Camping at the foot of Guzhbaba peak, Kosovo. Photo: Host/Butterfly Outdoor Adventure
5.0
| 14 reviews

Hike the Sharr Mountains in Kosovo & North Macedonia

7 nights
Challenging

Two countries, a couple of 2500m peaks and a spectacularly wild border-hopping route through forests and over mountain ridges

What's Included?

Activities & Certified Guides

All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides

All accommodation

3 nights in hotels, 1 night in a mountain hut, 2 nights in guesthouses and 1 night wild camping

Meals

All breakfasts, all lunches and 6 dinners

Transfers

Airport transfers and everything in between

Equipment

All of your camping equipment

Small Like-minded Groups

Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From

excluding flights
From

excluding flights

What's it like?

5.0
| 14 reviews
Incredible!
August 2025
Siobhan H.
Incredible!
August 2025
Siobhan H.
Amazing trip to the Sharr mountains
July 2025
Ida A.
Amazing trip to the Sharr mountains
July 2025
Ida A.
Amazing trip to the Sharr mountains
July 2025
Ida A.
Sharr Mountains of Macedonia & Kosovo in July - Wow!
July 2025
Richard C.
Sharr Mountains of Macedonia & Kosovo in July - Wow!
July 2025
Richard C.
Sharr Mountains of Macedonia & Kosovo in July - Wow!
July 2025
Richard C.
Sharr Mountains of Macedonia & Kosovo in July - Wow!
July 2025
Richard C.
Sharr Mountains of Macedonia & Kosovo in July - Wow!
July 2025
Richard C.
Sharr Mountains of Macedonia & Kosovo in July - Wow!
July 2025
Richard C.
Sharr Mountains of Macedonia & Kosovo in July - Wow!
July 2025
Richard C.
I cannot recommend this enough!
July 2025
Anne L.
I cannot recommend this enough!
July 2025
Anne L.
I cannot recommend this enough!
July 2025
Anne L.
I cannot recommend this enough!
July 2025
Anne L.
An untouched part of Europe
July 2025
Trystan C.
An untouched part of Europe
July 2025
Trystan C.
An untouched part of Europe
July 2025
Trystan C.
An untouched part of Europe
July 2025
Trystan C.
An untouched part of Europe
July 2025
Trystan C.
An untouched part of Europe
July 2025
Trystan C.
Sharr Superlatives
June 2025
Birgid N.
Sharr Superlatives
June 2025
Birgid N.
Paul M Europes Hidden Gem
October 2024
Paul M.
Paul M Europes Hidden Gem
October 2024
Paul M.
Paul M Europes Hidden Gem
October 2024
Paul M.
Paul M Europes Hidden Gem
October 2024
Paul M.
Amazing hiking adventure off the beaten track!
September 2024
Lena H.
Amazing hiking adventure off the beaten track!
September 2024
Lena H.

Trek 95km of the High Scardus Trail, one of Europe's newest long-distance hiking routes known as the 'Soul of the Balkans'

Tackle the lofty summits of Ljuboten (2498m) and Tito (2748m) for the best views in the rugged Sharr Mountains

Hike along the border between Kosovo and North Macedonia, brimming with glacial lakes, alpine plateaus and dramatic limestone cliffs – eyes peeled for bears, boars, lynx and deer

Bunk down in a cosy mountain hut, wild camp in a remote spot under the stars and rest your weary legs in a spa hotel

Key Information

Day 1

Meet your crew in Pristina

Pristina, Kosovo. Photo: iStock-134189105

Arrive in Pristina, Kosovo's capital – the youngest capital city in Europe. Meet your fellow travellers and get a quick pre-trip briefing with your host, before getting a good night's sleep ahead of your first day of hiking tomorrow.

