Hike the Sharr Mountains in Kosovo & North Macedonia
Two countries, a couple of 2500m peaks and a spectacularly wild border-hopping route through forests and over mountain ridges
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesAll accommodation
3 nights in hotels, 1 night in a mountain hut, 2 nights in guesthouses and 1 night wild campingMeals
All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenEquipment
All of your camping equipmentSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
…
What's it like?
Trek 95km of the High Scardus Trail, one of Europe's newest long-distance hiking routes known as the 'Soul of the Balkans'
Tackle the lofty summits of Ljuboten (2498m) and Tito (2748m) for the best views in the rugged Sharr Mountains
Hike along the border between Kosovo and North Macedonia, brimming with glacial lakes, alpine plateaus and dramatic limestone cliffs – eyes peeled for bears, boars, lynx and deer
Bunk down in a cosy mountain hut, wild camp in a remote spot under the stars and rest your weary legs in a spa hotel
Key Information
Day 1
Meet your crew in Pristina
Arrive in Pristina, Kosovo's capital – the youngest capital city in Europe. Meet your fellow travellers and get a quick pre-trip briefing with your host, before getting a good night's sleep ahead of your first day of hiking tomorrow.
Day 2
One summit, two countries
Hiking
After breakfast in Pristina you'll be driven to the village of Shterpce, close to the border with North Macedonia, where your hike into the wild Sharr Mountains begins. Starting at 1000m, you'll hike up through an enchanting forest (eyes peeled for lynx and bears) before the trail opens to a panoramic view of the entire Sharr range. You'll hike up to the summit of Ljuboten, a local favourite, which at 2498m stands alone from the peaks around it and can be seen from both Pristina and Skopje. Having climbed up in Kosovo, you descend into North Macedonia, as you make your way to the country's oldest mountain hut. The historic Ljuboten Mountain Hut – built in 1931 – promises a warm and cosy evening of traditional food, good company and intriguing tales of the surrounding mountains and their adventurous history.
Day 3
Hike the border ridge and cool off at Livadica Lake
Hiking
After fueling up with a hearty mountain breakfast an exciting day of hiking awaits. Warm up your legs on a charming single-track trail to start the day before reaching the bottom of a rocky scramble. As you ascend, enjoy Ljuboten's quirkily named rock formations – including Ljuboten's Neck, Goat Rock and Pointed Rock. Your midday reprieve awaits at the picturesque Livadica Lake, offering not only the chance to refuel but also an opportunity to cool off with a refreshing swim (braving the cold lake waters if you fancy it). The views from this vantage point are nothing short of spectacular. After lunch, it's downhill back into Kosovo and the mountain resort of Brezovica, where your guesthouse awaits.
Day 4
Another border hopping trail
Hiking
Hop in the van for a quick transfer to today's start point above the village of Lubinje, one of the most lush and captivating sections of the Sharr Mountains. Venture through the heart of a dense forest, where the trail winds its way amidst towering trees and serene surroundings. As you climb, the trees thin to reveal a panoramic vista of high, rugged peaks. Ascend the pass that marks the border with North Macedonia discover to a refreshing oasis – a natural spring and small lake beckon for a brief respite before the final ascent. Having conquered the pass, enjoy a gradual descent to the charming Macedonian village of Vetjse.
Day 5
Waterfalls and glacial lakes
Hiking
Another quick transfer takes you to the start of today's trail, which weaves beneath some of the Sharr Mountains' most stunning peaks. You'll hike up through pasture, over rocky terrain and past waterfalls until reaching the glacial gem of Karanikola Lake. After another incredible day, and a thorough exploration of the northern Sharr Mountains, it's time to descend to the remote village of Bozovce before driving on to the resort of Popova Shapka. After a few nights in rustic mountain accommodation, kick back and relax with a night in a spa hotel complete with a pool and sauna, a chance to rejuvenate before tomorrow's big day.
Day 6
Climb Tito and wild camp under the stars
Hiking
Limber up the legs for another big day of climbing, tackling the highest peak in the Sharr Mountains. At 2748m, Tito is also the second-highest summit in North Macedonia – the highest not shared with a neighbouring country. At the summit stands a curious tower overlooking stunning 360-degree views of the expansive mountain range you have traversed. Taking a detour from the summer trail on the way down takes you to a hidden camping spot on the mountain for a unique night under the stars. Your hosts will prepare a comfortable wild camp, complete with warm food brought up from the valley. It's sure to be a special night and the perfect way to end your mountain adventure.
