Walking the Peaks of the Balkans Trail: everything you need to know

Where does the route start and end?

The Peak of the Balkans Trail is a circular route, and so there are several points at which you can start and finish hiking the Trail - and there are two points where the 'circuit' meets or almost meets, like a figure of eight. However, the most convenient places to start (taking into account direct flights from the UK and local transport) are Theth in Albania, Plav in Montenegro or Reke e Allages in Kosovo. The guidebook describes the route from Theth; however, there is nothing stopping you from starting at Stage 6 (for example) rather than Stage 1.

How long is the Peaks of the Balkans Trail?

A circular route of around 192km in length, it takes in remote valleys, lakes and mountain passes, winding its way through some stupendous mountain scenery and passing through traditional mountain villages which often feel like somewhere time forgot. It’s a corner of Europe few people are familiar with, let alone visit.

Starting from the village of Theth in Albania, the route crosses a pass to reach the Valbona Valley, and climbs to the Montenegrin border below Maja Kolata, one of the highest peaks in the area, before descending to the tiny settlement of Çeremi. Later it passes through the remote summer settlement of Dobërdol before crossing the border into Kosovo, and descends to the Rugova Gorge. Crossing into Montenegro it passes through Babino polje then climbs to Lake Hrid, before descending to the town of Plav and, after crossing Vrh Bora, to the village of Vusanje, before following the Ropojana valley up into Albania again, crossing the Pëjë Pass and descending to Theth.

How many days does it take to walk?

The route can be hiked in around 10 days or extended over a couple of weeks, with around 1/3 of the trek taking place in each country. The guidebook breaks down the route into ten stages ranging between 11 and 27.5km in length.

How difficult is the Trail?

The trail is well marked for much of its length, a reasonably good map is available covering the whole route, and access is relatively straightforward – sometimes extremely straightforward – to several points along the way by local buses. Good, knowledgeable local guides are available to accompany groups or individuals along the route. Hiking is along existing paths and 4WD tracks and is not technically difficult – however the surrounding mountains are high and the weather can change suddenly and dramatically, and for the most part the route is very remote. Exit points, should you need to break your trek short in an emergency, may be several days apart, and may not be in the country you arrived in.

When is the best time to walk the Peaks of the Balkans Trail?

The hiking season begins in May or June, with the latter bringing more settled weather and milder temperatures – although you can still expect snow patches in June, or until July in higher areas. Wildflowers are at their most spectacular in June. July is statistically the driest month, followed by August and June – but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared for possible rain or thunderstorms during these months, just as at any other time of year. In October the landscape turns to beautiful autumn colours, and the first snowfall arrives sometime this month, which generally marks the end of the trekking season in Prokletije.