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Misty ridgelines on the roof of Albania
Hiking & Cultural Trek

High Scardus Trek

12 Days Tirana International Airport Hard to Moderate Group of 1–15
From
€1,120
per person, group of 10 See Availability
The Trip

Twelve days across Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia

Departure towards the Albanian mountains in the southwest — the preserved nature and lost villages of the massif await as a living testimony of a time frozen in place. The route dips into Kosovo at historic Prizren, crosses the highest point of Albania and North Macedonia at Mont Korab, sleeps in guesthouses and sheepfolds, and ends at the UNESCO-listed shores of Lake Ohrid.

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The Route

Twelve days, one continuous line across Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia — from Tirana to the shores of Lake Ohrid and back.

Day 1

Tirana Airport → Tirana

Arrival
Day 2

Tirana → Prizren

8 km↗ 380↘ 380 m
Day 3

Prizren → Grykë-Çajë

17 km↗ 1100↘ 800 m
Day 4

Grykë-Çajë → Radomirë

18 km↗ 950↘ 900 m
Day 5

Radomirë ↔ Mont Korab

18 km↗ 1300↘ 1300 m
Day 6

Radomirë → Rabdisht

21 km↗ 1400↘ 1400 m
Day 7

Rabdisht → Fushë Studën

14 km↗ 900↘ 1200 m
Day 8

Fushë Studën → Dorez

16 km↗ 800↘ 900 m
Day 9

Dorez → Ohrid

18 km↗ 900↘ 1000 m
Day 10

Ohrid → Tushemisht

16 km↗ 997↘ 997 m
Day 11

Tushemisht → Tirana

13 km↗ 649↘ 645 m
Day 12

Tirana → Airport

Departure
Map of the High Scardus trek route across Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia, with stages, transfers and summits marked

Itinerary & stages: programme T6H9 — Le trek du High Scardus (12 days). Base map: Natural Earth. Routes are indicative.

Look Day by Day

Practical Information

The essentials, in one place — pick a topic on the left.

Price

Price per person (double room) depends on group size: from €1,120 for a group of 10, up to €2,329 for a group of 2. A single supplement of €133 applies for solo travelers. Rates valid for departures until 30 October 2026.

The cost includes

  • Accommodation in 3-star hotels and guesthouses
  • All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 12
  • Local transport and airport transfers
  • A French-speaking guide throughout the trip
  • Baggage transfers between stops
  • Site and park entry fees

The cost excludes

  • International flights and airport taxes
  • Travel and cancellation insurance
  • Drinks and meals not mentioned as included
  • Personal expenses
  • Single supplement (€133, if travelling solo)
See available dates

Best Time to Go

The High Scardus route runs year-round, but conditions shift a lot with the seasons.

  • June to September: the warmest, most stable weather and the easiest access to the high passes.
  • May and October: quieter trails, cooler mornings, and a real chance of rain.
  • Winter departures are possible for experienced hikers — ask us about conditions before booking.

Meeting Point & Transfers

Your trip starts and ends in Tirana, close to Tirana International Airport.

  • We meet the group in Tirana on the morning of Day 1.
  • Transport between stages is arranged for you by private vehicle and local minibus.
  • Ask us about a private airport pickup if you'd rather skip the shared transfer.

Flights

Flights aren't included, so you're free to book whatever works best for you.

  • Fly into Tirana International Airport (TIA).
  • Plan to land the day before Day 1 if your flight arrives in the evening.
  • We recommend booking flights only once your spot is confirmed.

Guides & Safety

You're accompanied by a French-speaking guide and a local guide for the entire trek.

  • Groups are capped at 15 people, for a comfortable pace on trail.
  • Daily routes are adjusted for weather and group fitness.
  • We can point you to trail and rescue insurance if you'd like extra peace of mind.

FAQ

How fit do I need to be?

This is a hard-to-moderate trek with daily hikes of 15–18km and elevation changes up to 1300m. A solid hiking base and a few months of training are recommended — see What to Expect above for details.

What if I can't finish a day's hike?

Our guides adjust pace to the group and know shorter alternatives on most stages. Talk to your guide early in the day if you're struggling.

Is luggage transferred between stops?

Yes — your main bag is transferred ahead to each overnight stop, so you only carry a day pack on the trail.

Will I have phone signal on the trail?

Coverage is patchy in the mountains and non-existent in some valleys. Expect to be offline for stretches of most days.

Day by Day

Hover a day for a preview — or tap on mobile.

What to Expect

To describe a trek properly, it helps to break it down. Here's what to plan for, based on distance, weather, and terrain.

Distance & Elevation

Roughly 130km on foot spread across the trekking days, with daily distances between 15 and 18km on the days you're on trail.

  • Expect climbs and descents every day — this is mountain hiking, not flat trail.
  • Elevation swings of 800–1300m are normal on the toughest days.

Weather

Warm, clear days are typical, but mountain weather turns quickly, especially at altitude.

  • Pack sun protection for open ridgelines.
  • A proper rain shell and warm layer are non-negotiable.

Terrain

Shepherd's paths and mountain tracks — often rocky, sometimes uneven, occasionally steep.

  • Trekking poles help on the steep descents toward Ohrid.
  • Broken-in hiking boots are more comfortable than trail runners here.

Plan Your Trip

Pick a departure date and let us know how many are travelling — we'll take care of the rest.

Selected dates
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Travelers 2
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Reserve This Trip Ask for a Quote
Per-person price depends on final group size — from €1,120 (group of 10) up to €2,329 (group of 2), plus a €133 single supplement. We'll confirm your exact rate when you enquire. Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure, with a 30% deposit securing your spot.
From€1,120
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