Rugova Mountains Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

The Rugova Mountains are in the north-western part of Kosovo. It is a region within Bjeshkët e Nemuna (the Cursed Mountains), also known as the Albanian Alps or the Accursed Mountains. It was proclaimed a national park in 2013.

The Rugova Mountains are ranked 45^th in winter sports by the International Ski Federation. People also hike, mountaineer, paraglide, and have picnics in the area.

There are many caves, waterfalls, glacial lakes, high peaks and tunnels in Rugova. The highest peak is Hajla (2,403 m), with Volujaku almost as tall. There is a panorama of Peja from the top of "Qafa e Qyqes" (Cuchoo's Neck). Guri i Kuq (1,522 m) also offers tremendous panoramas.

Rugova is 93 km from Pristina. The Lumbardhi River splits the mountain in half, creating a valley and a canyon (Rugova Gorge).

85% of the territory is covered by forests, 15% by pasture. The terrain is rugged with limestones and bluff slopes and deep-narrow erosive gorges. Mountain sites are with a slope of 15°-30° but occasionally they reach 45°-90°. The terrain is composed of various forms of numerous karst such as caves, natural tunnels, waterfalls, glacial lakes etc.

The Balkans have been inhabited since prehistoric times. There are signs that Rugova has been populated since the time when people lived in caves. This was proven by the discovery of a man's femur, found in the Bukuroshja e Fjetur (Sleeping Beauty) Cave, and by a petroglyph. Because this region has not been studied extensively, its earliest history is known mostly through local traditions.

The earliest official documents about Rugova are from the 13th century but this area was heavily populated only two centuries later. After the invasion of the Balkans by the Ottoman Empire (1389), Rugova was part of the Sanjak of Scutari (Old Shkodra). From the 16th century, it was part of the Sanjak of Dukagjin. Rugova became a part of the Kosovo Vilayet after the new administrative division in the 19th century.

The region had a kind of autonomy from the Ottoman Empire. They were exempted from the obligations of the Ottoman government, but time after time there were conflicts between the natives and the invaders. In 1638, the Ottoman Empire in Rugova sent an army of 15,000 soldiers to invade this region. However, their attempt was unsuccessful and the Ottomans were forced to turn back. Eleven years after that, in 1649, highlanders attacked the Meduni's castle. Three days after the attack they occupied it and won more autonomy. The fighting restarted in 1700, when the High Porte charged the Pasha of Peja to vanquish Rugova, resulting in 274 families being displaced from Rugova to Peshter, Novi Pazar.

The Rugovians opposed the Ottoman Empire by participating in the Austro-Turkish War in 1737–1739. However, their greatest contribution was given for the National Movement.

Rugova is at a latitude of 42°44’ N and a longitude of 20°3’ E, and it is 93 km (58 mi) from Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. It covers a territory of 20,330 hectares, and from east to west it extends for 23 km (14 mi). Rugova lies between the mountains of Hajla, Shtëdim, Lumbardh. The Peja's Lumbardh splits the mountains in half, forming a valley and a canyon (Rugova Gorge).

Eighty-five percent of the territory is covered by forests, while fifteen percent is alpine pasture. The terrain is rugged, with steep limestone slopes and deep, narrow, erosive gorges. The mountains have a slope of 15–30°, but occasionally reach 45–90°. The terrain contains various karstic features such as caves, natural tunnels, waterfalls, and glacial lakes.

The region of Rugova is divided into 13 villages and five small neighbourhoods. These villages are 2–5 kilometres (1.2–3.1 mi) apart.

Many important roads pass through Rugova: Shkodra's valley connects Rugova with Tropoja and Shkodër, Qafa e Çakorrit(Pass of Cakorri) leads to Plav and Gusinje, Qafa e Dasmorëve (Pass of of the Wedding Guests) connects to Rožaje, and Qafa e Hajlës (Pass of Halja) with Dacaj and Husaj.

Rugova region has a multitude of habitats such as meadows, pastures, bushes and shrubs, forests, foothills, holes, slopes, streams, gorges, river water, pond water, caves, karst pits, half-wet properties, almost dry properties and limestone, acids with red, purple and black colours, coastlines and valleys, massive rocks and shed stones.

This variety of habitats indicates high diversity of vegetation. Rugova's region vegetation is present as in central Europe altitudes, but it also grows plants that are characteristic of Balkans or only for this region. Rugova region distinguishes four areas of plants (beech, oaks, coniferous forests and alpine pastures)

The region features a rich fauna both in diversity, spread or rare and endangered species. The most common mammals include hedgehogs, moles, shrews, squirrels, rabbits, bats, bears, and ungulates. Common birds include the golden eagle, the rock partridge, the griffon vulture, the European green woodpecker, and the Eurasian sparrowhawk. Several species of trout are found in the streams.

