Although the trail does not present technical difficulties, the long daily distances and elevation changes demand good physical fitness and experience with remote hiking.

The remoteness of this trek is part of its appeal, as you’ll pass through small hamlets and villages where shepherds still follow centuries-old traditions. You’ll be staying in simple yet cozy mountain huts and guesthouses, which, though rustic, provide a warm bed, meal, and shelter for the night.

While the remoteness of the trail means limited access to facilities, the occasional small shop in villages will allow you to restock snacks and essentials as you progress through the trek.

This adventure also includes the excitement of crossing borders high in the mountains, where we arrange all the necessary permits for you. This will allow you to have peace of mind as you climb to the tri-border point of Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro.

We take care of all the logistics for you, ensuring your journey is smooth and worry-free. We secure the essential border permits required for this multi-country adventure and book all your accommodations in advance, providing stays in traditional guesthouses and rustic mountain huts.

You’ll be provided with a comprehensive travel booklet and GPS navigation so that you’re fully prepared for each day’s hike, and we also offer support should you need assistance along the way.

With stunning alpine scenery, welcoming local culture, and the sense of completing one of Europe’s hidden gem long-distance hikes, the Peaks of the Balkans trail is a truly unforgettable adventure for seasoned hikers looking to explore the wild beauty of the Balkans.

If you find yourself short on time or only wish to tackle the most scenic stages of the trail, check out our Peaks of the Balkans Trail Highlights!

Frequently Asked Questions

Of course. We aim to make your decision as easy as possible. Therefore, we crafted several selections targeted at particular groups of hikers – Best for Beginners, Best for Advanced Hikers, Mountain Hikes, Pilgrimages, Classic Treks, etc. 


If you remain unsure and overwhelmed, you can fill out this form or book a call with us, and we can help you directly.

The sooner, the better! Booking in advance ensures you secure a spot, especially on popular routes where accommodations in remote areas can fill up quickly. For tours like the Tour du Mont Blanc and Alta Via, it's best to book several months ahead, as these areas have limited availability in mountain huts.


However, for some of our less-traveled tours, it's possible to book just a few weeks in advance, though availability and comfort may be more limited, particularly in remote areas with fewer options. To ensure you have the best experience, we always recommend booking early, especially during peak hiking seasons.

Our tours offer flexible starting days, allowing you to begin whenever suits you. However, for some of our most popular routes, like the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) and Alta Via, we have selected departure days due to high demand and pre-booked accommodations. Be sure to check the specific requirements for these tours.

We offer a variety of tours suitable for different fitness levels and technical abilities. Some of them require no prior hiking experience.


Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, we have the perfect route for you. You can find more information in our Hiking Difficulty Guide, and we also have dedicated sections for Best for Beginners and Best for Advanced Hikers to help you choose the suitable tour.

The fitness level is based on a scale determined by our hiking experts. It varies depending on the tour and defines the selected hiking tour's physical requirements in comparison to others. For a detailed overview, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide. 

The technical demands of each hike differ. The technical-level scale defines the technical requirements of each tour in comparison to others, ranging from basic walking to scrambling or using specialized equipment. For a more in-depth explanation of the five levels, please refer to our Hiking Difficulty Guide.

Most of our tours are self-guided, meaning you have the freedom to explore at your own pace without being tied to a group schedule. We provide detailed digital guidebooks that include maps, route notes, and GPS files to ensure a smooth experience.


You can learn more about the concept by reading Self-Guided Tours Explained. We include a guide only for the most challenging treks, like the Triglav Summit Climb.

We provide a comprehensive digital guidebook with maps, route notes, accommodation details, and emergency contacts. Our support will be available during the tour. However, you'll have all the information you need to enjoy your hike independently.


Check out how self-guided tours work in more detail and an example of our digital guidebook here.

All available guidance options

Self-guided

Those who like a good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday...

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OUTDOOR SPECIALISTS

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