Tour 5: Beauty of North Montenegro

  • Podgorica, Durmitor NP, Biogradska Gora NP, Prokletije National Park
From

€Upon Request

Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Hiking

Departure Dates

06 July – 15 July, 20 July – 29 July, 24 August – 02 September, 07 Sept. – 16 September, 21 Sept. – 30 September

Download Tour Brochure

Tour Overview

Our “Beauty of North Montenegro” tour features the highlights of North Montenegro, including the beautiful Durmitor National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site, Biogradska Gora NP – one of the last three primaeval rainforests in Europe and  Prokletije National Park – considered one of the most breathtaking mountain areas in Europe.

Durmitor National Park is the largest National Park in Montenegro and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Park is characterized by diversified ecosystems and numerous endemic species, as well as the some of the highest peaks of the Dinaric mountains, Tara River Canyon, which was proclaimed a world ecological reserve, 18 glacial lakes known as “the mountain eyes” of which the Black Lake is the most famous one and represents a symbol of the Park and its beauty. Here, the water and ice have eroded the limestone typical of the place and thus creating a rare-beauty landscape – a reason enough why you shouldn’t miss experiencing it. The Park territory covers the Durmitor massif and the narrow Tara Canyon which is 1.300 meters deep – the second deepest in the world, after the Grand Canyon Colorado. Tara River, also known as the “Teardrop of Europe”, is considered to be one of the most beautiful rivers on the entire continent. 

The diverse flora and fauna of Biogradska Gora National Park is another amazing treasure of nature. Biogradska Gora is one of the oldest protected areas in the world. Only 6 years after Yellowstone was declared the first national park in America, Prince Nikola I Petrovic put Biogradska Gora under state protection in 1878. Due to its immense natural wealth and its preservation, Biogradska Gora National Park has been proclaimed a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site. The most impressive part of the National Park is the primeval rainforest reserve, one of the last in Europe.

Prokletije National Park is the most dramatic hiking destination in Montenegro. Prokletije or Accursed Mountains are the southernmost and highest part of the Dinaric Alps. Surreally scenic and remote, this magnificent area may well be one of Europe’s least explored corners. Here, vertical peaks pierce the sky. 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. The park encompasses most of the Prokletije Mountains (also known as the Albanian Alps), which form the natural border between Montenegro and Albania.  Given the remoteness of this region, you’ll see very few people hiking here.

Included

✅ 9 nights/10 days

✅ All accommodations

✅ All breakfasts & dinners

✅ Lunch on the 1st and 10th day incl. homemade traditional Montenegrin lunch on the 3rd day

✅ Packed lunches during hikes

✅ Accompaniment of an English and Montenegrin speaking licensed guide

✅ All ground transfers and baggage transfers as listed in the itinerary, including airport transfers

✅ Entrance fees to all national parks including the local tourist tax

✅ Rafting on Tara River

Excluded

❌ International flights tickets

❌ Travel insurance

❌ Your own trekking/hiking gear

❌ Personal expenses such as phone calls, alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, extra transfers, tips, etc.

❌ Optional gratuities to your guide(s)

❌ Any items not explicitly mentioned in the program

❌ All expenses associated with nonscheduled departure

Tour Plan

Durmitor National Park: Zabljak, Black Lake, Snake Lake

Transfer from Podgorica Airport to Zabljak (Durmitor National Park, 125 km, 2.5 hours drive) with several photo stops or coffee breaks. Arival in Zabljak (1.450 m) and hotel check-in. Short time for refreshment and lunch. Afterwards, an easy circular hike around Black Lake (3.6 km), the premium tourist attraction of the Durmitor area. Hike along the Mill Creek until Snake Lake (1.520 m). Transfer to the hotel. Dinner with traditional Montenegrin dishes including highland specialities and Montenegrin red wine.