Day 7
Glacial lakes and mountain scenes
Hiking
Wake up in your beautiful wild camping spot, have breakfast, and embark on your final day of hiking out of the mountains. Last is definitely not least, as another stunning day's walk awaits. Descending from camp you reach the Smreka River before climbing above Bogovinje Lake, the largest lake in the Sharr Mountains. You traverse Kosovo's 'Silent Waters', passing Shutman Lake and finally descend to the village of Brod. Celebrate with a beer at a local hotel before your host drives you on to Prizren, where you have the evening to enjoy the charming city. Head out and swap stories with your new hiking friends over a traditional Kosovan meal.
Day 8
Goodbye Kosovo!
After breakfast in Prizren, and a short walk around the old city, your host will transfer you back to Pristina and the airport.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Pristina Airport
Arrive by 22:30 on Day 1
Ends
Pristina Airport
20:00 on Day 8
Transfers
Your transfer will collect you on Day 1, in time for flights arriving before 22:30, and will drop you back at the airport at 20:00 on Day 8, in time for your evening return flight. If you arrive outside of these times, your host can arrange a private transfer for an extra cost. Please see Optional Extras for more details.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Pristina from major airports across the UK and Europe.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Your host will be able to give you recommendations for eating out on the first night, and on the last night you’ll enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. You’ll have a choice from a few dishes, with extra orders and drinks payable separately. Throughout the trip, the food reflects local flavours and traditions. Each morning in your accommodation, you'll enjoy local delicacies like homemade bread with Sharr cheese, fresh veggies, eggs, mountain tea, and Turkish coffee for breakfast. When hiking, picnic lunches include a sandwich, fruit and biscuits. Dinners include savoury burek pies, hearty casseroles, spiced sausages, roasted lamb, stuffed peppers and fresh vegetables. You may want to also bring a few personal snacks to keep you going whilst hiking.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just let your host know on booking.
What is the accommodation like?
Pristina
Your first night will be spent in Pristina (Kosovo), usually at the Museum Hotel. You'll be in twin-share rooms with private bathrooms. It's in an excellent location and offers friendly service.
Ljuboten
You'll spend one night in the Ljuboten mountain hut (North Macedonia). The hut was built in 1931 and has a capacity of around 35 people. You'll stay in same-sex shared rooms with 2-3 people per room, with shared toilets and kitchen facilities. Breakfast, a packed lunch, and a traditional dinner are all provided while at the hut.
Village guesthouses
On Day 3, you'll stay in a guesthouse in the mountain village of Brezovica (Kosovo) in same-sex shared rooms with 2-3 people per room. On Day 4, you'll stay in the Hostel Hana in Vetjse (North Macedonia) in same-sex dorms with shared bathroom facilities.
Popova Shapka
For the night in Popova Shapka (North Macedonia) you'll stay in the Hotel Scardus, a 4-star spa hotel with pool and sauna facilities. You'll be in a same-sex twin- or triple-share rooms, which are ensuite. Breakfast, a packed lunch and dinner are included during your stay.
Tito camp
Your sixth night will be spent camping under the stars with stunning views of the mountain range when you unzip your tent in the morning. You'll share a tent with one fellow adventurer tonight.
Prizren
Your final night will be spent in a hotel in Prizren (Kosovo). This will usually be the Hotel Alvida Prizren, which offers rooms with private bathrooms, an excellent location and friendly service.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and solo tent 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).
This trip has been rated as Challenging
This trek has multiple long days with plenty of climbing up and down, so you should be in good shape and used to walking in the hills for consecutive days. Although not technically difficult, the hiking and topping a number of peaks is bound to make you puff so some strong walking legs will go a long way. The Sharr Mountains are pretty similar to most European mountain climates: cold and snowy in the winter and sunny and pleasant in the summer.
We recommend going on this trip between May and October when daytime temperatures in Pristina average between 21-27°C and days are usually in the region of 10-17°C in the mountains. It gets cool at night with the potential for temperatures to hover only a few degrees above freezing, so make sure you pack some warm clothing too.
