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The tour starts at our centrally located hotel in Tirana, Albania's trendy capital (approx. 30 minutes drive from the airport). The group flight arrives in the evening. Our leader will hold a briefing in the morning to discuss the upcoming trip and answer any questions.Sky 2 Hotel or similar
This morning we drive (approx. 4 hrs) to Komani Lake. We then have a 2 hour ferry journey through the gorge to Fierza. The boat journey allows us to take in the spectacular scenery whilst we wind our way between high cliffs and towering peaks. It is described as one of the world's great boat journeys. Three hydroelectric power plants have been built here at the lake, which produces approx. 70% of Albania's electricity. Upon arrival in Fierza, we'll visit the 200 year old Mic Sokoli tower, which is significant in northern Albanian history and culture. We'll then walk for 2 hours to our guesthouse in Tropoje.Aste Guesthouse or similar
Distance in Km: 7
Distance in Miles: 4
Activity Hours: 2
Altitude Gain: 244
Altitude Loss: 164
We walk up through Tropoje Valley and follow the river, taking several breaks along the way to enjoy the beautiful alpine scenery. Lunch will be a picnic in the valley. In the afternoon we reach our alpine huts in Sylbice Alpine Pasture, which is where we stay for the night. The huts belong to a local family and we'll enjoy the homemade food and traditional hospitality, which has remained unchanged in this area for decades.Max. altitude 1620m.Sylbice Huts
Distance in Km: 16
Distance in Miles: 10
Activity Hours: 7
Altitude Gain: 1693
Altitude Loss: 493
Today we cross the border into Kosovo and trek through green alpine pastures to Belegu. We start walking at 1650m, eventually reaching Ali Cela Pass at 2227m, where we have stunning views of the glacial lakes in Albania. We then start descending to Belegu. For lunch, we'll enjoy another picnic en route, and dinner will be taken at Belugu shepherd huts, where we'll be staying this evening. Our host built this hut in the pine forest and plays the cifteli, a traditional musical instrument, so we'll enjoy some folk songs from the area.Max. altitude 2300m.Belegu Huts
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 6
Altitude Gain: 977
Altitude Loss: 693
Today's trail is carpeted with a dazzling array of wildflowers as we ascend from deep valleys to green mountain pastures, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views as we walk along ridges to the shepherd village of Milisevac run by a delightful family. Today’s route takes us off the tourist map and follows trails known by our local guide, we are unlikely to pass fellow trekkers as our paths takes us away from the Peaks of the Balkans trail. The halfway point of today's walk is the remote village of Prilep where we will enjoy local hospitality and have our lunch. Max. altitude 2018m.Lojza Huts
Distance in Km: 13
Distance in Miles: 8
Activity Hours: 6-7
Altitude Gain: 515
Altitude Loss: 716
Today's landscape is truly untouched and wild starting at 1600m we hike up to 2150m over 6km. This area is renowned for its hospitality, with delicious cheese and homemade raki available to try. We first ascend to Lumbardhi ridge and then descend through forest (sometimes the trail may be muddy) to Rugova Camp Hotel. From here we take a ride in 4x4’s to our guesthouse in Reka e Allages to avoid walking along the tarmac road.Max. altitude 2127m.Ariu Guesthouse or similar
Distance in Km: 15
Distance in Miles: 9
Activity Hours: 8
Altitude Gain: 1059
Altitude Loss: 1529
An exciting day today as we trek to Boge via Mt Hajla (2403m). Hajla is a mountain situated on the border of Montenegro and Kosovo and belongs to the north-eastern part of the Prokletije mountain range (or the Accursed Mountains). It is the highest peak in this range. Many consider Hajla to be one of the most beautiful peaks in the area. Those who live in this area still rely on stock-breeding and forestry, where shepherds still migrate to their summer huts and high settlements using the trails on which we walk on. Lunch will be a picnic en route and tonight we stay in a mountain hotel in Boge.Max. altitude 2123m.Hotel Magra Austria or similar
Distance in Km: 22
Distance in Miles: 14
