The Prokletije Mountains are a mountain range spanning three countries: Montenegro, Albania, and Serbia (the Kosovo and Metohija region). They belong to the vast Dinaric system, which stretches from Slovenia to Albania over a length of 650 km. The highest peak of the Prokletije range, and the entire Dinaric system, is Maja Jezerce (2,694 m above sea level).

The name Prokletije, or “Bjeshket e Nemuna” in Albanian, meaning “cursed” or “forbidden” mountains, perfectly describes this wild landscape of the Balkan Peninsula.

Steep, rugged peaks, deep canyons, and inaccessible ridges have inspired both awe and fear for centuries, attracting only the most daring mountaineers and explorers. This mountain range harbours untouched nature, a rich diversity of flora and fauna, and some of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the Balkans. Prokletije is an ideal destination for those seeking an extraordinary adventure and the challenges of high-altitude mountaineering.

This year, our adventure takes us to one of the most impressive parts of the massif – the Karanfili peaks and the ridges of Volušnica. The Karanfili peaks, with their striking rocky summits, are considered one of the most beautiful and challenging sections of the Prokletije range. The Volušnica ridge, known for its spectacular panoramic views of the Grebaje Valley and the surrounding peaks, offers a unique experience for all lovers of untamed nature and high mountains.

Get ready for the ultimate adventure – landscapes of pristine wilderness, narrow trails along sharp ridges, dramatic scenery, and breathtaking vistas. This trek will be a true test of endurance, but also an opportunity to experience one of Europe’s last untamed frontiers.

Tour plan:

Departure from the “Čair” hall in Niš (near the ticket office) at 12:00 p.m. Travel through Serbia and Montenegro with stops for rest and border formalities. Arrival at Prokletije National Park in the evening. Accommodation in katuns. Dinner. Overnight stay.

After breakfast, transfer to the Grebaje Valley. Following a trail through dense beech forest, we gradually ascend to open terrain and continue via scree to Krošnja Pass (2165 m). From there, a steeper ascent leads us to Severni Karanfil (2460 m), one of the most impressive peaks of this part of Prokletije. The summit offers breathtaking views of the rugged, jagged ridges of the mountain massif. Traversing the rocky ridge, we reach Veliki Karanfil (2480 m), another spectacular viewpoint. After a break for rest and photography, we descend back via Krošnja Pass and Šuplja Vrata (2090 m), a natural rock opening that enhances the wild mountain experience. At the trail junction, we leave the path toward Očnjak (2185 m) and continue descending back to the Grebaje Valley. Arrival at the accommodation in the afternoon, followed by dinner and well-deserved rest after a day filled with challenges and unforgettable scenery.

Total trail length: 13 km; lowest point on the trail: 1107 m; highest point on the trail: 2480 m; total ascent: 1373 m.

Breakfast. The ascent starts from the Grebaje Valley via a forest trail. Upon exiting the forest, we continue up a steep grassy section to the summit of Volušnica, offering fantastic views of the rocky Karanfili peaks. We then follow a steep ridge path toward Talijanka and onward to Popadija. From Popadija’s peak, we descend steeply to a pass below Volušnica and continue through the forest back to the Grebaje Valley. A short rest, packing gear, and departure toward Serbia. Arrival in Serbia in the late evening. End of the program.

Total trail length: 11 km; lowest point on the trail: 1150 m; highest point on the trail: 2057 m; total ascent: 960 m.

 

Details:

  • Transportation by high tourist van/minibus,
  • Two nights with breakfast in cottages,
  • Ascent to all peaks,
  • Necessary technical equipment,
  • Mountain guide services,
  • Tourist guide services,
  • Trip organization costs.
  • Other meals,
  • Residence tax (1 EUR per day),
  • Prokletije National Park entrance ticket (3 EUR per day),
  • Travel health insurance (with extra charge for extreme sports),
  • Additional camp services,
  • Personal expenses.

Sturdy hiking shoes or boots, multiple pairs of socks, short-sleeve shirts, a light jacket with a hood (preferably waterproof), a fleece or sweatshirt, spare pants, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. Optionally, you can bring some sweets, snacks, refreshing drinks, and water. All of this should fit into a small backpack.

Our offer consists of attractive cottages/camps at the foot of the massif. The camp we will be chosen depending on the availability of capacity at a given moment. The camp “Eko Katun ROSI – Old Tower” is in Gusinje and has a shared lounge, garden, and terrace. It offers a restaurant, room service, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Private parking can be used free of charge. The rooms have a private bathroom, and certain rooms also include a seating area. A continental breakfast is served in the facility “Eko Katun ROSI – Old Tower”.

A 50% advance payment of the total arrangement price is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid no later than 20 days before the start of the trip (with the option of installment payments). This program is based on a minimum of 7 registered participants. In case of changes in the monetary market (or the market of goods and services) or an insufficient number of registered participants, the tour organizer reserves the right to adjust prices, modify the program, or cancel the trip no later than 5 days before the scheduled departure.

For departure from Belgrade, an additional payment of 30 euros per person in dinar equivalent is necessary. Transportation from Belgrade is organized for a group of at least 6 passengers. The organizer reserves the right, in case of unforeseen circumstances, to change the itinerary, no later than two days before the start of the trip.

The organizer of the trip is travel agency Nature Travel Office, licence number OTP 38/2025 issued by the Business Register Agency as of May 06, 2025. Nature Travel Office is insured by an insurance policy against responsibility for travel agencies in case of insolvency and liability in case of damage to the traveller, number 30000049351, by the insurer MILENIJUM OSIGURANJE ADO Belgrade. The policy is valid from April 01, 2025 to April 01, 2026. In this program, travel agency Nature Travel Office applies their general terms and conditions of traveling, which are included in signing up for the trip.