Snowshoeing in Kosovo, Albania & Montenegro

8 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
premier

Health Safety +

USTOA

Cancellation Policy
Small Group Tour
The mountains encircling eastern Kosovo, northern Albania and southern Montenegro offer some of the most unexplored snowshoe routes in the Balkans. These borderlands are after all one of the last hidden gems of Europe; it wasn't until the collapse of the socialist republics in the early 1990s that the world got its first glimpse of the Balkans. Inhabited ...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Enjoy breathtaking views of ValbonëValley
    • Discover unexplored snowshoe routes
    • Snowshoe to Hajla Peak in Montenegro

What's this trip about?

    The mountains encircling eastern Kosovo, northern Albania and southern Montenegro offer some of the most unexplored snowshoe routes in the Balkans. These borderlands are after all one of the last hidden gems of Europe; it wasn't until the collapse of the socialist republics in the early 1990s that the world got its first glimpse of the Balkans. Inhabited by resilient agricultural communities, farming practices and traditions have been preserved for generations. The rugged landscape remains pristine and wild, which we see as we snowshoe through alpine meadows, rural hamlets and untouched forest. Climbing high to enjoy breathtaking views of Albania's Valbonë Valley, Montenegro's Hajla Peak and Kosovo’s Rugova Valley, these pioneering routes are guaranteed to challenge and amaze the recreational snowshoer.Discover unexplored snowshoe routes in the Balkans

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityLondon
End CityLondon

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • High Adventure

Destinations

Attractions

  • Montenegro

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Culture
  • Skiing, Snowboarding & Snow Sports

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 4 dinners
    • All accommodation
    • Transfer for group flights
    • Snowshoes and poles provided

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map
Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Start Gjakovë. Those on the group flight will have a transfer from Pristina airport to Gjakovë.

Those on the group flight will be transferred from Pristina Airport to Gjakovë (approx. 70km, drive 1.5 hrs).

Day 2 Transfer to Valbonë in Albania for a full day of snowshoeing.

Today we drive to Valbonë (approx. 1.5 hrs) for a full day of snowshoeing in the area. We first start snowshoeing to Kukaj village along the Valbonë riverbed, taking a break near old bunkers built during the communist government of Enver Hoxha, who was convinced t...

Day 3 Snowshoe towards Gropa e Rragamit; transfer to the village of Tropoje.

This morning we snowshoe through the forest toward Gropa e Rragamit (Rragam Valley). The route leads us to an area where there is a large lagoon, which is filled with snow during winter. At the end of the walk, we are transferred to the village of Tropoje (drive approx. 1 hr). Max. altitude 1620m, with an ascent of 470m.

Day 4 Drive to Bucaj and snowshoe across the border to the village of Koshare in Kosovo. Drive to Visoki Dečani Monastery, a 14th Century Serbian Orthodox monastery, surrounded by a forest of pine and chestnut trees. Continue to Peja.

We first drive to the village of Bucaj (approx. 20 mins). From there we start snowshoeing toward the village of Padesh and cross the border into Kosovo, stopping for lunch at the village of Koshare. We then continue with more snowshoeing in the mountains. At the e...

Day 5 Transfer to Bogë; circular snowshoe walk in the area.

After breakfast we will transfer to the village of Bogë (approx. 1 hr), where we have a full day of snowshoeing in the area. Bogë is located in between the Rugova Mountains (the third region of the Bjeshket e Nemuna, also known as the Albanian Alps). It is a natio...

Day 6 Transfer to Rekë e Allagës; snowshoe across the border to Hajla Peak in Montenegro.

We first transfer to Rekë e Allagës (approx. 45 min), the start point of today's snowshoe walk. We snowshoe across the border into Montenegro, to a mountain hut located on Hajla at 1900m, where we sleep for the night. Hajla (2403 m) is located on the Montenegro-Kosovo border  Max. altitude 1950m.

Day 7 Snowshoe to Rožaje; explore the city before driving across the border to Peja in Kosovo.