Like any mountain environment, be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. Although the summers are generally nice and warm, the rain can set in without a moment's notice, so do pack accordingly. A layering system is essential in the mountains.
What will I need to carry?
You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you, and then a good-sized and comfortable backpack to carry personal items during each day of hiking. You'll have access to your main luggage on nights 4, 5 and 7. Between these nights (i.e. days 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7), you'll need to carry overnight belongings and your daily hiking kit, lunch and water.
The Sharr Mountains are pretty similar to most European mountain climates: cold and snowy in the winter and sunny and pleasant in the summer.
We recommend going on this trip between May and October when daytime temperatures in Pristina average between 21-27°C and days are usually in the region of 10-17°C in the mountains. It gets cool at night with the potential for temperatures to hover only a few degrees above freezing, so make sure you pack some warm clothing too.
Like any mountain environment, be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. Although the summers are generally nice and warm, the rain can set in without a moment's notice, so do pack accordingly. A layering system is essential in the mountains.
Paul M Europes Hidden Gem
This was an Incredible trip to a less visited region of Europe. The scenery throughout the hikes in both Kosovo and North Macedonia was absolutely breathtaking. This part of Europe can only be described as one of Europe's hidden gems. The trip also combines seeing the sights of Kosovos capital Pristina and also the city of Prizren on the final night. The guides were extremely helpful and friendly, the traditional Kosovan and North Macedonian food choices were incredible. I couldn’t recommend this trip enough.
Amazing hiking adventure off the beaten track!
This was my first trip with Much Better Adventures and I’m over-the-top excited about how amazing it was! The trip takes you on an adventure off the beaten track in stunning Kosovo and North Macedonia, crossing borders in the mountains (how cool is that?), through stunning and varied nature. Add to this, various challenging hikes with breathtaking views, super friendly locals, delicious food and fantastic guides who love to share their passion for the mountains (thank you so much Uta, Meto and Nadir). And not to forget an amazing group of fellow adventurers to share all the special moments and lots of laughs with.
If you're looking for an epic hiking adventure off the beaten track, I highly recommend this trip!
The road less travelled
This is truly an incredible trip full of wild scenery and wide open spaces far away from main tourist routes. The Sharr Mountains are breathtaking and hopping between Kosovo and Macedonia was a great experience. We stayed in some unforgettable locations - from mountain huts to local villages - and the food was always delicious. If you're looking for a very varied multi-day hiking trip that's challenging but super rewarding look no further.
Fantastic multi day hike experiencing
Fantastic multi day hike experiencing the best of the Sharr Mountains, across the Kosovan - Macedonian border. Fantastic food, and great experience staying in local villages and mountain huts in a relatively tourist-free part of the world. Would highly recommend this trip
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's included?
- Tent
- Sleeping bag and liner
- Roll mat
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Duffel bag for excess kit
- Day pack (35+ litres/big enough to carry overnight belongings on some trekking days - see FAQs for more details)
CLOTHES
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm jacket or fleece
- Thin, wicking base layers (top and bottom)
- Additional upper body layers and trousers/shorts (not cotton)
- Hiking boots/shoes (worn-in, waterproof)
- Walking socks
- Warm hat and gloves
- Something to sleep in
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Sun protection
- Reusable water bottle
- Head torch
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Extra night in Pristina
Payable Before Departure
Extra night in Pristina
…
Optional Private Room and Tent Upgrade (Nights 1, 5, 6 and 7 only)
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room and Tent Upgrade (Nights 1, 5, 6 and 7 only)
… Per Person
Private Airport Transfer
Payable Before Departure
Private Airport Transfer
… Per Person
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 220.86kg 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.
Yes, you can leave any luggage you don't want on the hike with the host, it will be transported by vehicle and available on Days 4, 5 and 7.
This trip visits locations at or above 2500m. At this altitude some people may experience symptoms associated with Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Previous experience at high altitude is not necessarily an indicator of future performance. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with altitude, by carefully managing the rate of ascent and 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. Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover up to the maximum altitude visited on this trip as well as emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.
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.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
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.
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 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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DEPARTURE DATES
Thursday 12th June 2025
to Thursday 19th June 2025
Early Bird Offer - Next 4 spots available at 5% off
Thursday 26th June 2025
to Thursday 3rd July 2025
Early Bird Offer - Next 3 spots available at 5% off
