Self-guided trek

Peaks of the Balkans

Hike on your own · Montenegro & AlbaniaMontenegro, Albania & Kosovo7 to 12 days · May to October
Your tour at a glance

You came to hike.
We handle the rest.

Not everyone wants to hike with a group. Our self-guided tours through the Prokletije mountain range are for hikers who want to walk the Peaks of the Balkans on their own, with everything else organized for them. The trail crosses the border region where Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo meet. Choose the length that suits you.

7days
5days of hiking
85.5km on foot
4,769m elevation gain
2countries
9days
7days of hiking
127.5km on foot
6,438m elevation gain
3countries
10days
8days of hiking
139.5km on foot
7,638m elevation gain
3countries
12days
10days of hiking
166.5km on foot
9,043m elevation gain
3countries

Included in your tour

  • Accommodation
  • All meals
  • Jeep transfer to the trailhead in Plav
  • GPS files
  • Paper map
  • Jeep transfer from Valbona to Cerem
  • On-trail jeep transfers
  • Border permits

The route

MONTENEGRO
PlavVusanje
ALBANIA
ThethValbonaCeremDoberdol
MONTENEGRO
Lake HridBabino PoljePlav
MONTENEGRO
PlavVusanje
ALBANIA
ThethValbonaCeremDoberdol
KOSOVO
GjeravicaGacaferi
MONTENEGRO
Babino PoljePlav
MONTENEGRO
PlavVusanje
ALBANIA
ThethValbonaCeremDoberdol
KOSOVO
GjeravicaGacaferiMilishevc
MONTENEGRO
Babino PoljePlav
Day by day

The itinerary

DAY1

Arrival in Plav

The itinerary begins with your arrival in Plav, Montenegro. You can take the public bus from the capital, Podgorica (€15, a 4-hour ride), or have us arrange private transportation (2.5 hours). Private transportation is an additional €300 in total, to and from the airport.

DAY1

Arrival in Plav

The itinerary begins with your arrival at your first guest house in Plav, Montenegro. You can take the public bus from the capital, Podgorica (€15, a 4-hour ride), or have us arrange private transportation (2.5 hours). Private transportation is an additional €300 in total, to and from the airport.

DAY1

Arrival in Plav

Arrive in Plav, Montenegro. Stay in Hostel Bear Hug. You can take the public bus from the capital, Podgorica (€15, a 4-hour ride), or have us arrange private transportation (2.5 hours). Private transportation is an additional €300 in total, to and from the airport.

DAY2

Plav to Vusanje

Morning jeep transfer to the trailhead. Hike from Plav to Vusanje.

Duration8 hours
Distance18 km
Gain650 m
Loss1,300 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY2

Plav to Vusanje

Morning jeep transfer to the trailhead. Hike from Plav to Vusanje.

Duration7 hours
Distance18 km
Gain650 m
Loss1,300 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY2

Plav to Vusanje

Hike from Plav to Vusanje. Stay in Vusanje for the next 2 nights.

Duration7–8 hours
Distance18 km
Gain650 m
Loss1,250 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY3

Vusanje to Theth

Hike from Vusanje, crossing the border into Albania, to the village of Theth.

Duration8 hours
Distance20 km
Gain1,111 m
Loss1,300 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY3

Talijanka Loop

Morning transfer from Vusanje to Grebaje Valley. Pack only essentials, as you return to the guest house at night. Hike the Talijanka Loop, one of the most beautiful trails in the region, then transfer back to the guest house in Vusanje.

Duration6 hours
Distance14 km
Gain1,000 m
Loss1,000 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY4

Theth to Valbona

Hike from Theth to Valbona.

Duration6 hours
Distance14 km
Gain1,068 m
Loss1,000 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY4

Theth to Valbona

Hike from Theth to Valbona. Pick-up at the end of the trail and transfer to the guest house.

Duration6 hours
Distance14 km
Gain1,068 m
Loss1,000 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY4

Vusanje to Theth

Hike from Vusanje, Montenegro, across the border to Theth, Albania.

Duration8 hours
Distance20 km
Gain950 m
Loss1,300 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY5

Cerem to Doberdol

One-hour morning transfer from the guest house in Valbona to the trailhead in Cerem. Hike from Cerem to Doberdol.

Duration6 hours
Distance15.5 km
Gain1,025 m
Loss440 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY5

Valbona to Cerem

Hike from Valbona to Cerem.

Duration6 hours
Distance12 km
Gain1,200 m
Loss1,000 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY5

Theth to Valbona

Hike from Theth to Valbona. Transfer from the trailhead to your stay in Valbona.

Duration6 hours
Distance14 km
Gain1,068 m
Loss1,000 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY6

Doberdol to Babino Polje

Hike from Doberdol across to Lake Hrid and down to Babino Polje, Montenegro. Transfer to Plav when the hike is done.

