Walking the Peaks of the Balkans 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.

It’s possible to start and finish the Peaks of the Balkans in any of the three countries through which it passes, however whichever starting point you decide on, you’ll need to obtain a cross-border permit from the relevant authorities in Montenegro, Albania or Kosovo before setting off and actually walking the trail. Judging by the helpful and informative Peaks of the Balkans website, you would be forgiven for thinking this should be easy enough to do yourself, but in fact it’s not quite as straightforward as you might expect, and it is worth simply getting a local agency to sort out the permit.

When 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. August is the hottest month. By September snowfields have dried up, and with them possibly some springs; nights will be getting cooler and you can expect frost. 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.

Accommodation and food

Accommodation along the trail is provided by small village guesthouses, many of them outstanding, offering wonderful food and hospitality. Bedding is provided (sheets, blankets, pillows), so there’s no need to carry a sleeping bag – although it’s a good idea to carry a lightweight silk or cotton sleeping bag for use on a couple of the overnights where sleeping facilities are more basic.

Camping is possible on the Trail – some guesthouses have campsites (with the obvious advantage that you can have dinner at the guesthouse), and there are various points along the route suitable for wild camping (but note that camping within a national park or nature reserve is prohibited, which technically at least rules out almost the entire route in Montenegro).

Meals at village guesthouses are usually prepared with fresh, local produce. Salads made from cucumber, tomato and onion; stuffed peppers; green beans simmered in milk; crumbly white cheese; grilled vegetables; simple but delicious stews; fresh village bread; homemade jams.

As well as dinner, bed and breakfast, half-board in village guesthouses usually includes a packed lunch, as well as Turkish coffee, tea (both of these generally in unlimited quantities, within reason) and homemade rakija – a potent local spirit. In guesthouses in Albania and Kosovo you should find plenty of vegetarian dishes.