Activity Hours: 8
Altitude Gain: 987
Altitude Loss: 840
We have a 30 minute transfer to Kuqishte, the start point of today's trek. We begin with an ascent on a good path, which leads us through lofty pine trees. From here, we have a steady climb to a valley full of dramatic rock formations and lakes. This is our highest point of today, with expansive views of the Accursed Mountains to the south. Depending on visibility, we may be able to see Babino Polje in Montenegro. We cross the border into Montenegro from here, with a delightful descent through a high alpine meadow, until we reach the sheep pastures above the Babino Polje Valley. Max. Altitude 2276m.Triangle Woodhouse Guesthouse or similar
Distance in Km: 16
Distance in Miles: 10
Activity Hours: 7
Altitude Gain: 991
Altitude Loss: 1006
Today we trek to Hrid Lake, starting with a trail through woodland. Hrid Lake can easily be circled, with its western part offering enjoyable views. The lake is recognised as a strict nature reserve within the Prokletije National Park. If the weather is good we can enjoy a quick refreshing swim at this tranquil spot. We then continue along a series of hills to Plav. Today’s walk is one of the longest and we cover a variety of terrain. In Plav there is a supermarket so there is an opportunity to purchase snacks and ice-cream. Max. altitude 2046m.Hotel Lake View or similar
Distance in Km: 22
Distance in Miles: 14
Activity Hours: 8
Altitude Gain: 626
Altitude Loss: 1202
We have a beautiful and exciting trek today, as we are going to summit Bor (2106m). This morning we start with a transfer to reach the start point of the trek, we begin driving on a tarmac road before turning off onto a gravel road where it gets progressively bumpier the higher we go. The trail starts in the beech forest and then it opens out into meadows covered in wildflowers. We then climb Bor (a steep ascent), from the top there are stunning panoramic views of the Guisinje Valley, Plav and the surrounding mountains of Kosovo and Albania. The next part of the trek follows a nice path as we gradually descend to the village of Vuthaj.Max. altitude 2106m.Moonlight Guesthouse or similar
Distance in Km: 12
Distance in Miles: 7
Activity Hours: 7
Altitude Gain: 584
Altitude Loss: 1116
This morning we will be transported with our luggage by 4x4’s to the Zastan huts. From the old police border office, we climb up to the Jezerca lakes, passing through dense forest. It is important to carry enough water for the day on this day as there are limited water sources along this route. From the lakes, we continue through forest along a trail all the way to Rossi Pass. We then descend into the village of Valbona. Max. altitude 2000mHotel Margjeka/Hotel Rilindja or similar
Distance in Km: 11
Distance in Miles: 7
Activity Hours: 7
Altitude Gain: 640
Altitude Loss: 760
This morning we leave the Valbona Valley and drive into Kosovo, we stop at the Old Town of Prizren. Here we will have a guided tour of the city including The League of Prizren, Sinan Pasha Mosque and the old town centre. After the tour, we will have lunch in Prizren before continuing our drive to the small village of Rubik (approx. 2 hours). Upon arrival in Rubik we will check into our hotel. In the late afternoon, we will take a short walk through the village. Eko Hotel Marub or similar
Distance in Km: 5
Distance in Miles: 3
Activity Hours: 1-2
After breakfast, we transfer back to Tirana. When we arrive in the capital we will have a short orientation tour, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city. We transfer to the airport late afternoon in time for the group flight in the evening.
5 nights hotels, 4 nights guesthouses, 3 nights shepherd mountain huts10 days
point-to-point trekkingAltitude maximum 2300m, average 1930mGroup normally 5
to 16, plus local leader. Min age 16 yrs
All breakfasts, 10 lunches and 12 dinners included.It wasn't until the
collapse of the socialist republics in the early 1990s that the world got its
first glimpse of the Balkans. This region has retained its subsistence
culture and show very little signs of changing. You can expect your food to
have been reared/grown not too far from your plate. Dairy products,
especially milk, cheese and yoghurt are present in almost every meal.
