High Scardus Trail Guided Hike

Welcome to the Balkans! Join the group transfer at Tirana’s city centre at 14:00, or at Tirana International Airport (TIA) at 15:00, as we journey into the dramatic landscapes of Albania’s north-east. The 2 hour drive to Kukës (130km/81mi) follows the path of rivers and mountain valleys, giving you your first taste of the rugged terrain and raw beauty that defines this region. Along the way, we’ll introduce you to Kukës, a city with a proud history. In 1999, it opened its doors to over 450,000 Kosovar refugees, an act that earned it a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. Tucked between rivers and backdropped by the towering Mt Gjallica (2,489m), Kukës sets the stage for your upcoming alpine adventure. After checking in at our hotel, there's time to stretch your legs or simply unwind before meeting the group at 7pm for a welcome dinner and trip briefing. Overnight: Hotel in Kukës Transfer time: 2hrs Note: Group transfer departs Tirana at 14:00 or TIA at 15:00 sharp. Arriving later or travelling independently? Ask us about private transfers from Prishtina or other locations. Please note: the trip does not return to Kukës, so store any unneeded luggage in Tirana or Prishtina.

This morning, a 45-minute transfer takes us up into the highlands through the impressive Vanave Gorge and along a winding mountain road. This region is home to the Gorani people – a Slavic-speaking Muslim community whose traditional territory was divided across three nations (Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia) when modern borders were drawn in the early 20th century. Our walk begins near the Gorani village of Shishtavec. We ascend gradually through open meadows toward the rocky summit of Mt Kallabak, which rises to 2,174m (7,133ft). As the first significant peak of the Sharr Massif, it sits right on the border and offers spectacular views across this tri-national alpine region. From the summit, we continue along a sweeping ridgeline that traces the frontier between Albania and Kosovo, surrounded by mountain pastures and distant peaks. On clear days, you may catch your first glimpse of Mt Korab at 2,764m (9,068ft) – the highest peak in both Albania and North Macedonia, a stunning preview of the days to come. Our descent brings us into a remote alpine valley and the secluded village of Çajë – thought to be Albania’s highest permanently inhabited settlement. We’ll be welcomed at the local gathering place, known as the “club”, where a chat with village elders and a glass of warming raki offers a memorable end to the day. Tonight’s accommodation is in the village’s only homestay – a very basic, dorm-style setup with shared facilities. Due to the village’s isolation, both dinner and breakfast will be simple and limited in variety, reflecting the modest resources available. Overnight: Village Guesthouse/homestay (dormitory accommodation) Transfer Time: approx. 45min Hike: 13-16km/8-10mi Ascent: +550-850m/1800-2790ft, Descent: -850-1025m/2790-3360ft

After bidding farewell to our hosts in Caje, we set off on our second, longer hike, bound for the village of Radomire. Today’s route carries us deep into the Eastern Highlands, where sweeping alpine meadows, wildflower-strewn plateaus and dramatic limestone peaks reveal the pristine beauty of the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park. We follow a high ridgeline trail, flanked by vibrant slopes that bloom with seasonal flora. With a bit of luck, we may spot herds of semi-wild horses or even the rare Albanian lily, a fragile endemic species that clings to life in this remote region. Mt Korab, standing tall at 2,764m (9,068ft), dominates the skyline as we move closer to the heart of the Balkan Green Belt – a region renowned for its rich biodiversity and untouched wilderness. Our descent brings us into the wide, rugged basin known as the Field of Korabi, a dramatic hyperkarst depression marked by surreal relics of Albania’s past: old concrete bunkers shaped like mushrooms still dot the landscape, a silent reminder of another era. By late afternoon, we arrive in the village of Radomire, a welcoming gateway for those preparing to summit mighty Korab. We settle into a traditional guesthouse where warm hospitality, and perhaps a sheepskin pad to rest weary legs await. Overnight: Guesthouse (shared accommodation) Hike: 13.5–17km/8.4–10.6mi Ascent: +1000m/3281ft, Descent: -1075m/3527ft

We rise early today with the option to tackle one of the Balkans’ most rewarding hikes – the summit of Mt Korab at 2,764m (9,068ft), the highest point in both Albania and North Macedonia. This is a physically demanding day due to the elevation gain, but the route itself is non-technical and achievable for confident hikers. The trail begins gently past summer shepherd huts before weaving through alpine meadows and stretches of rockier terrain. As we climb steadily toward the border saddle, views expand across the surrounding peaks of the Korab-Koritnik range. The final approach loops around the summit to reach the top from the northern side. If the weather is favourable, we’ll enjoy a packed lunch on the summit with panoramic views across three countries. We return via the same trail, with the full hike taking between 7 to 10 hours depending on pace and conditions. For those wishing to rest or explore at a gentler pace, as the route is 'up and back', it’s possible to walk partway up and turn back, or spend the day at leisure in Radomire village soaking in the alpine serenity. Overnight: Guesthouse (shared accommodation) Hike: 3.75–17km/2.3–10.6mi Ascent/Descent: +-225–1475m/+-738–4839ft

