Bosnia & Herzegovina and -- Montenegro 9th – 15th Balkan Mountain Trek September 2018 The Dinaric Alps stretch from Italy across the Balkans to Kosovo, and offer wonderful trekking on quiet trails among dramatic rugged peaks, spectacular glacial lakes and rich green valleys dotted with traditional stone villages. We base ourselves in the natural wilderness of Sutjeska National Park, which boasts one of Europe’s few remaining reserves of virgin forest, and tackle a demanding circular route around the mountains and lakes which straddle the border of Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro. En route we tackle one of the highest peaks at 2397m. With time in Sarajevo to visit a charity project and bring home your reasons for fundraising, this is an unforgettable trek with many rewards for your achievements. Challenge Grading Detailed Itinerary Our trips are graded from Challenging Day 1: Fly London to Sarajevo; transfer to Tjentiste (Grade 1) to Extreme (Grade 5). Fly to Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and transfer to the village of This trek is graded Tough (3). Main Tjentiste, in the heart of Sutjeska National Park. Night hotel. challenges lie in the long days trekking (Lunch not included) through rugged mountain terrain. Drive approx. 2 hours Many factors influence the Challenge Day 2: Suha – Prijevor Pass Circuit Grading, such as terrain, distances, climate, altitude, living conditions, etc. Sutjeska National Park is home to magnificent scenery of rugged limestone The grade reflects the overall trip; some mountains, green pastures and dense forest. Our first day of walking kicks off the days will feel more challenging than challenge in style, with a long circular hike which is steep at times and gains over others. Unusual weather conditions also 1000m elevation. After a short (6km) transfer to Suha, we take in part of the Perućica have a significant impact, and not all Forest Reserve, one of Europe’s last stretches of primeval forest. Tall, majestic people are tested by the same aspects. beech and ash trees give way to coniferous spruce and silver fir as we gain height. Walking along a ridge, we come to Prijevor Pass (1668m), with stunning views Our grading levels are intended as a across the natural wilderness and high peaks surrounding us. We follow a steep- guide, but span a broad spectrum; trips sided gorge back to Suha, immersed in dramatic landscapes. Night hotel. within the same grade will still vary in the level of challenge provided. Trek 8-9 hours 01722 718444 [email protected] www.discoveradventure.com Detailed Itinerary (cont) Day 3: Prijevor – Stabna (Montenegro) Our trek today is packed with highlights, as we take in more spectacular scenery of lakes and mountains and summit one of the highest peaks of the region. Another short transfer brings us to Prijevor, where we trek an undulating trail to Trnovacko Lake, a picture-perfect heart-shaped blue-green glacial lake set in a natural amphitheatre amidst the rocky peaks. On the way we cross the border into Trekking Information Montenegro. From the lake we climb up towards Mt Bioc, a vast massif with several peaks which dominate the area; our aim is the summit of Veliki Vitao, at (2397m) the Walking terrain varies from wide valley highest of Bioc’s peaks. The trek is steep at times, and tiring, but the views from the tracks to overgrown paths through dense top, over the mountains of Montenegro and back into Sutjeska National Park, are forest and narrow, uneven rock or dirt well worth the effort. We descend to the beautiful green Stabna Valley, where our paths on mountain ridges, some of which vehicles meet us and whisk us to Pluzine, a small lakeside town known for its jazz. are exposed. There are steep ascents Night hotel. and descents. Trekking distances are relatively long given the terrain. Trek approx. 8-9 hours Much of the area we trek through is Day 4: Pivsko Lake – Prijevor (B&H) remote, with limited vehicle access, and Another spectacularly scenic day. Our trek starts at the small village of Mratinje, we recommend you have experience of across a rich green valley facing the slopes of Mt Maglic. Here we head back up into walking on uneven terrain in exposed the mountains on steep trails, coming eventually back to the sparkling waters of mountain environments. This trek is Trnovacko; there may be time to dip our toes into the refreshingly cold waters this achievable for most people provided they time! From here we trek through forest to Prijevor, completing our circuit into train well in advance. We will supply you Sutjeska National Park, and transfer back to Tjentiste. Night hotel. with a thorough training guide when you have registered. Trek approx. 7-8 hours Crew & Trip Support Day 5: Donje Bare – Tjentiste – Sarajevo A shorter day today as we explore more of Sutjeska National Park. Starting from the Your trip will be led by experienced tranquil tree-fringed waters of Donje Bare Lake, we trek along the Sutjeska River, Discover Adventure leaders. Our leaders where a canyon cuts dramatically through the rock and provides yet another natural are selected for their knowledge and highlight for trekkers. In places the canyon walls tower over 200m above us, and the experience in wilderness environments, glacial river tumbles from the mountains around us to the valley below. Our route friendliness and approachability, sense of takes us to a wonderful viewpoint which offers wide vistas over the surrounding humour and ability to safely and mountains and valleys. We continue through beautiful mountain pastures into beech effectively deal with any situation that forests and end our trek above Tjentiste. Time permitting, we may be able to visit the arises. They are also trained in expedition Tjentiste memorial, which commemorates the WW2 Battle of Sutjeska, before the first-aid. You are in very safe hands with drive back to Sarajevo. Night hotel. Trek approx. 5-6 hours; Drive approx. 2 hours a Discover Adventure leader. An expedition doctor or medic also accompanies trips unless run below Passport & Vaccinations minimum group size. Our luggage is carried by vehicle and, A ten-year passport is essential and where there is no vehicle access, by must be valid for at least 3 months mules or horses. Our local support crew after entry in-country. Your routine is made up of local guides, drivers and UK schedule of vaccinations should muleteers. Local guides know the area be up-to-date (including Tetanus); well, and are a great source of check with your GP for additional knowledge about local customs and travel health advice. lifestyles. The Discover Adventure crew work closely with the local crew to ensure your trip runs smoothly and safely. 01722 718444 [email protected] www.discoveradventure.com Detailed Itinerary (cont) Day 6: Hope and Homes for Children Today we will take you to visit some of the vital work made possible by your support. You will meet some of the families we are working with in and around Sarajevo as well as visit a number of the institutions we are working hard to close, including Bjelave, the orphanage Mark and Caroline Cook originally re-built. We are delighted that the process has now started to close down Bjelave and move all the children into a loving family. This is an emotional but inspiring day and will be followed by a Q&A session with HHC Bosnia & Herzegovina. After a truly rewarding day we head back to our hotel for our last night in Bosnia and a big evening of celebrations to mark our achievements. Night hotel. (Dinner not included) Day 7: Fly Sarajevo to London Accommodation & Food Bikes Depending on our flight times, you’re free to explore Sarajevo before transferring to the airport for our flight home. Accommodation is in hotels in small mountains towns; rooms are on a twin- (Lunch not included) share basis. Standards are comfortable Discover Adventure reserves the right to change the route or itinerary for but these are remote locations so please safety reasons should local conditions dictate. be moderate in your expectations. Copyright Discover Adventure 2017 All food is included except for meals as Weather specified in the itinerary. The food is Temperatures can vary widely, though plentiful, local in style and very tasty. Please let us know any dietary generally it should be warm and sunny requirements well in advance. at lower elevations, and will be colder on the higher slopes. Rain and strong winds are always a possibility and it may be blustery. Be prepared for any conditions in the mountains! 01722 718444 [email protected] www.discoveradventure.com .