Montenegro
/ Balkans
On the Balkan Peaks Trail
Réf : EBALKSOMX
In summary
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Sports
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Duration12 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationMontenegro / Balkans
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions1092 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
Albanian
In a few words
A challenging hike for lovers of wide-open spaces, unspoiled nature, and authentic experiences! This cross-border route between Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro offers an intimate journey through nature in one of the most remote and wild mountain regions of the Western Balkans . We begin in northern Albania, crossing Lake Koman, before reaching the peaceful Valbona Valley. The hike to the White Circle provides a warm-up before following ancient shepherds' trails to reach isolated villages and small Kosovar and Montenegrin hamlets where time seems to have stood still. Along the way, we encounter herds of sheep, meadows, alpine pastures, glacial lakes, waterfalls, springs, and the ever-present mountains. We complete our trek by returning to Albania through the beautiful Theth Valley.
The highlights
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A journey in total immersion in the mountains between Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro
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The high alpine mountain atmosphere of the Albanian Alps
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Tailor-made transport: book the flights you want as an option!
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
In figures
Autre
- Average duration/day: 7h
- Average daily elevation gain: 838 m
- Average daily descent: 702 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Languages spoken:
French
Albanian
French
Albanian
Supervisor
Supervisor
Upon your arrival in Tirana you will be greeted by your French-speaking Albanian guide or a representative of our local team.
Program
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Flight to Tirana (custom flight not included, please contact us)
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Individual arrival at Tirana International Airport. Transfer* on your own to Tirana city center. Check-in at the hotel. Meet with your guide at the end of the day for a tour presentation and briefing. Dinner at your leisure in Tirana. *Airport-hotel transfer included if you booked your flights with us. We can, of course, arrange your flight and airport pick-up if you wish; please contact us.Day 1 -
Tirana - Lake Koman - Valbona (Albania)
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
During the communist era, four hydroelectric dams were built, named after Marx, Engels, Lenin, and Stalin. We'll take a boat trip across one of these lakes: Lake Koman. This two-hour excursion, winding through the mountains, is magnificent. Afterwards, we'll head towards Valbona. If we arrive early enough, and for those who are interested, there's the option of a short walk in the Valbona Valley (approximately two hours).Day 2 -
Valbona - White Circle - Valbona (Albania)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day of hiking in the Valbona region. Our goal today is to reach the White Circle (a ring of mountain peaks that forms a white circle). Our first stop is at the Rama sheepfold. After leaving the valley, we gradually climb through forests and alpine pastures before reaching this peaceful haven. We then gain even more altitude until we reach the border with Montenegro. After a 45-minute walk, the panorama offers incredible views of all the surrounding mountains. We return to the village of Valbona in the afternoon.Day 3 -
Valbona - Cerem (Montenegro)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Positive elevation gain 960 m
- Negative elevation 640 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Cerem is a small village inhabited only by shepherds in the summer. Accessible only by mule tracks or footpaths, to reach it we approach the Montenegrin border and then descend into the valley of the "cursed" mountains, also known as the "Prokletije." These mountains are characterized by a relief with numerous high peaks and karst formations (wells, caves, bays, etc.).Day 4 -
Cerem (Montenegro)- Doberdol (Albania)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today we're heading towards the village of Doberdol. The trail we're following passes through the tri-border area: Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo. From the pass at 2190m, we have a panoramic view of all three countries. Once we arrive in Doberdol, the more adventurous can continue on to reach the glacial lakes, the village's main attraction.Day 5 -
Doberdol(Albania)- Lake Dashi - Doberdol
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning we're leaving for Lake Dashi. This lake is located in the Prokletije Mountains, near the border with Kosovo. It's one of the largest lakes situated in a mountainous area, covering approximately 3.5 hectares.Day 6 -
Doberdol (Albania) - Milishevc(Kosovo)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Positive elevation gain 950 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Our day, considered one of the highlights of the trip, was characterized by breathtaking scenery that accompanied us to our accommodation in Milishevce. Once there, we discovered fresh produce and local cuisine.Day 7 -
Milishevc (Kosovo) - Babino Polie (Montenegro) - Vusanje (Montenegro)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 950 m
- Negative elevation 770 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Another beautiful day of hiking awaits us. We continue our trek in Montenegro, discovering the wild and unspoiled nature that this isolated region has preserved through the centuries. The trail we take to reach Babino Polie leads us through the magnificent Hrid Lake Reserve (a strictly protected reserve).Day 8 -
Vusanje (Montenegro) - Theth (Albania)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 8h30
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today we are still surrounded by the "cursed" mountain range. During this route we have the opportunity to step back in time, passing by communist remnants, such as a former border post and bunkers.Day 9 -
Theth
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today we're dedicating our day to visiting the village of Theth. We'll visit the Theth Museum and the village center, which showcases old traditions like the Dukagjini Kanun. We'll also see the natural wonders of this valley: the Blue Eye and Theth Waterfall.Day 10 -
Theth - Tirana
- Transportation 04h40
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure towards Tirana. Tirana is known as the city of vibrant colors due to its painted facades. To introduce you to Albanian history, we will visit the National Museum. Afterwards, we will have the opportunity to visit one of Albania's most important religious sites, the Et'hem Bey Mosque in the center of Tirana, as well as a Catholic cathedral, an Orthodox cathedral, and then the Ex-Bloc district, reserved during the communist era for the nomenklatura, which is now the heart of the capital's nightlife.Day 11 -
Return flight from Tirana (custom flight not included, please contact us)
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your stay ends after breakfast. Depending on your return flight schedule, you will have your own transfer* to the airport. *Hotel-airport transfer included if you booked your flights with us.Day 12
Note
This trip was created in collaboration with our partner Atalante to offer you a greater number of guaranteed departures, combining our expertise and travel experience. Therefore, you may find other Atalante travelers in your group. Depending on weather and operational conditions, the tour leader may modify the itinerary for your safety and that of the group.