Day 2

One summit, two countries

Hiking the Sharr and Bistra Mountains, Kosovo. Photo: Host/Butterfly Outdoor Adventure

Hiking

7 - 8 hours · 15km · 1500m up · 1078m down

After breakfast in Pristina you'll be driven to the village of Shterpce, close to the border with North Macedonia, where your hike into the wild Sharr Mountains begins. Starting at 1000m, you'll hike up through an enchanting forest (eyes peeled for lynx and bears) before the trail opens to a panoramic view of the entire Sharr range. You'll hike up to the summit of Ljuboten, a local favourite, which at 2498m stands alone from the peaks around it and can be seen from both Pristina and Skopje. Having climbed up in Kosovo, you descend into North Macedonia, as you make your way to the country's oldest mountain hut. The historic Ljuboten Mountain Hut – built in 1931 – promises a warm and cosy evening of traditional food, good company and intriguing tales of the surrounding mountains and their adventurous history.

Day 3

Hike the border ridge and cool off at Livadica Lake

Hikers walking along a ridge in the Sharr Mountains, Kosovo. Photo:  Butterfly Outdoor Adventure

Hiking

5 - 6 hours · 15.5km · 870m up · 2050m down

After fueling up with a hearty mountain breakfast an exciting day of hiking awaits. Warm up your legs on a charming single-track trail to start the day before reaching the bottom of a rocky scramble. As you ascend, enjoy Ljuboten's quirkily named rock formations – including Ljuboten's Neck, Goat Rock and Pointed Rock. Your midday reprieve awaits at the picturesque Livadica Lake, offering not only the chance to refuel but also an opportunity to cool off with a refreshing swim (braving the cold lake waters if you fancy it). The views from this vantage point are nothing short of spectacular. After lunch, it's downhill back into Kosovo and the mountain village of Lubinje, where your guesthouse awaits.

Day 4

Another border hopping trail

Hikers climbing through the forest, Sharr Mountains, Kosovo. Photo Butterfly Outdoor Adventure

Hiking

5 - 6 hours · 12km · 1300m up · 1200m down

Hop in the van for a quick transfer to today's start point above the village of Lubinje, one of the most lush and captivating sections of the Sharr Mountains. Venture through the heart of a dense forest, where the trail winds its way amidst towering trees and serene surroundings. As you climb, the trees thin to reveal a panoramic vista of high, rugged peaks. Ascend the pass that marks the border with North Macedonia discover to a refreshing oasis – a natural spring and small lake beckon for a brief respite before the final ascent. Having conquered the pass, enjoy a gradual descent to the charming Macedonian village of Vetjse.

Day 5

Waterfalls and glacial lakes

Crossing waterfalls in the Sharr Mountains. Photo Host Butterfly Outdoor Adventure

Hiking

5 - 6 hours · 17km · 700m up · 850m down

Another quick transfer takes you to the start of today's trail, which weaves beneath some of the Sharr Mountains' most stunning peaks. You'll hike up through pasture, over rocky terrain and past waterfalls until reaching the glacial gem of Karanikola Lake. After another incredible day, and a thorough exploration of the northern Sharr Mountains, it's time to descend to the remote village of Bozovce before driving on to the resort of Popova Shapka. After a few nights in rustic mountain accommodation, kick back and relax with a night in a spa hotel complete with a pool and sauna, a chance to rejuvenate before tomorrow's big day.

Day 6

Climb Plat peak and wild camp under the stars

Tito Peak, Sharr Mountains Macedonia. Photo Host Butterfly Outdoor Adventure

Hiking

6 - 7 hours · 13km · 810m up · 1000m down

Limber up the legs for another exhilarating day of climbing. Plat peak (2398m) affords some of the most stunning views in the Sharr range. A short climb takes you to a magical viewpoint on the north face of Če̊rpašina, offering breathtaking views of the range and the trail you've already covered. Follow an easy jeep track before ascending to the summit and being rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the surrounding glacial valleys and towering peaks. The descent into the Lower Leshnica Valley, often called the heart of the Sharr Mountains, offers a peaceful and scenic end to the day. Your hosts will prepare a comfortable wild camp, complete with warm food brought up from the valley for a unique night under the stars, the perfect way to end your mountain adventure.

