This section provides breathtaking views of the Shala and Kelmendi valleys and features the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, situated in Albania. The trail links Theth (Thethi Guide), a predominantly Catholic Albanian village, to the Valbona Valley. Both locations offer spectacular scenery and excellent hiking opportunities. In recent years, this route has grown increasingly popular, with many tourists choosing it as a standalone hike.

Trail distance:
16.4 kilometers (Thethi church to Guesthouse Kol Gjoni)
Time: 7 hours
Elevation min: 730 meters
Elevetion max 1854 meters
Cumulative height uphill: 1175 meters
Cumulative height downhill: 940meters
Difficulty level: ● moderate

The original Valbona-Cerem trail, once rarely traveled, followed a tractor road that was seldom used by vehicles. However, as the trail gained popularity, it became a bustling route with operators frequently transporting tourists’ luggage. To address this, guides and operators established a new trail near Kollata e Madhe (Zla Kolata), the highest peak in Montenegro. This alternative path is more demanding, featuring a very steep section, but its stunning beauty and panoramic views make the effort worthwhile. Experienced hikers often choose to ascend the Kollata peak for an added challenge.

Trail distance:
15.5 kilometers
Time: 8-9 hours
Elevation min: 1215 meters

Elevation max: 2039 meters
Cumulative height uphill: 1215 meters
Cumulative heght downhill: 1005 meters
Difficulty level: ● moderate

This section is one of the most remote and tranquil parts of the trail, primarily explored by those undertaking the entire route. It boasts stunning scenery and passes through a small village, where hikers can enjoy a hearty lunch prepared by local shepherds. The trail has remained unchanged since its inception, leading through ancient forests and showcasing unspoiled natural beauty. In spring and summer, the blooming vegetation and sweeping valley views are truly breathtaking. From this segment, you can glimpse the Gashi Valley, a strictly protected zone where hiking is prohibited. The trail eventually leads to Doberdol (see the video of Guest House Leonardi i Doberdol), the highest point where you will stay overnight during the hike.

Trail distance:
16.8 kilometers
Time: 6 hours
Elevation min: 1180 meters
Elevation max: 1920 meters
Cumulative height uphill: 1100 meters
Cumulatice height downhill: 520 meters
Difficulty level: ● moderate

This trail, connecting Albania to Kosovo, has largely remained unchanged over the years. A standout feature is the three-border peak, where Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro converge. The route includes extended walks along mountain crests, offering expansive, open views. This segment takes you from Albania to Kosovo, arriving in Milishevc—or Zlanopoje, as it is also known (see the video of the guest house). On the Kosovo side, however, a failed road project has caused some damage to the pristine wilderness.

Trail distance:
17.6 kilometers
Time: 8-9 hours
Elevation min: 1535 meters
Elevation max: 2250 meters
Cumulative height uphill: 970 meters
Cumulative height downhill: 1075 meters
Difficulty level: ● moderate

Another variation from Doberdol is to head directly to Bjeshka e Gacaferit, bypassing Mount Gjeravica. This option shortens the hike and offers a well-deserved respite after the more demanding earlier segments. After spending the night in Bjeshka e Gacaferit, you will rejoin the classic Peaks of the Balkans trail, connecting with the Doberdol-Milishevc route in Bjeshka e Dobroshit.

This original segment offers stunning views of the Rugova Canyon as it skirts near the Guri Kuq peak. However, with portions of the trail now paved, many hikers choose to bypass the full route between Milishevc and Reka e Allages. Some itineraries, designed by Balkan Natural Adventure, shorten the journey by skipping three days of hiking and introducing alternative routes, such as heading directly from Milishevc to Babino Polje.

Trail distance:
17.4 kilometers
Time: 8-9 hours
Elevation min: 900 meters
Elevation max: 2143 meters
Cumulative height uphill: 1128 meters
Cumulative height downhill: 1503 meters
Difficulty level: ● moderate
Optional: (Car Transfer  to Reka Allages)

This route follows the opposite side of the Lumbardhi River, passing through several villages nestled in the region. It crosses the Rugova mountains, known for hosting some of the most vibrant highland communities in Kosovo’s section of the Accursed Mountains. The trail connects the Nikqi tribe area with Shala in Drelaj and Kuqishte. Unfortunately, a significant portion of the path now consists of paved roads, making parts of it less suitable for true hiking. To enhance the experience, you could adjust the route or use transfers to bypass these sections. One option is to end the hike in Drelaj and take a transfer to Kuqishte the next day, or arrange transportation during the same day. For an even more memorable experience, you can include a climb to Hajla, the highest peak in the area, offering breathtaking views from the summit.