Breakfasts consist of cereals, bread and jam, eggs and cheese, tea and
coffee. Picnics are provided on the trek and usually consist of bread, meats
and local cheeses. For dinner, simple grilled meats, usually beef, chicken or
lamb, are commonly served with potatoes or rice, and locally-grown vegetables
and salads. Pies and other pastry-based dishes are also a staple in this
region.If you follow a vegan diet you should expect that the variety of food
may be limited whilst on this trip. This diet is relatively uncommon in this
region and we cannot guarantee that the hotels, shepherd huts and guesthouses
will provide meals that have the necessary variety.Water is provided, but
very often this is from local wells or mountain streams and is not
chlorinated. If you are concerned about drinking untreated water, we suggest
you bring a supply of water treatment tablets or a SteriPEN. SteriPENs are
widely stocked on Amazon, outdoor shops and other online retailers; look for
the latest models but avoid USB charging ones. Better still, a SteriPEN will
pay for itself over the course of the trek and you won’t leave behind a
single plastic bottle – you will end up spending the same or even less than
you would on bottled water, plus you can keep it for future trips.
5 nights hotels, 4 nights guesthouses, 3 nights shepherd mountain huts10 days
point-to-point trekkingAltitude maximum 2300m, average 1930mGroup normally 5
to 16, plus local leader. Min age 16 yrs
Activity Level: 5 (Challenging)This trek is suitable for keen trekkers who
are prepared to put in some physical preparation. For the most part, our
walks follow good shepherd trails yet the terrain can be very rocky in parts,
winding through high alpine mountains. At times we will encounter some trails
which are not well maintained and can be a little overgrown. We will
encounter sustained steep ascents/descents (sometimes with gravel slopes) and
you should be confident in your ability to deal with heights. Walking hours
stated are given as approximates only.Accommodation is basic. Facilities are
limited at the shepherd huts and usually consist of sharing the floor space
in a large room (not too dissimilar to a Scottish bothy or a French gite).
Rooms at the guesthouses are mixed-sex dormitory style. In a couple of the
properties there is only one shower, so the group will need to factor this in
when deciding when to take a shower. Due to certain areas still being
relatively undeveloped, some of the drives will be on windy and quite bumpy
roads. Some roads are full of potholes and of a much lower standard to what
we are used to in much of Europe. Still, we are always rewarded with
spectacular wild scenery throughout.Luggage is transferred by horses at times
during the trek. Please bring soft bags rather than hard suitcases.Download
our Fitness Training Guide for more information on our Activity Levels.
Hotels, guesthouses, shepherd huts5 nights hotels, 4 nights guesthouses, 3 nights shepherd mountain
huts.We'll experience wonderful hospitality whilst staying at the shepherd
huts and family-run guesthouses. At the huts, all group members share the
sleeping space between two or more rooms. They are not too dissimilar to a
Scottish mountain bothy or a French gite, whereby you sleep on mattresses on
the floor. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag for the huts.
Facilities are limited and basic but the warm hospitality more than makes up
for it. Please note that charging facilities can be limited. At the
guesthouses, rooms are welcoming but simple. We stay in dormitory rooms for
between 4 and 6 people. It may be necessary for male and female group members
to share. Our guesthouse in Tropojë belonged to our local partner's
grandfather and has been lovingly renovated into a guesthouse. There are 4
twin rooms and one quadruple room here; all bathrooms are ensuite except for
one of the twin rooms where it is separate.Our hotel in Boge is a nice
welcome after a few nights in more basic accommodation, there is a swimming
pool here so you may wish to bring your costume. Please note that a single
supplement is available (hotels only). Single rooms are not available at the
shepherd huts or guesthouses. Also, at some of the guesthouses there is only
one shower, so you have to be sparing with the hot water and be prepared to
wait.
Group normally 5 to 16. There will be a local leader, a driver, plus
horsemen during the trek (to help with luggage transportation from one
village to the next. Our local partner was born and raised in the Albanian
Alps and has been walking in the region since he was a child. For parts of
the trek, we will be joined by a second local guide when in Kosovo and
Montenegro.
All breakfasts, 10 lunches and 12 dinners included.It wasn't until the
collapse of the socialist republics in the early 1990s that the world got its
first glimpse of the Balkans. This region has retained its subsistence
culture and show very little signs of changing. You can expect your food to
have been reared/grown not too far from your plate. Dairy products,
especially milk, cheese and yoghurt are present in almost every meal.
