Albania

Summit Maja Jezerce - 2694m

Prokletije translates as the Accursed Mountains. This impenetrable mountain range is located at the border between Montenegro and Albania. Only since the border restrictions were eased, a bit more then a decade ago , it is possible to explore this amazing European wildernis. Join us on this 2-day expedition to the summit of Maja Jezerce (2694m).

Itinerary

Day 1: A warm welcome

The trip starts in the Montenegrin town of Gusinje, that you can reach by public transport from Podgorica and other places in Montenegro. The local Dedushaj family runs a charming guesthouse a bit out of town. From the terrace you have a wonderful view into the valley of Ropojana and the Dinaric summits that surround it. Tomorrow we will be "up there".

At the dinner you be welcomed by the guide. You will receive a short but necessary safety instruction.

image_GDC35SN89Y66JL4R
image_3BVNM5QXAAMKZ9YB
Day 2: To the basecamp

The trail enters the valley that connects Montenegro with Albania. A scenic and easy trail for the first 2 hours. As we turn left the trail gets steeper and we climb to the Jezerce saddle. In front of us we catch the first glimpse of our target: Maja Jezerce. But before we get there we have to descend a bit to reach the bivouac where we pitch the tents for tonight. In total we cover 11 km (+1100m - 500m) in approximately 6 hours.

image_UZHFH69H4CP2GGFQ
image_YPMLCZRRBAZCMZB5
image_W2Q8ZC2C9RSGN4JK
image_5TAETVX5QX37XEEE
Day 3: The summit

After an early breakfast we start our attempt for the summit. It's "only" 3,5 kilometer and on each kilometer we gain 300 meters of altitude. It sounds easy, but it's not. The wild & rocky terrain makes Maja Jezerce quite a challenge, even for the more experienced hikers among us. To make life easier, we can leave our heavy gear at the basecamp.

After approximately 5 hours we are back at the basecamp, pack our stuff and prepare for the final descend of 2 more hours. The transport awaits us there and less then 1 hour later we are back at the guesthouse.

Let's say cheers to a great short adventure!

image_QRGZ4ZLDG4J9QJFL
image_VPAQNNPK9286B87K
image_RK7VXSA2DBKGWAEL
image_QKBKTJUKBH9TZP5K
image_JV8RT9FW6Z6SFE2L
Day 4: Good bye

After a good recovery sleep and a breakfast, time has come to say goodbye.

Have a question?

If you have any questions about this trip or want to speak with an expert, get in touch.

We're ready to help.

Team Images
Team Images
Team Images

FAQs

The hiking is noth physically and technically quite challenging. If you suffer fear of heights, better not subscribe for this trip. Keep in mind that on day 1 you hike with a tent, a sleeping bag, warm clothes and food o your back. All together you carry appr. 12-14 kg. On the most technical section, to the summit, you can travel mich lighter.  

  • Transfer from Gusinje to the lodge at 15:00 on day 1
  • Transfer from the lodge to the start of the trekking & return from the end of the trekking
  • 2 nights at a lodge in Ropojana Valley
  • 1 night wild camping 
  • Rental of tents, sleeping bag and inflatable matress
  • 3 meals daily from dinner day 1 until breakfast day 4 
  • Guidance by professional mountain guide
  • Transfer from the lodge to Gusinje bus station at 09:30 on day 4
  • Cross border permit (we need a copy of your ID or passport for this)

During the hikes we cross the border into Albania. Since we do not use the official road border crossings we need to aannounce this to the local police to acquire the documents and permits to cross th eborder legally. Without a border permit you cannot join this trip. Processing the permit takes uo to 10 days.

You need to be minimum 18 years old.

  • Drinks at the dinner
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratitudes for the guide

The first and third night you are accmodated in a nice wooden lodge on shared rooms (2-4 persons per room, couples will get a private room) with private bathroom. 

During the trekking you will sleep in a tent in the mountains. 

We do not allow more then 15 persons per group.

At the lodge you will be pampered by mother the cook. She prepares lovely traditional Albanian / Montenegrin fusion food. Coffee and tea are included at breakfast. Drinks at the dinner are paid seperately (cash only).

The guys form the guesthouse will supply us with 2 lunchpacks, 1 breakfast and an easy to prepare dinner that we take to the mountains and heat on the fire. At the bivouac there are no other drinks available besised tea and water that we bring along.

It is recommended to bring additionally your own energy bars, candies and cookies. 

The lodge is not easy to find and there is no public transport to the village, so we collect you with a van at 15:00 from the main busstation in Gusinje. You will recognice your driver and guide by the Skyhook sign.

Your head guide is Ruud

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip your guides run YUGO Travel, based in Veghel.

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

Ruud