Hike duration: 4-5 hours, 6 km ↑150 m ↓150 m

Durmitor National Park: Red Rock Peak Hike

Transfer (20 mins drive) to the Red Rock massif. Hike to the summit of Red Rock with the beautiful Jablan Lake (1.791 m) en route. Stunning view of Black Lake, the highest peak – Bobotov Kuk and the entire Durmitor massif. Short break and the following descent to Jablan Lake. Ca. 5-6 km hike to Black Lake. Rest at Black Lake and return to Zabljak.

Hike duration: 7-8 hours, 14 km ↑450m ↓850m

Durmitor National Park: Rafting on Tara River

Transfer from Zabljak to the rafting starting place on Tara River. The rafting includes such highlights like Ljutica, the shortest river in Europe, Tara Bridge (172 m), several waterfalls and Tara Canyon itself, the deepest canyon in Europe and the second-deepest in the world next to the Grand Canyon in the United States. Lunch after rafting and the option to try the longest zipline in Europe. Ride to Zminicko Lake, Fish and Devil’s Lake. Return and overnight at Zabljak.

Durmitor National Park: Prutas Peak Hike

Hike start from Sarban ( 1.707 m) with a total ascent of 700 m over the 4 km trail with views of the most beautiful Durmitor landscapes to Prutas (eng. Mountain of Rods, 2393 m) , the highlight of your Montenegro and Durmitor National Park adventure. Return to Zabljak.

Hike duration: 6-7 hours, 8 km ↑700m ↓700m

Biogradska Gora National Park: Hike to Zekova Glava Peak with Descent to Pesica Lake

Transfer from Zabljak to Kolasin (90 km, ca. 1.5 hours drive). Arrival in Kolasin, hotel check-in. After a short refreshment, departure to the hiking tour start at Bjelasica ski centre Jezerine (1.450 m). Hike to the Zekova Glava (2.117 m) peak with Vranjak katun (summer huts of shepherds) en route. Descent and rest near the glacial lake called Pesica Lake (1.771 m). Swimming in the lake if possible and requested. On the way back to the starting point passing by the natural spring of Biogradska River. Return to Kolasin.

Hike duration: 6-7 hours, 12 km ↑600m ↓600m

Biogradska Gora National Park: Kom Vasojevicki Peak Hike

Transfer from Kolasin to Stavna village (1.650 m). Hike start from from from the north side of Stavna plateau below the rocky massif. After ca. 2.5 hours of ascent, arrival at Vera Pass (2200 m) with views of the border mountains of Albania, in particular of the Prokletije mountain range and its highest peak Maja Jezerce (2694 m). Continuation of the hike and ascension of Kom Vasojevicki (2460 m). Return to Stavna village on the same trail. Transfer to the small town of Plav (45 km, 1 hour drive). Dinner and overnight in Plav.

Hike duration: 5-6 hours, 6 km ↑650m ↓650m

Walking Tour to Hrid Lake

Transfer from Plav to the starting point of today’s hike in Babino Polje (40 min drive).The day destination Hrid Lake is situated around 20 km from Plav. Hrid Lake (1.968 m) is a glacial lake also known as the “Pearl of Prokletije”. After a break at the lake optional ascent hike to the nearby peak Hridski Krs, or stay and swim in the lake. Return to Plav. Visit of the Ethno-Museum in Redzepagica Tower.

Hike duration: 5-6 hours, 8 km ↑400 m ↓400 m

Grebaje Valley Hike

Transfer to Grebaje Valley, lodged between the karst towers of Karanfili peaks (2.461 m). Hike to the double peak of Popadija and Talijanka (2.056 m) with a spectacular view of the nearby Karanfili and the Prokletije massif with all its highest peaks. Descent along the ridge passing by the rock carvings (petroglyphs) dating back to the Neolithic Age, some 600 years B.C. as well as other Paleolithic carvings. Traversing the narrow spine to a series of panoramic viewpoints back onto path, where the circular hike closes. Guesthouse dinner and accommodation in Grebaje Valley/Gusinje area.

