Welcome to Prishtina, the vibrant capital of Kosovo! Transfer to the tranquil village of Reka e Allages, nestled in the heart of the Rugova Valley. Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Accursed Mountains, this serene mountain retreat is the perfect starting point for your trek along the Via Dinarica Trail. Settle into your guesthouse and enjoy a delicious welcome dinner prepared with local flavors.

Travel Details:Travel distance: ~110 km; Overnight in Reka e Allages. (– / – / D)

Today’s trek is an exhilarating journey through the pristine landscapes of Rugova Valley, offering panoramic views, alpine pastures, and the opportunity to summit Hajla Peak (2,403 m)—the highest point along this section of the trail. Starting from Reka e Allages (1,300 m), the trail leads you through dense pine forests and open pastures, culminating at Gjoni’s Pass (1,810 m), where a cozy mountain shelter invites you to take a short break with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

From the mountain cabin at Stani Fatosit, you have two options: continue along the main trail or challenge yourself with an ascent to Hajla Peak. The climb to the summit is moderately demanding yet rewarding, offering sweeping 360-degree views stretching across the Kosovo-Montenegro border. Standing at the peak, you will feel on top of the world as you take in the breathtaking vistas.

Descending from the peak, the trail winds through a beautiful pine forest and passes by seasonal shepherd settlements in Pepaj before reaching the picturesque village of Drelaj. Known for its warm hospitality and traditional cuisine, Drelaj is the ideal destination to unwind after a day of adventure.

Highlights of the Day:

• Summit Hajla Peak (2,403 m): Enjoy a panoramic view from the top, where Kosovo meets Montenegro.
• Hike through Gjoni’s Pass (1,810 m : Traverse this picturesque mountain pass, surrounded by alpine pastures and dense pine forests.

‍Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~11 km (15.0 km with Hajla Peak option); Time: ~6:30 h; Up: +520 m / Down: –710 m (with Hajla Peak: +1125 m / –1310 m); Overnight in Drelaj (B / LP / D).

After a brief transfer to the heart of the Rugova Highlands, today’s trek takes you deep into the unspoiled wilderness of the Via Dinarica Trail. The journey begins with an ascent through fragrant pine forests, which open into alpine meadows that provide stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Soon, you reach the shimmering Leqinat Lake (1,890 m)—a glacial gem nestled among towering cliffs and dense pine trees. Its tranquil waters reflect shades of turquoise, creating an idyllic setting that feels almost otherworldly.

The trail then leads to a second hidden alpine lake, its vivid greenish-blue hues making it another highlight of the day. The ascent continues upward to Jelenka Pass (2,275 m), a natural balcony overlooking a stunning panorama of distant peaks and lush valleys. The views from this vantage point stretch endlessly, revealing the raw beauty of the surrounding mountain landscape.

Crossing the Kosovo-Montenegro border several times, the trail gently descends to the Milishevc Plateau (1,710 m). This remote shepherd settlement, far removed from the modern world, offers a rare opportunity to experience complete seclusion. With no phone signal or internet connection, it feels like a place suspended in time, where tranquility reigns and nature takes center stage. Settle into your cozy guesthouse and savor a traditional meal, surrounded by rolling pastures and starlit skies.

Highlights of the Day:

• Leqinat Lake (1,890 m): A hidden glacial lake surrounded by pine forests and cliffs, offering an unforgettable stop in the heart of the highlands.
• Jelenka Pass (2,275 m): Marvel at sweeping mountain views from this high-altitude pass, where rugged peaks and verdant valleys unfold beneath you.

‍Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~12 km; Time: ~7:30 h; Up: +1005 m / Down: –745 m; Short transfer from Drelaj to Kuqishte; Overnight in a traditional shepherd settlement in Milishevc (B / LP / D).

Today’s trek is a journey through wild mountain landscapes, crossing borders and high-altitude passes that connect Kosovo, Montenegro, and Albania. This day is filled with breathtaking panoramas, serene alpine meadows, and ancient shepherd trails that have connected cultures for centuries.

The trail guides you through tranquil pine forests and open fields before reaching Roshkodol, one of the largest shepherd settlements in Kosovo. Here, vibrant alpine meadows and blueberry bushes stretch endlessly, painting the landscape rich in color. The ascent to Roshkodol Pass (2,270 m) is rewarded with expansive views of rugged peaks and deep valleys—a perfect place to pause and appreciate the beauty of these untamed mountains.

As you progress along the Peaks of the Balkans route, the trail winds past Belegu Pass and Bogice Pass, providing glimpses of Gjeravica Peak (2,656 m), the highest summit in Kosovo. Finally, you reach Doberdol Pass, where the trail enters Albania. The view from the pass is simply mesmerizing, with valleys and mountains stretching endlessly before you.

Doberdol (1,750 m) is one of the most remote shepherd settlements along the Via Dinarica trail, a place where time seems to stand still. The summer pastures and rustic shepherd huts provide a rare glimpse into a way of life that has remained unchanged for generations. Here, you will experience genuine highland hospitality in a setting that feels like a step back in time.

Highlights of the Day:

• Cross Roshkodol Pass (2,270 m): Take in panoramic views at this high pass that connects three countries—Kosovo, Montenegro, and Albania.
• Discover Doberdol Shepherd Settlement (1,750 m): Experience life as it has been for centuries, surrounded by alpine meadows and soaring peaks.

Travel Details: Trekking distance: ~18km; Time: ~8:00 h; Up: +1075 m / Down: –970 m; Overnight in a shepherd’s hut in Doberdol (B / LP / D).

The ascent to Gjeravica (2,656 m), the highest peak in Kosovo and the second-highest in the Accursed Mountains, promises one of the most exhilarating days of your trek. From verdant valleys to jagged mountain ridges, this journey is a true highlight, combining stunning scenery with a deep sense of adventure.

You depart from the tranquil Doberdol Valley (1,750 m) and begin a steady ascent toward Ali Peja Pass (2,275 m). This historic pass, which was once a heavily fortified border during the communist era, now offers a tranquil crossing point with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The trail remains at a high altitude before guiding you to the summit of Gjeravica, where 360° vistas of rugged peaks and deep valleys extend across Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro.

Reaching the summit of Gjeravica is an unforgettable experience. The view stretches endlessly, showcasing the remote beauty of the Balkans in all its raw splendor. After taking a moment to savor the scenery, you descend toward Gropa Erenikut, where a transfer vehicle will take you to Peja, a vibrant town at the gateway to the Rugova Valley.

Highlights of the Day:

• Summit Gjeravica (2,656 m): Stand atop Kosovo’s highest point and marvel at sweeping views across three countries.
• Ali Peja Pass (2,275 m): Trace history along this mountain pass and admire the dramatic landscapes of the Accursed Mountains.

Travel Details:Travel Details: Expected travel distance ~45km; Trekking distance: ~16 km; Time: ~8h; Up: +1000 m / Down: –1100 m; Overnight in Peja (B / LP / D).

As your journey along the Via Dinarica Trail draws to a close, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences—the panoramic views from Gjeravica, the serene alpine valleys, and the warm hospitality of remote shepherd communities. These mountains, steeped in history and untouched beauty, will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your heart.

Transfer to Prishtina Airport (90 km) for your onward journey. Although it’s time to say goodbye, the spirit of the Via Dinarica and the memories of your adventure will stay with you long after you depart.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~90 km; Transfer from Peja to Prishtina Airport (B / – / –)