Hiking the High Scardus Trail

Trek one of Europe’s wildest and least explored long-distance routes on the High Scardus Trail (HST), a 314km journey through the mountains of the Western Balkans. Following the borders of North Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania, the trail runs from Staro Selo on the edge of the Shar Mountains to the monastery of Saint Naum on the shores of UNESCO-listed Lake Ohrid, linking remote border ridges, high summits and traditional mountain villages over three challenging weeks.

The route begins with an epic crossing of the Shar Mountains (Shar Planina), traverses the Korab and Deshat ranges, and includes an ascent of Mount Korab (2,764m), the highest mountain in both Albania and North Macedonia. Continuing south, the trail explores the Jablanica and Galichica mountains, often following the border ridge itself before descending into cirques, pastures, valleys and gorges, and finally reaching the Saint Naum Monastery beside Lake Ohrid.

The High Scardus Trail is described in 22 daily stages and divided into three sections, with short transfers required after Stages 14 and 19. Section 1 (Stages 1–14, 218km) forms the main two-week traverse across the Shar, Korab and Deshat mountains. Section 2 (Stages 16–19, 56km) crosses the Jablanica range, while Section 3 (Stages 21–22, 40km) follows the Galicica Mountains to Lake Ohrid. Overnight stays are in small mountain villages, with options for wild camping close to the border ridge.

• 22 detailed stage-by-stage route descriptions of the High Scardus Trail, guiding you from Staro Selo to Saint Naum with clear daily distances, terrain notes and key navigation points across all three countries.
• A clear breakdown of the three sections of the High Scardus Trail, including practical guidance on the transfer links required to bridge the two gaps in the route and advice on organising onward travel.
• Comprehensive planning advice for the High Scardus Trail, covering permits, border crossings, transfers between trail sections, and essential logistics for trekking in remote Western Balkan mountain regions.
• Detailed information on accommodation and facilities along the High Scardus Trail, from small mountain villages and family-run guesthouses to practical advice for wild camping near the border ridge.
• Fully described alternative route for two stages of the High Scardus Trail where accommodation is very limited, plus descriptions of other alternative routes and shortcuts.
• A fully described day trip to Mount Korab from Radomirë, enabling trekkers on the High Scardus Trail to summit the highest peak in Albania and North Macedonia as part of their journey, whether hiking the official or the alternative route.
• Essential safety and preparation guidance specific to the High Scardus Trail, helping walkers plan for remote terrain, limited infrastructure and variable mountain weather.
• Downloadable GPX files enable easy digital navigation on GPS devices or smartphone apps.

Combining high mountain scenery, cultural encounters and true wilderness walking, the High Scardus Trail offers a rewarding alternative to Europe’s busier long-distance routes. This comprehensive guidebook – the first guidebook to the High Scardus Trail – provides everything you need to plan and complete this unforgettable Balkan trek with confidence.

Seasons

Late June to September depending on snow conditions.

Centres

Staro Selo, Sveti Naum

Difficulty

Challenging and remote terrain is suitable for experienced trekkers.

Must See

The route takes in a series of memorable cultural and natural highlights. These include the traditional village of Staro Selo and the historic Saint Naum Monastery, set on the shores of the beautiful Lake Ohrid. The trail also passes through outstanding protected landscapes such as Sharr Planina National Park and Galičica National Park. Mountain scenery is a constant feature, with views and routes across the Šar, Korab, and Deshat mountain ranges.

Mountain safety

Route summary table

Stage facilities planner

Introduction

About the region

Planning your trek

Planning day by day

Section 1 (North): Shar Mountains, Korab and Deshat

Stage 1 Staro selo to Ljuboten Mountain Hut

Stage 2 Ljuboten Mountain Hut to Brezovica

Stage 3 Brezovica to Prevallë

Stage 4 Prevallë to Gornje Ljubinje

Stage 5 Gornje Ljubinje to Kobilica Hut/Vejce

Stage 6 Kobilica Hut/Vejce to Veshala

Stage 7 Veshala to Brod

Stage 8 Brod to Restelicë

Stage 9 Restelicë to Strezimir

Stage 9a Restelicë to Cajë (alternative route)

Stage 10 Strezimir to Radomirë via Mt Korab

Stage 10a Cajë to Radomirë (alternative route)

Day Trip Mt Korab from Radomirë

Stage 11 Radomirë to Grama

Stage 12 Grama to Rabdisht

Stage 13 Rabdisht to Stanet e Hinoskes

Stage 14 Stanet e Hinoskes to Bitushe

Section 2 (Central): Jablanica Mountains

Stage 16 Modrich to Jablanica

Stage 17 Jablanica to Steblevë

Stage 18 Steblevë to Qafa e Kryqit

Stage 19 Qafa e Kryqit to Vevchani/Gorna Belica

Section 3 (South): Galichica Mountains

Stage 21 Velestovo to Spiridon Mountain Hut

Stage 22 Spiridon Mountain Hut to Sveti Naum

Appendix A Accommodation

Appendix B Useful contacts

Appendix C Further reading

Appendix D Language and glossary