Valbona Çerrem trail stage spectacular sceneries after a difficult climb 

Valbona Çerem trail stage in the Peaks of the Balkans high route via Presllopi Pass (2,039 m) is one of the most dramatic and rewarding stages of the Peaks of the Balkans trail, delivering breathtaking panoramas of the Accursed Mountains’ iconic limestone peaks for those willing to take on one of the trail’s steepest ascents.

Hikers on this stage have a choice of two routes: the official low valley route, which follows a tractor road along the valley floor with limited scenic highlights, and the spectacular high route via Presllopi Pass — the clear choice for experienced hikers seeking the best of the Albanian Alps. Please note that no accommodation is available along this stage; local transport assistance can be arranged in Valbona if needed.

The stage departs from Valbona, following the asphalt road east for approximately 1.7 km before crossing the Valbona River and joining the hiking path. From here, the trail climbs steadily northward through dense beech and birch forests, open meadows, and rugged rocky terrain — a varied and visually engaging ascent that covers 2.4 km before opening onto a broad mountain meadow with magnificent views. In summer, a small seasonal shepherd hut at the meadow may offer welcome refreshments before the final push to the pass.

Continuing northeast across open grassy slopes for 1.9 km, the trail arrives at Presllopi Pass — the Albania–Montenegro border crossing and the high point of this stage. From the pass, a clearly marked side trail leads toward Zla Kolata (2,535 m), the highest peak in Montenegro and one of the great summit challenges of the entire Peaks of the Balkans route. The optional ascent adds approximately 500 meters of elevation gain and is recommended for experienced mountain hikers in strong physical condition, with a round trip of 3 to 3.5 hours.

Beyond the pass, the trail briefly enters Montenegro before returning to Albania at Bori’s Pass (1,850 m), marked by a historic old border stone. This stretch is home to one of the route’s most unusual natural highlights — the remarkable Ice Wind Cave, where a constant temperature of 0°C persists year-round, creating an otherworldly microclimate unlike anything else on the trail.

From Bori’s Pass, the route descends gently into the Çerem Valley. A seasonal café approximately 750 meters from the pass provides a well-timed refreshment stop during summer months. The final section meanders eastward through shaded forest, passing a traditional shepherd settlement before joining a 4WD track into Çerem Village — a tranquil and characterful end to one of the finest high-altitude stages in the Western Balkans.