Rugova has wet continental climate with mountain influence, short and hot summers, but long and harsh winters. Spring is belated and the temperatures change within a day. Sunny hours are not very long. High level of precipitation is a result of clashes between hot/humid tropical and continental climates. Maximum precipitation is in December, and minimum in July.

Snow is present on the peaks until August, with a depth ranging from 30 cm to 2 m.

Average temperature during springtime fluctuates from 4.4°C to 7.5°C, during summer from 10.6°C to 17.2°C, during fall 5.2°C and in winter from -10°C to 15°C.

Many important roads pass through Rugova: Shkodra’s valley relates Rugova with Tropoja and Shkodra, Qafa e Çakorrit (Pass of Cakorr) leads to Plave and Guci, Qafa e Dasmorëve (Pass of the Wedding Guests) relates Rozhaja and Qafa e Hajlës with Dacaj and Husaj.

Minibuses leave Peja at 08:00 (€3). It goes at each village and also came back in Peja. Also there are private taxis that can send a group of 10 persons and bring them back for €50.

No permits are required for hiking within the country. However, if you plan to hike across borders, such as along the Via Dinarica or Peaks of the Balkans trails, you must obtain permits from the relevant border authorities or police.

The region of Rugova is divided into 13 villages (Shtupeqi i Vogël, Shtupeqi i Madh, Reka e Allagës, Drelaj, Pepiq, Malaj, Kuqishtë, Dugaivë, Haxhaj, Stankaj, Bogë, Shkrel dhe Koshutan) and five small neighbourhoods (Llaz, Bellopaq, Pecaj, Ujëmirë, Dreshaj). These villages are 2–7 km far from each-other. Roads are partially paved and can be blocked during winter.

• Shpella e Mbretëreshës (Queen's Cave) (5^th kilometer). Situated in Rugova Canyon, near the 5^th kilometer. One can go there by via ferrata. 
• 42.707320.12081 Xhamia e Drelajve (Mosque of Drelaj) (in Drelaj village). Situated in Drelaj village, the first mosques in Rugova Mountains, built on 1915. 
• 42.66120.26562 Patriarkana e Pejës (Peja's Patriarchate) (at the entrance of Rugova Mountains). Situated in the entrance of Rugova, built in the 13th century, this was the main monument for Serbians in Kosovo. Since 2003 it has been protected by UNESCO, while for more than 300 years it was protected by a Rugovian family, called "vojvoda" meaning "sentry". 
• Lapidari i heroit kombëtar Jashar Haxha (Monument of national hero Jashar Haxha) (at the entrance of Drelaj Village). Situated in the entrance of Drelaj, in honour of Rugova's hero. There are a lot of songs about him in Albanian folklore. 
• 42.683220.08553 Liqenati (Drelaj and Kuqishtë) (at Drelaj). Liqenat refers to two picturesque alpine lakes. The name derives from the Albanian word liqen (singular: lake) and liqenat (plural: lakes) (updated May 2025)
• Tri krojet (5^th kilometre). There is a terrace with some tables and chairs, with waterfall background. Also, there is a source of cold water. It is a most visited point in Rugova Canyon. Part of it is also a tunnel, a place for climbing and in its peak is situated a cave. 
• Te sharra (Near Peja's Patriarchate). Situated in entrance of Rugova Canyon, near the Peja's Patriarchate. It gather a lot of visitors in summer. Best part of it is the direct access with the river and a beautiful view of a waterfall. (updated May 2025)

Due to the historical past, sports in Rugova started developing later than in other countries, although there are sufficient resources. Today Rugova has several ski areas (one of them is equipped with a telpher), trails for hiking, and a parachuting runway. Also climbing rocks and mountaineering are towards development.

Up to 1974 skiing was a part of mountaineering. Rugova is known as a cradle of skiing in Kosovo and Balkans. “Rusolia” was the first club from which were formed three other groups: “Peja”, “Alpi” and “Rugova”. “Rusolia” club has participated in the Olympic Games too.

The most advanced track it is placed in Bogë, but it has many favorable tracks in other places too, for example: in Stankaj. In Bogë we can also find two skiing schools “Dardani” and “Ke Luani”.

Mountaineering, unlike Alpinism (hiking), means walking on the ground and climbing in height without any tool until you encounter with difficulties of nature: high craggy rocks. Within the mountaineering group works the rescue group with the consisting of 30-40 people who help in cases of nature disasters.

