HIKING THE ACCURSED MOUNTAINS

Start point: Tirana Airport / Hotel Welcome to Albania! Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our airport pickup service (available throughout the day) and transferred to your hotel in Tirana, Albania’s vibrant capital. Once settled, those arriving early can join a guided walking tour through Tirana’s buzzing city center. Highlights include: • Skanderbeg Square, the heart of Tirana • The beautifully restored Et’hem Bey Mosque • The Pyramid, a remnant of communist-era architecture • The trendy Blloku district, once exclusive to the political elite, now filled with cafés, shops, and bars In the evening, meet your tour guide and fellow travelers over a welcome dinner featuring local Albanian cuisine and hospitality.

Our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Tirana at 6:00 a.m. We’ll drive to Tamare in Northern Albania, passing through the town of Shkoder. From Tamare, we’ll begin our hiking adventure through the Peaks of the Balkans. The Peaks of the Balkans are part of the Dinaric Alps, which begin in Slovenia and end in Southeastern Albania. The Albanian Alps are actually the highest part of the Dinaric Alps, and we’ll be exploring them over the next few days. Later in the day, we arrive in the small village of Lepushe, known for its stunning nature and a great place to relax after an exciting first day. The name Lepushe refers to the yellow flower that can be found there in spring. Before the day ends, we’ll have some time to walk and explore the area in the vast grasslands. Northern Albania is known for its many delicious organic dishes made with local products. Their cuisine is unique, flavorful, and can only be found in these areas. You’ll have the chance to try them during the tour. Overnight stay in a guesthouse in Lepushe

Today you will hike to Maja e Berizhdolit (1977m) in the Albanian Alps, also known as the Accursed Mountains. This is a beautiful hike that passes water springs and offers rewarding views from the top. The spectacular rock formation is covered with snow on one side and is almost devoid of vegetation on the other. The walk takes a maximum of 6 hours, including breaks in the heart of these mountains. After enjoying the spectacular views, you will return to Lëpushë. Overnight stay in a guesthouse in Lëpushë.

Your destination today is Vuthaj, but first, you’ll hike to the top of Talijanka, where you cross the border from Albania into Montenegro. Mount Talijanka is located in the Grbaje Valley in Montenegro, a U-shaped valley surrounded by sharp, grey mountain peaks. Talijanka is considered one of the most beautiful peaks in the Balkans, and the dramatic view of grey mountains with unusual shapes is a sight that will impress even the most experienced hiker. From this peak, you can also see Lake Plav in Montenegro. For the last 40 minutes, you’ll travel by minivan to Vuthaj in Montenegro. In Vuthaj, you’ll have the chance to visit the Ali Pasha Springs, about a 40-minute walk from the guesthouse, or just relax and take in the spectacular views you’ve seen today. Overnight in a guesthouse in Vuthaj.

From Vuthaj, we head towards Theth and cross the border back into Albania. During this trek, we will visit a hidden water spot, which is difficult to find on your own if you don’t know the exact location. You will also pass one of the highest peaks in the Balkans, Arapi Peak (2217m), right next to Jezerca Peak (2694m). In the Albanian Alps, we will encounter several shepherds’ huts that offer a glimpse into life far from civilization. In Theth, we’ll visit the old church and the “Lock-in” tower, a symbol of Theth. The stories behind these buildings span centuries of history. Overnight stay will be at a guesthouse in Theth.

A famous saying in Albania is “He who has seen Theth has a reason to live” (Gjergj Fishta), and today you will see another beautiful phenomenon that supports this saying. Your walk through Theth will continue to the natural wonder known as the “Blue Eye of Theth”. The walk from the village takes about 3 hours one way, with 18 km both ways and a climb of about 700 m. (If you choose to book local transport from Theth village to Nderlysaj, where the trek starts, the trek takes about 1 hour each way). The Blue Eye is formed by the erosion of rocks by the water that comes down from the melting snow of the Albanian Alps. The pool of blue water is fed by a small waterfall, which completes the picture. You will not be able to take your eyes off the shimmering greens and blues of this natural wonder that invites you to dive in. Overnight in a guesthouse in Theth.

Get ready for the highlight of this trip. The trek from Theth to Valbona will be an intense day, taking about 6 to 8 hours (about 1050m of ascent) in remote terrain, but undoubtedly rewarding! The Valbona Pass offers spectacular views of the Balkan peaks and the “Accursed Mountains”. Reaching the top of the Valbona Pass is a real adrenaline rush. From here, you can see both sides of the valleys. This top viewpoint is perfect for a short break and the opportunity to take amazing pictures of the Albanian Alps. From the Valbona Pass, we descend to our next destination, the Valbona Valley, another picturesque village surrounded by high mountains. Once we reach the village, we walk to the traditional guesthouse. Overnight in Valbona.

From Cerem, you’ll walk along a mule track towards Doberdol. On the way, you will cross the border into Montenegro for about two hours. The path takes you through pine forests where you can find all kinds of berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries (depending on the season). You will also pass through Albania’s only national reserve, home to brown bears and the last remaining population of around 40 lynxes in the Balkans. It’s a beautiful route, with the highest point at 2100 meters above sea level. Along the way, you can stop in shepherd villages to enjoy a coffee or other drink. These villages are only inhabited by shepherds in the summer. Doberdol, your destination for today, is situated at around 1800m, where you will spend another night in a shepherd’s hut. The village is picturesque, and you can choose from a variety of meals made with local ingredients. The beds here are not hotel beds but rather mattresses, and conditions are basic. The locals are very welcoming, the food is delicious, and it’s a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Overnight in a shepherd’s hut in Doberdol.

Duration: 06:00 h Distance: 14 km / 8.7 mi Today, you head back to civilization, but not before hiking to Kosovo’s highest peak, Gjeravica, which is also the second highest peak of the Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps). From the summit, you’ll enjoy views of the Accursed Mountains on one side and the Sharr Mountains on the other. During the hike, you’ll have the chance to swim in three different lakes formed by alpine and glacier water, one of which is especially striking due to its heart shape. After about 6 hours of walking, you’ll reach Gropat e Erenikut in Kosovo. From Gropat e Erenikut onward, we take a local transfer to drive to Gjakova. Overnight in a hotel in Gjakova. Departure Day 10th : Gjakova – Tirana (Albania) After your unforgettable Peaks of the Balkans hikes, you will have some free time to explore Gjakova at your own pace. The town is home to the oldest and largest bazaar in Kosovo. Though it suffered damage during the First Balkan Wars, the Second World War, and the Kosovo War, the bazaar has been carefully restored and offers a charming setting to enjoy a meal or browse shops selling traditional clothing and crafts. You can also visit notable landmarks such as the Clock Tower and the Hadum Mosque. Built in the 16th century, the mosque remarkably survived the region’s turbulent history and today stands as a testament to the early development of Islamic architecture in the Balkans, adorned with exquisite arabesque decorations. The journey back to Tirana, Albania, marks the conclusion of this enchanting tour, leaving you with memories of both the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the region. End of Our Service!