Doberdol – Gjeravica Peak – Gacafer

Doberdol Gacaferi stage trail you will be climbing the highest mountain top of Kosova Gjeravica Peak (2656m) and the second highest of the Accursed mountains after Jezerca Peak (2694m). The route to the summit from Doberdol, for a part of it, is back and forth and goes to Kosovo side, cross the border which is not heavily guarded anymore as it was in the past. However, during the communist regimes in this part of the world this was the border between Albania and Yugoslavia and one of the most protected borders in the world.
First section of the trail goes for approx. 3.5km North-East (NE) through Doberdol Valley which is one of the most beautiful valleys in whole Peask of the Balkans trail. It reminds very much the Scottish Highlands. At 2275m of altitude the trail crosses through Ali Peja Pass from Albania into Kosovo. The pass itself offers breathtaking panoramic views in all three countries. From this point and on, the trail stays in high altitude mainly in Kosovo territory as after 3.1km South-East (SE) at 2290m reaches one of the most iconic lakes which have a heart shape and blue turquoise color. From the lake the trail continues to climb for about 1.2km South-East (SE) until it reaches the ridge in 2440m.

The last section of the trail goes in a straight line with Gjeravica Peak, East (E) direction, with a slight descent in the beginning, and after a few hundred meters starts to climb directly to the Gjeravica Peak 2656m.
Gjeravica Peak is the Highest Peak of Kosovo, from where there is a 360⁰ panoramic view, from where it is possible to see endless mountain ranges within Accursed Mountains National Park. The way back to Doberdol from the Peak goes the same way, following the trail back to Ali Peja Pass, from where it continues slightly left, North-West (NW) direction, where after 1.1km the trail reaches another glacial lake called Tropoja Lake at 2250 meters of altitude.
The last section follows a 2.3 km trail with a moderate descent towards Gacaferi Guesthouse.

The village is entirely inhabited by the Albanian Roman Catholic community and has the most unique structure in the world. Kulla e Ngujimit or Tower Refuge, is a three-story rock building with no windows. It served as a self-imposed exile for people who were involved in blood feuds.
Visiting Theth in the early 20th century, the traveler Edith Durham said:
“I think no place where human beings live have given me such an impression of majestic isolation from all the world”
However, the community in Theth has a nine-grade school and recent efforts have been made to stimulate tourism. A number of local families offer board and lodging to visitors who come to Theth to hike in the National Park – or merely to admire the mountain scenery.
Apart from the Tower Refuge, other attractions include spectacular waterfalls, breathtaking mountain sceneries, old Roman Catholic Church and a modest ethnographic museum.

Amongst many tourist attractions, one of the most popular is the 2.9km hiking trail from Theth to the nearby Grunas waterfalls over the river.
Following the river, the trail goes East towards Nderlysa village and after approx. 3 km on the Left side of the path, there is a short ascent section which leads to a magnificent natural Grunas waterfall. The Grunas waterfall is 25m long, and it springs from the western part of Boshi Peak in Albanian Alps, and with its environment, is one of the rare phenomena of the Albanian Alps and therefore is an important tourist point and natural monument.
From the waterfall the path continues straight alongside of it and descends on the Right towards Nderlysa village. After 15 min of a downhill section the trail meets other trails in a flat section where it turns sharp Left and follows the river Thethi all the way down to Nderlysa, approx. 4km.
Nderlysa is a very small village and still in its original state as it was in the past. In this characteristic village are some small restaurants where you can eat lunch or sandwich and relax and enjoy the view and during the summer time it is possible to take a nice swim in the glacial turquoise blue water stream. Nderlysa is also known for its natural stone tubs created from the glacial water stream. The stone baths in Nderlysa are rock formations created by the abundant inflows of black river water that descend from the village of Kaprre.

Vusanje (Vuthaj), Montenegro – Theth, Albania

Vusanje to Theth Hike: A Complete Guide to the Ropojane Valley Trail

The Vusanje to Theth hike is one of the most rewarding multi-day trails in the Balkans, taking hikers through remote valleys, historic border crossings, and breathtaking Albanian Alps scenery.

The trail starts in Vusanje village, following a scenic 4WD track west into the Ropojane Valley — a vehicle transfer option is available for those who prefer to skip the opening stretch. A forest shortcut cuts across part of the track before arriving at a historic Montenegro-Albania border crossing, where Cold War-era bunkers and pyramid boundary markers offer a fascinating glimpse into the communist past.

Crossing into Albania, the path climbs through dense beech and birch forests before opening onto the high alpine meadow of Fusha Runices. In summer, shepherd camps dot the landscape and visitors are often warmly welcomed to sample fresh sheep cheese, homemade yogurt, cold milk, and traditional raki — an authentic cultural experience you won’t find on mainstream hiking routes.

The route then winds past former Albanian military outposts, descends to the crystal-clear Lake Pejës, and ascends to Peja Pass (Qafa e Pejës). From the pass, panoramic views stretch across the iconic Theth Valley — one of the most photographed alpine landscapes in the Western Balkans. A clearly marked side trail from the pass leads to the summit of Harapi Peak, ideal for experienced hikers seeking an extra challenge.

A steep but well-managed zigzag descent through dramatic limestone cliffs and fragrant pine forests brings you down toward Theth. The trailside café “Te Kroni” is a popular rest stop for refreshments, with an optional vehicle transfer available to Shkodra for those ending their journey here.

