A boat ride on Lake Koman and warm-up walk in Valbona NP 

An early start is followed by a scenic drive through the Drin Gorges to the Komani Lake (58km/2h). The picturesque reservoir loops similar to a Norwegian fjord through sheer rock walls and is the most attractive route into the Albanian Alps. You're in for a surprise by the peculiar ferry, which stops several times to pick up talkative locals from remote villages before arriving at Fierze (46 km/3h). By car you continue further into the highlands of the Valbona National Park, stopping for a light lunch in the small-city Bajram Curri. In the early afternoon, you reach the Valbona Valley and it’s tower-houses made of stone. The warm-up walk follows a crystal clear stream through ancient beech forests, speckled with the sweetest wild strawberries. Along the way, the brave will stop for a swimming break at the ice-cold river or a secluded pond. The jagged peaks towering high above you give itchy feet for tomorrow's trek into the highlands. Tonight, you enjoy a delicious, hearty dinner and a well-earned rest after this impression-packed introduction to the Accursed Mountains. 

Hike ⟺ 7 km ▲ 250 m ▼ 50 m ⧗ 3:30 h
B / L / D Guesthouse 3 h + 3 h boat 

Across the Persllopi Pass or through the Kollata Gorge to Cerem 

Refreshed, fed and provided with a lunch pack, you tackle the first and one of the longest ascents of the trek vigorously. Winding up your way to the mountain side, you are rewarded with views of the highest peaks of the Albanian Alps. Past the pastures, you reach a treeless alpine valley, where surrounded by rock, the solitary mountains are all yours. The Persllopi Pass (2.039 m) marks today’s highest point and the border with Montenegro is at the country's highest peak, Mt. Kollata (2.534 m). Past a unique, so-called wind cave and through a karst labyrinth that requires sure-footedness, you return to Albania, face some of the most spectacular panoramas and meet shepherds on the way to the rather isolated village Cerem. Without a mobile phone signal or electricity, it remains the last outpost before the true wilderness starts. The hot, home-cooked meals, the warm shower and the hospitality of the hosts makes up for the small lack of comfort. If the weather doesn't permit crossing the pass, you can walk a shorter route through the Mt. Kollata Canyon to reach the simple guesthouse (no electricity).