Tour Plan
Arrival. Pick up at Podgorica Airport (or other) and transfer to the hotel in Plav.
Day 2: Peaks of the Grebaje valley
It is the first day of hiking, and what better place to start with than the peaks above the Grebaje valley. The Grebaje valley is located in the heart of the Montenegrin side of the Prokletije mountain range and it is surrounded by impressive peaks with steep cliffs and scattered patches of last winter’s snow. Our trail will slowly ascend through the beech tree forest until it reaches a grassy plateau above the valley. One final push and we quickly reach the ridge that connects the peaks of Volušnica, Popadija, and Talijanka. As we walk following the footpath on the ridge, we will have a fantastic view of the impressive peaks of the Prokletije mountain range. We descend back just in time for a refreshing drink at the cafe at the bottom of the valley.
Stats of the day: 9.6 km (5.96 miles), ascend 890 m (2920 ft), descend 890 m (2920 ft).
Overnight in Plav.
After breakfast, we head towards one of the most beautiful parts of the Prokletije National Park, Lake Hrid, which is hidden under the steep cliffs of Hridski Krš (2358 m) and surrounded by tall pine trees and interesting rock formations. The trail will gradually take us higher through the conifer forest, until we get to the zone above the treeline. From the summit, we will have a lovely view of the surrounding peaks and Lake Hrid below. On the way down, we will make a nice break at the lake for photos, a lovely view, or perhaps even a swim. Descending further down through the forest of Macedonian pine, our trail will eventually bring us to a traditional mountain village, for a nice end of the day.
Stats of the day: 10.6 km (6.59 miles), ascend 690 m (2264 ft), descend 690 m (2264 ft).
Overnight in Kolašin.
Day 4: Lakes of Bjelasica
Today we will explore Mount Bjelasica and the Biogradska Gora National Park. As we walk on a high grassy plateau, we will pass by clear mountain springs and creeks that feed glacial lakes in the valleys beneath us, enjoy the view of high mountain peaks, and stop at charming traditional mountain villages. As we continue further, our trail will slowly take us lower, into the zone of dense forest, and into the heart of the Biogradska Gora National Park, the oldest protected area in Montenegro. The mirror-like surface of Lake Biograd reflects all the beauty of the surrounding virgin forest, as we finish another day.
Stats of the day: 16 km (9.94 miles), ascend 220 m (722 ft), descend 1160 m (3806 ft).
Overnight in Kolašin.
Day 5: Rafting on the River Tara
After a few days high up in the mountains, day five is reserved for the canyon of the River Tara. On the way to the starting point of rafting, we will pass by the reservation of Crna Poda, a forest complex of black pine, with trees 400 years old and up to 45 metres tall. Our road will take us deeper into the canyon until we eventually reach the famous Tara Bridge. After we have enjoyed the rapids of the River Tara, the refreshing water of its tributaries, and the views of the impressive canyon above us, our journey will take us to Crno jezero (Black Lake), the largest glacial lake in the Durmitor National Park, and a relaxing walk around it will be the perfect end of another day.
Stats of the day: 5.5 km (3.42 miles), ascend 130 m (426 ft), descend 130 m (426 ft).
Overnight in Žabljak.
Day 6: Durmitor National Park
Mount Durmitor is well known for its pristine nature and we plan to get the best of it. Our plan for the day is to enjoy the views of impressive peaks, walk through the valleys carved by glaciers, and perhaps even dip our toes into the cold waters of glacial lakes, or “mountain eyes”, as locals call them. After the initial ascend to the Skrčko ždrijelo pass, the trail will steadily take us lower into the valley of the Škrka lakes, with the impressive Bobotov kuk peak on one, and Prutaš on the other side of it. This will be the perfect place to take a longer break and simply soak in the nature that surrounds us. After the break, we continue further down the valley and the trail will eventually take us deep into the canyon of the Sušica and Lake Sušica, which will be the end of today’s hike. Stats of the day: 12 km (7.46 miles), ascend 380 m (1247 ft), descend 974 m (3195 ft).
Overnight in Žabljak.
Day 7: Lovćen National Park
Today we leave the north of Montenegro and head towards the south and the Lovćen National Park. The beginning of our trail is at Ivanova Korita, and it will gradually take us through the trees to the summit ridge of Mount Lovćen, and the highest point of the day, Jezerski peak, crowned with the Mausoleum of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, at 1,657m. After a short break on the summit, we are descending steadily towards Krstac, located on the boundary of the national park and at the head of one of the most spectacular roads in Europe, which offers stunning views over the Bay of Kotor.
Stats of the day: 10 km (6.21 miles), ascend 440 m (1443 ft), descend 730 m (2395 ft).
Overnight in Podgorica.
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Podgorica Airport (or other).