Today we leave the comfort of Radomire behind and re-enter the highlands, tracing an old border patrol route into a lesser-travelled corner of Albania. As we climb, we pass the haunting remains of “brezi i butë” – the soft sand band once used to track footprints under strict communist surveillance. While the landscape today is peaceful, its past tells a different story. The trail continues uphill, revealing sweeping views across glacial valleys where large flocks of sheep still roam freely. Near the highest point of the walk, we pause at a small alpine lake – a perfect spot to soak tired feet in icy water while taking in the vast solitude of the Korab highlands. Our destination is the Ladies Pasture, a remote alpine grazing area at 1,770m (5,807ft), where the Kaloshi shepherd clan continues centuries-old pastoral traditions. Tonight, we are their guests in modest wooden huts – no phone signal, no power, no shower, but a wealth of authentic hospitality. Over a shared meal and a fireside chat beneath a brilliant night sky, you’ll gain rare insight into this remote way of life. You can even try your hand at sheep milking, if you're curious. Overnight: Shepherds hut (shared accommodation) Hike: 13.5km/8.4mi Ascent: +975–1200m/+3199–3937ft, Descent: -475–700m/-1558–2297ft

After a final farewell to our shepherd hosts and their secluded alpine world, we begin our journey out of the highlands. While the simplicity of their life offers inspiration, it also brings perspective, a way of living shaped by resilience, tradition and remoteness. We climb steadily on a historic mule path toward the Grama Pass, reaching 2,300m (7,546ft), where a full 360° panorama awaits. Behind us, the sharp silhouettes of Mt Korab and the distant glint of Grama Lake remind us of how far we’ve come. Ahead lies a steep and challenging descent, zigzagging down the dramatic patrol paths of a once heavily guarded frontier. From a distance, the sheer rock wall we've just descended seems almost impossible, a testament to your progress. The path gradually eases as we follow the valley’s rim, soaking in sweeping views of scattered villages far below. As we reach the pastures above Rabdisht, a bird's-eye view of red rooftops and curling chimney smoke signals our return to village life. Down in the cobbled laneways of Rabdisht, we’re welcomed into a charming guesthouse where our hosts offer a glass of home-made juice or a warming raki in the garden, the perfect toast to an unforgettable crossing. Overnight: Guesthouse (shared accommodation) Hike: 18km/11.2mi Ascent: +800m/2625ft, Descent: -1450m/4757ft

Today’s walk offers a gentle farewell to the highlands, as we make our way through the pastoral hills and remote hamlets of Dibra. This is a region where the rhythm of daily life remains rooted in the land, where families grow their own food and preserve age-old traditions, even as the younger generation seeks opportunities elsewhere. We follow quiet trails linking the villages of Zagrad, Cerjan and Bellovë; small, scattered communities we admired from above yesterday. Along the way, we pass stone houses, grazing pastures and orchards. It’s not uncommon to be invited in for a strong Albanian coffee or a warm conversation with a local. By early afternoon, we transfer by vehicle to Tirana, where the contrast is immediate. Albania’s bustling capital pulses with traffic, energy and modern life, a striking shift after days spent off-grid in the mountains. As the day winds down, a relaxed city walk introduces us to Tirana’s wide boulevards and layered history. Our final dinner together is a chance to reflect on the week’s shared experiences and the trail that led us from quiet shepherd huts to the heart of Albania’s capital. Overnight: Hotel (Private facilities) Hike: 12.5km/7.8mi Ascent: +700m/2297ft, Descent: -750m/2460ft Transfer: 3 hours

Depending on your flight time, there may be a chance to enjoy a final walk through Tirana before departing. Soak in the morning atmosphere with a coffee at one of the city’s lively cafés, or browse the stalls of the New Bazaar – a great place to pick up edible souvenirs or local treats for the journey home. If time allows, consider a visit to one of Tirana’s most fascinating museums just steps from Skanderbeg Square. Bunk’Art 2, housed in an underground nuclear bunker, and the House of Leaves, the former surveillance headquarters, both offer powerful insights into Albania’s recent past. The trip concludes with a group transfer to Tirana Airport. This is typically scheduled 2.5 to 3 hours before your flight or onward travel.