Today is our last day on snowshoes. We descend Hajla Peak and make our way to Rožaje, in time for a late lunch. Rožaje is a city surrounded by magnificent mountains; Hajla, Mokra gora, Krstac, Zljeb and Turjak. During the winter months, these surrounding peaks are...

Day 8 Today is free until it's time for the group transfer to Pristina Airport.

Those on the group flight will be transferred to Pristina airport.

Land Only

Day 1 Start Gjakovë. Those on the group flight will have a transfer from Pristina airport to Gjakovë.

Those on the group flight will be transferred from Pristina Airport to Gjakovë (approx. 70km, drive 1.5 hrs).

Day 2 Transfer to Valbonë in Albania for a full day of snowshoeing.

Today we drive to Valbonë (approx. 1.5 hrs) for a full day of snowshoeing in the area. We first start snowshoeing to Kukaj village along the Valbonë riverbed, taking a break near old bunkers built during the communist government of Enver Hoxha, who was convinced t...

Day 3 Snowshoe towards Gropa e Rragamit; transfer to the village of Tropoje.

This morning we snowshoe through the forest toward Gropa e Rragamit (Rragam Valley). The route leads us to an area where there is a large lagoon, which is filled with snow during winter. At the end of the walk, we are transferred to the village of Tropoje (drive approx. 1 hr). Max. altitude 1620m, with an ascent of 470m.

Day 4 Drive to Bucaj and snowshoe across the border to the village of Koshare in Kosovo. Drive to Visoki Dečani Monastery, a 14th Century Serbian Orthodox monastery, surrounded by a forest of pine and chestnut trees. Continue to Peja.

We first drive to the village of Bucaj (approx. 20 mins). From there we start snowshoeing toward the village of Padesh and cross the border into Kosovo, stopping for lunch at the village of Koshare. We then continue with more snowshoeing in the mountains. At the e...

Day 5 Transfer to Bogë; circular snowshoe walk in the area.

After breakfast we will transfer to the village of Bogë (approx. 1 hr), where we have a full day of snowshoeing in the area. Bogë is located in between the Rugova Mountains (the third region of the Bjeshket e Nemuna, also known as the Albanian Alps). It is a natio...

Day 6 Transfer to Rekë e Allagës; snowshoe across the border to Hajla Peak in Montenegro.

We first transfer to Rekë e Allagës (approx. 45 min), the start point of today's snowshoe walk. We snowshoe across the border into Montenegro, to a mountain hut located on Hajla at 1900m, where we sleep for the night. Hajla (2403 m) is located on the Montenegro-Kosovo border  Max. altitude 1950m.

Day 7 Snowshoe to Rožaje; explore the city before driving across the border to Peja in Kosovo.

Today is our last day on snowshoes. We descend Hajla Peak and make our way to Rožaje, in time for a late lunch. Rožaje is a city surrounded by magnificent mountains; Hajla, Mokra gora, Krstac, Zljeb and Turjak. During the winter months, these surrounding peaks are...

Day 8 Today is free until it's time for the group transfer to Pristina Airport.

Those on the group flight will be transferred to Pristina airport.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $1,825
Price per day$228
Last Updated: 7/15/2018

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
Write a Review

Other Exodus Travels Reviews

A

Annie O'Reilly Hughes

Nov 2024

Written on

Patient and knowledgeable operative

Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...

T

Trevor Butler

Nov 2024

Written on

Very professional organisation

Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...

S

Sarah R

Nov 2024

Written on

India, the Tropical South

An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

premier
View Profile

It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Dinner: All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 4 dinners included. Dairy products, especially milk and yoghurt are present in almost every meal. Simple grilled meats, usually beef, chicken or lamb, are commonly served with potatoes or rice, as are freshwater fish. Pies and other pastry-based dishes are also a staple.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • 5 nights hotels, 1 night guesthouse, 1 night mountain hut
  • 6 days of guided snowshoeing
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus leaders. Min. age 16 years
  • Travel by private minibus
  • Snowshoes and poles provided
Trip ID
exodus-CVO

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >