The 3 Peaks Challenge in Montenegro
Summit three spectacular peaks in the UNESCO-listed Durmitor National Park, including a thrilling scramble up Bobotov Kuk
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guideHotel & Chalet
3 nights in lakeside chalets and 1 night in a 4* hotelMeals
All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinnersTransfers
To and from the airport and everything in betweenSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
…
What's it like?
Search for the ‘eyes of the mountain’ as you summit Crvena Greda (2164m) and brave a dip in the icy waters of Black Lake
Trek through wildly dramatic landscapes to the top of Prutaš (2393m), possibly the best viewpoint in the country
Bag the epic summit of Bobotov Kuk (2523m), the crowning peak of the Durmitor massif, on a challenging climb
Key Information
Day 1
To Durmitor National Park
Touch down in Podgorica Airport and receive a warm greeting from your host, before embarking on a scenic 2.5hr drive to Žabljak, the gateway to Durmitor National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll either enjoy dinner en route or at the restaurant within your cosy lakeside chalets. Once night falls, settle in and get some rest as you'll need your energy for the epic hiking adventures that await you.
Day 2
Ascend Crvena Greda, AKA Red Rock Peak (2164m)
Hiking
After a restful night in Žabljak, fuel up with breakfast and drive to the base of the imposing Crvena Greda (2164m), also known as Red Rock Peak. Today's trek takes you through a variety of stunning natural landscapes – vibrant meadows, panoramic summits, and serene lakes – a perfect introduction to Montenegro's wild beauty. The trail leads steadily upward to the summit, passing through sections of rocky terrain. At the top, breathtaking views of Bobotov Kuk, Durmitor's highest peak, await, along with glimpses of several glacial lakes scattered in the valleys below. After soaking in the views, begin your descent via the picturesque Jablan Lake, a peaceful gem nestled among the mountains. Continue downwards to the famous Black Lake, surrounded by dense forests and overlooked by the imposing Mount Bear. Despite its name, Black Lake is renowned for its clear, turquoise waters. If you're feeling adventurous, take a refreshing dip to celebrate your first summit of the trip. Later, return to your cosy chalet and enjoy a delicious dinner with the team, reflecting on a day well spent in the heart of Durmitor National Park.
Day 3
Skyward to Prutaš (2393m): hiking among Durmitor's giants
Hiking
Rise early and brace yourself for the ascent to Prutaš (2393m) in the wild heart of Durmitor National Park. The climb starts from the Šarban pass, where each turn reveals a new layer of mountain grandeur. The trail soon meanders through lush meadows and above the serene Skrčka lakes, with the towering peak of Bobotov Kuk watching over you from afar. Upon reaching the summit, you'll be greeted by one of the best viewpoints in the whole of Montenegro. Make your way back to the comfort of Žabljak, celebrating another fantastic hike over dinner, then rest up ready for your thrilling summit hike to Bobotov Kuk – the roof of Durmitor National Park – tomorrow.
Day 4
To the roof of Durmitor: summit Bobotov Kuk (2523m)
Hiking
Driving
Wake at sunrise and get ready for an exciting climb up Bobotov Kuk (2523m), the crowning peak of the Durmitor massif. It's considered the highest peak solely in Montenegro (although Zla Kolata in the Albanian Alps is 11m higher, that mountain sits only partly within the Montenegrin border). Reach the trailhead by transfer at 1725m and set off on a relatively gentle ascent. As you gain elevation, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged, culminating in a thrilling push to the summit. Here, you'll tackle some exposed sections along bolted-down iron cables with a bit of scrambling, requiring sure feet and a head for heights. Reaching the top will reward your efforts, as you'll be greeted with staggering vistas stretching all the way across Montenegro and into Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania. You will truly feel atop the roof of Montenegro! Once you're back down, hop on a 2.5 hr ride back to Podgorica where you'll check in at a comfortable city hotel and enjoy a hot shower. Tonight, join your group for a well-earned farewell dinner, sharing tales of the great trails and peaks you've traversed this week!
Day 5
Goodbye Montenegro!
Your adventure in Montenegro comes to an end after breakfast, when your host will drive you to the airport in time for your morning flight back home. Doviđenja!
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Podgorica Airport, Montenegro
20:00 on Day 1
Ends
Podgorica Airport, Montenegro
AM on Day 5
Transfers
You'll be picked up at Podgorica Airport 20:00 on Day 1, so make sure you book a flight which arrives in plenty time for the meet up. If you are already in Podgorica prior to Day 1, pick up from a central city location can be arranged if requested in advance of travel – just contact your host to request this.
Your trip ends in Podgorica and on Day 5 you'll take a group transfer to Podgorica Airport in time for your morning flight. For those needing transportation to different locations (such as car rental pickup) or at other times/days, taxis between Podgorica city centre and the airport can easily be arranged locally at your own expense for a cost of approximately €10-12.
If you decide to extend your trip in Žabljak and therefore need to transfer to/from there independently, you can opt to travel by bus (fares from €12 per person) or by taxi (approximately €130 per journey).
Travel options
There are regular direct flights to Podgorica from London and Manchester (with Wizzair and Ryanair) as well as from the rest of Europe.
Alternatively, you may choose to fly in and out to Tivat on the coast of Montenegro (Tivat offers direct connections with other regional airports in the UK, such as Birmingham, as well as the rest of Europe). If you use this airport, you can ask your host to provide you with the details of a trusted transfer company who can deliver you to either Podgorica or Durmitor National Park to join the rest of your group. A Tivat to Durmitor transfer costs €180 and takes three and a half hours; the shorter Tivat to Podgorica transfer costs €60-70 and takes two hours.
Another option is to fly to Dubrovnik in Croatia, and make your own way to Podgorica. However, please be aware that during the summer season, significant queues can form at the Croatia–Montenegro border.
Whichever route you choose, please inform your host of your arrival plans well in advance in order to ensure a smooth start to your adventure.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Start each day with a diverse continental breakfast, where cereals, bread, butter, jam, honey, cheese, eggs, bacon and a selection of teas and coffees will fuel you up for the hikes. Come lunchtime on the trail, your guide will arrange some sandwich picnics including a medley of fresh bread, meats, cheeses, tomatoes, and cucumber. As the evening draws in, enjoy some tasty group dinners where the culinary traditions of Montenegro take the spotlight. Dishes will be hearty and served in large portions, including traditional soups, locally-grown vegetables and regional dairy and meat dishes. Feel free to bring along any preferred snacks for the trail, especially if you have a sweet tooth, for that extra boost of energy during the hikes. Please note that drinks consumed with included lunches and dinners are at your own expense.
Whilst your host can cater for vegetarians, it may be more difficult to cater for special diets. The accommodation hosts are usually good at accommodating different dietary requirements but a vegan and gluten free diet may lack variety. For this reason we recommend supplementing your diet with food products and snacks from home. Please let us know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.
What is the accommodation like?
Žabljak
While in Durmitor National Park you'll spend three nights at a unique lakeside accommodation – Etno Selo Zminica. Nestled in the heart of the majestic northern Montenegro, the property offers a tranquil retreat just a stone's throw from Žabljak and the natural wonders of Durmitor National Park. You'll be accommodated in twin-share rooms, either in the main guesthouse or in separate chalets with lake or forest views. Occasionally (subject to availability), you may be accommodated in two-bedrooms chalets, sharing a bathroom between the two rooms.
Podgorica
Spend the final night of the trip at either Hotel Aurel or Hotel Lazaro, which are both modern 4-star hotels. You'll stay in bright, good-sized rooms on a twin-share basis.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, subject to availability – see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this with your host. You are encouraged to request this at the time of booking your trip as this optional extra is subject to availability.
This trip has been rated as Challenging
The average hiking time per day is 5-8 hours, with average distances of 10-15km on rolling or mountainous terrain. There are some steep ascents and descents you'll be tackling in order to reach your summits at altitudes of up to 2500m, but all days can be easily managed if you have previous hiking experience and a good level of fitness. The first two summits (Crvena Greda/Red Rock Peak and Prutas) are usually considered of moderate difficulty, with no particular challenges other than some steep sections typical of mountainous terrain. The final hike up Bobotov Kuk will be more challenging: it includes some parts that will really get your heart pounding, with some short areas which require holding onto a bolted cables, and a bit of scrambling towards the top. You'll need to be sure-footed and unafraid of heights. You will be required to wear well-broken-in mid or high ankle hiking boots with Vibram soles as they are essential for navigating the rocky and varied terrain of Bobotov Kuk. If you decide not to attempt the final exposed section to the summit, there is always the option to wait for the group (up to one hour) to return while soaking in some beautiful mountain views. As a safe ascent of Bobotov Kuk is reliant on suitable weather conditions, in the event of adverse weather such as heavy rain or thunderstorms, your guide reserves the right to switch the hike to an alternative peak with your safety in mind.
