Your Balkan adventure begins as you arrive in Tirana or Prishtina, joining a group transfer to Kukës—a quaint border town in north-eastern Albania. 

Kukës is uniquely situated at the confluence of Kosovo’s White Drin and North Macedonia’s Black Drin Rivers. This town is steeped in history, having been recognized for its humanitarian spirit in 1999 when it sheltered 450,000 Kosovar refugees—a remarkable legacy that earned international accolades. As you settle in, take in the awe-inspiring views of Mt. Gjallica (2,489 m), whose towering presence promises the breathtaking adventures that lie ahead.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~144 km; Overnight in Kukës at a hotel (–/–/D)

Morning transfer through the awe-inspiring Vanave Gorge and a winding road into the highlands, your trek begins near the Gorani village of Shishtavec. This area, steeped in history, once served as a crossroads for the nomadic, Slavic-speaking Gorani community—a legacy from when nation states were only emerging at the turn of the 20th century.

Your hike starts with a gradual ascent toward the rocky outcrop of Mt. Kallabak (2,174 m), the very first peak of the Sharr Massif that majestically divides Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. As you continue, you traverse seemingly endless meadows along a panoramic ridgeline that straddles the border between Albania and Kosovo. Along the way, a distant glimpse of Mt. Korab (2,764 m) fills you with anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead.

Descending into a deep alpine valley, you eventually arrive at the remote village of Caje—arguably the highest year-round inhabited settlement in the region. 

Highlights of the Day:

• Trek through the storied highlands near the Gorani village of Shishtavec and ascend Mt. Kallabak (2,174 m).
• Enjoy endless meadows along a panoramic ridgeline with views of Mt. Korab (2,764 m).
• Descend into the alpine valley and experience genuine local hospitality in the remote village of Caje.

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~15 km; Time: 6:30 h; Up: +725 m / Down: –1,000 m; Overnight in a homestay in Caje (B / LP / D)

After bidding farewell to your gracious host family, you set off on a longer, invigorating hike towards the village of Radomire. The trail unfolds into a fairytale landscape, where alpine meadows burst into life with vibrant flower carpets. With a bit of luck, you may catch a glimpse of the endemic Albanian lily or even observe semi-wild horses grazing peacefully among the blooms.

Traversing a high ridgeline with gentle undulations, the rocky peaks of Mt. Korab dominate the horizon, drawing you ever closer to the heart of the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park—a haven of high biodiversity and pristine nature, proudly forming part of the Balkan Green Belt. As you descend into the expansive Field of Korabi, a hyperkarstic depression guarded by enigmatic, two-man bunkers rising like concrete mushrooms, new vistas reveal themselves.

Your journey culminates in the lively village of Radomire, a welcoming base for adventurers aspiring to conquer Mt. Korab. 

Highlights of the Day:

• Wander through enchanting alpine meadows adorned with colorful flower carpets and encounter wild horses.
• Unwind in the charming village of Radomire, a lively gateway for aspiring Korab summiteers.

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~17 km; Time: 7:45 h; Up: +1,000 m / Down: –1,075 m; Overnight in a simple pension in Radomire (B / LP / D)

Rise early and prepare for the highpoint of your journey as you set your sights on the mighty Mt. Korab (2,764 m), the highest peak of both Albania and North Macedonia. Today promises a long, demanding adventure with significant elevation gains—but rest assured, the trail poses no technical challenges. The path unfolds through a tapestry of mixed terrain, where shepherd huts dot the landscape alongside rocky stretches and gentle, soft alpine meadows.

After a steady ascent, you reach a saddle at the border with North Macedonia, where the route gracefully curves around the peak. Approaching the summit from the backside reveals an entirely new perspective of this imposing rocky giant. At this special milestone, take time to enjoy a well-deserved picnic while absorbing breathtaking panoramic views that span both Albania and North Macedonia.

On the descent, a slightly varied route leads you back to Radomire, offering fresh glimpses of the surrounding wilderness. If the full ascent seems too ambitious, you have the option to complete only a portion of the hike or even opt for a leisure day to explore the village and its serene surroundings at your own pace.

Highlights of the Day:

• Ascend the challenging yet non-technical trails to conquer Mt. Korab (2,764 m), the highest peak of Albania and North Macedonia.
• Savor a picnic at the saddle with panoramic views across two countries.

