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 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 (2117m) 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 2.5hr drive to Žabljak, the gateway to Durmitor National Park. You're likely to take dinner en route and as night time descends, you'll arrive and check in to your cosy lakeside chalets. Get some rest, ready for your epic hiking adventures beginning tomorrow.
Day 2
Ascend Crvena Greda, AKA Red Rock Peak (2175m)
Hiking
After a restful night in Žabljak, fuel up with breakfast and drive to the base of the imposing Crvena Greda (2175m), also known as Red Rock Peak. Today's trek promises a variety of incredible natural landscapes – vibrant meadows, a panoramic summit and serene lakes – the perfect introduction to Montenegro's wild beauty. Begin your ascent at 1750m, threading through colourful flora. The trail leads steadily upward to the summit, where staggering views await of the park's highest peak (Bobotov Kuk), the entire Durmitor massif as well as dozens of glacial lakes in the valley below. Next, begin a panoramic descent via the picturesque Jablan Lake, a tranquil jewel nestled among the mountains, and finally reach the famous Black Lake, surrounded by dense forests and the towering Mount Bear. Don’t let the name fool you: Black Lake is famous for its clear, turquoise waters and if you dare, you can brave a cold dip to celebrate your first summit. Later, head back to the chalet and enjoy a tasty dinner with the rest of your team.
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
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 inbound flight back home. Doviđenja!
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 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 easily 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.
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. 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.
Montenegro’s coastline has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters, whereas the more mountainous area of Durmitor National Park has a sub-alpine climate with warm summers and cold winters. In the mountains, rainfall tends to be more frequent than in the coastal areas, although the weather in summer (between June and September) is generally excellent – with hot days, clear skies and the occasional rain shower. Average temperatures from May to October are generally in the mid-20s (°C) but can reach into the 30s (°C) in July and August. Note that temperatures do drop in the evenings by several degrees. High up in the summits you may also encounter cooler conditions and stormy weather cannot be ruled out at any time of year. Although your host will do their very best to run the itinerary as scheduled, this will always be subject to safe weather conditions.
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 the city can be arranged – 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 €120 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, 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 €150 and takes three hours; the shorter Tivat to Podgorica transfer costs €50-60 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.
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
- Backpack or duffel bag for your main luggage
- 25-35 litre daypack
CLOTHES
- Hiking trousers
- Hiking boots with good ankle support (broken in)
- 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)
- Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle x1 litre
- Energy bars and snacks
- Walking poles (optional)
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
…
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