Adventure Hiking in Montenegro
Scale Montenegro’s highest mountain and hike to the mysterious Black Lake, all in a weekend
Adventure Hiking in Montenegro
Scale Montenegro’s highest mountain and hike to the mysterious Black Lake, all in a weekend
DURATION
3 nights
LOCATION
Montenegro
ANNUAL LEAVE
2 days off work
SEASON
Jun-Sep
GROUP SIZE
Up to 16 people
MEETING POINT
Dubrovnik Airport, Croatia
ACCOMMODATION
Chalet
DIFFICULTY
Challenging
The summit day involves 14km (6-8 hours) of hiking with 900m of ascent, so a decent level of fitness is required
Search for the ‘eyes of the mountain’ as you summit Bobotov Kuk (2522m), a dramatic peak in the Durmitor National Park
Trek through a UNESCO World Heritage area and to the top of Prutaš, possibly the best viewpoint in the country
Brave the wild waters of Black Lake, the largest of 18 glacial lakes on Mount Durmitor
All our reviews are verified
We only invite travellers to leave a review if they have booked this trip with Much Better Adventures.
— Nadine, September 2022
Great experience- the accommodation, hiking, and guide were all excellent!
— Aine, August 2022
Great scenery, hikes are a challenge but not too difficult, lots of food and cute accommodation :)
— Daniel, June 2022
Very impressed with the trip, and how well everything was run by the local guides. Every part of the trip was well planned and organised.
— Nadine, September 2022
Great experience- the accommodation, hiking, and guide were all excellent!
— Rachel, September 2022
Very knowledgable guide, amazing scenery. The hiking was great, excellent safety precautions with respect to the weather on the mountain. Would do the trip again.
— Christopher, September 2022
The scenery was amazing and the hike was enjoyable! But due to weather conditions we had to change the plan for the second hiking day but the guide was quick to come up with a another plan, which was a very enjoyable visit to Europe's deepest canyon and zip lining, would highly recommend this trip!
— Kiki, September 2022
An absolutely brilliant adventure. Our guide Đurđica was incredible, so friendly, positive, tuned in to the groups ability and maintained a good pace. When the weather changed she was able to switch plans and still ensure we hiked and saw incredible parts of Montenegro. The mountains were stunning - really unspoilt, the group was a really lovely bunch of humans and the lake was perfect to cool off in after a hard days walking. Could not recommend enough.
— Priya, September 2022
Great weekend and such amazing views. The only way to see the true beauty of Montenegro. Durdica was AMAZING, really accommodating and very knowledgable. Due to weather, we didnt get to climb Durmitor but she managed to plan a full day of activities which were fantastic!
— Vera, June 2022
A place not to be missed.
— Stephen, August 2022
This was an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone who is fairly fit and isn't fazed by heights or climbing. Bobatov Kuk is quite a difficult climb, with some very steep sections. But the views are worth it. Due to delays getting across the border from Croatia to Montenegro (apparently this is frequently a source of very long delays, as it was for us), we were not able to go to the Black Lake on day 1, but the guides made sure that we were able to go there to swim on both days 2 and 3 to make up for that. It was really a very beautiful area and the scenery on the hikes was just so breathtaking. The guides were amazing - so friendly, interesting and accommodating. We had an amazing time.
Included
Guides
Expert, local, English-speaking guides
Accommodation
3 nights in a mountain chalet
Meals
3 dinners, 3 lunches, 3 breakfasts
Transfers
To and from the airport and everything in-between
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Tips for your guides
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Dubrovnik Airport, Croatia
12:30
Ends
Podgorica Airport, Montenegro
9:00
Transfers
You'll be picked up on day 1 at Dubrovnik Airport at 12:30, so make sure to book a flight which arrives in time for the meetup. On the final day, you'll be dropped off at Podgorica Airport at 9:00.
If you are already in Dubrovnik on day 1, you can take a shuttle bus connection to the airport: https://www.absolute-dubrovnik.com/travel-by-plane/dubrovnik-airport-shuttle-bus
You also have the option to be picked up in Podgorica on day 1 if you are already in Montenegro's capital city before the trip. If you prefer to be dropped off in the centre of Podgorica on day 4 then please let your host know during the trip.
Your host is not allowed to drop you back at Dubrovnik, but there are a number of ways you can get back there if you prefer to avoid internal flights and want to spend some time exploring Dubrovnik after the trip. The easiest option is an early morning direct bus connection between Podgorica and Dubrovnik and your host will drop you at the bus stop.
If you are unable to get the group transfer from the airport, you'll need to either hire a car or book a taxi to get to the start point (3 hour drive). Your host is unable to arrange a private transfer to the start point of the trip.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Dubrovnik and back from Podgorica from airports across the UK and Europe. Please arrive in Dubrovnik by 12:30 or earlier on day 1. You are free to book any departing flight that leaves Podgorica after 11:00 on the final day.
