Reka e Allages, Kosovo: Into the Heart of the Rugova Highlands

Reka e Allages is a village on the Kosovo section of the Peaks of the Balkans trail, sitting at 1,300 metres in the Rugova highlands of Peja Municipality. It is one of the key waypoints on the trail’s Kosovo loop — and one of the best entry points for hikers who want to start the Peaks of the Balkans from Kosovo rather than Albania or Montenegro.

The village is home to Guesthouse Ariu, one of the oldest and best-known guesthouses on the entire Peaks of the Balkans trail, run by Mustafe and Fetije Nikqi — a couple who are recognised as pioneers of tourism in this region and have been hosting hikers from around the world for over a decade. Fetije’s traditional Kosovo mountain cuisine has become something of a legend among Peaks of the Balkans hikers. Her signature dishes require advance booking.

Reka e Allages on the Peaks of the Balkans Trail

Reka e Allages sits between Milishevc and Drelaj on the Kosovo section of the trail. Hikers coming from the Albanian side of the trail typically arrive via Çerem and Gacaferi before reaching Reka e Allages. From here, the trail continues toward Drelaj and the approaches to Montenegro.

The village also serves as the base for one of the most celebrated optional stages on the entire trail: the ascent of Hajla Peak (2,403 m) — the highest summit on the north side of the Rugova Valley, where the Kosovo–Montenegro border ridge runs beneath your feet.

The Stage from Milishevc to Reka e Allages

A manageable stage through the Rugova highland terrain, descending toward the village through forested slopes and open meadows. Full trail details and GPX: Milishevc to Reka e Allages →

The Stage from Reka e Allages to Drelaj

The trail departs northwest behind Guesthouse Ariu, crossing open meadows and low shrubs before joining a 4WD track that climbs through dense pine forest. After 1.2 km the route reaches Stani i Fatosit, a seasonal mountain cabin and the jumping-off point for the Hajla Peak ascent. The full stage continues to Drelaj. Full trail details and GPX: Reka e Allages to Drelaj →

Starting the Peaks of the Balkans from Reka e Allages

For hikers based in Kosovo or arriving via Prishtina, Reka e Allages is an excellent starting point for the Peaks of the Balkans trail. The village is accessible by road from Peja (approximately 30 km), and Guesthouse Ariu provides the ideal base for an overnight before setting off on the trail in either direction.

Starting from Reka e Allages means the first full day on the trail takes you toward Drelaj and the border into Montenegro — a strong opening stage that immediately delivers the high alpine character the Peaks of the Balkans is known for.

Hajla Peak — The Optional Summit

From the seasonal cabin at Stani i Fatosit, 1.2 km above Reka e Allages, a side route climbs to Hajla Peak (2,403 m) — a gain of 600 metres over 2.5 km. Hajla is considered one of the finest summit viewpoints on the Kosovo section of the trail, with panoramic views across the Rugova Valley and three countries visible on a clear day. It is suitable for experienced hikers and requires a full day. Details: Hike Hajla Peak →

Where to Stay: Guesthouse Ariu

Guesthouse Ariu is run by Mustafe and Fetije Nikqi, community leaders and among the first people to open the Rugova highlands to hikers on the Peaks of the Balkans trail. The guesthouse offers accommodation, full board, and a welcome that reflects genuine Rugova mountain hospitality. Fetije’s cooking — traditional Kosovo highland dishes prepared with local ingredients — is worth planning your stages around. Advance booking for meals is recommended.

Ariu is located in the centre of Reka e Allages village at 1,300 m. Check availability and book →

The Rugova Valley

Reka e Allages sits within the broader landscape of the Rugova Valley — one of the longest and deepest canyons in the Balkans, stretching approximately 25 kilometres with canyon walls reaching up to 1,000 metres. The valley is home to brown bears, chamois, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons, and is a candidate for UNESCO natural heritage designation. The Kosovo stages of the Peaks of the Balkans trail pass through this landscape — more open, more wild, and less documented than the Albanian and Montenegrin sections.

Practical Information

• Elevation: 1,300 m
• Municipality: Peja (Pejë), Kosovo
• Access: Road from Peja (~30 km). Accessible by car or organised transfer.
• Accommodation: Guesthouse Ariu (full board available, advance booking recommended)
• Mobile signal: Limited — download offline maps and GPX before arriving
• Best season: June to October for hiking; the trail is possible in shoulder months with appropriate preparation

Plan Your Peaks of the Balkans Hike

BNA runs self-guided and guided tours of the full Peaks of the Balkans trail, with options to start from Kosovo. Every self-guided client receives full route documentation and GPX files for all stages including the Kosovo section through Reka e Allages.

• 10 Days Peaks of the Balkans — Self-Guided
• 10 Days Peaks of the Balkans — Guided

See also: Milishevc · Drelaj · Gacaferi · Peaks of the Balkans trail overview