Day 7

Waterfalls and mountain scenes

Wake up to this view!

Hiking

5 - 6 hours · 13km · 800m up · 850m down

Wake up in your beautiful wild camping spot, enjoy breakfast, and set off on your final day of hiking out of the mountains. As you descend from camp, you’ll visit Krivashia Waterfall – a true highlight where the water dramatically plunges into a cave. After a short rest, continue towards the spring of the Pena River, one of the largest rivers in the Sharr Mountains. Finally, descend to the charming and authentic mountain village of Brod. Celebrate with a well-earned beer and tuck into baklava and boza, traditional treats that mark the perfect end to your adventure. Your host will then drive you on to Prizren, where you’ll have the evening to soak up the city’s charm. Round off the day by swapping stories with your new hiking friends over a traditional Kosovan meal.

Day 8

Goodbye Kosovo!

Prizren, Kosovo. Photo Canva Link: https://www.canva.com/photos/MAFdQhv_21M-prizren-kosovo/

After breakfast in Prizren, and a short walk around the old city, your host will transfer you back to Pristina and the airport.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Pristina Airport

Arrive by 22:30 on Day 1

Ends

Pristina Airport

13:00 on Day 8

Transfers

You'll be collected from Pristina Airport on Day 1 in time for flights arriving before 22:30, and taken to your hotel in the city. You host will drop you back at Pristina Airport at 13:00 on Day 8 (or back in Pristina city if you prefer, at 13:30). If you arrive outside of these times or wish to be dropped in Pristina city and then head to the airport later on your final day, your host can arrange private airport transfers for an extra cost. Please see Optional Extras for more details.

Travel options

There are regular flights to Pristina from major airports across the UK and Europe.

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2

Mountain hut · Twin or triple share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3

Guesthouse · Multi share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4

Hostel · Same sex dorm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5

Spa Hotel · Twin or triple share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6

Wild camping · Twin tent

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 7

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 8

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Traditional Kosovan burek pie.

Throughout the trip, the food reflects local flavours and traditions. Each morning in your accommodation, you'll enjoy local delicacies like homemade bread with Sharr cheese, fresh veggies, eggs, mountain tea, and Turkish coffee for breakfast. When hiking, picnic lunches include a sandwich, fruit and biscuits (if you think you'll want more than this, you are advised to bring some snacks with you). Dinners include savoury burek pies, hearty casseroles, spiced sausages, roasted lamb, stuffed peppers and fresh vegetables. On the last night you’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner together at a local restaurant where you’ll have a choice from a few dishes; any extra orders and drinks are payable separately.

Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just let your host know on booking.

What is the accommodation like?

Museum Hotel, Pristina, Kosovo. Photo: Butterfly Outdoor Adventure
Pristina

Your first night will be spent in Pristina (Kosovo), usually at the Museum Hotel. You'll be in twin-share rooms with private bathrooms. It's in an excellent location and offers friendly service.

Ljuboten Mountain Hut, Sharr Mountains, Macedonia - Photo: Butterfly Outdoor Adventure
Ljuboten

You'll spend one night in the Ljuboten mountain hut (North Macedonia). The hut was built in 1931 and has a capacity of around 35 people. You'll stay in same-sex shared rooms with 2-3 people per room, with shared toilets and kitchen facilities. Breakfast, a packed lunch, and a traditional dinner are all provided while at the hut.

Bozovce Village, Sharr Mountains, Kosovo. Photo Host Butterfly Outdoor Adventure
Village guesthouses

On Day 3, you'll stay in a guesthouse in the mountain village of Lubinje in mixed-gender shared rooms with up to 4-5 people per room. On Day 4, you'll stay in the Hostel Hana in Vetjse (North Macedonia) in same-sex dorms with shared bathroom facilities.

