Walking the Mountains of Montenegro
Itinerary:
Day 1 (27th of May): Arrival
Arrival to Dubrovnik airport and transfer to Montenegro. On the way stop for lunch near Niksic at a lovely goat farm. The farm is home of two brothers, that are combining goat cheese production with honey making and beekeeping. There you will be served traditional Montenegrin lunch and specialty of roasted meat and potatoes „under the bell“.
After the lunch transfer to accommodation in Kolasin.
Accommodation – hotel 4* Kolasin (halfboard) – 3 nights;
Meals included: lunch, dinner;
Driving time: 4h30* (2h+*border crossing to the farm, 2h30min from farm to the hotel in Kolasin).
Day 2 (28th): Ogorela Glava Biogradsko Lake hike
Today we are heading for an exciting hike in Biogradska Gora National Park duration of 7-8h with pauses and approximate 800m elevation difference. Truly stunning hike ending at Biogradsko Lake.
Hike duration/elevation difference: 11km + 800m ascent, -700m descent;
Meals included: breakfast, dinner;
Driving time: 1h (20min to the starting point of the hike and 30min to accommodation in Kolasin).
Day 3 (29th): Mrtvica Canyon jungle hike
Transfer 45mins from Kolasin to the village of Medjurijecje where the trail begins. The trail passes a number of points of interest including Prince Danilo’s Bridge, built as a tribute to his mother, an old wood and stone mill building and several local farms. Along the river bottom, enormous stone blocks are scattered, which the river has shaped for millions of years. Green, clear whirlpools, catch the light and reflect emerald tones on the surrounding rocks. The sunlight splashed on the vertical cliffs gives an unforgettable impression and provides the backdrop for some truly amazing photos.
Especially attractive are the springs called “Bijeli nerini” – White “nerins” and a beautiful grotto named “The Gate of Wishes”. Continuing the hike, the canyon narrows and the trail has been cut deep into the cliffs by the former Yugoslav army. Finally, the canyon widens again and vegetation thickens.
Hike duration/elevation difference: 6km and +400m ascent, same way back and same descent;
Meals included: breakfast, dinner;
Driving time: 1h30min (45min in one direction to the starting point of the hike and same transfer back).
Day 4 (30th): Komovi Highlands
Starting from an elevation of 1600m we will climb one of the highest peaks of Mt Komovi. This “conclusive” climb will take around 4 hours. The route offers a taste of everything, from settled mountain paths to rocky outcrops and spectacular views. You’ll get a chance to see some of the rarer endemic plant species in this region plus mountain eagles, wild goats and other native species. After the tour transfer to our next accommodation in Andrijevica.
Accommodation – hotel 3* Andrijevica (halfboard) – 3 nights;
Hike duration/elevation difference: 6km ascent + 760m ascent, same way back;
Meals included: breakfast, dinner;
Driving time: 2h (1h10 in one direction to the starting point of the hike and 50min transfer to accommodation after the hike).
Day 5 (31th): Bjelasica glacial lakes
Something relaxing on the meadows of this lovely mountain. Tour of Bjelasica glacial lakes. For those who don’t mind a bit of colder water, bring on some swimming suites to refresh at one of the lakes. Duration is approximately 4-5 hours, with 560m of elevation difference, and couple of springs on the way.
Optional: Crna Glava ascent – highest peak of Bjelasica
Hike duration/elevation difference: 9km +600m ascent, -700m descent;
Meals included: breakfast, dinner;
Driving time: 1h30 (45min in one direction to the starting point of the hike and same transfer back).
Day 6 (1st of June): The three peaks of Prokletije
The trail starts near the Grebaje valley, through a beech wood forest to the plateau and remains of an old Katun. It is a glacial cirque and near the katun is a spring and good source of water. The trail has steep slopes on both sides and amazing views across the valley. After that we cross the pass with views across Albania. Return journey will be made along a layered rock with a carved “strip” from the Neolith Age of 600 years B.C. There is a primitive drawing of a wolf attacking a child and other Palaeolithic items.
Prokletije National Park is home to some of the best hiking trails in the country, even if it doesn’t belong to the highest peaks. The area we visit is very attractive and offers enjoyable mountain adventure in all year seasons, especially in springtime, when you can reach the alpine meadows and spent some time in enjoyment of many unforgettable views and abundant wildflowers.
Hike duration/elevation difference: 10km +900m ascent, -900m descent;
Meals included: breakfast, dinner;
Driving time: 2h (1h in one direction to the starting point of the hike and same transfer back).
Day 7 (2th): Durmitor National Park
Early start, today we are heading to Durmitor national Park (3h drive). Today we will have a tour of 3 Durmitor lakes. Heading through the thin pine forest before reaching Barno jezero which in the dry season reminds of a pond. Later we’ll reach the settlement of highest elevation at Balkans, before reaching Zminje jezero (Snake’s lake), and listen interesting legend about it. Following the spring, and remains of the old mills we’ll get to Crno jezero (Black lake), named after the colour it gets from the surrounding pine forest. Tour lasts 3-4 hours. After the hike drive to Trebinje for overnight in nice cosy town in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Accommodation – hotel 3* Trebinje (halfboard);
Hike duration/elevation difference: 10km, ascent 240m, descent 220m.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner;
Driving time: totally 5-6h with the border crossing.
Day 8 (3th): Departure
Drive to the Dubrovnik airport – 1 hour. Departure.