High Scardus Trail High Scardus Trail

High Scardus Trail

The 495-kilometer High Scardus Trail is a must for any self-respecting hiker. The High Scardus Trail follows the borders of Kosovo, Albania and northern Macedonia. The trail winds through some of the least visited mountains from Europe and passes six national parks: two in northern Macedonia, one in Kosovo and three in Albania. During this trip you will do part of the High Scardus Trail, viz. 108 kilometers through Northern Macedonia and Kosovo. In other words, you trek through the Šarge Mountains. The Šarge Mountains was inaccessible to travelers for decades. That will change thanks to this new long-distance hike. The Šar mountains stretch from southern Kosovo to northwestern northern Macedonia. These rugged and barren mountains belong to the top on the Balkan, with thirty peaks those higher its than 2500 meters. Due to a series of violent conflicts in the 20th century, the mountains were virtually closed to travelers until recently. During the Yugoslav wars, the ridges of the Western Balkans provided strategic military vantage points, and since then the region has not been high on tourists' bucket lists. Ideal for us! In fact, this ensures that the trail still free unknown is, what it adventure only bigger makes. No flattened tourist trails but another authentic experience. Moreover, we have been working in Northern Macedonia and with local guides for 5 years now, so we can assure you that this trek is now 100% safe is.

What to expect are endless grasslands through which mountain streams ripples that can grow into wild rivers when there is a lot of meltwater. On the meadows, thousands of sheep. Many of the trails now used by hikers were used by commercial travelers as early as the second century B.C. . There are also bears, chamois and lynxes in the area. During this trekking you will discover not only the amazing nature, but also the local people. culture, hospitality and gastronomy to lick off thumbs and fingers. Among other things, the fresh tomatoes, stews and various cheeses combined with local wines or Rakija, will delight your senses. By the way, a faithful companion on this tour is the Šarplaninachond. An imposing wild shepherd dog who will undoubtedly steal your heart along the way, even if you are not a dog person.

CIA

Comfort 80%: You sleep mainly in homestays, mountain huts and cozy hotels, and only 1 night in tents.

Intensity 70%: You are participating in an active trip that requires a good level of fitness. This means that you are generally active.

Adventure 80%: You will discover one of the lesser known and only recently opened trails in the Balkans.

High Scardus Trail

Day 1: Arrival in Skopje

We arrive in Skopje and depending on the flights, we will take some time to explore Skopje, then travel on to the Ljuboten Mountain Hut (1630m) Where our High Scardus Trail adventure begins. This mountain lodge is a 2h drive from Skopje, and is the oldest mountain hut in northern Macedonia. This hut was completely renovated en is known for the beautiful location and hospitality.

Day 2: Ljuboten and Goats rock trail

After breakfast, we begin the first leg of our High Scardus Trail, to the Ljuboten peak, one of the best buds at Macedonia and Kosovo. With a height of 2498 meters this mountain peak poses a nice challenge. We start at 1550 meters, climb steadily to the summit and then descend to the Goats Rock Trail along the border with Kosovo. Here we cross the ridge, walk on the border between the two countries before descending to the picturesque Lake Livadica and the historic ski resort of Brezovica. After a short transfer we check in, at our hotel in Prevall.

• Length: 15 km
• Altitude difference: 1000 meters uphill / 800 meters downhill

Day 3: Lumbardhi River and Vejce

After breakfast, we check out and begin a gentle climb through a deep beech forest. We follow the path, along waterfalls and sources, to the valley of the Lumbardhi (Bistrica) River. Then we ascend to the Konjusha Peak (2571 meters above sea level) and we enjoy the view of the temporary Lake Konjusha. We continue hiking along the ridge and reach the Black Peak (2585 meters above sea level) before descending to Vejce, one of the most remote mountain villages in Macedonia. Here we relax in the village, enjoying homemade blueberry juice and spending the night in a nice hostel.

• Length: 16 km
• Altitude difference: uphill 1350 meters / downhill 1550 meters

Day 4: Vejce and Bozovce

We start our day by walking to the Kobilica hut at 1600 meters altitude. A trek under some of the breathtaking peaks of Shar Mountain, by pastures, about rocky terrain and along waterfalls. Once we reached Lake Karanikola, a glacier gem, we descend to the remote village of Bozovce. In Bozovce we stay in a charming guesthouse and experience the tranquility of this historic village.

• Length: 21 km
• Altitude difference: Uphill 1200 meters / Downhill 1140 meters

Day 5: Lesnica waterfalls and Popova Shapka

After breakfast, we will send our luggage to the next destination on the High Scardus Trail and begin the hike. We will take the heart of the Shar Mountains explore overlooking the three rocks of Lesnica, hike to the enchanting Lesnica waterfalls and descend into a small cave. We continue toward the Titos Peak Cirque Valley, zigzagging up to the saddle of Peak Plat. We reach our destination, Popova Shapka, for a relaxing evening at the Hotel Scardus.

• Length: 21 km
• Altitude difference: uphill 1100 meters / downhill 650 meters

Day 6: Tito's Peak and Wild Camping

After breakfast, we hike to the top of Tito's peak, the highest peak of the Shar Mountains. Here we enjoy breathtaking views after which we descend via the summer trail and take a detour to go wild camping. A night of pure wilderness under the stars.

• Length: 15 km
• Altitude difference: uphill 1200 meters / downhill 750 meters

Day 7: Brod Area

We wake up at a beautiful camping spot in the wilderness, and after breakfast begin the last part of our trek. This one will take us through the Lake Bogovinje, the largest lake in the Shar Mountains, along the Silent Waters of Kosovo, and Lake Shutman into Brod. After a well-deserved drink upon arrival, we travel on to Prizren, a charming town in Kosovo.

• Length: 20 km
• Altitude difference: uphill 650 meters / downhill 1200 meters

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, we travel on to Skopje for our flight back home. End of our High Scardus Trail adventure.

High Scardus Trail

During the High Scardus Trail, we stay both in mountain huts, hotels, hostels, charming guesthouses as 1 night in tents. In other words, you will be able to sample different accommodation types. Accommodations are on the basis of double tents and double rooms.

High Scardus Trail

• 25/07/2026 – 01/08/2026
• 01/08/2026 – 08/08/2026
• € 1195 per persoon
• Minimum 6 en maximum 12 personen(*)

(*) Trekking gaat pas door vanaf er minimum 6 personen zijn ingeschreven.

INCLUDING

• Local English-speaking guides
• On-site transportation
• 3 meals a day
• Accommodations based on double tents and double rooms
• Permits & Park fees
• General first aid

EXCLUSIVE

• International flights there and back (but on request)
• Personal trekking equipment
• Travel insurance (Mandatory! see "safety" tab)
• Cancellation insurance (recommended)
• Personal expenses
• Tipping