The Albanian Alps are irresistibly drawing us in with their wild landscapes and deserted trails. We’re planning to head to Vermosh, a small village in the north of Albania, before setting off on foot to reach Vusanje in Montenegro.
This trek promises several days of hiking, with panoramic ridges, lush valleys, and encounters with local shepherds. But before we embark on this adventure, here’s everything you need to know to prepare for it!
🌍 Why hike from Vermosh to Vusanje ?
Located in the far north of Albania, Vermosh is part of the Kelmend region, one of the most remote areas in the country. Here, time seems to have stood still, and the landscapes are breathtaking: dense forests, crystal-clear rivers, and impressive peaks.
📍 The highlight? The route allows you to cross the border on foot to reach Vusanje, a Montenegrin village at the entrance to Prokletije National Park.
It’s perfect for those who love off-the-beaten-path treks and want to discover exceptional alpine landscapes.
🔖 The itinerary
📍 Distance: Around 30 km
📍 Duration: At least 2 days, depending on your pace
📍 Difficulty: Moderate to difficult (significant elevation change)
📍 Best time to go: From June to October
🚶♂️ Day 1 : Vermosh → Lëpushë
📍 Elevation gain: Approximately 800 meters
📍 Elevation loss: Approximately 400 meters
Starting from the village of Vermosh and gradually ascending to higher altitudes. Passing through isolated alpine pastures, where you might encounter shepherds and their flocks. Arriving at Lëpushë, a small hamlet where you can spend the night in a rustic guesthouse.
(Wikiloc trail link here)
🚶♀️ Day 2 : Lëpushë → Vusanje
📍 Distance: Around 15 km
📍 Elevation gain: Approximately 600 meters
📍 Elevation loss: Approximately 1000 meters
An early morning start for a day of high-altitude hiking. Crossing the natural border between Albania and Montenegro. A gradual descent towards Vusanje, with stunning views of the Gusinje Valley. Arrival in Vusanje in the late afternoon, a well-deserved rest!
🛏️ Where to Stay During the Trek ?
In Vermosh
- Hotel Vermoshi: A comfortable option with good amenities. You can check availability and book here.
- Peraj Guesthouse: Known for its warm hospitality and delicious homemade food. More details here.
- Under Stars House: A unique accommodation with glass structures offering stunning views of the night sky. Find out more here.
In Lëpushë
- Hotel Kelmendi: Located in Lëpushë, this hotel offers a peaceful stay with beautiful surroundings. Check availability here.
- Guest House Trojani : A guesthouse offering warm and friendly accommodation, perfect for a restful night after a day of hiking. booking.com
In Vusanje
In Vusanje, accommodation options can be more limited. It’s recommended to book in advance or ask locals about homestay possibilities. Here is a guest house available on booking.com
🚴♂️ How to Get Back to Vermosh After the Hike
After this wonderful adventure, there are several options to return to Vermosh without hassle:
🚖 Option 1: Return by Taxi (easy, but not the cheapest)
- Vusanje → Gusinje (5 km) On foot (1h) or by local taxi.
- Gusinje → Vermosh (30 km, mountain road) No public transport, but possible by private taxi (€20-30) or hitchhiking. Ask your accommodation to help arrange a return trip.
🚲 Option 2: Hiking Loop (to extend the adventure!)
- If you want to avoid the car and return on foot, you can make a loop: From Vusanje, take another trekking route via a trail that goes up to Bori and returns to Vermosh. It’s a less-traveled but beautiful path, allowing you to extend the mountain immersion. Duration: 2 additional days.
🚍 Option 3: Bus + Hitchhiking (budget-friendly, but long)
- Vusanje → Gusinje (5 km): on foot or by taxi.
- Gusinje → Plav (15 km): local bus or shared taxi (€2-3).
- Plav → Vermosh: no bus, but possible by hitchhiking or arranging a taxi transfer.
🌟 Practical Information Before You Go
📆 Ideal period: From June to October (excluding snowy periods).
🏨 Where to stay: Guesthouses in Vermosh, Lëpushë, and Vusanje. 📏 Budget: €10-30/day (meals + local accommodation).
🛂 Equipment to bring: Hiking boots, waterproof bag, warm jacket, … (find a complete list here).
📲 GPX Track of the Route
For hikers wishing to use a GPS track, a GPX track of the route is available on the Wikiloc website. It is recommended to download the track in advance and use it with a suitable GPS application for precise navigation throughout the trek.
🚀 Ready to explore the Albanian Alps?
This trek promises a complete immersion in nature, with wild trails and warm hospitality from the locals. Whether you choose the hiking loop or a return by taxi, adventure is guaranteed! As for us, we can’t wait to experience all this and share our impressions from the field with you!