Montenegro enjoys over 250 sunny days annually, making it ideal for sun-lovers. Montenegro's coastal regions enjoy a Mediterranean climate, while Podgorica experiences very hot summers. In Podgorica, July and August temperatures often exceed 35°C (95°F), with long, dry days. In contrast, Durmitor National Park offers cooler summers, with daytime temperatures ranging from 18-24°C (64-75°F), sometimes reaching 28-29°C (82-84°F) on the warmest days. Evenings can see significant drops in temperature. While summer weather is generally favourable, unpredictable mountain storms are possible. Your host will prioritise safety and adjust the itinerary if necessary due to weather conditions.
Wonderful!
Really well organised, Momir and Luka were great guides and looked after us. Great accommodation and a wonderful group… lots of food!! The mountains were challenging but completed at a pace that suited the entire group. Montenegro is beautiful and the people there lovely.
Amazing Place!
Really loved the trekking here with our main guide Luka, and the organiser Momir. They kept us entertained with jokes and stories, kept us safe, and gave us good information about the areas we trekked in and overall made it an amazing experience. Durmitor National Park is beautiful and you experience different environments and scenery as you make your way up the mountains. The bonus was meeting dogs on various parts of the trek! Loved it!
Amazing trip!
Really enjoyed the trip to Montenegro - Luka and Momir were great guides - kept us safe and were good fun too. The hike up Bobotov Kuk was the highlight - stunning scenery and the pace and level of challenge was spot on!
Great trip in the heart of Montenegro
I really enjoyed this trip, which I added on top of my travel in Montenegro. It was really well organized and the atmosphere was superb. Our main guide, Luka, was fantastic and made sure that everyone was getting the best out of the trip. I wish it was longer!
Review
A varied and rich insight into the mountains and countryside of Montenegro with comfortable accommodation and food set in a beautiful village.
Brilliant trip The guide (Ozren)
Brilliant trip The guide (Ozren) was excellent, Accommodation (as a couple) was very good
Great trip!
Myself and a friend had a really good time on this trip. Balsa was a great guide who very much helped us out / ensured we were all going at a pace that was comfortable for us. He also kindly helped advise us on our onward travels in Montenegro. The scenery was incredible and I would definitely recommend!
Hiking in the mountains
Great trip. Well organised and a great guide in Balsa. So calm and helpful. Great to be in the beautiful and peaceful mountains. plenty of food and great accommodation.Would definitely recommend this trip.
Great trip cant wait to visit again
Travelled with a friend and after a 4 hour delay (which was catered for by Momir no problem at all) arrived at the accommodation.
Accommodation exceeded expectations, food was great, the days were perfectly planned and our guide Oz was a legend!
I think we were lucky that the group were really friendly which added to the experience which I would love to repeat as the scenery was breathtaking!
Can’t wait to book the next one!
Superb few days!
Great trip expertly organised from start to finish by Momir and Oz. They accommodated a 4 hour delay on our outbound flight which set the the tone of nothing been too much trouble.
Each day was challenging but very rewarding and the accommodation was modern clean and very comfortable.
Looking forward to coming back and exploring further!
Three scenic climbs
Enjoyed climbing three mountains in an area of Europe I've not visited before. Accommodation was great, but the lodge was let down by lack of air conditioning. Included meals were mostly good, some were perhaps overcooked. A bit disappointing we weren't able to climb Bobotov Kuk, due to uncertainties around the weather, but the substitute was still a decent climb.
Breathtaking Views and great hiking
Our trip was Saturday to Wednesday, my daughter (21) and I. We both loved it and will be booking more trips. The small group (9) was a great size to get to know everyone and have good chats during and after the hiking. The hiking itself was very well guided, challenging but well paced always enjoyable. As in my title, the scenery was spectacular. Our hosts in Montenegro were very accommodating, which led to a stress free break. The accommodation exceeded our expectations.