Hotel Scardus, Photo Host - Butterfly Outdoor Adventure
Popova Shapka

For the night in Popova Shapka (North Macedonia) you'll stay in the Hotel Scardus, a 4-star spa hotel with pool and sauna facilities. You'll be in a same-sex twin- or triple-share rooms, which are ensuite. Breakfast, a packed lunch and dinner are included during your stay.

Tents on the ridge line
Tito camp

Your sixth night will be spent camping under the stars with stunning views of the mountain range when you unzip your tent in the morning. You'll share a tent with one fellow adventurer tonight.

Hotel Alvida, Prizren. Photos Host Butterfly Outdoor Adventure
Prizren

Your final night will be spent in a hotel in Prizren (Kosovo). This will usually be the Hotel Alvida Prizren, which offers rooms with private bathrooms, an excellent location and friendly service.

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and solo tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).

This trip has been rated as Challenging

This trek has multiple long days with plenty of climbing up and down, so you should be in good shape and used to walking in the hills for consecutive days. Although not technically difficult, the hiking and topping a number of peaks is bound to make you puff so some strong walking legs will go a long way. The Sharr Mountains are pretty similar to most European mountain climates: cold and snowy in the winter and sunny and pleasant in the summer.

We recommend going on this trip between May and October when daytime temperatures in Pristina average between 21-27°C and days are usually in the region of 10-17°C in the mountains. It gets cool at night with the potential for temperatures to hover only a few degrees above freezing, so make sure you pack some warm clothing too.

Like any mountain environment, be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. Although the summers are generally nice and warm, the rain can set in without a moment's notice, so do pack accordingly. A layering system is essential in the mountains.

What will I need to carry?

You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you, and then a good-sized and comfortable backpack to carry personal items during each day of hiking. You'll have access to your main luggage on nights 4, 5 and 7. Between these nights (i.e. days 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7), you'll need to carry overnight belongings and your daily hiking kit, lunch and water.

The Sharr Mountains are pretty similar to most European mountain climates: cold and snowy in the winter and sunny and pleasant in the summer.

We recommend going on this trip between May and October when daytime temperatures in Pristina average between 21-27°C and days are usually in the region of 10-17°C in the mountains. It gets cool at night with the potential for temperatures to hover only a few degrees above freezing, so make sure you pack some warm clothing too.

Like any mountain environment, be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. Although the summers are generally nice and warm, the rain can set in without a moment's notice, so do pack accordingly. A layering system is essential in the mountains.

Yvonne K.(August 2025)
Amazing trip!

Amazing trip with great hiking, wonderful scenery and friendly people. Uta was an exceptional guide. Can highly recommend this trip to anyone who loves hiking.

Kelley I.(August 2025)
Awesome trip!

This was my 14th trip with MBA and it was just as exceptional as all the others. Great hikes that all had their own personalities & terrain, great views, great cultural introductions & history lessons, new foods to try and gracious hosts at each stop along the way. Uta was a great guide along with her husband, Meto. I would highly recommend this trip,

Siobhan H.(August 2025)
Incredible!
Incredible!
Incredible!

What an amazing trip. Exactly what I had hoped for and more. The scenery was varied and so incredibly beautiful, made even better by being untouched by masses of tourists. At times we felt like the only people up in the mountains.

The accommodation and food was so much better than I was expecting, it was all delicious, though I did also get though almost all of the snacks I bought!

To top it all off we had Uta as our guide. What an incredible woman, a true champion of Kosovo, the mountains and women in the mountains! I'll definitely be going back to explore more of Kosovos mountains.