Duration7 hours
Distance18 km
Gain915 m
Loss980 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY6

Doberdol to Gjeravica and Gacaferi

Hike from Doberdol to Gjeravica peak in Kosovo and down to the Gacaferi guest house in Kosovo.

Duration7–8 hours
Distance18 km
Gain950 m
Loss950 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY6

Cerem to Doberdol

Hike from Cerem to Doberdol. Stay in Doberdol.

Duration6 hours
Distance15.5 km
Gain1,025 m
Loss440 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY6

Valbona to Cerem

Hike from Valbona to Cerem via the Perslopit Pass.

Duration7 hours
Distance12 km
Gain1,250 m
Loss1,000 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY7

Departure

Breakfast, followed by the conclusion of your self-guided tour.

DAY7

Gacaferi to Babino Polje

Hike from Gacaferi across the border to Babino Polje, Montenegro.

Duration7 hours
Distance18 km
Gain915 m
Loss980 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY7

Doberdol to Gjeravica and Gacaferi

Hike from Doberdol to Gjeravica peak in Kosovo and down to the Gacaferi guest house in Kosovo.

Duration7–8 hours
Distance18 km
Gain950 m
Loss950 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY7

Cerem to Doberdol

Hike from Cerem to Doberdol. Stay in Doberdol.

Duration6 hours
Distance15.5 km
Gain1,025 m
Loss440 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY8

Babino Polje to Plav

Hike from Babino Polje back to Plav.

Duration8 hours
Distance24 km
Gain719 m
Loss1,250 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY8

Gacaferi to Babino Polje

Hike from Gacaferi across the border to Babino Polje, Montenegro.

Duration7 hours
Distance18 km
Gain915 m
Loss980 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY8

Doberdol to Gjeravica and Gacaferi

Hike from Doberdol to Gjeravica peak in Kosovo and down to Gacaferi village in Kosovo. Stay in Gacaferi.

Duration7–8 hours
Distance18 km
Gain950 m
Loss950 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY9

Departure

Breakfast, followed by the conclusion of your self-guided tour.

DAY9

Babino Polje to Plav

Hike from Babino Polje back to Plav.

Duration8 hours
Distance24 km
Gain719 m
Loss1,250 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY9

Gacaferi to Milishevc

Hike from Gacaferi to Milishevc.

Duration7 hours
Distance15 km
Gain720 m
Loss900 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY10

Departure

Breakfast, followed by the conclusion of your self-guided tour.

DAY10

Milishevc to Babino Polje

Hike from Milishevc to Babino Polje, Montenegro.

Duration8 hours
Distance20 km
Gain711 m
Loss900 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY11

Babino Polje to Plav

Hike from Babino Polje back to Plav.

Duration7–8 hours
Distance20 km
Gain719 m
Loss1,250 m
DifficultyModerate
DAY12

Departure

Breakfast, followed by the conclusion of your self-guided tour. Public transport, or a private transfer if organized.

How it works

Your trail, your pace

Hike on your own

Walk the trail at your own pace, with no group schedule to keep.

We handle the logistics

Guest houses, meals, jeep transfers and border permits are all organized by our local team.

Never lose the trail

You get GPS files for every stage and a paper map of the route.

Am I fit to hike?

The tour suits anyone in good basic condition. The days are demanding, so a good mindset is key. Luggage transfers and private rooms can be added.

Tour pricing

Your tour

Cost per person€600€750€825€9757-day self-guided tour, shared accommodation9-day self-guided tour, shared accommodation10-day self-guided tour, shared accommodation12-day self-guided tour, shared accommodation
Add-ons (not charged per person)
  • Private rooms: €250 per couple
  • Single supplement private room: €350
  • Airport transfers to and from Podgorica: €300
  • Luggage transfers: €700To be split by the number of participants.
  • Luggage transfers: €800To be split by the number of participants.
Google reviews