Amazing scenary and challenge level
Perfect for a few days to get away. Accommodation, food, difficulty level and amount of free time all perfect. Scenary was spectacular. Lake swimming was a real highlight.
Itinerary Activities
- Guided hike to summit Crvena Greda (2175m), endind at Black Lake
- Guided hike to summit Prutaš (2393m)
- Guided hike to summit Bobotov Kuk (2523m)
Guides
- Expert, local, English-speaking guide
Accommodation
- 3 nights in lakeside chalets
- 1 night in a 4* hotel
Meals
All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:
- 4 continental-style breakfast
- 3 packed lunches
- 4 hearty dinners
Transfers
- Group arrival transfer from Podgorica Airport on Day 1
- Group departure transfer to Podgorica Airport on Day 5
- Transfers during the trip
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 but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however your host suggests the below as a guideline:
- Waiters: 10-15% of the bill
- Drivers: €2-€5 per person, per day
- Guides: €10-€15 per person, per day
- Assistant Guides: €5-€10 per person, per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
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 are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
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.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Suitcase, backpack or duffel bag for your main luggage
- 20-30 litre daypack
CLOTHES
- Hiking trousers
- Hiking boots with good ankle support (broken in) are mandatory
- Rain/windproof jacket
- Breathable wicking layers
- A few pairs of hiking socks
- Sandals/trainers
- Sun hat
- Buff or light neck scarf, for sun protection
- Warm layers for evenings
- Shorts
- T-shirts
- Swimwear and towel
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)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle 2 x 1 litre
- Energy bars and snacks
- Hiking poles
Additional Night in Podgorica Single Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Podgorica Single Room
… Per Night
Additional Night in Podgorica Twin/Double Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Podgorica Twin/Double Room
… Per Night
Additional Night in Zabljak Single Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Zabljak Single Room
… Per Night
Additional Night in Zabljak Twin/Double Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Zabljak Twin/Double Room
… Per Night
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
…
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 120kg 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 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. 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.
Marta Marinelli, raised in Italy’s serene Prosecco Hills, dreamt of global adventures, inspired by her father's travel stories. Her passion evolved into a career, backed by a decade of studies including degrees in international tourism and destination management. She’s worked in the adventure travel sector since 2012, living in Italy, the UK, and now sunny Portugal.
Over twenty years, Marta has explored over 55 countries, visiting remote areas like Ghana, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Haiti and Nepal’s Upper Mustang region. As a Senior Adventure Expansion Manager at Much Better Adventures, she focuses on creating life-changing experiences, ranging from multi-activity adventures, challenging treks to ultimate adventures in iconic places. She loves the challenge of finding the best local adventure hosts around the world, collaborating on adventures that offer genuine immersion, pushing beyond the beaten path and working on exclusive itineraries that challenge your comfort zone.
What makes her tick? Enabling people to live adventure-rich lives while positively impacting and empowering local communities around the world, generating sustainable opportunities for both the host, guides, community, and the environment.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however your host suggests the below as a guideline:
Waiters: 10-15% of the bill Drivers: €2-€5 per person per day Guides: €10-€15 per person per day Assistant Guides: €5-€10 per person per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Any excess luggage can be safely left in your mountain chalet accommodation while out on the hikes. You'll only need to take and a 25-35 litre backpack with to carry what you need for the day – which may include a rain jacket, fleece, t-shirts, camera, sun cream, water and picnic lunch. On hot days you will carry fewer clothes, but more drinking water.
In the event of poor weather such as unmelted snow, heavy rain, strong winds and/or storms, it is possible that conditions may become unsafe to summit the mountains on this trip. This is particularly relevant for the final summit hike to Bobotov Kuk, where trails can easily become unsafe due to slippery conditions. Your guide will assess the weather for summit days with your safety in mind. If it becomes necessary to make a change to the planned itinerary, you'll either hike as far as is safe to do so, or be offered an alternative hike (such as Savin Kuk (2313m), which is less challenging but safer in adverse conditions).
This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely high during the times of year when this trip operates. High humidity and limited access to shade can also be factors, and warm temperatures can continue into the nighttime, which additionally influence the body’s ability to cool down. Personal care should be taken to keep cool as best possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration. Very high temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at cooler temperatures. People may experience symptoms associated with dehydration and Heat Stroke. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.
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 (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 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.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
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