Join SHARR GUIDE for an unforgettable 7-day mountain adventure along the spectacular High Scardus Trail, crossing some of the most remote and dramatic landscapes of Kosova and Albania. This carefully designed hiking journey combines challenging mountain stages, high alpine passes, traditional villages, glacial lakes, expansive pastures and spectacular summit views. From the valleys of the Sharr Mountains to the mighty Mount Korab and the remote landscapes of eastern Albania, every day offers a different perspective on the natural and cultural heritage of the Balkans.
The tour is designed for adventurous hikers who want to experience the High Scardus Trail with the support of an experienced UIMLA-certified Mountain Leader, while enjoying carefully arranged accommodation, meals and logistical support throughout the journey.
Services
DAY 1
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Transfer to Brod and hike to Restelica via Shutman Lake and Velibeg.
17.0km
7:00h
740m
745m
DAY 2
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Hike from Restelica to Radomira via Sherupa (The Three-Border Peak).
17.4km
7:00h
600m
1,200m
DAY 3
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Summit ascent and descent of Mount Korab.
16.3km
7:30h
1,500m
1,500m
DAY 4
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Hike from Radomira to Grama Lake.
11.3km
5:00h
850m
450m
DAY 5
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Hike from Grama to Rabdisht.
17.0km
7:00h
810m
1,450m
DAY 6
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Hike from Rabdisht to Stanet e Hinoskës.
12.0km
5-6:00h
995m
410m
DAY 7
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Hike from Stanet e Hinoskës to Grazhdan and transfer to Prizren.
8.3km
4:00h
150m
1,140m
The Journey
Our adventure begins in Prizren, where we meet before transferring approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to Brod, one of the traditional mountain villages of the Sharr Mountains. From Brod, we begin our first full day on the High Scardus Trail, following beautiful mountain paths toward Restelica. The route leads through the spectacular surroundings of Shutman Lake, a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by rugged peaks and open mountain terrain. Continuing across the expansive Velibeg pastures, we gradually make our way toward the slopes beneath Great Vraca, experiencing wide-open landscapes, traditional grazing areas and the characteristic scenery of the High Scardus range. After approximately 17 kilometres of hiking, we arrive in Restelica, where we settle into our guesthouse and enjoy a well-earned dinner.
After breakfast, a short 20-minute transfer takes us from our guesthouse in Restelica to the Sherupa pastures, where today's mountain stage begins. We ascend through open alpine terrain toward Sherupa Peak, also known as the Three-Border Peak, a remarkable location where the landscapes of the region meet and the mountains stretch toward the borders of several Balkan countries. From the high ridges, we continue toward Korabi Field, crossing remote mountain landscapes characterized by broad pastures, dramatic ridgelines and impressive views toward the surrounding peaks. The route eventually descends toward Radomira, where we spend the evening in the peaceful mountain environment and prepare for the following day's major summit adventure.
Day three is the summit highlight of the journey. From Radomira, we set out for a demanding full-day mountain excursion toward Mount Korab, one of the most significant and spectacular peaks of the Balkan Peninsula. The trail gradually climbs through remote alpine terrain, with increasingly impressive views opening across the surrounding mountains and valleys. The ascent is physically demanding, but the reward is the experience of reaching the high summit environment of Korab and taking in the extraordinary panorama stretching across the mountainous landscapes of Albania, Kosova and North Macedonia. After spending time at the summit, we begin our descent and retrace our route back to Radomira. With approximately 1,500 metres of elevation gain and loss, this is the most physically challenging stage of the tour and requires good hiking fitness.
Following the demanding summit day, today's stage offers a slightly shorter but equally rewarding mountain experience. We leave Radomira and continue through the remote highlands toward Grama, following mountain paths surrounded by rugged terrain, alpine meadows and panoramic views. One of the day's highlights is Grama Lake, a beautiful mountain lake where we can stop to relax and, if weather and local conditions allow, enjoy a refreshing swim. The lake provides a memorable opportunity to pause and enjoy the tranquility of the Albanian mountains before continuing toward our accommodation in Grama.
Today we continue deeper into the Albanian mountain landscape on a long and varied stage toward Rabdisht. The trail passes through a changing mountain environment, combining high alpine terrain with long descents toward lower valleys and traditional settlements. With approximately 1,450 metres of elevation loss, this stage places particular emphasis on controlled downhill hiking. Along the way, the landscape gradually changes as we move from the high mountains toward the historic villages and valleys of the region. Our destination is Rabdisht, a traditional Albanian settlement where we can experience a more intimate side of the region's rural mountain culture.
Our sixth day takes us back into the high mountain environment as we leave Rabdisht and ascend toward Stanet e Hinoskës. The route climbs steadily through increasingly rugged terrain, with the landscape becoming more alpine as we gain altitude. The ascent of almost 1,000 metres provides another rewarding mountain challenge while offering expansive views over the surrounding valleys and peaks. As we approach Stanet e Hinoskës, the atmosphere becomes increasingly remote and wild, giving us a true sense of the untouched character of the High Scardus Trail. We spend our final evening in the mountains, enjoying dinner and reflecting on the experiences of the previous six days.
Our final hiking stage begins at Stanet e Hinoskës and follows a predominantly descending route toward Grazhdan. With approximately 1,140 metres of elevation loss, the final day provides a satisfying conclusion to our journey through the High Scardus mountains. Upon reaching Grazhdan, we say farewell to the trail and begin our approximately 3 hour and 30 minute transfer back to Prizren. The journey ends where it began, with memories of seven days spent hiking through some of the most spectacular and remote mountain landscapes of Kosova and Albania.
Price:
This is a multi-day mountain trekking adventure involving long hiking stages, significant elevation changes and remote mountain terrain.
Recommended backpack: 45-55 litres
Participants should bring appropriate hiking clothing, footwear and personal mountain equipment suitable for changing alpine weather conditions.
A 45-55 litre backpack is recommended for this tour. Participants should be prepared to carry their personal equipment and belongings throughout the hiking stages, as luggage transfer is not included.