Exciting plan during the month of June!

Back in October of 2022, we were in the small city of Peja, Kosovo. 

Peja is located on the north eastern edge of the Accursed Mountains, also known as the Albanian Alps. It's an absolutely gorgeous area, and is still virtually unknown to the masses. While we were there, we did some day hikes in the area, specifically on part of what is called the Peaks of the Balkans trail.

Also, we had previously been to the village of Theth, Albania. Theth is also located in the Albanian Alps, but on the southern section of it. There is a popular scenic day hike located in the area that goes between Theth and the village of Valbona. That hike is also part of the Peaks of the Balkans trail.

Church in the village of Theth.

The Peaks of the Balkans trail was designed as a 192 km (119 mile) circular hiking route that goes through the Accursed Mountains. It runs through three countries... Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro.

The original Peaks of the Balkans trail.

While we were in Peja, we came across a company that runs self guided hikes on the trail. They've designed a 160 km (100 mile) route, dropping some of the less scenic sections. You stay in pre-booked guesthouses along the route, where they supply you with dinner, breakfast, and a packed lunch for the trail that day.

This ten-day tour will take you in the full loop through three countries, Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. A specially designed tour that avoids some parts that do not provide the best experience, while adding highlights such as Gjeravica and Gerbaja Valley, and Taljanka Peak.

The trail avoids the classic Peaks of the Balkans trail as the situation in the mountains has changed since the trail was established. This itinerary takes that into account and provides the best views and best experience.

The cost is €695 ($741 USD, $1,018 CAD) per person, plus transportation from Tirana to Shkodra.

We spoke to the guy running it, and we were pretty much sold right then and there. But the timing wasn't good. Since then, we've always had this hike in the back of our heads waiting for the right opportunity.

Well, the right opportunity is here!

Day hiking in the Accursed Mountains in October 2022.

June and September are apparently the best times of year to do this hike. So while we haven't booked anything yet, we plan to fly from London to Tirana, Albania on June 11th, and likely do the ten day hike from June 13th to the 23rd.

While much of the trail is rated "easy to moderate", we're aware that this is going to be a demanding hike. Each day will be between 16 to 20 kms. But of course we will also have eight to ten hours or so to complete each day. So, enough time for rest along the way. Still, with some steep sections, and daily climbs and descents of over 1,000 meters (3,200') we're expecting to be tired!

But the experience will be epic. One of the last wild regions in Europe where it's still possible to see bears and wolves. Some of the route is very remote, and much of it without cellular access.

I'll leave you with this photo of the region...

Theth, Albania.

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