Majestic Mountains of Northern Montenegro Walk

Explore Kolasin, renowned for its pure mountain air, then relax in your comfortable 3* hotel before dinner.

After a short transfer, your first day starts at the beautiful (and popular) lake of Biogradska Gora, one of seven glacial lakes in the area. Our route follows the southern shore of the lake before turning uphill into the woods through ancient forest, with huge and magnificent trees. End the day at a cluster of traditional-style wooden huts at Vranjak. Transfer back to Kolasin.

We take you back to Vranjak this morning, then set off high in the mountains to the Troglava ridge with open pastures, gentle peaks and great panoramas.There's the option to detour to the highest peak of the Bjelasica mountains, the 'Crna Glava' (2139m) before you descend to the crystal clear waters of Lake Pesica. Enjoy the peace and beauty of the lake before climbing to the peak of 'Zekova Glava' (2117m). Descend to Vranjak (1800m) where we meet you for a panormamic transfer to Savnik (3 hrs) where you overnight.

This walk provides a contrasting experience to the previous days, following a beautiful limestone gorge all the way up into the Durmitor mountains. You initially follow an ancient track along the valley which rises gently, with frequent views of the spectacular cliffs of the gorge and the mountains ahead, including Bobotov Kuk, the highest peak. The surroundings become more open as you emerge above the forest and the gorge opens out onto wide pastureland, dotted with shepherds' huts. Short transfer to Virak where you overnight.

There is a choice of walk today.

For those looking for a challenge, we return to the Sedlo pass to the south of the main Durmitor peaks. Walk through spectacular limestone scenery before a steep ascent to the col just east of Bobotov Kuk, the highest point in Montenegro. From there, you have an optional detour to the summit (or an easier option halfway up to enjoy the beautiful view down to Skrcko lake). The long descent to Zabljak is steep in places and often rocky but is incredibly rewarding, passing the Ledena pecina (the 'Ice Cave') on the way, where ice formations exist all year round.

Alternatively, take a more gentle walk from the Sedlo pass, gradually descending along the valley floor before following the base of the cliffs on the far side. The route is very scenic, passing expanses of marshland and shallow lakes edged by mixed woodland. Continue to the Durmitor ski centre, located under the imposing peak of Savin Kuk, to Crno Jezero (Black Lake) along a lovely forest path which is used as a snowshoe trail in the winter. When you arrive at Crno Jezero, you have the option to walk around the lake before continuing through the forest back to Zabljak.

More choices of walk today. Either a tremendous yet challenging walk to the Crvena Greda mountain, at the northern fringe of the main Durmitor range, with panoramic views of the higher mountains to the south. The drama of the limestone scenery becomes evident as you walk on a narrow path first below and then above huge vertical cliffs. Traverse the mountainside through broken terrain until eventually the path turns downhill and re-enters the forest, at first characterised by maple, birch and rowan, then beech and finally the more extensive spruce and fir which eventually brings you back to Zabljak.

Alternatively, you can take an easier walk along the Tara Gorge. At 82km long it is the deepest gorge in Europe and the second deepest in the world. This walk provides a chance to admire it from above, following a rocky and dramatic path up and along the escarpment. At the summit you'll want to linger to enjoy the view before descending through juniper scrub into the forest below and on to the centre of Zabljak. Please note that return transfers on this walk are not included and should be paid locally (approx.30€ return).

You stay at Traditional hotels, guest houses and Ecokatuns.

hotel details

Traditional hotels, guesthouses and Eko katuns, North Montenegro

We use a selection of small, family run 3* hotels and HHH guesthouses, which are known for their friendly atmosphere, traditional hospitality and warm welcomes.

We also use eko katuns on 2 nights. Historically these were settlements in the mountains used by shepherds throughout the summer for grazing sheep and cattle. Modern day katuns are eco friendly tourist accommodation in the form of individual wooden or stone chalets. These are quite rustic and simple, but comfortable, with ensuite facilities. There is a restaurant on site providing meal options.

Medjed ('The Bear') is the imposing, pyramidal mountain in the middle of the view from Zabljak and seen dramatically from Crno Jezero. On each side of this mountain are beautiful, hidden glacial valleys. Our route takes you up from Crno Jezero to the Velika Kali valley. From the emergency shelter, at the head of the valley, just below the remnants of a glacier (2020m), the route ascends steeply to the Velika Previja pass (2145m) - an ideal lunch spot. A steep descent then takes you down into the lower and greener Lokvice valley. As you leave this valley, you rise up to a narrow slot called Tijesna Brojista ('narrow counting spot') which was once used to count the cattle. A lengthy descent through varied terrain and forest eventually brings you back to Zabljak.