Solo Hiking The Peaks of The Balkans - Silent

https://irmismatuza.com

THE PEAKS OF THE BALKANS

I decided to customize the route, including three peaks:

• Zla Kolata (2,534m) - Highest peak in Montenegro
• Gjeravica (2,656m) - Highest peak in Kosovo
• Maja Jezercë (2,694m) - Highest peak in the Dinaric Alps, second highest in Albania

I also included Grebaja valley with three peaks: Volusnica, Talijanka, and Popadija. This was a brilliant decision, as it became one of the most scenic places of the trip. I think it's a must-visit if you ever decide to hike the "POB".

I didn't have enough time to complete the entire trail, so I decided to skip the northern part. Later, I found out that many hikers do the same. I heard some parts of that section involve just walking on roads.

The official "POB" start is in Theth (Albania), so that's where I began. I finished my trip there after two weeks, essentially in the same spot.

Many things happened during this hike. If you watch the entire film, you'll see that. There were times when I was struggling, and in those moments, my focus was on safety and survival. So, apologies, but I wasn't thinking about filming in those situations. Sometimes I couldn't film because I was saving battery, or there simply wasn't time. In the end, I got what I got. I made many mistakes, but I really hope I learned from them. The extreme heat every day, averaging 33°C (91°F), made it really difficult to find water sometimes. Many places are very dry. That's my main excuse if something went wrong. :)

Visited places:
THETH, VALBONA, KUKAJ, ZLA KOLATA, CEREM,
DOBERDOL, GJERAVICA, KRONI TEDEL, BOGICEVICA,
BABINO POLJE, BAJROVICA KATUN, HRIDSKO JEZERO, PLAV,
VUSANJE, GUSINJE, GREBAJA (Volusnica, Talijanka and Popadija),
MAJA JEZERCE.

Distance: 220km [136 miles]
Elevation gain: 15,650m

All trip details, including a full itinerary, maps, camping information,
and more can be found on my webpage.


Gear list:

00:00 - Day 1: Early start & late finish in Valbona. | 21km, 1500m |
05:41 - Day 2: Lost, backtrack to Kukaj. Wild camping—no water. | 13.3km, 1585m |
09:08 - Day 3: Night hike for water. Zla Kolata—Montenegro's highest peak! | 17.4km, 901m |
13:02 - Day 4: Quick breakfast in Çerem. Scenic camping above Dobërdol. | 20km, 1505m |
19:33 - Day 5: Glorious sunset from Kosovo's summit—Gjeravica! | 20km, 1140m |
25:37 - Day 6: Cowboy camping. Torn backpack, another stunning sunset. | 25km, 1100m |
29:33 - Day 7: Hridsko Jezero to Plav. | 21km, 720m |
32:33 - Day 8: Plav, late departure, most challenging night climb. | 12km, 980m |
36:47 - Day 9: Enjoying campsite, trek to Vusanje. | 12km, 650m |
43:44 - Day 10: Grebaje. | 18km, 1400m |
47:39 - Day 11: Mystical morning, back to Vusanje Valley | 24km, 1400m |
51:50 - Day 12: Hidden beauty of the Balkans, find a shepherd's hut | 14km, 1000m |
56:46 - Day 13: Early start. Maja Jezercë! Highest peak in Dinaric Alps | 15.4km, 1945m |
01:01:52 - Day 14: Campfire, gear repair, back to Theth | 10km, 260m |
01:06:58 - Outro. Behind the scenes

#hiking #solo #silent #trekking