Love Albania in cooperation with the Korce Adventure Center present:
THE BALKAN ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME!
An epic 18-day adventure through the Peaks of the Balkans and South Albania. Get ready for the trek of a lifetime across three countries, spectacular mountain passes, and unforgettable experiences.
September 26 - October 13, 2026
Your Adventure at a Glance
18 Days Total
12 trekking days plus rest days to explore and recharge
3 Countries
Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro - crossing borders on foot
~150 km
Epic distances through the legendary Accursed Mountains
Summit Gjeravica
Conquer Kosovo's highest peak at 2,656 meters
The Journey Begins
Day 1: September 26
Arrive in Tirana, Albania and transfer to the mountain village of Theth (3 hours 15 minutes). Your home for the night is Guesthouse Kujtimi, a charming local guesthouse with authentic Albanian breakfasts and dinners. Rest up - tomorrow the real adventure begins!
Day 2: September 27 - Trek Day 1
Theth to Valbona via Valbona Pass
The most famous hike on the entire trail! Ascend through forests to emerge above the tree line, then push to Valbona Pass (1,797m) for stunning panoramic views. Steep, rocky descent into the beautiful Valbona Valley.
  • Distance: 17 km
  • Duration: 6-8 hours
  • Overnight: Guesthouse Mehmeti
Into Remote Albania
Day 3: September 28 - Trek Day 2
Valbona to Doberdol via Çerem
A 4x4 transfer to Çerem saves energy for the spectacular hiking ahead. Trek through remote shepherds' territory to Doberdol, experiencing profound isolation and traditional mountain life. This is the Balkans few travelers ever see.
  • Distance: ~15 km hiking after vehicle transfer
  • Duration: Full day
  • Overnight: Guest House Bashkimi Doberdol
Expect authentic hospitality, home-cooked meals, and possibly traditional entertainment at this remote mountain guesthouse!
Summit Day: Gjeravica Peak
Day 4: September 29 - Trek Day 3
Doberdol to Gjeravica Summit to Grand Hotel Gjeravica
Your biggest challenge and greatest reward! Ascend via the Three Border Summit to reach Gjeravica (2,656m), Kosovo's highest peak. Pass glacial lakes and traverse alpine meadows with panoramic views of the Accursed Mountains. The 17 km journey includes two significant ascents before descending to the Grand Hotel Gjeravica.
  • Distance: 17 km total
  • Duration: 8-10 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
  • Elevation: 2,656m at summit
Pro Tips
Bring 3-4 liters of water and plenty of snacks. Weather changes quickly at altitude - pack layers. GPS navigation recommended for some unmarked sections.
Crossing into Montenegro
Day 5: September 30 - Trek Day 4
Grand Hotel Gjeravica to Babino Polje to Plav
Cross from Kosovo into Montenegro on this long but rewarding day. Take the lower bypass route around Gjeravica peak, traversing at moderate elevation through varied terrain. The descent to Babino Polje can be tricky with faint paths near streams - GPS essential. From Babino Polje, transport takes you to the well-equipped town of Plav.
Distance
20-22 km
Duration
7-9 hours
Lodging
Butina Selimaj Cabins - private guesthouse with home cooking!
Important: Border crossing permits required (arranged in advance).
Rest & Resupply in Plav
Day 6: October 1 - Rest Day
You've earned it! Explore the charming town of Plav, do laundry, resupply for the days ahead, and enjoy a leisurely day by beautiful Lake Plav. Your private cabins at Butina Selimaj provide the perfect base for relaxation.
Take time to soak in the local culture, try Montenegrin cuisine, and prepare mentally for the spectacular days ahead. This is your chance to rest those legs before the final push of the Peaks of the Balkans loop.
Through the Accursed Mountains
Day 7: October 2 - Trek Day 5
Plav to Vusanje
Walk around Lake Plav and into the dramatic Ropojava Valley, where towering rock faces emerge on either side. The imposing Prokletije range (the "Accursed Mountains") dominates the landscape. Pass the scenic Grlja Waterfall and the vibrant blue "Eye of the Grasshopper" spring before reaching Vusanje.
1
Lake Plav
Start along the picturesque shoreline
2
Ropojava Valley
Dramatic sheer rock faces
3
Grlja Waterfall
Stunning natural wonder
4
Vusanje
Beautiful valley village
  • Distance: 21 km
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Overnight: Ekoo Katun Jezerca Villas
Completing the Loop
Day 8: October 3 - Trek Day 6
Vusanje to Theth - The Grand Finale
The final and most spectacular day of the Peaks of the Balkans loop! Cross the Peja Pass (1,795m) back into Albania with breathtaking views of Mount Arapi. A long, zigzagging descent provides stunning vistas of the Theth valley floor and surrounding peaks, bringing you full circle to where your journey began.
24 km
Your longest day
8-9 hours
Epic finale
Peja Pass
1,795m border crossing
Pass through Runicës Meadow with shepherds' summer huts before the border. The descent into Theth is steep but well-maintained, offering incredible photo opportunities. Celebrate completing the legendary Peaks of the Balkans trail!
South Albania Adventure Awaits
Days 9-18: October 4-13
The Journey Continues
After completing the Peaks of the Balkans loop, your adventure continues with a 7-hour drive to South Albania for six more trekking days exploring new terrain.
  • October 4: Transfer to South Albania
  • October 5-7: Trek Days 7-9
  • October 8: Rest Day
  • October 9-11: Trek Days 10-12, finishing in Korce
  • October 12: Transfer to Tirana (3-3.5 hours)
  • October 13: Departure day
Full details and itinerary for South Albania trekking to be finalized closer to departure.
"The mountains are calling and I must go." - John Muir
Pack your boots, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for 18 unforgettable days in the Balkans!
For more information contact Algent Bregu at [email protected] and/or Peter Clark at [email protected]