Hiking

Hiking in Rugova Mountains is a must when you visit Kosovo. This valley is part of the Accursed Mountains and it includes the region around the riverbed of Lumbardhi i Pejes. These peaks, cliffs and fields — home of 12 villages — are mostly populated only during the summer. The most interesting hiking in Rugova is the Hajla peak 2405. This peak also marks the border with Montenegro. This is a rocky mountain crest surrounded by woodlands and fields. It’s rich with flora and fauna. It is also used as an area for pastures for both sheep and cow. Other popular hiking trip is visiting the Lake Liqenat.

Further north the Village of Boge is the most populated village and it hosts several hotels and guest houses. The village is overbuilt however in the winter there is a 1-km ski lift which works also during the night. In-between Hajla and Boge is the village of Reka e Allages from where you can hike from guest house to guest house. This trail is also a part of the Peaks of the Balkans and Via Dinarica. You can hike from Mustafe to the next Guest house doing a one day trail of the Peaks of the Balkans. One can also sepend a weekend in the mountain and camp and climb Hajla

At the edge of Rugova mountains where the meet Albania and Montenegro two glacial lakes are hidden. This makes a very nice hike in Rugova which is also part of the two famous routs  and Via Dinarica.

The most spectacular part of Rugova stays the Rugova Gorge which is just next to the city of Peja where you can enjoy rock climbing, via ferrata or zip lining.

Balkan Natural Adventure organises different trips in these mountains starting from single day hikes to two days and more.

It is also an activity that offers experience and adrenaline and is highly demanded by visitors who visit Peja. This activity is performed on the rocks, but you are always insured, and your climbing will be carried out through the stairs placed on these rocks. In Peja-Rugova Gorge, 4 Via Ferrata trails have been opened and are offered to all visitors seeking outdoor experiences and adventures. These recreational trails that develop in rocky parts have a length of 300 m to 1000 m, whereas the height they reach while walking is up to 300 m.

Via Ferrata "Ari"

It is the first Via Ferrata which is being built in Kosovo and the first Via Ferrata in the Balkans with the latest standards that have been applied. The first-ever Via Ferrata in Kosovo was developed in 2010 in Peja. This Via Ferrata came right after intensive training of the members Marimangat e Pejes which was realized in Trentino – Italy, offered by Societa Alpini Tridentini (SAT) an association for mountaineering and climbers in Italy. Via Ferrata Ari belongs to the vertical type Ferratas and has a length of 450 m while in terms of difficulty it is ranked in system 2 or B (Moderately Difficult) which is ranked by Ferratas with medium difficulty and can be used by all nature lovers and ordinary tourists. Climbing this trail takes 2 to 3 hours. To achieve this, it is necessary to use adequate basic safety equipment such as helmets, harnesses, and carbines. Via Ferrata Ari was developed under the supervision of an Italian expert and is certified for safety and now inspected annually by trained members of the Marimangat association.

Via Ferrata "Mat"

It is the second Via Ferrata which was developed in the year 2016 in Rugova Gorge or in the place known as “Bridge at the 3rd km”. Also like via Ferrata Ari this was built with the applying of the latest standard for Via Ferrata. Via Ferrata Mat belongs to the horizontal type of Ferratas and has a length of 510m while in terms of difficulty it is ranked in system 2 or B (Moderately Difficult) which is ranked by Ferratas with medium difficulty and can be used by all nature lovers and ordinary tourists. To achieve this, it is necessary to use adequate basic safety equipment such as helmets, harnesses, and carbines. Via Ferrata Mat was developed also under the supervision of the Italian expert and is certified for safety.

Via Ferrata "Marimangat"

It is the third Via Ferrata which was developed in 2018-2019 in Rugova Gorge or in the well-known place “5th kilometer”. Like other Via Ferrata, also in this has been applied latest standard. Via Ferrata “Marimangat” belongs to the horizontal type Ferratas and has a length of 1000 m while in terms of difficulty it is ranked in system 3 or C (Difficult) which is ranked as Via Ferrata with medium difficulty and can be used by all nature lovers and experienced tourists. It is more special as it passes through altitudes up to 300 m where below can see the river Lumbardhi and the panoramic part of the Rugova Gorge. It has a length of 1km and it takes 3 to 4 hours to finish. To start climbing in this Via Ferrata you have to cross the most attractive bridge in Kosovo “Tibetan Bridge” which is unique of its kind in Kosovo. This bridge is an attraction in itself and has a sense of experience from all the visitors who cross it. This bridge is located at a height of 60 m and its length that connects the two sides of the Rugova Gorge is 40 m. To achieve this Via Ferrata, it is necessary to use adequate basic safety equipment such as helmets, harnesses, and carbines.

