The Balkan Peaks - Cedar Path - June 2025

The expedition will officially begin early evening in Plav, Montenegro at our Guesthouse. We will gather to meet each other, have a trip orientation and share dinner before resting up for the following morning’s hike.

If you are opting into the Cedar Path shuttle, you will be picked up at the Podgorica, Montenegro airport and drive 2-3 hours to Plav.

Plav is an iconic town located in the northeastern part of Montenegro, hidden in the foothills of the Mount Prokletije at the point where the river Lim flows into Lake Plav. With approximately 3,500 inhabitants it is considered one of the most beautiful places in the country.

• Meals: -/-/D

This day will start bright and early as it will be one of our longest- and definitely one of our most spectacular!

We will be crossing the Bor Peak which has been considered the most spectacular stage of the "Peaks of the Balkans" trail. We hike over the grassy ridge of the Bor towards the imposing towering stone wall that forms the border to Albania before descending into the valley of Vusanje. The view of the Grbaja massif and the Zla Kolata, the highest mountain in Montenegro, make this an incredible day.

We will ascend more than 3000 ft so be ready for a long, hard day, but we will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views on the trail.

Distance: 17 miles, ↑ 3776 ft ↓4265 ft

• Meals: B/L/D

After breakfast we will start this morning with a car transfer to the Grebaje Valley, Montenegro; an area not to missed. It is not technically part of the ‘Peaks of the Balkans’ trail system, but it really should be!

From the drop off we will do a full day hike that gives the most awe inspiring views of the Accursed Mountain range and Karanfili Peaks, maintaining this breath taking backdrop for most of the day’s hike.

The hike will initially take us through forest for about 2.5 miles leading us to Mt Volušnica (6223 ft), followed by ascending two peaks- the magnificent Mt Talijanka (6745 ft) and Mt Popadija. The higher we get the more spectacular the views.

When sunset is near and we must pull ourselves away, we will descend back down to the car, and return to our guesthouse in Vusanje for a delicious meal, rest and reflection.

Distance: 6.2 miles, ↑ 2624 ft ↓2624 ft

• Meals: B/L/D

We will start the day with a short 5 km car transfer over the asphalt road. Then we move on to hiking an unforgettable day through the gorgeous Ropojana Valley and across the border to the village of Theth, Albania.

This is a long day that includes a long, steep downhill section.

Theth is one of the most picturesque villages in Northern Albania, dating back to the Middle Ages. In Theth stands a famous building called the Kulla e Ngujimit, a three storey stone building with no windows. In the ancient days this building was used for self exile during the blood feuds of the area.

Distance: 13 miles, ↑ 3645 ft ↓4714 ft

• Meals: B/L/D

Today is a free day to do whatever you feel like! You might be in the mood to rest your body, take it easy and soak in the atmosphere of this peaceful little town. Perhaps you’ll feel like more movement and want to do a day hike to the Blue Eye Pool (26 km round trip). Or perhaps exploring some cultural exhibits like the Kulla e Ngujimit, could be enriching, giving you a deeper understanding of the local heritage.

There are a few restaurants and a small store in Theth.

• Meals: B/L/D

After an early morning hearty breakfast we will start our hike to Valbona. Today we will experience one of Albania’s most iconic hikes from Theth over the Valbona Pass (5771 ft) to the town of Valbona in the heart of the national park. At one point, you will see the Theth valley on one side and Valbona valley on the other side. The Valbona pass offers a spectacular view of the Balkan Peaks and “Bjeshket e Nemuna” or the Accursed Mountains. “Bjeshket e Nemuna” is a national park in Gjakova and Peja in Kosovo, near the borders of Albania and Montenegro.

This ancient mule track linking the tribal regions of Shala and Nikaj is one of the more rigorous hiking days (7-8 hrs), and unquestionably worth it for the incredible scenery.

Distance: 12.5 miles, ↑ 3504 ft ↓2789 ft

• Meals: B/L/D

Today we will head out after a fresh breakfast, and catch a boat across Lake Koman, a reservoir of emerald water that meanders for over 70 kms through mountains. In the narrowest place it's surrounded by vertical canyon walls, where the width is only 50 meters.

After our boat ride we will take a car shuttle the remaining 1.5 hrs. to our hotel in Shkoder. We will gather together at our traditional Albanian Guesthouse for the expedition finale, closing celebration, and fabulous dinner together.

This will be the official end of our Balkan Peaks expedition.

• Meals: B/L/D

This morning we will offer a morning shuttle back to Podgorica, Montenegro airport. (approx. 2-3 hr drive).

NOTE- It is recommended to book flights out of Podgorica later in the day (after 3pm) or the following day on July 1st, in case of unforeseen travel challenges.

• Meals: B

TBD