Accommodation
- Days 1 to 11
Depending on the stage of your journey, you will be accommodated in hotels, guesthouses, and sheepfolds. We have chosen authentic and traditional accommodations to prioritize the discovery of local culture and encourage interaction with your Albanian hosts. The level of comfort and bedding is basic but perfectly adequate, even good by the standards of a country that has only recently opened up to tourism.
In double rooms (hotels and sometimes guest houses), small dormitories averaging 4 to 6 people (in guesthouses and sheepfolds); with shared bathroom.
Be aware that accommodations in the sheepfolds are very basic, even though they are equipped to receive visitors; they do not have electricity. Bring your own (lightweight) sleeping bag; blankets are provided in the sheepfolds.
Access
Departure
Tirana
Day 1
End of stay
Tirana
Day 12
Go to the starting point
The nearest airport isTirana
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Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in 3-star hotels, guesthouses and sheepfolds
- All meals (from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 12)
- Transport by minibus, ferry
- Transporting bags with mules (use sturdy travel bags ( not suitcases! ) and not exceeding 15kg)
- Border crossing rights
- French-speaking Albanian tour guide
The price does not include
- Round-trip flights from Paris to Tirana
- Airport-Tirana-airport transfers if you did not book your flights with us
- Air taxes
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Lunch on Day 1 and Day 12 (depending on flight schedules)
- Dinner on Day 1
- Tips
Options
- Flight booking + Airport transfers : CHF86.91 / unit
- Additional night in Tirana in a double or twin room with breakfast : CHF54.89 / person
- Additional night in Tirana in a single room with breakfast : CHF73.18 / person
- Single room supplement only in Tirana : CHF77.76 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (
For example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
⚠️ For this trip, the new identity card is valid, not the old ones. It is essential to send us a scanned copy of your travel document, preferably as soon as you register (and absolutely before your departure). This copy is required for the prior declaration of crossing the border on foot.
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (
For example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
⚠️ For this trip, the new identity card is valid, not the old ones. It is essential to send us a scanned copy of your travel document, preferably as soon as you register (and absolutely before your departure). This copy is required for the prior declaration of crossing the border on foot.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- A hat or cap
- A headlamp or flashlight
- 1 pair of telescopic poles (recommended)
- 1 water bottle, 1.5l
- 1 pocket knife (to be placed in checked baggage)
- Toiletries: choose biodegradable products
- 1 quick-drying bath towel
- Earplugs (optional)
- Toilet paper + 1 lighter
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Bring a (lightweight) sleeping bag for nights spent in sheepfolds.
Clothing to bring
- A rain cape or any other rain gear.
- A Gore-Tex type jacket.
- 3-4 cotton T-shirts or shirts.
- Thin and thick socks.
- Two pairs of trousers, two sweaters, one of which is wool or a fleece jacket.
- Shorts and a swimsuit.
- A pair of tennis shoes for the evening.
- A pair of flip-flops or slippers for nights in hostels and guesthouses.
- A good pair of walking shoes (preferably high-tops), waterproof
- Hat and gloves.
- Sunscreen.
- Plastic bags to protect your belongings.
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Paulin team
4.4/5
(1440 reviews)
• 453 stays
For over 30 years, our local partner has been designing adventure walking trips around the world. Specializing in small-group treks, they cater to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers seeking unspoiled natural environments and a return to the essentials. Their key strength? They own their own agencies in over 30 countries, guaranteeing complete trip creation from start to finish, without intermediaries. This direct, on-the-ground expertise ensures memorable active experiences and total freedom amidst breathtaking landscapes.
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