Hike duration: 6-7 hours, 10 km, ↑950 m ↓950 m

Ropojana valley, Eye of the River Skakavica, Waterfall of the River Grlja and Alipasa’s Springs

Walk and rest in Ropojana valley with Eye of the River Skakavica or Sava’s Eye and a 30-metre high waterfall of the River Grlja, one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the Prokletije Mountains. Continuation with the tour to Alipasa’s springs, a large karst spring comprised of 25 minor springs. Return to the guesthouse in Grebaje Valley/Gusinje area. Farewell dinner.

Hike duration: 4-5 hours, 5-6 km ↑200 m ↓200 m

Transfer to Podgorica Airport via Cem River Canyon

Transfer to Podgorica Airport (75 km, 2.5 hour drive). Shortly after the border crossing between Montenegro and Albania, view of the Cem river valley (Montenegrin: Cijevna) and the mountains of Montenegro and Albania. Stop at the lookout point. Short stopover in the Albanian town of Tamare. After crossing the border between Albania and Montenegro, and 40 minutes drive arrival at the Podgorica Airport (TGD). Departure.

Tour Locations

Tour Information

Difficulty grade

Moderate

Max Guests

18

Min Age

16+

Languages Support

English

Tour Highlights

Durmitor National Park, marvelous European nature reserves is a paradise for those seeking to experience the exceptional nature

Rafting the Tara River whose 1300 m deep canyon is the deepest in Europe and the 2nd deepest in the world

The majestic wilderness of Prokletije (aka the Accursed Mountains) providing the stunning sceneries of Europe’s most remote part

Pure nature and wild beauty of Montenegro’s highest and most beautiful lake - Hrid Lake at 1970m

Grebaje Valley - the heart of the Prokletije National Park

Beautiful Ropojana valley with natural attractions – Eye of the River Skakavica, the waterfall of the River Grlja and Alipasa’s springs

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Montenegro Hiking

My name is Alex. I am a travel agent in Germany. I went to Montenegro for the first time ten years ago and as an outdoor enthusiast fell in love with it. I want to share with many people the true beauty of Montenegro.

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Difficulty grades

The guidelines below should give you a general idea on what to expect from your walking/hiking in Montenegro. Mind that hiking times and distances are strongly affected by the steepness of terrain and elevation change i.e. a 10 km easy hike may take 3 hours along a fairly flat route but a 10 km moderate hike up and downhill over steeper terrain may take 5-6 hours. Therefore if in doubt it is better to refer to both time and distance.

Walking/Hiking Difficulty Grades

EASY 

Relaxed and mild walks suitable for walkers with average levels of fitness and who are generally in good health. These walks are typically on maintained trails and have marked trails with signage. Gradients are mild with no steep uphill or downhill section. No previous hiking experience is required and they are suitable for novices and different age groups.

Walking is typically limited to 3-5 hours per day (up to 10 km of walking).

EASY TO MODERATE

Mostly Easy but may include longer moderate hikes on some days with some moderate uphill / downhill elevations and steeper ascents / descents. Generally routes will be well maintained but may involve some mixed/rougher terrain and steep / exposed sections on certain days.

Walking is on average 4-6 hours per day (up to 12 km of walking).

MODERATE

Suitable for more regular hikers who are generally fit. Moderate grade itineraries include longer walking days and steeper accents and descents. May include longer stretches of uphill climbs and descents or a number of shorter steeper uphill and downhill sections along route. Terrain may be mixed including rocky areas and mixed surfaces underfoot.

Moderate grade holidays include on average 5-7 hours of walking per day (up to 15 km of walking).

MODERATE TO STRENUOUS

Suitable for active hikers with a good level of fitness looking for more demanding and challenging hikes. Moderate to strenuous itineraries involve extended steep ascents and descents along routes. May also include high mountain (alpine) terrain which is rugged and rough underfoot and some sections of scrambling.

Mostly moderate walks but may include longer strenuous treks on some days. The itinerary may include hut to hut walks on some days and require carrying your own belongings/backpack along route.

Moderate to strenuous grade holidays include on average 6-9 hours of walking per day (up to 20 km of walking).

Medical Conditions

Please note any known medical conditions must be fully disclosed before we can accept you booking.