Day 1 – Arrival 
Welcome to the Balkans! You can join the group transfer at Tirana’s city centre at 14:00 or 40 min later on from Tirana Airport. Arriving later or from another location? Please enquire for a private transfer (e.g. from Prishtina Airport) so you can join the rest of the group in Kukes in the afternoon, just in time for the tour brief and dinner. Note that luggage is best stored in Tirana/Prishtina as the trip does not return to Kukes.

Day 2 – Borderlands of Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia
A 45 min. transfer takes us through the mighty Vanave Gorge and up a winding road into the highlands.  Today’s hike starts near the Gorani village of Shishtavec, from where a gradual ascent takes us to the rocky outcrop of Mt. Kallabak (2.174 m). It’s the very first peak of the Sharr Massif that separates the three countries. Onward we walk through seemingly endless meadows along a panoramic ridgeline crisscrossing the border between Albania and Kosovo. A glimpse of Mt. Korab (2.764 m) creates pleasant anticipation of the days of adventure ahead of us. Hiking details: 15km, 725m ascent. Grade: moderate.

Day 3 – Pristine nature of the Eastern Highlands
Fairytale-like beauty awaits us at the alpine meadows covered by colourful flower carpets on our second, longer hike to the village of Radomire.  Traversing a high ridgeline, the rocky peaks of Korab dominate the horizon. Every step takes us closer to the heart of the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park, with its high biodiversity and pristine nature a part of the Balkan Green Belt. New vistas open on our descent into the Field of Korabi, a hyperkarstic depression guarded by the infamous two-man bunkers rising from the ground like concrete mushrooms. Radomire is a lively village that shelters visitors aspiring to the heights of Korab. We greet our host and make ourselves comfortable in the simple pension for the next two nights. Time to put our tired feet up! Hiking details: 17km, 1,000m ascent. Grade: challenging.

Day 4 – Climbing Mt Korab
We rise early, prepared for the highpoint of our trip, the mighty peak of Mt. Korab (2.764 m). It will be a long and demanding day with much elevation difference but no technical difficulty. Reaching the saddle at the border with North Macedonia, we circle the peak and approach it from the rear. Having reached a special milestone in our tour, we enjoy our picnic and the breathtaking views across both Albania and North Macedonia. Descending we take a slightly different route back to Radomire. Nonetheless, you may complete only part of the hike or skip it altogether to spend the day at leisure and explore the village. In the evening, we gather around the “oda”, a room traditionally reserved for honoured guests, and sitting in a circle, as old customs call for, share stories and impressions gathered in these two days around Korab. Tomorrow’s overnight will be very different! Hiking details: 17km, ascent 1475m. Grade: challenging.

Day 5 – A night on the Ladies’ Pasture
Climbing up an old patrol route towards the border we see the “brezi i bute”, a stretch of sand created to detect footsteps. These peaceful surroundings were under strong surveillance during communism in Albania and trespassers, if not fatally punished on the spot, would be sent together with their families to forced labor camps. From the highest point of today’s hike, we overlook the wide plain of the glacial shaped valley with flocks of thousands of sheep roaming freely and pass by a glacial lake where we can dip our feet. Tonight the shepherds of the Kaloshi clan welcome us into their modest wooden huts on the so-called Ladies Pasture at 1.770 m altitude. There’s no phone signal, electricity or a shower. Instead we receive warm hospitality and unique insights into their daily work and life – today’s also your best chance to try milking a sheep! At night we sit under the endless night sky around a bonfire before falling asleep.. Hiking details: 16km, ascent 1025m. Grade: moderate/challenging

Day 6 – Grama Pass to Rabdisht
Parting from the shepherds and this secluded alpine world, we ascend on a mule path towards the Grama Pass (2.300 m) to face sweeping 360° vistas of the surrounding peaks. Looking behind, views of Korab and Grama Lake leave us appreciating the long way we have come and provide strength for the demanding descent. After zigzagging down the old border patrol path, a peek back up from some distance makes it hard to believe that we just descended the immense, rocky wall. Circling at ease along the rim of the valley and cluster of villages far below we soak in the panorama. Closing in through the mountain pastures of Rabdisht, we gain a bird’s eye view of the village with scattered red-tiled roofs and smoke from chimneys – a signal of our return to civilization. Once down in the cobbled alleys, we reach our lovely guesthouse and join our hosts for a firewater or home-made juice toast in their idyllic garden. Hiking details: 15km, ascent 800m. Grade: moderate.

Day 7 – The Villages of Peshkopi
Today’s hike around the picturesque villages of Dibra makes for a smooth transition from the simplicity and rawness of alpine heights to the fast-paced life of the city. We walk across hills and pastures between those villages viewed from above yesterday. Lack of road access has seen the once prosperous area fall behind. Locals still live largely off their own harvest and, lacking opportunities,the youth leaves en mass. Visiting Zagrad, Cerjan and Bellove we take a closer look at traditional stone houses, meet locals and are surely invited for a coffee. In the early afternoon we continue by car to Tirana. On an evening stroll along the main boulevard, we learn about the origins and influences that shaped the city. During our last dinner together we look back on an eventful week and the highlights on the Balkan’s youngest long distance trail. Hiking details: 12km, ascent 700m. Grade: easy/moderate.

Day 8 – Return to Tirana airport

Please note, accommodation is clean, characterful and basic – in such remote areas, do not expect luxury! If for any reason the first choice accommodation is not available, we will let you know about the alternatives well in advance of your holiday.