Peaks of the Balkans Trail

Arriving in Theth from Shkodër by bus takes you through some of the most striking scenery in northern Albania. The road climbs steeply into the heart of the Albanian Alps, offering stunning views of dramatic cliffs, deep gorges, and dense forests. You’ll pass small villages and traditional stone houses. Theth itself is a remote village nestled in a lush valley, surrounded by towering peaks. It is known for its iconic stone church and Kulla e Ngujimit (The Blood Tower).

Passing the Valbonë Tourist Info Center and village center, the trail gradually leads to a junction where you take a left turn toward Çerem. The gravel road winds through scenic landscapes, with a stream crossing along the way, before reaching the remote village of Çerem, located approximately 17 kilometers northeast of Valbonë. Çerem is a largely abandoned village, only populated by shepherds during the summer months. Due to harsh winter conditions, the village remains empty for most of the year, offering a glimpse into a simpler, seasonal way of life.

Beginning in the village of Çerem, the route climbs steadily alongside the Markafsha stream before crossing into a forested area where the path winds upward through switchbacks. The trail soon opens to sweeping views over the valley, leading to a gravel road that takes you into Montenegrin territory. From here, a gentle ascent brings you to the beautiful summer shepherd’s village of Balqin. Continuing northeast, the trail meanders through forests and meadows, crossing streams and passing old border ruins. The terrain shifts between gentle descents and flat meadows as you approach Dobërdol.

Starting in Milishevc, the hike begins with a climb northward along a mule track, ascending to the Lumbardhi ridge. This ridge offers panoramic views of Gjeravica Mountain, Marjashi Peak, and Milishevc below. Continuing along a well-defined path, the route passes by the small lake Pusi i Magareve, before descending steeply through the forest on an old mule track. Upon reaching Rugova Camp, the trail flattens out and continues for the final stretch toward Reka e Allagës on a gravel road. The surrounding landscape transitions from forested areas to wide-open meadows, eventually leading into the village.

Today's hike starts with an ascent northwest through meadows, eventually entering a pine forest. The trail follows a mule track. After crossing a dirt road, the path continues through a forest and exits onto a scenic meadow. From here, the route heads west along a dirt road to Pepaj village, passing two water sources along the way. Once in Pepaj, the trail gently descends along an old gravel road toward Drelaj. After crossing a bridge near the village, the path follows a gravel road ascending through a beautiful canyon. The hike continues through meadows and forests, with a final descent to Kuçishtë village.

The path starts on an unpaved road and transitions to a hiking trail. Soon, you’ll come across Liqeni i Kucishtës, a picturesque glacial lake. The route then continues past another lake, Liqeni i Drelajve. From there, it climbs towards Lugu i Shkodrës Pass. The descent begins after reaching Jelenka Pass. You’ll pass an artificial lake and continue on relatively flat terrain to Ravno Brdo Pass, where Babino Polje comes into view. As the trail winds down through long grass and scattered shepherd huts, the village grows nearer. The final stretch crosses a bridge and continues along an unpaved road.

The last stage begins along a dirt road to the stunning Grlja waterfall. The trail then ascends gently through a valley, passing Lićeni Gšfars before reaching the Albanian border, marked by a Communist-era pyramid. After entering an oak and pine forest, you arrive at Fusha e Ruinicës. Continuing south, the path passes an old bunker and climbs toward Lake Pejёs, followed by a final ascent to the Pejës Pass. The descent is steep but well-marked, leading through pine forests to Okol village. A short, flat path along the Thethi River brings you back to Theth.