The final section follows a peaceful rural track past traditional guesthouses and campsites into the heart of Theth — a remote mountain village celebrated for its centuries-old stone houses, waterfalls, and unspoiled alpine lifestyle. Theth is a must-visit destination on the Peaks of the Balkans trail and a highlight of any Albania hiking itinerary.

Plav, Montenegro –Bor Peak – Vusanje, Montenegro

Plav to Vusanje Hike: Peaks of the Balkans Trail Guide (Stage Overview)

The Plav to Vusanje stage is one of the longest and most diverse sections of the Peaks of the Balkans trail, offering hikers a rewarding mix of forest paths, high alpine plateaus, and sweeping cross-border views across Montenegro and Albania.

The stage departs directly from Plav, a small Montenegrin town with grocery stores and ATMs — making it a convenient last stop to stock up before heading into the mountains. From here, the route follows a 4WD track west for 9 km, with an optional car transfer available to skip this opening stretch and jump straight into the trail.

Once the track gives way to footpath, the real adventure begins. A 2.9 km ascent winds through fragrant pine and beech forests, climbing steadily to Bori’s Peak (2,074 m) — the highest point of this stage. The final push to the summit is steep with loose terrain, but the effort pays off with panoramic views of Plav Lake, the imposing Kollata Peak (2,535 m), and the dramatic ridgeline of the Karanfili Range.

From the summit, the trail sweeps southwest across an expansive high alpine plateau for 1.8 km, where unobstructed 360° views take in the full breadth of the Montenegrin and Albanian mountain ranges. The descent then turns northwest, dropping down toward Vusanje (Vuthaj) at 1,000 m through seasonal shepherd settlements, mountain streams, and traditional stone houses — a landscape that feels untouched by modern tourism.

A 4WD track guides hikers directly into Vusanje village, the gateway to the stunning Ropojane Valley. Home to a welcoming Albanian community, Vusanje is a growing favourite among regional hikers and nature lovers. The village boasts natural highlights including the Gerla Waterfall and the vivid turquoise Blue Eye glacial spring — both well worth exploring before or after the trail. Several guesthouses and restaurants make Vusanje an ideal overnight base before continuing deeper into the Peaks of the Balkans.

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This hiking section begins from Babino Polje, following the 4WD track northeast. After 5 minutes, take a right at the signpost to Hrid Lake. Continue south along the dirt road for 3.6 km tthrough the seasonal settlement of Bajrovica Katun where the hiking trail splits from the vehicle track to single hiking trail. In Bajrovic Katun settlement there is a cozy guesthouse and Coffee Bar where you can stop for a relaxing and refreshing brake.
The next 3.2 km leads you through a serene high pine forest to the stunning Hrid Lake, filled with crystal-clear glacial water. The lakeshore is perfect for picnics, meditation, or a refreshing swim. Bring insect repellent, as mosquitoes are common near the water.

From Hrid Lake, the trail climbs 450 m west across a rocky section before merging back onto a 4WD track. Follow the track northwest for 1.5 km to a small timber shelter, then divert west onto a hiking path through birch, beech, and pine forests for 3.3 km. This path ends at the tiny seasonal settlement of Treskavica, where fresh local sheep dairy products are available. This section passes through the most protected area of the Accursed Mountains in Montenegro.
The trail then descends moderately southwest along a 4WD track for 2.2 km, followed by a short 600 m hiking path until the small barn cabin. From here, hikers can arrange a car transfer directly to Plav or continue hiking through the final 4WD section following the traditional shepherd villages in outskirts of Plav town.
Plav is a charming Montenegrin town on the northeast shore of Plav Lake, offering restaurants, coffee bars, and an ATM for convenience.

The Kuqishte to Babino Polje stage is one of the most visually spectacular sections of the Peaks of the Balkans trail, combining glacial alpine lakes, dramatic mountain passes, and sweeping cross-border ridge walking across Albania and Montenegro.

The stage begins with a short car transfer to Kuqishte village, starting near the Guri Kuq Restaurant in the Liqenat area. From here, the trail heads south for approximately 2.2 km, climbing 400 meters through dense conifer forest to the first glacial lake, Liqenat i Kuqishtës (1,890 m) — a serene high-altitude lake that sets the tone for the dramatic scenery ahead.

The route then continues east along the shoreline toward the second glacial lake, Liqenat i Drelajve. Winding through fragrant pine forest and past a natural mountain spring, the trail ascends gently to the lake’s edge — between May and July, the water often glows in a striking turquoise blue, making it one of the most photographed spots on the entire Peaks of the Balkans route.

From the lake, the path climbs through Lugu i Shkodrës and continues for 1.7 km to Jelenka Pass (2,275 m). The pass delivers one of the trail’s finest rewards: unobstructed 360-degree panoramic views across the surrounding Albanian and Montenegrin peaks and valleys — a highlight for any serious alpine hiker.

Beyond Jelenka, the trail traces the Kosovo–Montenegro border ridge before reaching Zavoj Pass (Sedlo Zavoj), where the imposing Mariashi Peak (2,522 m) dominates the skyline to the left. Here the route crosses into Montenegro and begins its descent toward Babino Polje, passing through open alpine meadows, seasonal wildflowers, and blueberry-covered slopes before dropping through forest to traditional shepherd huts and a 4WD track leading into the village.

Babino Polje is a charming traditional Montenegrin shepherd settlement, celebrated for its fresh dairy products and hearty local mountain cuisine. Positioned just 13 km from Plav, the village is easily reachable by car and offers several welcoming guesthouses — making it a perfect overnight stop on the Peaks of the Balkans trail.

Reka e Allagёs – Pepaj – Drelaj