Ida A.(July 2025)
Amazing trip to the Sharr mountains
Amazing trip to the Sharr mountains
Amazing trip to the Sharr mountains
Amazing trip to the Sharr mountains

I highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a multi-day hike off the beaten track. Our group was very well taken care of and our guide (Meto) was incredibly knowledgeable about the area and kept everyone in great spirit the whole way. The scenery is beautiful and varied and the our hosts at the guesthouses, mountain hut and hotel were all very warm and welcoming. The accommodation and food (loads of local specialties) were great, too! All in all an unforgettable trip to a part of the Balkans that seems lesser known, but deserves more attention!

Richard C.(July 2025)
Sharr Mountains of Macedonia & Kosovo in July - Wow!
Sharr Mountains of Macedonia & Kosovo in July - Wow!
Sharr Mountains of Macedonia & Kosovo in July - Wow!
Sharr Mountains of Macedonia & Kosovo in July - Wow!
Sharr Mountains of Macedonia & Kosovo in July - Wow!
Sharr Mountains of Macedonia & Kosovo in July - Wow!
Sharr Mountains of Macedonia & Kosovo in July - Wow!
Sharr Mountains of Macedonia & Kosovo in July - Wow!

Just come back from the 8 day Sharr Mountain hike - what a brilliant holiday! Stunning scenery, challenging hikes each day and comfortable and different places to stay with great and diverse food and interesting people to meet. Our guide Meto, did an excellent job, pacing each walk to suit the group, showing us different scenery each day and organising some wonderful places to stay with really tasty local food (including wild blueberries and strawberries on route!). Not to mentin the locally made lemonade and blueberry juice and baklava! When he needed to change plans due to changeable weather, or for team members needing to take a day out due to a sore knee, Meto was able to do this calmly, seamlessly and without compromising our holiday. If you want a man who is passionate and knowledgeable about the Sharr Mountains, you need Meto! While the walks were challenging, the pace was adjusted to ensure everyone enjoyed themselves. The holiday was definitely graded appropriately graded (challenging), but is not beyond the fitness level of an averagely fit hill walker / hiker - I say this as the oldest guy on the team by 20+ years! All in all a memorable holiday that went all too fast - I highly recommend it.

JOAN F.(July 2025)
Sharr is a rockstar. !

From start to finish this trip was exceptional. The sharr mountains are soo majestic and the beauty is impossible to label. The mountains are alive with flowers, animals, and all the bugs sang magical tunes all week. Our guide Meto was brilliant, very knowledgeable, a great attitude,and set a great pace. I loved every step of this adventure. woohooo. !!

Anne L.(July 2025)
I cannot recommend this enough!
I cannot recommend this enough!
I cannot recommend this enough!
I cannot recommend this enough!
I cannot recommend this enough!

I cannot recommend this enough! The guide (Meto) was great, the scenery was stunning and everyone we met (drivers, hosts etc. ) was so friendly. Oh, and the food was amazing too.

Trystan C.(July 2025)
An untouched part of Europe
An untouched part of Europe
An untouched part of Europe
An untouched part of Europe
An untouched part of Europe
An untouched part of Europe
An untouched part of Europe

Stretching along the southern border of Kosovo and North Macadonia, the Sharr Mountains are wild and rugged. It is an amazing and untouched part of Europe.

What truly set this hike apart was the rich tapestry of wildflowers in full bloom. Insects would brush past you as you lay in the grass, showing how healthy nature is in this part of the world.

Uta, our guide, was a bit of a local legend. Someone with vast treking experience. She did an excellent job getting us from point to point. L.

At times, you were truly isolated from the rest of the world, hiking in areas very few have trod.

The food was excellent everywhere we went, and incredibly plentiful. The accommodation was equally good, but the best were those small guesthouses run by locals.

The hiking was challenging, but the lower altitude makes it more than manageable. Remember to pack light, you always need less than you think.

Sarah K.(June 2025)
A fabulous week

I loved this experience. The group were the best bunch of people I’ve met on a tour and totally made the trip for me.

Uta is a total rockstar and celebrity in her field. She’s accomplished more than any mountain guide I’ve met before, and seemingly everyone in Kosovo & Macedonia knows and admires her. It was a privilege to hike with her.

