A Deep Dive into the Peaks of the Balkans Trek
If you’re planning to take on a trekking challenge, your destination will depend upon a number of key factors. Your experience. Your fitness levels. How long you want to be away. The conditions you find most enjoyable. And how much to want to spend. So, while your thoughts may automatically turn towards to the big bucket list targets – Everest Base Camp, Machu Picchu, Kilimanjaro – sometimes, the path less trodden is the better option. And while the Peaks of the Balkans is a less iconic destination, it’s still has a huge amount to offer.
Getting to Know the Peaks of the Balkans Trek
Understanding the area
The Balkans Peninsula is a pretty enormous space, encompassing ten countries and an area of 470,000km2. But for the Peaks of the Balkans trek, only a fraction of that region need concern you. Nevertheless, if you take on this challenge, you will be visiting three countries – Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo – and scaling multiple mountains. Including Mount Gjeravica, which reaches a pretty impressive 2,656m above sea level.
The Peaks of the Balkans trek is unlike any other
There are a number of reasons why this trek is pretty special.
Firstly, the Peaks of the Balkans is a relatively new trail. The war in Kosovo – and the instability that both led to it and followed it – put the area very much off limits for a number of years. Thankfully, those days are long behind us now, making this a safe and beautiful place to visit.
Secondly, the area is completely unspoilt. There has been very little development in the immediate area around the peaks. The landscape is so full of natural beauty it is simply breath-taking. And the local people are very much tradition driven. Making for a unique trekking experience.
Thirdly, despite its beauty, this is a trek that is still relatively quiet. You don’t get the hoards of visitors that you find in the world’s other great hiking destinations. Allowing you to truly experience the serenity of the mountains.
There is a lot to see
So, we’ve already mentioned the scenery. But it’s definitely worth mentioning a second time. It really is awe-inspiring in places. With panoramic views, terrain of almost every type, streams, rivers, and traditional dwellings, we cannot overstate how beautiful this region is. It is also home to diverse wildlife (which you may or may not see). Depending on the time of year you visit, you may encounter wildflower meadows or snow-capped peaks. The Blue Eye Pool of Kaprea creek is almost legendary. And with the chance to encounter the likes of Kulla e Ngujimit (the blood feud tower), history is within touching distance. Making this a trek with something for almost everyone.
You don’t have to be a highly experienced hiker to enjoy this trek
At Choose a Challenge, we try to accommodate hikers of all different levels. And two of the best things about the Peaks of the Balkans trek is that it doesn’t involve significant altitude – making it a clear choice for anyone who struggles with altitude sickness. And you don’t need climbing experience to complete the trail.
However, it can still be a strenuous hike in places. Most days, you’ll be on your feet for 7-8 hours. And while there’s no need for climbing equipment, some of the inclines are pretty steep. That being said, while you don’t have to be the most experienced hiker in the world to complete this challenge. But it is still a challenge. So, if you don’t prepare yourself with physical training before you leave, you’re probably going to find the experience both difficult and uncomfortable.
The Peaks of the Balkans challenge is one of the most accessible treks we offer. Based in Southern Europe, travel time and expense are both less than many of our other challenge destinations. The conditions are more temperate, which can make the trekking experience more enjoyable. And, well, you’ve probably gathered what we think about the scenery! So, if you’re looking for a trekking challenge is a little bit different, that will push your limits without overstretching them, and that will create the most amazing memories, then the Peaks of the Balkans could be for you.
The Peaks of the Balkans trek is unlike any other
There are a number of reasons why this trek is pretty special.
Firstly, the Peaks of the Balkans is a relatively new trail. The war in Kosovo – and the instability that both led to it and followed it – put the area very much off limits for a number of years. Thankfully, those days are long behind us now, making this a safe and beautiful place to visit.
Secondly, the area is completely unspoilt. There has been very little development in the immediate area around the peaks. The landscape is so full of natural beauty it is simply breath-taking. And the local people are very much tradition driven. Making for a unique trekking experience.
Thirdly, despite its beauty, this is a trek that is still relatively quiet. You don’t get the hoards of visitors that you find in the world’s other great hiking destinations. Allowing you to truly experience the serenity of the mountains.
There is a lot to see
So, we’ve already mentioned the scenery. But it’s definitely worth mentioning a second time. It really is awe-inspiring in places. With panoramic views, terrain of almost every type, streams, rivers, and traditional dwellings, we cannot overstate how beautiful this region is. It is also home to diverse wildlife (which you may or may not see). Depending on the time of year you visit, you may encounter wildflower meadows or snow-capped peaks. The Blue Eye Pool of Kaprea creek is almost legendary. And with the chance to encounter the likes of Kulla e Ngujimit (the blood feud tower), history is within touching distance. Making this a trek with something for almost everyone.
You don’t have to be a highly experienced hiker to enjoy this trek
At Choose a Challenge, we try to accommodate hikers of all different levels. And two of the best things about the Peaks of the Balkans trek is that it doesn’t involve significant altitude – making it a clear choice for anyone who struggles with altitude sickness. And you don’t need climbing experience to complete the trail.
However, it can still be a strenuous hike in places. Most days, you’ll be on your feet for 7-8 hours. And while there’s no need for climbing equipment, some of the inclines are pretty steep. That being said, while you don’t have to be the most experienced hiker in the world to complete this challenge. But it is still a challenge. So, if you don’t prepare yourself with physical training before you leave, you’re probably going to find the experience both difficult and uncomfortable.
The Peaks of the Balkans challenge is one of the most accessible treks we offer. Based in Southern Europe, travel time and expense are both less than many of our other challenge destinations. The conditions are more temperate, which can make the trekking experience more enjoyable. And, well, you’ve probably gathered what we think about the scenery! So, if you’re looking for a trekking challenge is a little bit different, that will push your limits without overstretching them, and that will create the most amazing memories, then the Peaks of the Balkans could be for you.
Interested? Check out one of our trek itineraries to find out more.
