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11 Days tour
Daily Tour
12 people
English, German, Italian
Scardus mountain-Colourful mountain from latin, in medieval time it used to be called also Catena Mundi-Chains of the World and sometimes Milk Mountain because of the massive millk production. Scardus Trail is a transnational hiking trail, which connects some national parks at mountain ranges in the border areas of Kosovo and Albania.
The Sharr Mountain range forms the tripoint between Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia, it extends towards Mt. Korab and is home to the countries’ highest peaks of more than 40 reaching above 2.500 meters. Below the imposing limestone cliffs and sheer rock faces sprawl rich pine and beech forests, in-between stretches an endless sea of lush meadows that forms one of Europe’s largest pastoral grounds. The Illyrian shepherd dog, famous Sharri cheese and Gorani people (“highlanders”) originate from the wind-swayed grass slopes where seasonal shepherd life today is still very much alive, not so different from thousands of year ago. The Scardus Trail will lead you across an ancient road that was built in second century BC.
On this trail we will explore one of the last untouched mountain regions of the continent and we’ll got to know a diverse country with complex history and deep-rooted traditions, experience warm hospitality, test our limits and achieved great deeds.
Your trip leader/driver will pick you up from Prishtina international airport. He or she will answer questions, brief you on the immediate arrangements, and will take you to Brezovica village transport (1h). Overnight sleep and dinner at newly opened and family run 3-star hotel.
The trail begins from the center of Brezovica towards the ridge of Sharri mountains from where we have a beautiful panoramic view walking through some wide pastures and in some places through granite rocky parts, passing by mountain glacial lake of Jazhince, river waterfalls, before reaching Prevalla mountain better known as a picnic area for city of Prizren. Accommodation and dinner at one of Prevalla’s hotels. Moderate hike: 8hrs, 20km, +800m, -1010m, start 1710m, finish at 1510.
Continue the second stage of the trail, heading west through deep forest and blueberry fields. Arriving at Lubinje village inhabited with Torbesh community, best known for old tradition of bride face painting which was introduced at the cover page of National Geographic magazine. Accommodation and dinner at the guesthouse. Moderate hike: 5-6hrs, 15km, +700m, -1100m, start 1510m, finish at 1800.
On this day we’ll continue the next stage of the trail towards village of lower Lubinje passing by some waterfalls and continuing from here through deep forest with constant views towards Vrtop mountain top-2555m. We will pass through some summer pastures and huts arriving at Struzha mountain huts for overnight stay and dinner at the guesthouse. Moderate hike: 5-6hrs, 16km, +1300m, -790m, start 1100m, finish at 1100.
Start walking south climbing Skarpa mountain at 2474m from where we can see two beautiful glacial lakes of Karanikolla otherwise known as the Eyes of Sharri mountain. Continuing through the ridge of the mountain and heading down to Radeshe village, inhabited with Gorani community. Short transfer 10min to Dragash for overnight stay and dinner, which is known as a center of Gora region mixed with Gorani and Albanian community. Moderate hike: 5-6hrs, 15km, +1100m, -1340m, start 1800m, finish at 1300.
Transfer 1h 30min. to Prizren. Arrive at the city center and start sightseeing tour at downtown: Lumbardhi river, 16-th century Old Stone Bridge, Sinan Pasha mosque, Orthodox and Catholic church, Albanian League of Prizren and other highlights of this museum city. Head to Wine Route in Rahoveci region-best known for wine and rakia making in over 38 wineries since the Ilyrian time, 30min transfer. Back in Prizren for overnight stay and dinner in hotel in the city center.
Transfer back to the trail-1h 30min. Today we’ll hike through Brod canyon towards Shutmani huts best known for produce of Sharri cheese. Continuing by Shutmani lake and Mramori mountain pass from where we will have panoramic views towards the peaks of Sharri range. Arriving at Restelice village for overnight stay and dinner. Moderate hike: 7-8hrs, 19km, +960m, -940m, start 1400m, finish at 1400m
Early transport (30m) to the starting point above Restelice village in Kosovo passing onto Albanian side hiking towards Caje mountain for overnight stay and dinner. Moderate hike: 4-5hrs, 14km, +400m, -722m, start 1400m, finish at 1475m.
This stage of the hike takes us to the backside of Korab mountain and It runs over high flower-covered meadows with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The gorge has a certain end of the world feeling attached to it and might be the highest year-around inhabited settlement of Albania. Overnight in a village homestay. Moderate hike, 7-8hrs, 19km, +904m, -1254m, start 1475m, finish at 1265m.
The highest peak of Albania & Macedonia. Early start preparing to conquer the peak of Mt. Korab (2.764m). It’s a strenuous day with much elevation difference but without technical difficulty. The path sees shepherd huts and mixed terrain, rocky stretches and soft meadows. When we reach the border saddle we circle the peak and approach it from the backside. Weather allowing we have picnic lunch there and return on the same route back to our accommodation. You may complete only part of the return hike or skip it altogether to explore the village and spend the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Radomire. -Moderate hike: 8-9hrs, 19km, +1586m, -1586m, start 1265m, finish at 1265m.
Airport drop off. End of itinerary
