FROM 1.129 euros :
This exclusive trekking tour in the Balkans, passing through the enclave valleys that have remained traditional, will make us discover this country that has long remained closed and mysterious. The traces left by the leader Enver Hodža are omnipresent, both in the great works built under his domination, and in the spirits and way of life of this rural population, really warm.
Hiking really takes its meaning in the triangle between Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo and this loop illustrates it perfectly! The whole tour goes along the Albanian Alps to get to the Skadar lake materializing the border between the 2 countries, where it will be possible to finish by a discovery of Montenegro and its Adriatic part, mixing local history by the numerous conquests.
THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE STAY :
– Flirt with the little-traveled peaks of Maja Arespilpt, Maja Prasqh or Maja and Ziakerce at nearly 2700 meters.
– Wild hikes on good mule tracks and military paths, with horses for the itinerant passages
– Sharing the life of the local people and farmers thanks to the lodgings where we will stay and spend good moments.
– Accompanied by a French and Albanian speaking guide, a priori Rado, who has been identifying and accompanying tours for nearly 15 years, to take advantage of all the good plans.
+ INCLUDED
– NOT INCLUDED
Meeting at Podgorica airport. Transfer to Albania, to Shkrell near the lake of Skadar.
Evening out in the city of Shkodra to feel the oriental atmosphere.
Accommodation: comfortable 2 star hotel in Shkrell.
Crossing to the west of Albania to join the small boat that will take us to the large inland lake Shrehkichina that we will go up to one of the largest hydroelectric dams dating from the reign of Enver Hodža.
Gđioni will be waiting for us upon arrival to transfer us to his accommodation at the foot of the mountains for the first Raki of the trip.
Accommodation: Overnight in a comfortable lodge at Gđioni’s, double rooms for 4 nights, or small local hotel: full board, pic nic at noon
We go up the big gravel pit formed by the ancient glaciers, to reach the Shurinikca ridges. The northern slope allows us to exit at Sljeme, with a superb view of Maja Jezerce 2.690 meters, the summit of Prokletije, and the entire chain of the Albanian Alps.
Accommodation: 2nd night in a comfortable lodge or small hotel.
Route: D+ 750m, D- 750, 5h in a/r
Departure on foot to go hiking on the other side of the valley and reach Maja Zimaya, located on the border of the 2 countries, for a breathtaking 360 degree view.
Passage through the mountain pastures where life is still centered around pastoral life in the traditional way. Return to the lodge for a third night.
Route: D+ 950m, D- 950m, 6h walk
Lodging: 3rd night in a lodge or small comfortable hotel.
We leave by all-terrain vehicle to get closer to the village of Burreil, to go for a small hike to discover this bordering part located in the triangle Albania-Kosovo-Montenegro. We will walk in the villages and the heights of their mountain pastures in order to enjoy an “active rest” hike. We will make a small tour to Curem, last point of civilization before the high mountains. Return to our accommodation for dinner.
D+600,D-600 m, 5h walk.
Lodging: 4th night in a gite or small comfortable hotel
Departure from the lodge in the Fef valley. We will go up the valley and the gravel pit passing by the Bolevina pass and going down to the hamlet of Treffi enclosed between two high passes impassable during winter. The atmosphere is a bit Nepalese, passing from one valley to another with mule logistics for the luggage, tchai shop in the slopes of the passes we cross, and an incomprehensible language! Always unique views and reliefs, and wild parts totally unexploited by tourists.
For this day, mules and horses will follow us to ensure the transfer of the luggage. The village is the starting point for a large number of hikes to the farthest peaks of the massif.
D+850 m,D-950 m, 6h crossing the high passes
Lodging: Overnight stay in Fefi.
Departure from our accommodation to go up the Bogë valley and the gravel pit leading to the foot of the Zimaje pass, separating Valbonne from Vusanje, the main road connecting the 2 valleys, we usually take caravan tracks maintained by the military forces in order to control the exit points of the country, even in such high and remote places. We will cross beautiful beech forests on the way down to reach the Nderlysaj river marking the end of our day.
We will reach the pass of Qafai Rapinaish overlooking the valley and part of the high mountains of Gusinje in Montenegro.
Accommodation: Overnight stay in Fefi. Dinner at the accommodation.
Route: D+ 850 m, D- 850 m, 5 to 6 hours walking
The end of the glacial valley is an enormous moraine, dating from the last glaciations, and ends in a dead end under the sharp serrations of Alarapajit. The customs track begins, winding through this slope that seems almost inaccessible from below. We follow the magnificent folds and geological strata to reach the border pass. From there, we will see the continuation, and the rise to the top
(+3h a/r). picnic at the top, then return to the valley.
Transfer to the Quafa Otishla pass. Discovery of the circus of Rodafili, in a lunar karst landscape, very particular, until the antecedent of Brskut. This valley, although semi-desert, shelters an alpine pasture in summer at the foot of peaks at more than 2500 meters. We dominate the valley of the day before by more than 1000 meters.
After the hike, we transfer to the valley for a night in a 3 star hotel at the gateway to the National Park. Depending on the schedule we will be able to enjoy the indoor swimming pool.
Night in a 3 star hotel, double room, dinner at the hotel.
Day 10: Shkoder-Podgorica End of trip
Transfer to Podgorica airport. Departure.
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Extension of your stay: this tour in Albania is possible to extend on Montenegro coastal part and UNESCO sites,
OR, to continue on Albania, with an adaptable program, hiking and visits. CONSULT US FOR DURATION AND CONTENT.
