High Scardus Trail (9 days)

The details

The High Scardus Trail offers a multi-day trekking experience across the rugged alpine landscapes of Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia. The trip includes nine full days of hiking, across diverse landscapes in all three countries with opportunities to climb to the summit of Luboten (2,498 m) and Karob Peak (2,764 m) In total, trekkers will travel over 135 kilometers in the high peaks of Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia.

Hikers will walk across borders, staying at mountain lodges in Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. Each night will offer a slightly different experience, showing travelers traditional hospitality and local cuisine.

The High Scardus Trail was recognized as the Best European Project of 2022 by the British Guild of Travel Writers.

Your Guides

Uta Ibrahimi

UIMLA + UIAA

Meto Chillimanov

UIMLA + UIAA

Nadir Murseli

Expert

What’s included

Guide

Professional hiking guides, friendly and English-speaking

Accommodation

Authentic and traditional stays

Transfer

All transfers according to the itinerary, with own minivan and an English speaking professional driver
Transfers of the loads can be organized.

Food

Breakfast, packed lunches and dinners are included in the package

More info

This trip is ideal for experienced hikers interested in more challenging hikes and summits. The High Scardus Trail takes travelers off the beaten path to explore one of the Europe’s least traveled trails. This tour also offers cultural experiences, through stays in traditional mountain villages in Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia.

The guided format makes this route especially well-suited for small groups, couples, and solo travelers who want the challenge and freedom of a high-alpine trek without the stress of navigation or logistics.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Prishtina Airport and transfer to hotel. Time to explore Prishtina in evening before meeting for dinner and briefing with guide.

Included: Airport transfer, accommodation in Prishtina, dinner, and briefing with the guide.
Accommodation: Hotel in Prishtina

Day 2: Shterpce Village – Luboten Peak
Early start to the day with breakfast and transfer (60 minutes) to trailhead in Shterpce Village. Trekkers will hike through forests and meadows, before climbing Luboten Peak. The summit offers stunning panoramas of Sharr Mountain range. Descend to Luboten Mountain Hut in North Macedonia.

Trail: 15 km | +1,500 m / –1,078 m | 4–6 h (Moderate)
Included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, transfer, and accommodation
Accommodation: Luboten Mountain Hut, North Macedonia

Day 3: Luboten Hut (MK) – Brezovica (KS) via Livadica Lake
Hike begins through forests and past alpine meadows on the way to Livadica Lake, where there is an option to stop for lunch and swimming. Hike ends at Brezovica, where hikers will meet the vehicle and drive (about 40 minutes) to the Village of Lubinje. Stay at Lubinje and stay at local guesthouse.

Trail: 12 km | +950 m / –1,078 m | 3–5 h (Easy)
Included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, transfer, and accommodation.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Lubijne, Kosova.

Day 4: Prevalla (MK) – Lubinje (KS)
Hike from Prevalla, trekking through forests before the trail opens to views of Maja Zeze and Oshlak Peaks. Descend to the Kosovo Village of Lubinje, dinner, and accommodation at the Fish Restaurant, known for local cuisine and authentic hospitality.

Trail: 17 km | +900 m / –1,100 m | 4–6 h (Moderate)
Included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, and accommodation
Accommodation: Lubinje, Kosova.

Day 4: Kobilica (KS) – Vejce (MK)
Hike from Lubinje towards Kobilica and Traskavec peaks, trekking through forests and up and over a mountain ridgeline that form the border between Kosovo and North Macedonia. Trek into North Macedonia and descend into the Macedonian Village of Vejce. Dinner and accommodation in Vejce.

Trail: 12 km | +1,300 m / –1,200 m | 4–6 h (Moderate)
Included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, and accommodation
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Vejce, North Macedonia

Day 5: Vejce (MK) – Bozovce (MK)
Start hiking from Vejce, climbing to a dramatic ridgeline. Walk along ridgeline surrounded by some of the most dramatic peaks of the Sharr Mountains. Stop at Karanikola Lake with an option for swimming before descending back into Bozovce in Kosovo. Dinner and accommodation in local guesthouse.

Trail: 17 km | +700 m / – 850 m | 4– 6h (Easy – Moderate)
Included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, and accommodation
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Bozovce (North Macedonia)

Day 6: Bozovce – Brod (KS)
The hike from Bozovce to Brod starts out in the Leshnica Valley. The trail is surround by rugged rock towers and ancient forests. From the valley, the trail ascends to the North Macedonian Kosovar border, where we will hike over a mountain pass, through wild meadows and into the village of Brod. Dinner and accommodation in Brod.

Trail: 21 km | + 1,200 m / – 1,000 m | 6-7 h (Moderate)
Included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, transfers, and accommodation
Accommodation: Brod, Kosova.

Day 8: Brod (KS) – Restelica
Early start to the date, with breakfast and hike from Brod to Restelica. We will meet the vehicle in Restelica and transfer to Radomire in Albania. Dinner and accommodation in mountain guesthouse in Radomire.

Trail: 20 km | + 900 m / – 900 m | 6 h (Moderate)
Included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, transfers, and accommodation.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Radomire, Kosova.

Day 9: Radomire (Rest Day)
Rest day in Radomire before trek to summit of Korab Peak. Spend day relaxing and touring Radomire. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in guesthouse.

Trail: Rest
Included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, and accommodation.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Radomire, Kosova.

Day 10: Climb Korab Peak
Wake up early for breakfast and climb to Korab Peak. Hike follows a loop trail, so descent offers variety and perspective. Descend to Radomire for dinner and last night of accommodation.

Trail: 20 km | + 1,700 m / – 1,700 m | 6 – 8 h (Challenging)
Included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, and accommodation.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Radomire, Kosova.

Day 7: Transfer to Prishtina Airport
Breakfast in hotel. Depending on flights, optional walking tour of Prizren. Transfer to Prishtina Airport.

Included: Breakfast and transfer to the airport.

Note: The actual itinerary and the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecast, road conditions, etc. For further details on the itinerary, please write to us at info@butterflyoutdoor.com.

Accommodation

We stay exclusively in locally owned guesthouses and enjoy traditional, home-cooked meals prepared by local families. Supporting these communities is a core part of our work, and we are proud to contribute directly to the people who have lived in these mountains for generations.