Hiking 'The Edge' in Kosovo
Live life on the edge as you hike the ridgeline between the peaks of the unspoiled Sharr Mountain Range. 2 days off work.
This will be a trip of ‘firsts’ as you hike through the unspoilt Sharr Mountain Range and its hordes of endemic plants and wildlife; home of the lynx, bear, roe deer, and wild boar.
But this is no stroll through the woods; this route will have your adrenaline pumping as you hug the ridgeline between the peaks and even camp close to the edge, with amazing views from your tent. You will aim to hike not just one peak, but up to four of the peaks in the range. Are you up for the challenge?
This alpine adventure includes:
- 2 days hiking
- 2 nights accommodation in a hostel in Pristina
- 1 night camping (inc. tent, sleeping bag, roll mat)
- Professional local hiking guide
- Breakfast, picnic lunches and evening meals on days 2 and 3
- All transfers, including airport transfers
Perfect for
The perfect long weekend adventure for anyone with a good level of fitness. Not technically difficult, but hiking the ridgeline and reaching a number of peaks should get the heart going. Would be an amazing introduction to the joys of multi-day trekking.
Need To Know
The following are not included in the trip price:
- Flights to/from Prishtina
- Personal snacks and drinks
- Breakfast on last day
- Dinner on first day
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Tips for your guides (optional)
Food in Kosovo is Mediterranean with a strong Turkish and Albanian influence. Breakfasts are typically fresh bread and cheese, eggs or French toast. Lunches and dinners include savoury burek pies, hearty casseroles, spiced sausages, roasted lamb, stuffed peppers, and fresh vegetables.
Your host will be able to give recommendations for eating out on the first night, and on the last night together you’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
While hiking, picnic lunches will be prepared for you of sandwiches (vegetarian or tuna) and fruit, which you’ll be given to carry with you.
At the campsite, food will be cooked for you over a gas stove. It will be something simple but filling after a days hiking, for example rice or noodles with vegetables. Breakfast will be muesli with fruit.
This trip runs with a group minimum of 4 and maximum of 12.
Absolutely! Just let us know at booking.
Sure can! A lot of people do, and it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
What should I pack?
Bring your own hiking gear, including:
- waterproof jacket and trousers
- thin wicking baselayers (top and bottom)
- additional upper body layers and trousers/shorts (not cotton)
- hiking shoes and socks
- sun protection
- warm jacket or fleece
- warm hat and gloves
- water bottle
- head torch
- pot, spoon and mug/cup to eat and drink from
- rucksack (35litre min) for carrying these items
Camping equipment is provided, including tent, sleeping bag, liner and roll mat. These items will given to you before the trek starts, and you’ll need to carry them in your rucksack too. The items are all lightweight and tents can be split up between 2 or 3.
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Got a question not covered here? Contact the host.
Location
Kosovo is fast becoming one of the most exciting destinations for travellers to visit. Whilst Prishtina may not be one of the most visually stunning capital cities of the world, it certainly has an infectious energy with a unique cocktail of tradition and modernity. The Dinaric Alps boast numerous glacial lakes, high alpine plateaus, and dramatic limestone cliffs. The range is home to an array of plant life and wildlife, including Macedonian Pine, alpine rose, lynx, chamois, roe deer, wild boar, and hundreds of bird species.
Start point
Pristina airport - 11am
Your transfer from Pristina airport will meet all flights that are scheduled to land before 10.30am. If you are on a different flight, you may make your own way to your accommodation and meet your group later for the pre-trip briefing. Pristina city centre is easy to get to from the airport (PRN) via a 40 minute taxi. Your host can confirm this with you after booking.
Finish point
Pristina Airport - 08:30
At the end of your adventure, you will be dropped back at Pristina airport at 08:30. You’re free to book any flight that departs after 10:30.
What to Expect
Day 1: Get there
You’ll be picked up Pristina airport and taken to your base for the first night. Get out and explore this intriguing capital city before meeting the rest of your group and your host for a pre-trip briefing.
Afterwards, there is time to go for dinner with your fellow adventurers and relax into the Kosovan spirit.
Day 2: Hike to ‘The Edge’
Early in the morning you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Pristina and taken on a short drive to the village of Prevalla where your hike into the Sharr and Bistra Mountains begins. On the way, you’ll stop to grab breakfast. Try burek, a traditional food like a pie with cheese or spinach. Perfect before a hike!
You’ll start at an altitude of 1500m as you break gently into this hike along one of the most beautiful routes in Kosovo. You’ll follow the 600-year-old trade route which is rich with nature; who will be the first to spot a lynx bear? As you hike Kosovo’s second highest peak, Bistra Peak (2650m), you’ll pass the source of the Lumbardhi River which you probably admired from the arched footbridge on your arrival in Prizren.
Now, if you thought that was picturesque, prepare yourself for the summit as you arrive to views of the Albanian Alps and Macedonia. As you continue your adventure you will begin to walk the ridgeline – The Edge – to travel between peaks. You’ll hike two to four of the range’s peaks (time and weather depending), including Konjushka (2580m) and Bistra (2650m).
When you’ve bagged as many peaks as you can in a day, it’s back to the campsite at Gushababa, and yes, you’ll be camping close to the edge so have your camera ready for those stunning sunset shots.
8 hours hiking
Day 3: Hike to Black Summit
Get another peak under your belt today, as you set off to hike the Black Peak (2585m). On the way, you’ll stop at a picturesque mountain lake at 2400 meters to relax and recharge before pushing on to the summit. The route is rocky, making the hike more challenging and beautiful.
With a tired excitement and a good number of peaks achieved you’ll start the return journey to Pristina. After 30 minutes driving, you’ll stop in Prizren to share a local traditional meal and swap stories with your new hiking friends.
Full, tired and happy, you’ll carry on to Pristina, where bed (or a local bar) is waiting.
6 hours hiking, 2 hours driving
Day 4: Last day in Pristina
All good things must come to an end; today is your last day to spend in Kosovo. You’ll meet your host for a final breakfast in a nearby restaurant, then taken to the airport for your forward journey home, armed with a pocketful of photos and some great stories to tell the people back home.
Note: The actual itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, road conditions, etc.
Accommodation
Your first and last night will be spent at the Han Hostel in Pristina.
This stylish hostel continuously gets top ratings for it’s friendliness and great central location.
It offers air-conditioned dormitories with a balcony access, free Wi-Fi and breakfast. You’ll have a shared bathroom fitted with a shower, and there is a dining area and comfortable lounge to hang out in.
Upgrades to private rooms are available - just ask your host when booking.
Your second night will be spent camping under the stars at the Gushababa campsite, with stunning views of the mountain range when you unzip your tent in the morning. You’ll be sharing a 2 or 3 person tent, and can pair up on the first night.
Your host provides tents, sleeping bags, liners and camping mattresses. They will also carry a gas stove to cook food, tea and coffee.
You will be camping near to the spring, where the water is drinkable, so you don’t need to bring so much water with you, just a bottle.
Dates & Prices
Prices include
Accommodation · Airport Transfers · Equipment · Guide · Local Transport · Meals As Described · Happiness Guaranteed · 100% Financial Protection
Please note: Flights are NOT included and must be purchased separately.
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Optional Extras
Make your life easy. Once you have reserved your space, your host can help you arrange the extras you’ll need. Here are some guide prices which can be confirmed with you during booking.
| Airport Transfer | Payable Before Departure |
|---|---|
| Airport Transfer | · · · Per Person |
