Albanian highlands intermediate week 2 (25 August-03 september 2027)
The expedition
Over 8 days, you move through a longer and more demanding route in the remote mountains of northern Albania, close to the borders with Kosovo and Montenegro. The expedition takes you into higher terrain, with more challenging navigation, longer days and more technical sections.
Guided by an experienced crew, you will operate as a team while developing more advanced field and mountain skills. Depending on conditions and the chosen route, the expedition may include technical descents over rocky terrain and rappelling.
This is a non-supported expedition. You carry what you need, individually and as a team, and learn to operate autonomously while managing resources, energy and decisions collectively. Our crew remains responsible for route planning, risk management and access to local emergency support.
Requirements
This expedition requires a strong level of physical fitness and previous mountain experience.
Before applying, you should have completed multiple multi-day mountain treks and be comfortable hiking consecutive days with a loaded pack in challenging terrain. You should be confident with elevation, steep terrain and long days of physical effort, and comfortable operating in changing mountain conditions.
What do we mean by “a strong level of physical fitness”?
Being able to carry a backpack around 15kg and walk a daily distance around 15-20 kilometers.
Prior technical climbing or rappelling experience is not required. Before the expedition, a dedicated preparation session covering the fundamentals of climbing, rappelling and rope techniques will be provided by a certified climbing guide.
You do not need to be an expert. You do need to be physically prepared, comfortable in the mountains and willing to learn, contribute and take responsibility as part of a team.
Core skills
Throughout the expedition, you will develop and apply:
Advanced survival & fieldcraft — military-derived principles adapted for expedition use
Mountain navigation & movement — route selection, pacing and decision-making in complex terrain
Wilderness First Aid — field assessment, treatment and evacuation decision-making
Technical mountain movement — Climbing, steep descents and, depending on conditions, rappelling, crossing rivers,..
Cold exposure & breathing — controlled exposure and managing acute discomfort
Group dynamics — communication, leadership and decision-making under pressure
Wild food foraging — guided by a local expert with knowledge of the region
Program
Day of Arrival/Day Zero: Logistics, briefing and dinner provided
Day 1-8: On route, 6 days food on field and 2 days local
Day 8 evening: Closing event with BBQ
Day 9: Day of departure to Tirana with provided transport
Route
The average length of the route will be around 100 kilometers. The route is more challenging then the basic expedition, more altitude, more difficult crossing sections and some descents by rappelling.
Simulated training
We strongly believe in learning by experience and simulation. During the expedition different kind of scenario’s will be integrated to enhance training effects.
Pack for four seasons, essentials only.
Your booking is protected against insolvency. In the event of financial failure of the tour operator, the statutory insolvency protection provides for a refund, continuation of the trip or, if necessary, repatriation.
The expedition
Over 8 days, you move through a longer and more demanding route in the remote mountains of northern Albania, close to the borders with Kosovo and Montenegro. The expedition takes you into higher terrain, with more challenging navigation, longer days and more technical sections.
Guided by an experienced crew, you will operate as a team while developing more advanced field and mountain skills. Depending on conditions and the chosen route, the expedition may include technical descents over rocky terrain and rappelling.
This is a non-supported expedition. You carry what you need, individually and as a team, and learn to operate autonomously while managing resources, energy and decisions collectively. Our crew remains responsible for route planning, risk management and access to local emergency support.
Requirements
This expedition requires a strong level of physical fitness and previous mountain experience.
Before applying, you should have completed multiple multi-day mountain treks and be comfortable hiking consecutive days with a loaded pack in challenging terrain. You should be confident with elevation, steep terrain and long days of physical effort, and comfortable operating in changing mountain conditions.
What do we mean by “a strong level of physical fitness”?
Being able to carry a backpack around 15kg and walk a daily distance around 15-20 kilometers.
Prior technical climbing or rappelling experience is not required. Before the expedition, a dedicated preparation session covering the fundamentals of climbing, rappelling and rope techniques will be provided by a certified climbing guide.
You do not need to be an expert. You do need to be physically prepared, comfortable in the mountains and willing to learn, contribute and take responsibility as part of a team.
Core skills
Throughout the expedition, you will develop and apply:
Advanced survival & fieldcraft — military-derived principles adapted for expedition use
Mountain navigation & movement — route selection, pacing and decision-making in complex terrain
Wilderness First Aid — field assessment, treatment and evacuation decision-making
Technical mountain movement — Climbing, steep descents and, depending on conditions, rappelling, crossing rivers,..
Cold exposure & breathing — controlled exposure and managing acute discomfort
Group dynamics — communication, leadership and decision-making under pressure
Wild food foraging — guided by a local expert with knowledge of the region
Program
Day of Arrival/Day Zero: Logistics, briefing and dinner provided
Day 1-8: On route, 6 days food on field and 2 days local
Day 8 evening: Closing event with BBQ
Day 9: Day of departure to Tirana with provided transport
Route
The average length of the route will be around 100 kilometers. The route is more challenging then the basic expedition, more altitude, more difficult crossing sections and some descents by rappelling.
Simulated training
We strongly believe in learning by experience and simulation. During the expedition different kind of scenario’s will be integrated to enhance training effects.
Pack for four seasons, essentials only.
Your booking is protected against insolvency. In the event of financial failure of the tour operator, the statutory insolvency protection provides for a refund, continuation of the trip or, if necessary, repatriation.