Edith Durham Trail: Kosovo, Montenegro, North Albania

Discover the trails and landscapes that inspired Edith Durham to write "High Albania" in the 1900s on a unique 1-week traverse through the mountains of Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Albania.

Group

Balkan Mountains

6 Days

Jun - Oct

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Enjoy a unique trek through Kosovo, Montenegro and North Albania.
Discover the cultural and natural landmarks that inspired Edith Durham.
Learn about the Balkans and hike through a variety of jaw-dropping landscapes.

Description

“There is a peculiar pleasure in riding out into the unknown–a pleasure which no second journey on the same trail ever affords.” -Edith Durham

Edith Durham was a British explorer, anthropologist, artist, and writer who traveled to North Albania, a land that inspired her to write extensively about it. On this 6-day adventure, we will tour some emblematic and beautiful spots of Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Albania to encounter some of the cultural and natural landmarks that inspired her.

On our journey, we will encounter magical landscapes, uncontaminated nature, and ancient traditions. We will stop by unspoiled villages, historical houses, and churches, as well as pass through deep mountain terrains, forests, and lakesides that will grant us a unique view of the Balkans. We will stay at traditional guesthouses, where we will enjoy traditional cuisine and warm hospitality. You can find a detailed itinerary below.

Although this is not a highly technical adventure, our longest trek will span over 15km. Furthermore, we will be climbing in a mountainous setting and will face uphill and downhill hiking as well. Therefore, you will need to be physically fit to join.

So, are you ready for an unforgettable Edith Durham experience? Then contact us today and let’s start planning this beautiful trek through the Balkan culture and nature together!

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Permit and entrance fees

Price details

INCLUDED:
5 nights accommodation on twin room share basis or, shared accommodation in guesthouses;
4 x dinner, 5 x lunch, 5 x breakfast;
Transfer during the tour ( minibus / 4×4 / taxi);
English speaking professional guide throughout the tour;
National parks fee;
Cultural attraction entrance;
Permit for nonofficial border crossing and arrangement fees
NOT INCLUDED:
Airport transfers;
Flights;
Soft /Alcoholic drinks/Snacks;
Insurance;
Guide tips

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Kosovo. Arrival in Peja.

In Peja, we will visit Tahir Bey Old Traditional House where the Ethnological Museum is located. It represents the most beautiful type of old house in the city and is a cultural monument built by Albanian masters in the 1800s. Afterward, we will continue through the old Bazaar and stop at the Bajrakli Mosque, known as “Bazaars Mosque”, which was built in 1471.

Our cultural path will take us next to the “Saint Catherine” Catholic church, built on the foundations of an Albanian church built in 1928.

Finally, we will visit the Orthodox Church, known as “Patriarchate of Peja”, built in the early XIII century, which is located at the entrance of the Rugova Gorge.

In the evening we will have a relaxing dinner.

Day 2: Kuqishtë ( Kosovo ) – Babino Polje ( Montenegro)

Today’s trek starts with an early breakfast before we head off on our first full day of trekking. This is a relatively long hike on the border of Kosovo and Montenegro. It goes through beautiful mountain areas with many water sources, glacial lakes, and mountain passes.

After the lakes, we will gradually go up to Lugu I Shkodrёs a.k.a “Shkodra Pass”, because it used to be an ancient path that connected the area with the city of Shkodra in Albania.

After refueling with some lunch and returning to the trailhead, we will continue and then descend to Babino Polje, a hidden village of Montenegro.

Trek: 15.8 Km, 6-7 hours; elevation gain: 1150m, elevation loss: 1100m.

Day 3: Head to Albania via Talijanka Peak with stunning views of the Karanfili Massif.

After breakfast and coffee, we will enjoy a short drive to Grbaja Valley.

Our trek starts out with a gradual uphill pass through the forest and ultimately arrives at Vallushnica Peak.

The last part of the trail passes across a ridge before the final ascent to Taljanka Peak at an altitude of 2056m.

Finding the perfect spot for a picnic lunch, we will take time to soak in all of the beauty of this special spot. After lunch, we’ll descend down to the very beautiful village of Lepushe, Albania.

Trek: 10.2 Km, 5-6 hours; elevation gain: 880m, elevation loss: 580m.

Day 4: Hike to Vermosh, the north most village in Albania.

This morning we enjoy a leisurely half-day ascent to Vermosh. This gentle hike leads along a scenic contour, gradually walking up as we approach Mount Greben, 1840m, from where we can enjoy great views of Mount Trojan, the hamlet of Lepushe, and point out of the Accursed Mountains on the horizon. After lunch and a bit of rest, we continue descending to Vermosh, the northmost village of Albania, situated among small traditional homes and fields.

We are certain to enjoy this very special place where we will spend two nights. After the hike, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to rest, journal, read, enjoy the views or soak in your surroundings. All meals included.

Trek: 9 Km, 4-5 hours; elevation gain: 870m, elevation loss: 580m.

Day 5: Trek to Nikç through spectacular ridge of Berizhdol.

This morning we will make our way on foot towards Bordolec Pass and through beech woods while trekking about three hours to the ridge of Berizhdol, one of the most spectacular ridge walks of the Kelemdi region.

Magnificent views of the north-western face of the Accursed Mountains range (Bjeshkët e Namuna) are always in our sights. Our lunch stop will be one of many places that offer incredible views. We will spend time in this special place before going through a forest trail that will bring us to the bottom of the Nikç valley.

The afternoon is left open to rest and explore this unique village. Overnight at a local house in the Village. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a farewell celebration dinner together.

Trek: 13 Km, 5-6 hours; elevation gain: 710m, elevation loss: 1000m.

Day 6: Departure

After breakfast, our adventure ends with a private transfer to the airport.

Equipment you will need to bring

comfortable, closed hiking shoes with ankle support recommended minimum 2 liters water and snacks daypack for carrying water and gear waterproof jacket sunscreen & sunhat camera small personal first aid kit / personal medication (your guide will carry a full first aid kit)

About the guide

Mrika

Tour Operator

We are a company based in Peja, founded by father and daughter, Arianit Nikçi (lawyer and mountaineer from Peja) and Mrika Nikçi ( mountaineer, karate and ski competitor), who after acquiring considerable experience in the local mountains, the region and in the Alps, decided to jointly implement the MRIKA SEVEN SUMMITS project, the goal of which was to make Mrika the youngest female in the world to meet this challenge at the age of 17.

This project was completed in 15 months, climbing the six peaks – Vinson, Aconcagua, Everest, Denali, Elbrus and Carstesz Pyramide, in 8 months! In addition to Mrika accomplishing her goal, Mrika and Arianiti became the first Albanians to conquer the Seven Summits, and at the world level became the father and daughter duo who have climbed the Seven Summits in the shortest time.

The experience gained during our expeditions together with leading world-class guides and climbers has strengthened our confidence to establish a company through which we can provide professional services to clients who want to enjoy the beauties of Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro, and countries of the Balkans.

The strategy of the company is to experience and introduce wild areas, natural beauties rich in bush forests, rocky landscapes, mountains, canyons, rivers and caves, through hiking, cycling, wildlife, 4×4, snow tours, and other adventures.

We are also committed to presenting the best of the Balkan countries’ culture, nature, customs and cuisine, in collaboration with locals.

Our goal is to introduce responsible and sustainable tourism, always respecting clients, local communities, and nature.

Languages

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What people are saying about Explore-Share

Man

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