Our “Albanian Alps Trail” tour runs on the “Peaks of the Balkans” trail through a mountain range called The Accursed Mountains (Albanian: Bjeshkët e Nemuna; Montenegrin: Prokletije) also known as the Albanian Alps. The name Accursed Mountains lends itself to all sorts of obvious metaphors – but these days, walking here is much more of a blessing than anything.
With some of Europe’s most pristine scenery, ancient pastoral traditions little altered by modern life, and a title to capture the imagination, Accursed Mountains make for a wild holiday with an element of time travel. These peaks, which span the borders of Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo, have been easier to explore since 2012, when a hiking route, “Peaks of the Balkans”, opened to tempt trekkers. Considering the region’s turbulent history and once tightly controlled borders, especially during the communist period, it was impossible to move across these places. No longer. Nowadays, the trek has become very popular and people around the world are coming to visit this very remote area.
The “Peaks of the Balkans” trail is an epic walk along shepherd paths and footpaths winding through alpine scenery up to 2300 m above sea level, with a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, varying from green valleys to crystal-clear mountain lakes and rugged peaks. The views and the trails transform, switching from rocky paths and bare peaks to meadows rich with flowers and plants, where nature has been left to run wild. To date, over 1700 wild plants have been recorded in this region. A total of 50 flora species are endemic, sub-endemic or endangered plant species. This European wilderness is home to superb wildlife including lynx, chamois, wolf, deer, golden eagles, buzzards, owls and falcons.