What our travellers say

Posted on Google Google
Jade R profile picture
Jade R
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
This is absolutely the best way to experience the Peaks of the Balkans. Emir and our guide Talle were exceptional - took care of us and any travel issues that arose and made us feel like part of the family. The itinerary is the most amazing way to see the best that the Accursed Mountains have to offer. Highly recommend the guided tour for anyone who wants to feel like a part of the culture rather than just like they are passing through.
Posted on Google Google
Chloe Brown profile picture
Chloe Brown
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Emir and everyone who works with him is exceptional! My guide Talle for the 8 day hike is kind, genuine, knowledgeable, and goes out of his way to improve everyone’s experience in the mountains. 10/10 recommend a guided hike
Posted on Google Google
Bryn Russell profile picture
Bryn Russell
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I was considering doing the peaks of Balkans on my own, but after the experience I’ve had with Emir and his team this week, I would say you’d be foolish to do it any other way than through Balkan Mountain Adventure Company. Truly some of the best fun I’ve ever had. As you can see, 10/10 atmosphere, people, energy, everything. And a big shoutout to Talle, moj brat, thank you for the authentic introduction to Balkan culture ❤️ I’ll be back
Posted on Google Google
Joe Lawson profile picture
Joe Lawson
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Phenomenal experience - very well organised, great communication, and an incredible 7 days on the trail. Emir went above and beyond, would recommend this company to anyone.
Posted on Google Google
Caroline Wood profile picture
Caroline Wood
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
If your dream is to hike the Peaks of the Balkans, you will be in good hands with Balkan Mountain Adventure Company. Emir, Nadia and the team looked after me extremely well. As a solo female traveller, I can get anxious about hiking alone, but I was well supported throughout and had all the information I needed do the route each day safely and in good time. Each day's route and the guesthouse location was provided as a file I could download into Outdoor Active, my route planner of choice. The choice of guesthouses was really nice and every day when I arrived, the owner was expecting me. I checked in each day with Nadia after finishing the hike so that the team knew I was safe. It was a wonderfully liberating experience - I travelled through wonderful scenery and met so many kind people. A brilliant experience!
Posted on Google Google
Alexandra Levin profile picture
Alexandra Levin
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I can’t say enough good things about Balkan Mountain Adventures. During the planning phase, Emir was an excellent communicator and answered all of my questions promptly and patiently. Once we arrived in Montenegro, he helped my friend borrow gear when her luggage didn’t make it and he was friendly and welcoming in Plav. Throughout our hike, we felt supported and greatly enjoyed the guesthouses that were arranged for us. Finally, shoutout to Pasha, Emir’s brother for an entertaining and smooth ride back to Tivat. I would highly recommend booking with this company for a well-planned adventure with lots of personal touches.
Posted on Google Google
Ned Dodds profile picture
Ned Dodds
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
What an incredible 7 day hike through the lovely mountains of the Balkans. We had such an incredible time walking in August going from homestay to homestay eating some incredible food cooked by the locals. With the best food and most generous from guesthouse Gacaferi cooked by the lovely lady Safete. The views are outstanding the whole way along with some refreshing places to swim. But the best part was our guide Tale who made it super fun and made everyone feel included. And also Emir who runs the company. All very nice people and made you feel like family.
Posted on Google Google
Wendy “Because” profile picture
Wendy “Because”
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I would highly recommend Balkan Mountain Adventure Company. When we were deciding which company to use for our self-guided hike through the Balkans, my friend and I interviewed a few companies and asked for preliminary itineraries. Emir's company was the only one that actually listened to what we wanted: to stay high in the mountains and hike for 12 days. He provided us with great, authentic accommodations, transfers and navigation tools to make our trip seamless. On top of that, I had knee surgery before the trip, so I needed to take a day off and get a transfer, and another one of us had to get home early, and he jumped through hoops to make it happen. We felt completely supported by him throughout the trip. As I said, I would use Emir again if I ever come back to the Balkans. Which I would highly recommend to hike the Balkan region. Extremely pristine, rugged and beautiful!!!
Posted on Google Google
Kerim Hadzovic profile picture
Kerim Hadzovic
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I highly recommend the Peaks of the Balkans Adventure group tour with this company! You won’t regret it.
Posted on Google Google
Adra Anderson profile picture
Adra Anderson
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
When I look back on my life at 95, ill remember this as one of the best experiences of my life. I completed a 7-day guided tour. The group was amazing - mostly made up of solo individuals like myself. Our guide, Talle, was experienced, hilarious, knowledgeable, personable, and the best guide ive ever had on any tour. As someone who hikes solo often around the world, it was so nice to be able to just relax and follow the group and enjoy the scenery. He knew where to stop for a break in the shade on days where shade was limited, when to take water breaks before intense climbs, where to stash your bag pack to avoid carrying it unnecessarily to the top of a summit to preserve energy and so much more. I learned so so much from him that I will carry into my future hikes. He clearly has close relations with the families running guesthouses in the mountains and made sure to stop at other places for lunch, tea or coffee to support the local community. We were welcomed at many guesthouses with enthusiasm because of his strong relations with that particular place. Im so thankful to have had him as my guide for 7 days. Emir was also an amazing guy to communicate with. He created a wonderful itinerary and I cant imagine there was a more beautiful part of the peaks of the Balkan trail than we saw. Each guesthouse was unique and in a beautiful location. The energy and vibrancy of every person working for BLKNMNT is off the charts and makes you want to stay well after the experience is over. My only note is is to please restock your t-shirts! Ill just have to come back to buy one! Thank you for everything ❤️
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Pasha Cirikovic
Head of Itineraries
Kula Adventures

Adventure awaits

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