Balkans High Trails and Culture Guided Hike Tour with 4 Reviews by Utracks

8 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

14 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Challenging

Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.

Starts

Pristina, Kosovo

Ends

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Highlights

A culturally immersive and challenging hike in the mountains in Kosovo, Montenegro and Albania

Visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Monastery of Decan in Kosovo and the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro

Crossing the Drin Canyon (Lake Koman) in Albania and Lake Skadar in Montenegro by boat

Enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals and the camaraderie of your fellow walkers

Itinerary

Craving a challenge in the wild heart of the Balkans? The Balkans High Trails and Culture Guided Hike leads experienced travelers and seniors through Kosovo, Albania, and Montenegro over eight days of invigorating hikes and cultural encounters. Follow historic trade routes across the dramatic Prokletije—known as the Accursed Mountains—navigating mountain passes, rustic valleys, and the legendary Jelenak pass at 2,272 meters.

Each day brings new discoveries: traverse the Theth Valley, admire Albania’s highest waterfall, and wander Shkodra’s lively streets with views over Lake Skadar. In Montenegro, you’ll explore Cetinje, the old royal capital, and hike to the spectacular Bay of Kotor. Along the way, meet welcoming locals, enjoy farmhouse lunches, and stay in authentic guesthouses, gaining genuine insight into mountain life.

What makes this trip stand out is its combination of challenging walking and deep cultural immersion, offering a truly rewarding adventure for those who seek more than just scenery. Guided by experts and shared with like-minded travelers, this is a hiking tour package that delivers both physical accomplishment and lasting connections.

day 1 - Arrive Prishtina, group transfer to the city of Peja, explore the town, transfer to a hamlet near the Montenegro border

Meet your group and guide in Prishtina (time and location TBC) for your 1 hour transfer to the city of Peja (Pec) at the foothills of Prokljetije Mountains. There will be a walking tour to explore the town which is one of the oldest inhabited places in Kosovo and will include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Orthodox monastery of Decani. Built between 1327 and 1335 this represents an exceptional fusion of Byzantine and Western medieval traditions. Transfer to our overnight accommodation close to the Montenegrin border.

Meals:Dinner

day 2 - Ascend to the Jelenek Pass (2272m) and descend into Montenegro, transfer to Gusinje (7.5hrs)

Today's hike starts from our accommodation. Walking past picturesque glacial lakes we will reach the Jelenek pass (2272m) with a fantastic panoramic view of the border between Kosovo and Montenegro. A descent through the Ravna pass will take us to the first Montenegrin settlement - Babino Polje. After refreshments at a local house we will travel by jeep via Plav to Gusinje for our overnight stay. Dinner will be in a lovely restaurant next to a bubbling spring or at our accommodation. Distance 15.5km-9.6mi, +1020m/3346ft, -870m/2850ft