Breakfasts consist of cereals, bread and jam, eggs and cheese, tea and
coffee. Picnics are provided on the trek and usually consist of bread, meats
and local cheeses. For dinner, simple grilled meats, usually beef, chicken or
lamb, are commonly served with potatoes or rice, and locally-grown vegetables
and salads. Pies and other pastry-based dishes are also a staple in this
region.If you follow a vegan diet you should expect that the variety of food
may be limited whilst on this trip. This diet is relatively uncommon in this
region and we cannot guarantee that the hotels, shepherd huts and guesthouses
will provide meals that have the necessary variety.Water is provided, but
very often this is from local wells or mountain streams and is not
chlorinated. If you are concerned about drinking untreated water, we suggest
you bring a supply of water treatment tablets or a SteriPEN. SteriPENs are
widely stocked on Amazon, outdoor shops and other online retailers; look for
the latest models but avoid USB charging ones. Better still, a SteriPEN will
pay for itself over the course of the trek and you won’t leave behind a
single plastic bottle – you will end up spending the same or even less than
you would on bottled water, plus you can keep it for future trips.
For this trip, we use private buses and 4x4's for our transfers. Luggage is
transported by horses.
Travelling flight inclusive from London: 14 daysThe group flight from London
is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary.Flights from LondonWe
normally use the scheduled services of British Airways or Austrian Airlines
(depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly
we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to
confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later
date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before
departure.Travelling land only: 14 days starting in Tirana and ending in
TiranaYour trip normally starts at our accommodation in Tirana in the evening
of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are
provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks
before departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it. If you require airport transfers, you may (by
prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are
arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight ‐ please
check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take
this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point
at your own expense.
In the mountainous, temperatures are mostly elevation dependent. The weather
can be unpredictable in the mountains so you should bring appropriate
clothing for both sunny and cooler days. Stormy weather cannot be ruled
out. Daytime temperatures in the lower valleys will vary between 15ºC and
30ºC. In the summer, the days are generally hot with clear skies and little
rain. Temperatures can drop in the evenings. The higher we are, the cooler
the temperature.
Daypack (20-30L capacity)Lightweight walking boots (with good tread and ankle
support)Walking socksWater bottle (2 litre)Sandals or comfortable shoes for
non-trekking daysLayered clothing - several light tops (for protection
against cold, wind or sun)Lightweight waterproof jacket and wind stopperWarm
jumper or fleece for eveningsLight trekking trousers and shortsSunscreen,
sun-hat, sunglassesTorch or headlight (with a spare battery)Sleeping bagDry
bag to keep your kit dryToilet paper. Supplies in the shepherd huts are
variable.Small first aid kitCamera with batteries (it will not always be
possible to charge batteries- spares are recommended)Please do not bring hard
suitcases as our luggage is transported by horses. A free Exodus kitbag will
be provided.We believe in reducing our negative environmental impacts
wherever possible, this goes for when you need to spend a penny in the great
outdoors! If no facilities are available there may come a time when you need
to go to the loo behind a tree/bush/rock. To avoid leaving toilet paper
behind we recommend taking biodegradable dog poo/sandwich bags with you. Once
you have done your business you can pop the used toilet roll in here and take
it off the mountain or trail at the end of the day and dispose of it when
there are appropriate facilities available.
Walking polesEarplugsEnergy bars and snack supply, enough for a small snack
each dayChlorine tabletsSteriPen
You will usually find better exchange rates outside the airport, so you are
better to exchange the bulk of your money in Tirana. It is important to carry
small denominations as prices in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro are
relatively cheap compared to elsewhere in Europe.Most meals are included in
the price of the tour, and for those that aren't, you need only allow approx.
€7.50 for dinner and €4.50 for lunch (plus a little more if drinking
wine). Approx. drink prices in restaurants: beer, a glass of wine, water,
soft drinks are €1.50.
It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver and the local staff. This
can be handed to your leader at the end of the week. For the driver and local
staff, we recommend to budget approx. 10-15 Euros per person.A tip for the
leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline, we
recommend a contribution of between 30-40EUR per person.
Travel insuranceVisas and vaccinationsSingle supplement
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.