7-day Balkan peaks trek from Shkoder: Korab, Gjeravica

Three countries, three peaks, one week of high-altitude hiking through the Accursed Mountains.

A 7-day guided trekking tour across Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro that climbs Mount Korab (2,764m), Gjeravica (2,656m), and Zla Kolata (2,534m) with accommodation, meals, and transfers included. The trek moves between mountain villages and high passes, crossing borders on foot through the Prokletije range, and ends with a boat journey down Komani Lake before returning to Tirana. A live English-speaking guide leads the group throughout. The itinerary runs weekly from May to October and requires a high level of physical fitness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Radomirë village

• Travel from Shkoder to Radomirë
• Experience local culture in Radomirë
• Dinner at guesthouse Radomirë

Day 2: Summit Mount Korab

• Depart Radomirë at 6:00 am
• Hike to Korab summit
• Return to Radomirë by 4:00 pm
• Transfer to Gjakova at 7:00 pm

Day 3: Climb Gjeravica peak

• Depart guesthouse at 9:00 am
• Hike Gjeravica summit
• Return to Doberdol by 5:00 pm

Day 4: Traverse to Ceremi village

• Hike from Doberdol at 10:00 am
• Cross forests and pastures
• Arrive in Ceremi by 4:00 pm

Day 5: Trek to Valbona Valley

• Depart Ceremi at 7:30 am
• Hike beneath Zla Kolata summit
• Cross into Montenegro
• Arrive in Valbona by 5:00 pm
• Enjoy home-cooked dinner

Day 6: Komani Lake cruise and travel

• Reach Fierza at 11:00 am
• Cruise Komani Lake
• Arrive Komani Terminal at 3:30 pm
• Travel to Tirana
• Overnight in Tirana hotel

Day 7: Departure and end of tour

• Breakfast at hotel
• Check out and depart independently

The experience

The trek departs Shkoder at 1 p.m. and reaches the mountain village of Radomirë by evening, where you stay with local families in stone houses at the foot of Mount Korab. The next morning at 6 a.m., you begin the 10-hour ascent to Korab's 2,764-meter summit (the highest point in both Albania and North Macedonia), then descend and transfer to Gjakova in Kosovo by 7 p.m. Each day follows this pattern: an early start from a village base, a full day on the trail, and an overnight stay in the next settlement, moving you steadily across the range.

Day three takes you up Gjeravica, Kosovo's highest peak at 2,656 meters, departing at 9 a.m. from your Gjakova guesthouse and returning by 5 p.m. The following day you traverse back into Albania through the Gashi River Gorge and high pastures, reaching the shepherd village of Ceremi by 4 p.m. On day five, you hike from Ceremi toward Valbona Valley under the shadow of Montenegro's Zla Kolata, crossing into Montenegro via high karst terrain and descending to Valbona by 5 p.m. for a home-cooked dinner. The final trekking day is shorter: you reach Fierza by 11 a.m., then board a boat for the Komani Lake cruise (a narrow passage between towering cliffs and emerald water that takes three hours to traverse) arriving at Komani Terminal at 3:30 p.m. From there, you transfer to Tirana, reaching the city by 6:30 p.m. and staying overnight in a central hotel before departure the next morning.

All accommodation, meals, and transfers, including the lake cruise, are included in the price. The guide speaks English and stays with the group throughout. You'll need to be in strong physical condition: days involve 6 to 10 hours of hiking at altitude, and the terrain includes steep ascents, exposed ridges, and river crossings. The trek runs weekly from May through October, and a minimum number of participants is required for each departure.

What’s included

• Accommodation in mountain villages and Tirana.
• all meals from dinner on day one through breakfast on day seven.
• transfers from Shkoder to the trailhead and from Fierza back to Tirana.
• the Komani Lake boat cruise.
• and a live English-speaking guide for the entire trek.

Options for this experience

3 options

Trek to Korab, Gjeravica and Zla Kolata: The Balkan Triple CrownGuide in English · Available from 27 May 2027

Balkan Trek departing from TiranaGuide in English · Available from 27 May 2027Meeting point: we gather at the North and South bus terminal at 14:30. The guide will get in touch 24 hours before departure with detailed instructions.

Balkan trek starting from TIA AirportGuide in English · Available from 27 May 2027Meeting point: we gather at Bar Kafe Dita at 15:00. The guide will contact you 4 hours before the trip with detailed instructions.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 27 May 2027

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (7 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 6 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Komani Lake Ferry Berisha

Is this one for you?Book the standard option if you're arriving in Shkoder or can arrange your own transport there; choose the Tirana departure if you're already in the city and want to skip the transfer up from the coast; pick the airport option if you're flying into Tirana and want the drive to Shkoder included. All three follow the same 7-day route and itinerary. The difference is where you join and what ground transport is handled for you.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 17 years); Child (2 to 6 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How fit do I need to be for this trek?

A high level of physical fitness is required. Most days involve 6 to 10 hours of hiking at altitude with steep ascents and descents. The Korab day is the longest at 10 hours. If you have cardiovascular concerns, spinal injuries, or are pregnant, this trek is not recommended.

What's included in the price?

Accommodation in mountain villages and Tirana, all meals, transfers between towns, and the Komani Lake cruise are included. You'll stay with local families in some villages and in guesthouses or hotels in others.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to Shkoder?

The trek departs Shkoder at 1 p.m. on day one. If you're flying into Tirana, you'll need to arrange your own transport to Shkoder beforehand, or book the "Balkan Trek from TIA Airport" option, which includes pickup from the airport and transfer to Shkoder.

What is Komani Lake like?

Komani Lake is a narrow, fjord-like waterway carved through the Albanian mountains, often compared to Norwegian fjords. The boat journey takes about three hours and passes through towering cliffs, emerald waters, and small villages built into the hillsides.

When does the trek run, and how many people go?

The trek runs weekly from May to October. A minimum number of participants is required for each departure. Exact group size varies by week.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English throughout the 7 days.