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The Peaks of the Balkans Trail

Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo

ISBN

9781852847708

Availability

Published

6 Nov 2017

Reprinted

10 Sept 2024

Edition

First

Pages

160

Size

17.20 x 11.60 x .80cm

Weight

180g

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Guidebook to the Peaks of the Balkans Trail, a 192km trek through Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo. The route, which can comfortably be completed in less than a fortnight, is waymarked and covers terrain between 670m and 2300m in altitude, taking in remote valleys, dramatic mountain passes, stunning scenery and villages untouched by time.

Seasons

The trekking season begins May/June and finishes in October, with June-August the driest months. Wildflowers bloom in June. Snow-patches may linger until June/July.

Centres

Theth (Albania), Valbona (Albania), Çeremi (Albania), Dobërdol (Albania), Milishevc (Kosovo), Rekë e Allagës (Kosovo), Drelaj (Kosovo), Babino polje (Montenegro), Plav (Montenegro), Vusanje (Montenegro)

Difficulty

Moderate fitness is required, though the walking itself is not difficult. The trail passes through some remote areas.

Must See

Four beautiful national parks: Prokletije (in Montenegro), Thethi and Valbona Valley (in Albania) and Rugova Valley (in Kosovo); birdlife, plants and butterflies; warm Balkans hospitality

ISBN

9781852847708

Availability

Published

6 Nov 2017

Reprinted

10 Sept 2024

Edition

First

Pages

160

Size

17.20 x 11.60 x .80cm

Weight

180g

Overview

A guidebook to trekking the Peaks of the Balkans Trail. Passing through Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro, the 183km circular route can be completed in around a fortnight. The walking itself is not difficult, although the route passes through some remote areas and demands a moderate level of fitness.

The route is presented anti-clockwise from Theth (Albania) in 10 stages of between 10 and 28km. Also included are a handful of optional detours to climb neighbouring peaks and visit local sites of interest.

1:50,000 mapping and elevation profile provided for each stage
Everything you need to plan a successful trip: how to get to the route, when to go, what to take, and information on cross-border permits
Accommodation listings included
Geology, history, plants and wildlife
Language notes and glossary

Table of Contents

CONTENTS

Map key

Overview maps

Route summary table

Introduction

Geography and geology

Historical summary

National parks and nature reserves

Wildlife and plants

Climate

When to hike

Getting there and around

Accommodation and food

Public holidays

Language

Money

Phones, internet and electricity

Cross-border permits

Local tour operators

Where to start/finish

Variations, transfers and highlights

Trail markings

Maps

Equipment

Water

Safety in the mountains and what to do in an emergency

Using this guide

The Peaks of the Balkans Trail

Stage 1 Theth (Albania) – Valbona (Albania)

Stage 2 Valbona (Albania) – Çeremi (Albania) via the Prosllopit Pass

Stage 3 Çeremi (Albania) – Dobërdol (Albania)

Stage 4 Dobërdol (Albania) – Milishevc (Kosovo)

Stage 5 Milishevc (Kosovo) – Rekё e Allagёs (Kosovo)

Stage 6 Rekё e Allagёs (Kosovo) – Drelaj or Restaurant Te Liqeni (Kosovo)

Stage 7 Restaurant Te Liqeni (Kosovo) – Babino polje (Montenegro)

Stage 8 Babino polje (Montenegro) – Plav (Montenegro)

Stage 9 Plav (Montenegro) – Vusanje (Montenegro)

Stage 10 Vusanje (Montenegro) – Theth (Albania)

Appendix A Useful contacts

Appendix B Accommodation

Appendix C Further reading

Appendix D Language and glossary

Appendix E History timeline

Updates

May 2024

When to hike – snow warning if hiking before June (p29)

While the ‘When to hike’ section mentions the presence of snow on parts of the trail until June, and on higher parts of the trail until July, I think it’s worth emphasising this further. Areas where you are almost certain to encounter snow before June include the Valbona Pass, the Prosllopit Pass and the Pejë Pass, crossed on stages 1, 2 and 10 respectively, and possibly other areas. Under such conditions, crossing these otherwise easy passes can be more precarious, and possibly dangerous in particular if the snow is hard packed or frozen. If you’re considering hiking the Peaks of the Balkans before June – for example in late May – you need to be prepared for such conditions, at least when crossing passes. Crampons are strongly advised, and carrying an ice axe would be prudent.

Reviews

One of the best ways to discover the Balkans

The Balkans may not be as popular for walking as, say, the Alps, but that's not to say they don't offer the same level of fantastic hiking. In fact, the mountains of Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo are home to some truly astounding trails, and to turn a blind eye to them is a disservice unto yourself. With that said, one of the best ways to discover the best of the area is by walking The Peaks of the Balkans Trail. The recently developed route stretches for 113 miles and takes hikers through remote valleys, over high mountain passes and past unspoilt, welcoming villages. As ever, guidebook specialist Cicerone is here to guide you through it all, with an in-depth book talking you through each stage.

Adventure Travel magazine

We will definitely feel confident taking this book along with us for the trek.

The Peaks of the Balkans is a newer trekking route that takes trekkers through the Prokletije mountains of Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo. We've had our eye on this 182km trail for some time now, and the fact that a detailed guidebook now exists in English, means that we'll definitely be packing our bags to tackle the route soon! Not only does the Peaks of the Balkans trail let you escape the increasingly busy trails closer to home, taking you to a more remote part of Europe, but the formation of this trail also brings much needed sustainable income to the small mountain villages along the route, with guesthouses being the popular choice for accommodation amongst hikers.

As well as all of the information that you would expect to find in a guidebook (and some additional useful advice), you'll find decent maps complete with contour lines and points of interest (though the available Peaks of the Balkans map would still be recommended). and handy elevation charts, The inclusion of useful phrases and a pronunciation guide is a nice addition and while you won't find yourself fluent in any of the languages, the author points out the importance of at least learning a few phrases which the locals will appreciate. The book is of the high standard that we've come to expect from Cicerone guides, answered all of our questions that we've been building up over the last couple of years, and we will definitely feel confident taking this book along with us for the trek!

Trek and Mountain magazine.

By Rudolf Abraham

Rudolf Abraham (www.rudolfabraham.co.uk) is an award-winning travel writer and photographer specialising in Central and Southeastern Europe. He is the author of 14 books, and his work is published widely in magazines.

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