The Peaks of the Balkans trail can be hiked in any way you want - however, there are some specific stages that most hikers follow. Sticking to the official stages ensures that you start and stop the same places with your fellow hikers, encounter cities with the best transportation and resupply options. Lastly, the stages also chop the trail into managable chunks that most people find a decent difficulty level. Let's start with a a few of the facts:
- Length: Approximately 192 km, or about 120 miles, completed in 10 stages over 10 days for most hikers
- Elevation gain/loss: Around 11,500 m up and down
- Typical duration per stage: 6–8 hours, covering 10–28 km per stage
- Difficulty: Classified as moderate; stages frequently exceed 1,000 m of vertical change, demanding good fitness levels
The 10 day loop
Theth in Albania is the most common starting point for the loop. When planning your trip you should consider which of the entry point cities is the easiest for you when travelling to the region and start from there (check our Getting to the Trail Guide).
Stage 1: Theth → Valbonë
- Distance: 13.9 km
- Duration: ~7 hours
- Recommended guest house: Guesthouse Demushi
This is the most famous stage of the trail, crossing the legendary Valbona Pass (1,795 m). The climb out of Theth winds through dense beech forests before opening up to sweeping alpine views. Amazing view at the top and a steep descend into the wide glacial valley of Valbonë.
Stage 2: Valbonë → Çerem
- Distance: 19.8 km
- Duration: ~7 hours
- Recommended guest house: VITA Guesthouse
Leaving Valbonë, the trail first follows the river and then climbs steadily into a quieter, less-traveled corner of the mountains. Traditional shepherd huts dot the landscape, and the path winds through ancient forests before reaching Çerem, a remote highland village with some of the best photo opportunities of the entire trail.
Stage 3: Çerem → Dobërdol
- Distance: 15.65 km
- Duration: ~6 hours
- Recommended guest house: Guest House Bashkimi (read more)
This stage traverses borderlands and grazing pastures, offering vast open spaces with grazing horses and sheep. The route steadily gains elevation toward Dobërdol, a seasonal shepherd village perched at 1,750 m. This is where you really feel the remoteness.
Stage 4: Dobërdol → Milishevc (Kosovo)
- Distance: 18.2 km
- Duration: ~8-9 hours
- Recommended guest house: Kulla Guest House
The trail crosses into Kosovo, climbing above the tree line to wide ridges with dramatic views across the Accursed Mountains. After reaching the high point near the border, hikers descend into Kosovo’s alpine heartland, eventually arriving at Milishevc, a quiet mountain village.
Stage 5: Milishevc → Reka e Allagës
- Distance: 16.2 km
- Duration: ~7 hours
- Recommended guest house: Panorama Hostel
This day is a blend of forest paths and open alpine pastures, weaving through small communities and shepherd villages. The trail offers glimpses of Kosovo’s cultural side, with locals often offering food or coffee along the way.
Stage 6: Reka e Allagës → Kuqishta (via Drelaj & Pepaj)
- Distance: 23.5 km
- Duration: ~8-9 hours
- Recommended guest house: Hotel Te Liqeni
A long and varied day, this stage connects picturesque mountain villages with high ridges. Passing through Drelaj and Pepaj, hikers experience the hospitality of the Rugova valley before the route climbs again toward Kuqishta. It’s a day that combines cultural immersion with alpine beauty, and the shifting terrain keeps things fresh and engaging.
Stage 7: Kuqishta → Babino Polje (Montenegro)
- Distance: 15.8 km
- Duration: ~6 hours
- Recommended guest house: Samel's Cottage
The trail now crosses into Montenegro, climbing steeply past the border ridge. Alpine lakes and high mountain passes make this a particularly scenic section. The descent into Babino Polje feels gentle and pastoral, leading into a quiet Montenegrin valley surrounded by rolling hills.
Stage 8: Babino Polje → Plav
- Distance: 20.3 km
- Duration: ~7 hours
- Recommended guest house: Apartments & Rooms Brijest
This stage showcases Montenegro’s lake country, with a highlight being the enchanting Hrid Lake, often called the “Lake of Happiness.” The route continues with long ridge walks and wide views before dropping down to Plav, the largest town on the trail, set beside its own glacial lake. After days of remote stops, Plav feels like a welcome pause for supplies and comfort.
Stage 9: Plav → Vusanje
- Distance: 27.5 km
- Duration: ~8 hours
- Recommended guest house: Moonlight House
One of the longest and most demanding stages, this section follows old caravan routes, climbing steeply out of Plav before traversing high ridges with magnificent views of both Montenegro and Albania. The descent leads into the lush valley of Vusanje, a village famous for its waterfall.
Stage 10: Vusanje → Theth (Albania)
- Distance: 21.35 km
- Duration: ~7 hours
- Recommended guest house: Guest House Rrashkadoli
The final stage is a dramatic return into Albania, crossing the rugged Peja Pass (1,711 m). The climb is challenging, but the views from the pass—looking deep into the Theth valley—are unforgettable. The long descent winds back into Theth, completing the circle.
