After breakfast, we'll get an early start on one of the most popular point-to-point trail runs in the region with spectacular views over Valbona and Theth valleys. The route follows route follows the path of an ancient mule track linking the tribal regions of Shala and Nikaj. From Theth (740m) you’ll climb up into old beech and birch forests before reaching a coffee bar with a view. Stop for a traditional cake, soda, or coffee before continuing your climb over the Valbona Pass (1795m) where you’ll be able to view the most southern glacier in the northern hemisphere. The descent starts off steep before smoothing out into singletrack dirt through forests and then a dried riverbed as you drop all the wall down to the to the Valbona valley (940m) in the heart of the national park. Valbona National Park covers a big area in the surrounding valley where the most famous peaks are, such as Jezerca Peak, Rosi Peak, and Kollata Peak. Enjoy a refreshment and a spectacular dinner at your guesthouse for the evening (seriously, it’s one of the best)!

Shared accommodations in communal guesthouse with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

~10.5 miles /+3,800 ft / -3,100 ft *

*Please note, exact mileage and ascent/descent info each day subject to change, but this is a good guideline 

After an early breakfast we'll head out the door of our hotel and back up into the mountains. Don’t let yesterday’s crowds fool you as today we’ll head deeper into the Balkans with the trails to ourselves. You’ll start the day with a short transfer from the guesthouse to cut out a road section before starting your climb with a view down in Cerem valley and west towards Kollata massive and Bori’s Pass. Today you’ll run from Albania into Montenegro entering a beautiful forest that opens occasionally past shepherd’s seasonal settlements. Highlights include views of the Lumi Gashit valley, which is a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. Stop for a traditional blueberry cake of the Balkans or enjoy the forest fruits like blueberries, strawberries, and rasperries along the trail (especially in July and August. 

After your first long descent of the day into the traditional village of Doberdol, you’ll make your steepest climb of the day towards the three-border point between Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro (2366 m). After enjoying the views, you’ll do some ridge running where the trail meets up with the the Via Dinarica trail before descending into a typical Montenegrin shepherd village (Montenegrin bosniak Muslim community speaking south Slavic) where you’ll spend the evening. 

Shared accommodations in communal guesthouse with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

~20 miles /+4,900 ft / -3,100 ft

Just when you thought that there can’t possible be another day of spectacularly runnable ridges with scenic views for miles, you’ll find that there’s plenty more today. This stage is one of the longest sections of the entire Peaks of the Balkans trail. It starts with a shady mellow ascent climbing further and further into a forest. As the trail shoots up for the short but steepest section of the route, you’ll plateau out to a dreamy field with smooth singletrack and views of the Albanian and Montenegrin mountains in the distance. You might pass a herd of sheep or two on your descent to a small village located at the entrance of Ropojane Valley through where the trail continues towards Albania. This village is inhabited entirely by the Albanian Community known for their heart-warm hospitality (and is also a popular destination among the Montenegrin population). Take a side trip to a waterfall, blue eye spring, or relax in your comfortable cabins overlooking the valley. 

Shared accommodations in communal guesthouse with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

~ 13.5 miles/+4,300 ft / -4,300 ft

Today is our shortest day of the trip and we’ll venture to a nearby valley that wasn’t included in the Peaks of the Balkans route, but it definitely deserves to be included on this itinerary! You’ll take a short transfer from the guesthouse to an area rich in beauty and history and have the opportunity to cross the border from Montenegro to Albania which was heavily guarded for 50 years during the Communist Era.. You’ll start through a birch and beech forest before climbing to a ridge with a front and center view of massive limestone peaks. After you complete your loop, make sure you try the most refreshing lemonade you’ve ever had at the coffee shop at the base before transferring back to your guesthouse for another evening in the spectacular valley. 

Shared accommodations in communal guesthouse with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

~ 6 miles/+3,700 ft / -3,700 ft

After a delicious breakfast, we'll head out for our last day on the trails, and one of the most beautiful. We’ll pass by uncrowded blue eyes, massive limestone walls, and fields of green grass and flowers. Today you’ll cross the border again between Montenegro and Albania as you trail run through the craggiest part of the National Park Accursed Mountains. Almost the entire hike is surrounded by steep mountains with stunning views. You’ll also get a look into the region’s past when it was a forbidden zone during the Communist era. A border military post, a bunker and the border crossing pyramid marker still remain while crossing this point. Enjoy one last chance for a mid-run Balkans coffee bar stop (there’s even an espresso maker at this one) before descending down into Theth to complete your trail running week through the Balkans.

Double accommodation in hotel with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

~ 13.5 miles/+3,600 ft / -3,100 ft

Transfer Theth-Shkodra Included: Drive Time ~2 hours

Today enjoy breakfast in the hotel garden before you’re free to depart at any time you like, leaving the Balkans with tons of memories.

Breakfast included