Via Ferrata "Shpellat"

It is the fourth Via Ferrata which was built in 2020 in the Rugova Gorge or in the famous place “At the 3rd kilometer”. Like other Via Ferrata’s, also in this has been applied latest standard. Via Ferrata, Caves belongs to the combined (horizontal and vertical) type of Ferrata and has a length of 510 m while in terms of difficulty it is ranked in system 2 or B (Moderately Difficult) which is ranked by via Ferrata with medium difficulty and can be used by all nature lovers and ordinary tourists. It is even more special as the trail passes along a system of 9 caves that were once inhabited. The maximum height that they reach is 900 m, while below all the time you can experience the flow of the river Lumbardhi and the panoramic part of the Rugova Gorge. To achieve this, it is necessary to use adequate basic safety equipment such as helmets, harnesses, and carbines. Via Ferrata CAVES was developed by the experts of the association Marimangat e Pejes and the same expert tests the security measures every year.

Via Ferrata Peja 360

It is the Fifth Via Ferrata which was made in 2023 in Rugova Gorge or in the well-known place “Te Kilometri 3”. Like other Via Ferrata’s, also in this has been applied latest standard.

Via Ferrata Peja 360 is rated among the most difficult via ferratas to climb and requires good physical preparation and levels in similar activities. The starting point of Via Ferrata Peja 360 is the first steel suspension bridge (Tibetan Bridge) where the via ferratas Ari and Caves also begin. The path starts at the cave known as Queen’s Cave, and continues along the path with other two via ferrata to the second cave where separate from othere and offer very unique adventure during your pass to the trail.

Having reached this point, you now have the opportunity to make two decisions to follow your experience. One path goes by climbing the circular stairs with a length of 16m (Vertical Tibetan Bridge) that were made for the first time in Kosovo as a unique attraction making your adventure even more unique. This path connects you with the via ferrata Cave and Ari or inside the same cave to pass through a narrow rocky corridor. It takes 2 to 3 hours to complete this path. To achieve this, it is necessary to keep adequate basic safety equipment such as: helmet, belt and carabiners.

• 42.6962620.160461 Hotel-Restaurant “Gryka”, Shtupeq i Madh. (updated Jul 2023)
• Restaurant “Mulliri”- Drelaj
• Restaurant “Rugova Camp” - Shtupeq i Madh
• Guest House " Ariu" - Reka e Allages

• 42.755620.0561 Hotel Magra Austria, Bogë Village, Rugovë, Peja (from Peja, take the road to Rugova, make a right towards Bogë), ☏ +383 49 560 560, [email protected], [email protected]MULTIPLE-EMAIL. Family ecohotel and restaurant with strong Austrian influence. The hotel is 1,450 m above sea level. You can get various forms of spa treatments there, such as a sauna, straw bath, sea salt bath and walking barefoot. €40-80. (updated Jul 2021)
• 42.739520.05482 Villat Bora, Bogë Village, Rugovë, Peja (in the centre of Bogë, near the ski track), ☏ +383 49 286 520. There are five houses, each of them has a potential for a family. €50-80. 
• 42.706820.11933 Guesthouse Shqiponja, Drelaj Village, Rugovë, Peja (Drelaj Village, near Mosque of Drelaj), ☏ +383 49 586 740. It is an old home renovated, all in traditional way. 
• 42.74120.0544 Rudi A&G Complex, Bogë Village, Rugovë, Peja (in the centre of Bogë, near the ski track), ☏ +383 44 900 028. Hotel and restaurant in Bogë. It also offers ski school and ski equipment for rent. 
• 42.741120.05385 Ke Luani, Bogë Village, Rugovë, Peja (in the centre of Bogë, near the ski track), ☏ +383 44 328 229, +386 49 328229. Hotel and restaurant in Bogë. It owns the cableway of ski track. It also offers ski school and ski equipment for rent. 
• 42.693620.16676 Bjeshka, Shtupeqi i Madh, Rugovë, Peja (across the road, in 13th kilometre). At the entrance of Shtupeqi i Madh Village, it can be seen from the street. There are 4 houses, each for a family. €40. 
• Log Cabin, Shkrel, Rugovë, Peja, ☏ +383 44 746 001, +386 49 110 450 (viber), [email protected]. 1700m €30. 
• 42.695820.16037 Gryka Restaurant, Malaj, Rugove, Pejë, ☏ +383 44732771. Check-in: 11:00 . (updated May 2024)

This tourism is represented from 6 home-hotels which offer place to stay as a guest house and where better than in any other place tourists set to know local traditions and the life of residents there. This tourism is developed from these resorts:

• Villa Husaj, Shkrel - 1700 m - +383 44 746 001

Area is quite safe. Ask for help local villagers if in any trouble. Local Villagers are friendly and hospitable to tourists

• Peja - a city of Kosovo to which the region is linked.
• Plav - a city of Montenegro with direct bus connection from Peja.
• Rožaje- the nearest city of Montenegro with direct bus connection from Peja.