The Accursed Mountains sit across the borders of Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo, and for most of the twentieth century nobody crossed them. The Peaks of the Balkans route reopened those shepherds' paths in 2013. Eight days, two countries, six mountain passes and a bed in a family house every night.
Operated by Wild Tour Albania · licensed guides, insured boats
Airport pickup, the Komani ferry through the gorge in the afternoon light, road to Valbona. Briefing and dinner.
17 km, 1,000 m up to the Valbona pass at 1,795 m, then down through beech forest into Theth. 7 hours.
A gentler day along the Shala river valley to the Blue Eye spring and the Grunas canyon. 14 km, 4–5 hours.
Border day. 16 km over the Peja pass at 1,711 m and down into Montenegro. Passports needed at the top.
Through the Ropojana glacial valley past the Oko Skakavice spring to Lake Plav. 18 km, mostly downhill.
Back into Albania over the Qafa e Bores. Long, quiet, high pasture the whole way. 19 km, 7 hours.
The final crossing, then down the Valbona river to the village. 14 km, 5 hours. Farewell dinner.
Road and ferry back, arriving Tirana late afternoon. Airport drop-off included.
Tirana International Airport arrivals hall, or your Tirana hotel, on the morning of day one.
Airport pickup and drop-off are included in the price. Send your flight numbers at least 14 days before departure.
This is a demanding mountain route: 5–8 hours of walking a day, up to 1,000 m of ascent, on rough trail with exposed sections. You should be able to walk 6 hours with a daypack on consecutive days. There is no vehicle access on most stages. Mountain rescue insurance is compulsory.
Tell us about any mobility, dietary or medical need when you book and we will confirm in writing whether we can accommodate it — or tell you honestly if we cannot.
Eight days on the Peaks of the Balkans with Wild Tour Albania. Border permits sorted, luggage where it should be every evening, and a guide who knew which shepherd made the best cheese. Hard walking, faultless logistics.
Our guide rerouted the pass day when the forecast turned, and we still got the views. Knowing when not to go is worth more than any equipment.
If you can walk 6 hours in hill country carrying a daypack, and do it again the next day, you will enjoy this. If that sounds like a stretch, the four-day self-guided trip covers the best single day of it.
Yes. You cross into Montenegro on day 4 and back into Albania on day 6. Carry your passport and the permit we issue you at all times.
Three minimum, twelve maximum, and we add a second guide above eight. Average group last season was seven.
The classic Northern Albania day out: the ferry through the gorge, then the turquoise pools of the Shala River.
Your own boat, your own captain, your own schedule. Up to seven people, one flat price.
Paddle the quiet side arms of the canyon with a guide, a support boat and no experience required.