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~17 km; Time: 8:30 h; Up: +1,475 m / Down: –1,475 m; Overnight in a simple pension in Radomire (B / LP / D)

Departing from the base at Mt. Korab, you venture back into the highlands along an old patrol route that winds toward the border. Along the way, you encounter the “brezi i bute” – a stretch of sand once used to detect intruders. These peaceful surroundings, bathed in serene beauty today, conceal a dark history: during Albania’s communist era, this area was heavily monitored, and trespassers risked severe punishment or even forced labor for their families.

From the highest point of today’s trek, you gaze out over a vast, glacially shaped valley where thousands of sheep roam freely—a living testament to the enduring pastoral traditions of the region. 

Your journey culminates at the so-called Ladies Pasture (1,770 m), where the warm-hearted shepherds of the Kaloshi clan welcome you into their modest wooden huts. Here, there is no phone signal, electricity, or shower—only genuine, time-honored hospitality and a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in daily life among the herdsmen. Perhaps your most memorable moment will be trying your hand at milking a sheep. 

Highlights of the Day:

• Hike an ancient patrol route and discover the “brezi i bute,” a historical sand stretch used during Albania’s communist era.
• Marvel at a glacial valley teeming with free-roaming sheep and take a refreshing dip in a pristine glacial lake.
• Experience authentic mountain life with the Kaloshi clan on the Ladies Pasture, where you can even try sheep milking.

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~16 km; Time: 7:00 h; Up: +1,025 m / Down: –575 m; Overnight in Shepherd’s Huts (B / LP / D)

Parting from the heartfelt farewell of the shepherds and the secluded alpine world, you set off along a mule path toward the Grama Pass (2,300 m). As you ascend, the trail unveils sweeping 360° panoramas of towering peaks. A glance behind reveals the majestic Mt. Korab and the serene Grama Lake, affirming the long journey you've traversed and fueling your determination for the demanding descent ahead.

The route follows a zigzagging, historic border patrol path, and as you pause for a moment to look back from afar, the immense, rocky wall seems almost surreal. Circling gently along the valley rim, you absorb breathtaking views of a cluster of stone villages spread out far below. Gradually, you make your way through the mountain pastures of Rabdisht, where a bird’s-eye view of the village—scattered red-tiled roofs and wisps of chimney smoke—signals your return to civilization.

Highlights of the Day:

• Ascend the mule path to the Grama Pass (2,300 m) for breathtaking 360° alpine panoramas.
• Descend an ancient border patrol path, revealing picturesque stone villages nestled in the valley.

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~15 km; Time: 8:00 h; Up: +800 m / Down: –1,550 m; Overnight in a guesthouse in Rabdisht (B / LP / D)

After days immersed in the raw beauty of the highlands, today’s journey offers a gentle transition to the everyday rhythm of rural Albania, bridging the gap between pristine nature and urban dynamism. As you wander through the picturesque villages of Dibra, you traverse rolling hills and verdant pastures that reveal the enduring simplicity of local life. Traditional stone houses, long-standing symbols of a once-prosperous region now sustained largely by self-grown harvests, stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time—while the local youth, seeking better opportunities, have gradually left their hometowns behind.

In charming villages like Zagrad, Cerjan, and Bellove, you’re warmly welcomed by locals and often invited for a cup of coffee, offering a personal glimpse into their daily routines and heartfelt traditions. In the early afternoon, the trail gives way to a comfortable car transfer, whisking you away to Tirana—the modern capital whose vibrant energy and contemporary culture provide a striking contrast to the rural idyll you’ve just experienced. Over your final dinner together, you reflect on an eventful week along the High Scardus Trail, cherishing the unforgettable highlights of this remarkable journey through the Balkans.

Highlights of the Day:

• Discover traditional stone houses and enjoy intimate encounters with locals in Zagrad, Cerjan, and Bellove.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~105km; Trekking distance: ~12 km; Time: 5:15 h; Up: +700 m / Down: –750 m; Overnight in a hotel in Tirana (B/LP/D);

As your unforgettable journey through Albania comes to a close, take a moment to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Tirana before departing. Group transfer to the airport in the morning.

Travel Details: Group airport transfer