Damn it - adventure in the heart of wild beauty 11.-18.07.2026.
Damn it - adventure in the heart of wild beauty 11.-18.07.2026.
Damn, the mountain range on the border between Montenegro and Albania, is one of the harshest and most inaccessible mountain areas of the Balkan Peninsula. Damn it or Bjeshket e Nemuna, the meaning is the same: Damn or haunted mountains. On both the Montenegrin and Albanian sides, the area was declared a National Park; in Montenegro the NP Prokletije, and in Albania the NP Valbona. Damn they prey on vastness, cruelty and mysticism. The vast and deserted area is permeated with alpine landscapes (hence the name of the Albanian Alps) as almost nowhere in the Dinaric region: deep valleys, serrated, hard-to-reach peaks, glacial lakes and wild rivers with numerous waterfalls. The highest peak of Prokletij, but also of the entire Dinaric highlands, is Maja Jezerce (2694m), located in Albania. Also, there is the highest peak of Montenegro, Zla Kolata (2534m), as well as the highest peak of Kosovo, Gjeravica (2656m).
Pronunciation ’All the mountains on one side and the damned on the other side“” was not accidental.
itinerary
FIRST DAY
We leave Zagreb at 6 o'clock. With a few stops (plus two borders), we arrive in Gusinje in the late afternoon or early evening.
The Second Day
Getting up and having breakfast. Today we are waiting for the tame side of Prokletija, i.e. three peaks, Volušnica (1879m), Italian (2057m) and Popadija (2030m). These three peaks are connected by a circular trail and, as a rule, are always the subject of the same excursion. It could be said that these three peaks are the central part of Prokletij. From them can be seen both the tame and the cruel parts of the Curse. Also, the most damned peaks can be seen from these three points. They say there is no way that the view from Volušnica, Italian and Popadija leaves you indifferent. The trail is 12 km long and overcomes 1000m of altitude difference. After returning to the hotel, resting and showering, we go to dinner, and further as anyone wants, socializing or going to sleep.
The Third Day
Getting up and having breakfast. For today's day, the ascent to Zlo Kolat (2534m), the highest peak of Montenegro, is planned. We are driven by an off-road vehicle until the start of the track. This trail is not circular, so we go back to the vehicle on the same path. The trail is 14 km long (all together) and overcomes the altitude difference of 900m. After returning to the hotel, resting and showering, we go to dinner, and further as anyone wants, socializing or going to sleep.
FOURTH DAY
Getting up and having breakfast. Today is a day of rest. Our goal is the nearby town of Plav and Blue Lake. There are various activities available on the lake, from swimming, sailing, diving and rowing, to easy walks. Lunch/dinner will be served at the lake or in Blue. After returning to the hotel, as in previous days, rest, socialize... or go to bed immediately.
The Fifth Day
Getting up and having breakfast. Today we cross the border, our goal is Buni Lakes located in Albania. It is about six lakes at a height of 1700m. Most of them dry out during the summer, but most of them always have water. Along the way, we will pass by the Grlja waterfall, local attractions, as well as the source of the Skakavica River, due to its shape called Around Skakavica. The length of the trail is 18 km and overcomes 800m of altitude difference. After returning to the hotel, resting and showering, we go to dinner, and further as anyone wants, socializing or going to sleep.
The Sixth Day
Getting up and having breakfast. We have a light day again today. Our goal is a picnic area Zabodište, at a height of 1300m. The Zabodište offers an excellent view of two valleys, Ropojane and Grebaje, as well as the entire Pirate Basin. Of course, above these valleys are the peaks of the Curse. The trail on Zabodiište is not circular, and it is 4 km long in one direction. After returning to the hotel, resting and showering, we go to dinner, and further as anyone wants, socializing or going to sleep.
The Seventh Day
Getting up and having breakfast. Today we are waiting for one lesser known, relatively easily accessible peak, Podgojs (2021m). Although less known, local guides put it in the program. It is not without reason, the views from it are excellent, and it is easily accessible, which can not be said for a large number of curse tops. The trail is 15 km long (all together in both directions) and overcomes 1000m of altitude difference. After returning to the hotel, resting and showering, we go to dinner, and further as anyone wants, socializing or going to sleep.
OTHER DAY
Getting up and having breakfast. We pack things and head back to Zagreb, the same way we came. With a few stops (plus two borders) we arrive in Zagreb in the evening.
Locations
Departure
Conditional Difficulty
| K1 - Light | Less than 5 hours walk |
| K2 - Moderately demanding | 5-7 hours walk |
| K3 - Demanding | 7 - 9 hours walk |
| K4 - Very demanding | More than 9 hours walk |
Technical Difficulty
| T1 - Undemanding | Walking without the use of hands and tools |
| T2 - Moderately demanding | Walking and occasional use of hands, easy climbing |
| T3 - Demanding | Occasional climbing with the use of hands and aids (clicks and steel ropes). Winter use of dereza and cepina as needed |
| T4 - Very demanding | Longer and more demanding paths of secured roads, constant climbing. |
List of things that would be good to have with you
- Nutcrackers
- Jacket, fleece, gloves
- Hat or scarf, sunglasses
- Mountain sticks (who wants)
- Sandwiches (or something else), sweets, dried fruits, energy bars
- Water, 2.5 - 3 L
- Identity card or passport – OBLIGATIONAL
The price includes
- Passenger van transport (8 passengers)
- Toll and fuel costs
- Guide and organization of excursions
- Local/local guide costs
- Local transfer costs (off-road vehicles)
- Tickets for NP Prokletije
- Accommodation in hotel*** based on bed and breakfast (7 nights)
- Warranty insurance
- VAT
Price does NOT include
- Personal consumption (coffee, drink, food)
- Tickets to the museum, etc.
MOUNTAIN & FOREST TRAVEL d.o.o.
10000 Zagreb
IBAN: HR1724020061101070196
By responding to the excursion, each individual confirms that he/she is familiar with the conditions of the excursion, and that he/she meets the health and physical conditions for safe participation on the excursion.
English (UK) 
