Mountain Traversal Hiking Tour Montenegro

The Montenegrin Mountain Transversal is a unique opportunity to hike across the remote and wild northern regions of Montenegro.

Our tour starts in the Komovi region and then heads into the National Park at Biogradska Gora (home to lakes and primary forests) before moving on along the Tara Canyon and Sinjajevina Plateau to Durmitor National Park –location of the country’s highest peak.

The route offers tranquility and wilderness in abundance alongside the exceptional scenery of this mystical country. Parts of the route are steep and long days are expected with up to seven hours walking on some days. Support is provided by a four wheel drive vehicle or minibus as there are some areas where the route is linked by road transfers, while the ancient transversal paths are being re-marked. For part of the tour you will be carrying your own rucksacks with everything you need for the duration of this tour, except where vehicle transfers are indicated.

Activity Time per day 6 hours average.

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Itinerary / Highlights

DAY 1 – Arrival / Transfer to Kolasin
Transfer from your arrival airport or arrival town to Kolasin to meet your guide for a welcome meeting and safety briefing. Overnight in Hotel Lipka. This attractive mountain hotel is rated 4* and provides a relaxing and peaceful spot to rest after your journey, prepare your kit and meet your fellow travellers. Dinner in the hotel.

DAY 2 – Full Day Hiking on Vasojevicki Kom (2,461 m)
After an early breakfast transfer from Kolasin to Stavna Katun at 1573m, in the Komovi Mountains at the top of the Tresnjevik Pass (1 hour transfer time). From the katun (which means ‘shepherd’s village’) depart on foot with a picnic lunch to hike around the Vasojevicki Kom which is the largest and most eastern peak of the Komovi massif. Return to the katun for dinner (local specialities) and Overnight in the mountain huts (equipped with basic kitchen, toilet and 4 people sharing each hut). Hiking time: 6 hours. Terrain: Grass, rock and narrow trails.

DAY 3 – Hiking through Bjelasica Gora
After breakfast, depart on foot towards katun Vranjak and onwards to Bjelasica Mountain (1750m). Carrying a picnic lunch this is a long day traversing the Komovi boundaries into the Biogradska National Park but worth it for the scenery and spectacular views along the way. Biogradska is home to some of the last primary forest in this part of Europe. Arrive at Bjelasica mountain hut. Dinner and overnight in the mountain hut. Sleeping bags required. Hiking time: 7 hours

DAY 4 – Hiking in Biogradska National Park and Lakes
Breakfast. Start hiking with a tour from Vranjak to Biogradska Lake. Hike to the highest point of the Bjelasica range at Black Peak – 2139 m, with stunning views of 3 lakes, Biogradska National Park and forests. Lunch at Biogradska Lake at 1090 m. Overnight at Biodgradska lake cabins. Hiking time : 7 hours.

DAY 5 – Sinjajevina Plateau
Early morning depart from Biogradska by jeep for the journey to Ruzica on the Sinjajevina Plateau. This amazing landscape is located mainly above the treeline and the plateau is largely uninhabited. Small katuns (shepherd’s villages) are the only human habitation and the plateau is abandoned in winter by inhabitants due to the deep snow which renders the entire area inaccessible to anyone except on skis. Start hiking at Ruzice with its distinctive church on top of the hill. Hike the undulating terrain (largely without shade or shelter) across the plateau to Konate Katun and then the beautiful and tranquil Zaboje Lake. Transfer by jeep from Zaboje Lake and onward to Zabljak (1 hour 30 mins drive) along the Tara River Canyon, passing the famous Durdevica Bridge which spans the canyon 172 m above the river. Overnight in mountain chalets in Zabljak. Hiking Time: 7 hours. Terrain: Grass plateau, some rocky and uneven terrain. Limited shade and water.

DAY 6 - Hike to Montenegro’s highest peak
After a breakfast we depart to start the Ivan Do – Bobotov Kuk trail. Bobotov Kuk is the highest point in Durmitor and the highest in Montenegro at 2523 m. The weather conditions will dictate whether or not this trek will be available. Snow is possible on the higher trails here even in high summer and so depending on the conditions we may vary this day to offer the ice caves trail or another similar trek in the National Park. Picnic lunch on the trail and return to the mountain chalets. Overnight Žabljak Mountain Chalets. Hiking time: 7 hours

DAY 7 – Jablan Lake and the Tara Canyon viewpoint
Breakfast in camp and departing on the trail to the exquisite Jablan Lake and the Tara Canyon viewpoint beneath Veliki Stuoc (2104 m) where the depth to the canyon floor and Tara river is 1300 m below. This is a long day but worth it for the views of the world’s second deepest canyon. Return to Zabljak in the evening for dinner and overnight. Hiking time: 7 hours

DAY 8 - Departure
Breakfast followed by transfers to the airport.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Accommodation Hotels/ B&B/ Camping
Basis Full board based on 2 people sharing a twin room / mixed accommodation

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Availability: 9th July, 6th August and 20th August 2011

Group size 8 to 16 people

Intensity Level Medium to Hard

Please be aware that you will be travelling on remote and sometimes steep terrain. In places you will be very exposed to the weather elements (rain, sun, snow, wind) with little shade available. Some of the areas you will be visiting are rarely visited by tourists, and whilst every effort is made to ensure your comfort at all times, please be aware that levels of accommodation and sanitary facilities may be basic at times.

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