The mountains are stunning and the hikes are very challenging but doable with good fitness and sturdy knees. Blisters can be a problem due to the steep ascents/descents everyday. If the group is fit you will cover 5 peaks on the Titov day doing the winter trail.

Accommodation and food on the hiking days exceeded my expectations and were consistently excellent, but the city hotels in Pristina and Prizren were disappointing: far from the centre, cramped, dated.

Additional luggage forwarding and better pre-tour communication would improve this product.

Birgid N.(June 2025)
Sharr Superlatives
Sharr Superlatives
Sharr Superlatives

Splendid scenery, sumptuous suppers, sustainable sightseeing, sage shepherding by Kosovo's national treasure, Uta Ibrahimi

Paul M.(October 2024)
Paul M Europes Hidden Gem
Paul M Europes Hidden Gem
Paul M Europes Hidden Gem
Paul M Europes Hidden Gem
Paul M Europes Hidden Gem

This was an Incredible trip to a less visited region of Europe. The scenery throughout the hikes in both Kosovo and North Macedonia was absolutely breathtaking. This part of Europe can only be described as one of Europe's hidden gems. The trip also combines seeing the sights of Kosovos capital Pristina and also the city of Prizren on the final night. The guides were extremely helpful and friendly, the traditional Kosovan and North Macedonian food choices were incredible. I couldn’t recommend this trip enough.

Lena H.(September 2024)
Amazing hiking adventure off the beaten track!
Amazing hiking adventure off the beaten track!
Amazing hiking adventure off the beaten track!
Amazing hiking adventure off the beaten track!
Amazing hiking adventure off the beaten track!

This was my first trip with Much Better Adventures and I’m over-the-top excited about how amazing it was! The trip takes you on an adventure off the beaten track in stunning Kosovo and North Macedonia, crossing borders in the mountains (how cool is that?), through stunning and varied nature. Add to this, various challenging hikes with breathtaking views, super friendly locals, delicious food and fantastic guides who love to share their passion for the mountains (thank you so much Uta, Meto and Nadir). And not to forget an amazing group of fellow adventurers to share all the special moments and lots of laughs with.

If you're looking for an epic hiking adventure off the beaten track, I highly recommend this trip!

Hannah K.(September 2024)
The road less travelled
The road less travelled
The road less travelled
The road less travelled
The road less travelled
The road less travelled

This is truly an incredible trip full of wild scenery and wide open spaces far away from main tourist routes. The Sharr Mountains are breathtaking and hopping between Kosovo and Macedonia was a great experience. We stayed in some unforgettable locations - from mountain huts to local villages - and the food was always delicious. If you're looking for a very varied multi-day hiking trip that's challenging but super rewarding look no further.

Sophie W.(September 2024)
Fantastic multi day hike experiencing
Fantastic multi day hike experiencing
Fantastic multi day hike experiencing
Fantastic multi day hike experiencing
Fantastic multi day hike experiencing

Fantastic multi day hike experiencing the best of the Sharr Mountains, across the Kosovan - Macedonian border. Fantastic food, and great experience staying in local villages and mountain huts in a relatively tourist-free part of the world. Would highly recommend this trip

Itinerary Activities

  • Guided hike to summit Ljuboten (2498m)
  • Guided hike on the Kosovo-North Macedonia border ridge, via Livadica Lake
  • Guided hike from Lubinje to Vetjse
  • Guided hike to Bozovce, via Karanikola Lake
  • Guided hike to summit Tito (2748m)
  • Guided hike from the Smreka River to Brod

Guides

  • Expert, local, certified English-speaking guides

Accommodation

  • 2 nights in city hotels
  • 1 night in a historic mountain hut
  • 2 nights in village guesthouses in the mountains
  • 1 night in a 4-star spa hotel
  • 1 night wild camping under the stars

Meals

  • All (7) breakfasts of local produce
  • All (6) packed lunches
  • 6 hearty dinners

Transfers

  • Group arrival transfer from Pristina Airport (Kosovo) on Day 1
  • Group departure transfer to Pristina Airport (Kosovo) on Day 8
  • All transfers during the trip

Equipment

  • All of your camping equipment

Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.

