One of the most beautiful hiking routes in the world takes you through the Balkans. The Peaks of the Balkan is a trail that traverses the impressive mountain landscapes of Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. Discover this hidden gem in Eastern Europe and join The Balkan Trail on one of the most beautiful hiking routes in the world.
What’s the Concept?
The Balkan Trail is a dream for every adventurous hiker. This trek takes you through one of the most beautiful natural areas in Europe. According to the World Travel & Tourism Award, The Peaks of The Balkan is even one of the most beautiful hiking routes in the world. You’ll cross three fascinating countries and get a unique insight into the life of this isolated region. You’ll sleep in the most extraordinary places in nature and with the local population.
It’s a challenging hiking route designed for adventurous hiking enthusiasts. With The Balkan Trail, you’ll hike along the most beautiful sections selected specifically for this trail, so you can experience the best of this trek in just one week. A few years ago, it wasn’t possible to hike this route, but with the new border crossings, you can undertake this unique trek through the mountain areas and discover the Balkans in an authentic way.
Who Is The Balkan Trail Suitable For?
You’ll cover between 10 and 20 kilometers (6 to 12 miles) per day, with significant elevation changes. So, it’s important to have a good basic fitness level and health, but you don’t necessarily need to be an experienced hiker. The Balkan Trail is more physically demanding than, for example, The Iceland Trail, but it’s doable for everyone with the right mindset and determination.
The Route of The Balkan Trail
Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro aren’t exactly countries where you easily plan a hiking route and head out on your own. That’s why a beautiful 5-day trail has been mapped out, taking you through the highlights. You start in Montenegro and from there, you’ll hike through the Prokletije (Albanian Alps) through rugged landscapes to the Albanian village of Theth. This area was a restricted zone during the communist era, and you can still see old military bunkers at the border crossing. The next day, you’ll explore more of the surroundings and culture here, and in the late afternoon, you’ll hike on to the Valbona Valley in Albania.
On day 4, you’ll hike between villages that are only inhabited by shepherds in the summer. In the valley, you’ll encounter many animals in the vast fields, and here, you’ll get to experience the simple life of the local population. Day five is dedicated to the border area, and you’ll climb out of the valley to the top to enjoy panoramic views over the three countries of Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo. After that, you’ll descend and take a dip in the remote Hrid Lake before hiking through a dense pine forest to the hamlet of Katun. From there, you’ll start the next day’s hike through the Gerbaja Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys of The Balkan Trail.
The mountain trail is over. In the morning, you’ll be taken from basecamp Plav to Podgorica, where you can explore the city all day. You can book your overnight stay in one of the hotels or hostels here through The Balkan Trail as well. The next morning, you’ll take a taxi to the airport independently (approximately 10 dollars) or continue your journey independently.
Overnighting in Nature
During the journey, you’ll spend 5 nights in your own tent in unique locations. Most places have sanitary facilities, but one location is so remote that you’ll have to go without showers for a day. During this trip, you can rent camping equipment, or you can bring your own.
Dates and Prices of The Balkan Trail
The Balkan Trail takes place in the summer, and there are various departure dates available. The Balkan Trip costs $524 per person, excluding flights. If you book the trip with flights and shuttle, prices start from $845 per person.
During The Balkan Trail, 5 camping overnight stays are included, as well as trekking and border crossing permits, entrance tickets to national parks, internal transportation, guidance from experienced guides, GPS tracking, and a trailbook.
Flights, meals, camping equipment, baggage transport, and hiking poles are not included but can be optionally booked. Full-board meals are available for the 5-day trail, and you can rent camping equipment so you don’t have to bring it yourself. Baggage transport with a donkey or horse is possible, and you can rent hiking poles if you prefer.
Check The Balkan Trail website for more information or to sign up.
