A guidebook to walking the 192km (119 mile) Peaks of the Balkans Trail. Presented in 10 stages of 10–28km (6–17 miles), this circular long-distance trek through the Prokletije mountains inMontenegro, Albania and Kosovo is suitable for most able walkers and can be walked in 2 weeks.

The route passes Theth, Valbona, Çeremi and Dobërdol (Albania); Milishevc, Rekë e Allagës and Drelaj (Kosovo); Babino polje, Plav and Vusanje (Montenegro), and it is suitable to be walked June to October. 

• Clear route description illustrated with 1:50,000 mapping
• GPX files available for download
• Suggestions for side trips are also given
• Highlights include the Theth and Valbona valleys, the Valbona Pass, Prosllopit Pass and Dobërdol
• Detailed practical information covering travel, permits, accommodation, language and safety

Map key
Overview maps
Route summary table

Introduction
Geography and geology
Historical summary
National parks and nature reserves
Environmental issues
Wildlife and plants
Climate
When to hike
Getting there and around
Accommodation and food
Public holidays
Language
Money
Phones, internet and electricity
Cross-border permits
Local tour operators
Where to start/finish
Variations, transfers and highlights
Trail markings
Maps
Equipment
Water
Safety in the mountains and what to do in an emergency
Using this guide

The Peaks of the Balkans Trail
Stage 1    Theth (Albania) – Valbona (Albania)
Stage 2    Valbona (Albania) – Çeremi (Albania) via the Prosllopit Pass
Stage 3    Çeremi (Albania) – Dobërdol (Albania)
Stage 4    Dobërdol (Albania) – Milishevc (Kosovo)
Stage 5    Milishevc (Kosovo) – Rekë e Allagës (Kosovo)
Stage 6    Rekë e Allagës (Kosovo) – Drelaj or Restaurant Te Liqeni (Kosovo)
Stage 7    Restaurant Te Liqeni (Kosovo) – Babino polje (Montenegro)
Stage 8    Babino polje (Montenegro) – Plav (Montenegro)
Stage 9    Plav (Montenegro) – Vusanje (Montenegro)
Stage 10    Vusanje (Montenegro) – Theth (Albania)

Appendix A    Useful contacts
Appendix B    Accommodation
Appendix C    Further reading
Appendix D    Language and glossary
Appendix E    History timeline

Seasons

The trekking season begins May/June and finishes in October, with June-August the driest months. Wildflowers bloom in June. Snow-patches may linger until June/July.

Centres

Theth (Albania), Valbona (Albania), Çeremi (Albania), Dobërdol (Albania), Milishevc (Kosovo), Rekë e Allagës (Kosovo), Drelaj (Kosovo), Babino polje (Montenegro), Plav (Montenegro), Vusanje (Montenegro)

Difficulty

Moderate fitness is required, though the walking itself is not difficult. The trail passes through some remote areas.

Must See

Four beautiful national parks: Prokletije (in Montenegro), Thethi and Valbona Valley (in Albania) and Rugova Valley (in Kosovo); birdlife, plants and butterflies; warm Balkans hospitality

June 2025

Stage 9 new guesthouse

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