For adventurers looking to avoid air travel, you can reach Dubrovnik by a combination of rail and bus journeys via Zagreb and Split. Dubrovnik does not have a train station, however, it is easy to catch a bus there from the train station in Split. Podgorica Rail Station is well connected to Western Europe by train, transitting through Belgrade and Zagreb.
Day 1
Chalet · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Chalet · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Departure day
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Expect to eat fresh, home-cooked delicacies, including the region’s famous cheeses, as well as cured meats, fish and locally sourced fruits and vegetables. Be sure to sample the freshly baked bread and pastries such as Burek, an oily and crunchy pastry filled with a combination of cheese, meat, spinach and potatoes.
Vegans, vegetarians and other dietary requirements can be catered for, just let your host know in advance.
What is the accommodation like?
The mountains
You’ll stay in a twin-share room in a quaint mountain chalet in an area prized for its biodiversity. Rooms are comfortable but basic, while the chalet itself has Wi-Fi throughout.
Your host can arrange pre and post-trip accommodation if you wish. Please see Optional Extras for prices.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room 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).
Day 1
Black Lake
Hiking
2-3hrs · 4-5km · 200m up · 200m down
Driving
5-7hrs
Meet your host at Dubrovnik Airport and hit the road, crossing the border into Montenegro and stopping at Nikšić for a late lunch before continuing on to your chalet in the beautiful Durmitor National Park. Settle in, unpack and then head for a walk around Black Lake – don’t let the name fool you, it's famous for its clear, turquoise waters. Soak up the surroundings - grab a cold dip if you're feeling brave - then return to the chalet in time for dinner.
Day 2
Hike to the summit of Prutaš (2393m)
Hiking
7hrs · 13km · 700m up · 700m down
Lace-up your boots for a full day of hiking in Durmitor National Park. You'll cross idyllic landscapes to the village of Dobri Do, right at the foot of Prutaš - one of the largest peaks of the Durmitor mountain range at 2393m. You'll hike up to the top of Prutaš, with sweeping views opening up as you make your way to possibly the best viewpoint in this part of Montenegro.
Day 3
Reach Montenegro's highest peak
Hiking
6-8hrs · 14km · 900m up · 900m down
Wake up bright and early and head to the Katun Dobri Do trailhead at 1700m. Follow one of the Durmitor Massif’s most beloved trails, meandering through the wilds of the national park. Push on to the summit of Montenegro's highest point - Bobotov Kuk - where you’ll be greeted by incredible views of the glacial lakes in the valley beneath. Locals call these lakes 'the eyes of the mountain'. Head back to the chalet and celebrate over dinner with the rest of your team.
Day 4
Head to Podgorica
Enjoy a last breakfast in the mountains before heading to Podgorica, from where you can fly home or head off to your next adventure in Montenegro.
15% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 15% discount on us to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- Helmets and safety gear for the summit day
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Main backpack or duffel bag
- Daypack for the hikes
CLOTHES
- Hiking trousers
- Hiking shoes (broken in)
- Rain/windproof jacket
- Breathable wicking layers
- Several pairs of hiking socks
- Sandals/trainers
- Sun hat
- Buff or light neck scarf for sun protecton
- Warm layers for evenings at the chalet
- Shorts
- T-shirts
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel Insurance documents
- Earplugs
- Suncream
- Sunglasses
- Small flashlight or head torch
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle x1 ltr
- Energy bars and snacks
Pre/post trip accommodation in Zabljak (double/twin room)
Payable Before Departure
Pre/post trip accommodation in Zabljak (double/twin room)
… Per Night
Pre/post trip accommodation in Zabljak (single room)
Payable Before Departure
Pre/post trip accommodation in Zabljak (single room)
… Per Night
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
…
We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 229kg 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 for 2022 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 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 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. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.
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.
Days 2 and 3 are big hiking days, with 6-8 hours on your feet and up to 900m of ascent and descent, so you'll need good fitness levels and be comfortable out in the mountains for full days. There are no technical sections on the ascent of Bobotov Kuk, although the final step before the peak itself requires the assistance of a short stretch of fixed wire cables. You'll be kitted out with ropes and a helmet while your guide helps you safely navigate this section to reach the summit.
Sure can! Over 50% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Summer and early autumn are the best times to visit this part of Montenegro. Overnight lows in the mountains range from 3-8°C (37-46°F), and daily highs range from 13–20°C (55-68°F). Across the country, it generally rains about a third of the days each month.
Any excess luggage can be safely left in your mountain chalet accommodation while out on the hikes.
For current advice about travelling in Montenegro, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our adventures. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure.
Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you, your travel companion or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
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 (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.
Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.
Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.
Full Financial Protection
Your money is safe. Every booking is fully financially protected.
Pay In Installments
You can choose to pay for this trip in as many installments as you like, with no interest or fees.
