Hiking the High Scardus Trail : Three-week trek through the mountains of North Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania

Following the borders of North Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania, the trail runs from Staro Selo on the edge of the Shar Mountains to the monastery of Saint Naum on the shores of UNESCO-listed Lake Ohrid, linking remote border ridges, high summits and traditional mountain villages over three challenging weeks. The route begins with an epic crossing of the Shar Mountains (Shar Planina), traverses the Korab and Deshat ranges, and includes an ascent of Mount Korab (2,764m), the highest mountain in both Albania and North Macedonia. Continuing south, the trail explores the Jablanica and Galichica mountains, often following the border ridge itself before descending into cirques, pastures, valleys and gorges, and finally reaching the Saint Naum Monastery beside Lake Ohrid. The High Scardus Trail is described in 22 daily stages and divided into three sections, with overnight stays in small mountain villages and options for wild camping close to the border ridge. This comprehensive guidebook provides everything you need to plan and complete this unforgettable trek with confidence, including 22 detailed stage-by-stage route descriptions with clear daily distances and navigation points, practical planning advice covering permits and border crossings, detailed information on accommodation and facilities, alternative routes where accommodation is limited, a fully described day trip to Mount Korab, essential safety guidance for remote mountain terrain, and downloadable GPX files for digital navigation. Combining high mountain scenery, cultural encounters and true wilderness walking, the High Scardus Trail offers a rewarding alternative to Europe's busier long-distance routes.