What is Peaks of the Balkans?
Peaks of the Balkans is a marked cross-border loop of 192 km in 10 stages through the Prokletije range, shared by Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. It opened in 2011, climbs to about 2,300 m and links remote mountain villages such as Theth, Valbona, Doberdol, Plav and Vusanje. In 2013 it won the Tourism for Tomorrow award of the World Travel and Tourism Council.
Each country marks the trail in its own colours, with Peaks of the Balkans signposts at the junctions. The trail is rated easy to moderate, but most days have 7 to 9 hours of walking and the longest, from Plav to Vusanje, takes 10 to 11 hours, so you need good fitness.
Why go with us from Skopje
Peja in Kosovo, one of the official starting points, is about 2.5 hours by car from Skopje, and Prishtina airport is 70 km from Peja. We pick you up in Skopje or at the airport, apply for the border permits, book the guesthouses and walk with you every day with a licensed, experienced guide.
Our Peaks of the Balkans tours
- 01
The full loop
All 10 stages: Theth, Valbona, Cerem, Doberdol, Milishevc, Reka e Allages, Kucishte, Babino Polje, Plav, Vusanje and back to Theth. Starting from Peja keeps the drive from Skopje short.
- Distance: 192 km
- Duration: 10 hiking days
- Border crossings: 3 permits
- 02
Theth, Valbona and Rugova
Five stages through the Albanian Alps and the Rugova mountains, between Theth and Reka e Allages above Peja, including the famous crossing from Theth to Valbona over a 1,759 m pass.
- Distance: 84 km
- Duration: 5 hiking days
- 03
Montenegro and Albania: Babino Polje to Valbona
From Babino Polje past Lake Hrid to Plav, on to Vusanje, over the border to Theth and across the pass to Valbona.
- Distance: 83 km
- Duration: 4 hiking days
- 04
Add a summit
On a longer trip we add a summit day: Gjeravica (2,656 m), the highest peak of Kosovo, from Doberdol, or Maja Jezerce (2,694 m), the highest peak of the Dinaric Alps.
- Summits: Gjeravica, Maja Jezerce
What we can arrange
- A licensed, experienced guide
- Border permits for every crossing on your route
- Guesthouses and huts with dinner and breakfast
- Transfers from Skopje, Prishtina or Tirana and back
- Luggage transfers by car, or by horse where possible
Border permits
The trail crosses the borders of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro on mountain paths, and the full loop needs three permits. The request goes to the border police at least 15 days before the crossing, with the names and passport details of every hiker. We send the requests for you as part of the tour.
Good to know
The trail is usually hiked from June to September, when the high passes are free of snow. Shops are rare on the way and some springs dry up by August, so you carry water and snacks. In Montenegro you may camp only at organised sites.
A trail that starts near Skopje
The High Scardus Trail starts 40 km from Skopje and crosses Shar, Korab and Galicica to Lake Ohrid.
Questions and answers
How long is the Peaks of the Balkans trail?
The loop is 192 km in 10 stages and usually takes 10 to 12 days. We also guide shorter parts of 4 or 5 days.
Do I need a permit for Peaks of the Balkans?
Yes, one for every border crossing on your route; the full loop needs three. The requests go to the border police at least 15 days before, and we send them for you.
How do I get to Peaks of the Balkans from Skopje?
The official starting points are Theth in Albania, Plav in Montenegro and Peja in Kosovo. Peja is about 2.5 hours by car from Skopje, and we drive you there and back.
How hard is the Peaks of the Balkans trail?
It is rated easy to moderate: no climbing, but most days have 7 to 9 hours of walking and passes up to about 2,300 m, so you need good fitness.
When is the best time to hike Peaks of the Balkans?
From June to September, when the high passes are usually free of snow.
Where do we sleep on the trail?
In village guesthouses, traditional stone houses and mountain huts, usually with dinner and breakfast.
How do I book?
Send us your dates, the group size and which part of the loop you would like to hike on WhatsApp or Viber at +389 78 315 213. We reply with the details and the price.