Trail distance:
21.8 kilometers
Time: 8-9 hours
Elevation min: 1075 meters
Elevation max: 1810 meters
Cumulative height uphill: 1340 meters
Cumulative height downhill: 1235 meters
Difficulty level: ● moderate
Optional: (Car Transfer Drelaj to Leqinat Guri Kuq 20 minutes: 10 kilometers)

The original route of this trail is now rarely completed on foot due to the construction of new roads. The section from Kuqishte to Liqenat is paved, making it more convenient to travel by car. However, the hike from Liqenat to Babino Polje in Montenegro remains stunning, featuring two glacial lakes at an altitude of 1800 meters. With the route offered by Balkan Natural Adventure, these glacial lakes are included in the hike from Milishevc to Babino Polje, providing a scenic journey into Montenegro.

Trail distance:
15.1 kilometers
Time: 7-8 hours
Elevation min: 1420 meters
Elevation max: 2275 meters
Cumulative height uphill: 1147 meters
Cumulative height downhill: 1049 meters
Difficulty level: ● moderate

This trail is divided into two sections, with the first leading to the picturesque Hrid Lake. The route from Hrid Lake to Plav, via Treskovica, partially follows a tractor road, which may be less enjoyable due to dust stirred up by passing vehicles. To bypass this stretch, a 7 km transfer from Gradina to Plav can be arranged.

Trail distance:
15 kilometers
Time: 5-6 hours
Elevation min: 1215 meters
Elevation max: 2060 meters
Cumulative height uphill: 600 meters
Cumulative height downhill: 955 meters
Difficulty level: ● moderate
Optional: (Car transfer from settlement Gradina to Plav 15 minutes: 7 kilometers)

Balkan Natural Adventure proposes an alternative: a transfer from Babino Polje to embark on a hike beyond the traditional route, leading to the Grbaje Valley. Once considered the most stunning valley in all of Yugoslavia, stretching from Slovenia to Macedonia, this destination was excluded from the main trail due to the need for a transfer. Nevertheless, the breathtaking scenery and the experience of the hike make this detour well worth it.

Trail distance:
9.5 kilometers (loop trail)
Time: 5-6 hour
Elevation min: 1140 meters
Elevation max: 2057 meters
Cumulative height uphill: 1100 meters
Cumulative height downhill: 995 meters
Difficulty level: ● moderate
Note: 1^st Car transfer from Babino Polje to Grebaje Valley 1hr distance 31km – Beginning of the journey.

This section of the trail begins in the town of Plav before heading into the surrounding countryside and ascending to higher hills. While it doesn’t feature any standout attractions, many choose to bypass it in favor of other recommended hikes, such as those in Gjeravica, or alternative activities. For those who opt to complete this hike, it leads to Bor Peak, offering a panoramic view of the town. To shorten the route, you can arrange a transfer from Plav to a location known as Karaulla.

Trail distance:
14 kilometers
Time: 10-11 hours
Elevation min: 990 meters
Elevation max: 2100 meters
Cumulative height uphill: 620 meters
Cumulative height downhill: 1160 meters
Difficulty level: ● moderate
Optional: (Car Transfer from Plav to Karaula point 20 minutes: 8 kilometers)

The journey from Vusanje (or Vuthaj) to Theth is a spectacular trek through rugged terrain adorned with bunkers, beginning and ending in lush green meadows. Unlike other routes, this trail remains unchanged and requires no transfers to bypass paved roads. With the Valbona-to-Theth trail becoming increasingly popular, this section might offer the most rewarding experience of the entire journey. While it is the longest stretch, it can be made shorter with optional transfers.

Trail distance:
17.1 kilometers
Time: 8 hours
Elevation min: 730 meters
Elevation max: 1745 meters
Cumulative height uphill: 795 meters
Cumulative height downhill: 1250 meters
Difficulty level: ● moderate