Travel to and from the trip

Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.

Tips

Tips are not included in the trip cost; these are entirely at your discretion. If you would like to tip, the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality.

Personal Expenses

You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.

Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield, both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.

Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.

Visas

Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.

What's included?

  • Tent
  • Sleeping bag and liner
  • Roll mat

What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Duffel bag for excess kit
  • Day pack (35+ litres/big enough to carry overnight belongings on some trekking days - see FAQs for more details)

CLOTHES

  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Warm jacket or fleece
  • Thin, wicking base layers (top and bottom)
  • Additional upper body layers and trousers/shorts (not cotton)
  • Hiking boots/shoes (worn-in, waterproof)
  • Walking socks
  • Warm hat and gloves
  • Something to sleep in

OTHER

  • Universal travel plug adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Ear plugs
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Sun protection
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Head torch
  • Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Extra night in Pristina

Payable Before Departure

Extra night in Pristina

Optional Private Room and Tent Upgrade (Nights 1, 5, 6 and 7 only)

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room and Tent Upgrade (Nights 1, 5, 6 and 7 only)

Per person

Private Airport Transfer

Payable Before Departure

Private Airport Transfer

Per person

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 220.86kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

Yes, you can leave any luggage you don't want on the hike with the host, it will be transported by vehicle and available on Days 4, 5 and 7.

This trip visits locations at or above 2500m, where some people may experience symptoms of Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Previous experience at altitude doesn’t guarantee the same response again – your body can react differently on each trip. However, having been at altitude before is still valuable: it gives you a better understanding of how your body might respond, what symptoms to look out for, and how to manage your pace and energy levels.

Your guide is trained to manage the risk of altitude sickness by controlling the rate of ascent, monitoring group wellbeing, and responding appropriately if anyone feels unwell.

Before booking, we recommend considering your personal health, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions, and consulting a medical professional if you’re unsure. Arriving early to allow your body to acclimatise can also make a big difference.

Your travel insurance must cover the maximum altitude reached on this trip and include emergency evacuation.

This trip operates in areas where daytime temperatures can reach extreme highs, with limited shade and high humidity sometimes adding to the challenge. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of dehydration or heat-related illness. Your guide will adjust the pace and monitor the group closely, but staying well-hydrated, wearing suitable clothing and using sun protection are essential.

Before travelling, consider your ability to be active in high temperatures and consult a medical professional if you have any concerns, particularly if you have cardiovascular or heat-sensitive conditions. Arriving a day or two before the trip may also help you adjust gradually to the heat.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Need help finding flights?

From logistics and how to get there, to fitness, group dynamic and trip difficulty, Rory and his team of friendly experts are on hand to help.

We've got your back

Guaranteed to run

All Much Better Adventures trips are now guaranteed to run. Once you’ve booked your spot you can immediately make your travel arrangements, no uncertainty, no hanging about (excludes 'request to book' departures). Full details

Flexible payments

Secure your spot with the minimum deposit and pay off the remaining balance in as many instalments as you like, with no interest or fees. Full details

Happiness Guarantee

We’re so confident you’ll have an amazing time we’ll put our money on it. Full details

Full financial protection

To give you complete peace of mind Much Better Adventures is backed by ABTOT, ABTA and ATOL memberships. Full details

Tried & Trusted

Much Better Adventures is rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 1000 verified trip reviews averaging 4.8/5.

Connect before you go

You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details

DEPARTURE DATES

September 2025

Thursday 4th September 2025

to Thursday 11th September 2025
Guaranteed to run
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Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

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