Looking for a hike that’s equal parts challenge and jaw-dropping views? Bobotov Kuk, the highest peak in Montenegro at 2,523 meters, is the adventure you’ve been waiting for. Tucked in Durmitor National Park, this trail has it all—alpine meadows, rocky climbs, and 360° views that’ll blow your mind. Here’s everything you need to know to tackle the Bobotov Kuk hike like a pro!
About Bobotov Kuk Hike
If you’re reading this post, you may be considering hiking Bobotov Kuk, the highest peak within the Durmitor National Park. Even though it is becoming a popular trail, information and pictures of the trail are somewhat limited, and you may be wondering what the trail looks like or how difficult is it.
First, it’s important to mention that it is possible to hike Bobotov Kuk from different routes.
In this post, we will discuss into details the slightly shorter and more scenic route: Bobotov Kuk from Sedlo Pass. Later in the post, we will also give you a few information about other trails.
The hike takes you through the most scenic landscapes of the National Park, with towering peaks that unveil on the horizon. If you’re considering going on one hike in the Durmitor National Park, this is the one to choose!
Bobotov Kuk Hike Starting Point (Sedlo Pass)
The best starting point to hike the summit of Bobotov Kuk is Sedlo Pass. Sedlo Pass is a mountain pass located on the scenic P14, part of the Durmitor NP Ring Road. It is known for its stunning panoramic views, and it’s worth visiting even if you’re not hiking at all.
Sedlo pass is located at 1898m above sea level, and it’s the highest starting point to begin your hike to Bobotov Kuk. From here, the hike is 4.8km long, and even though it involves some ups and downs it is the preferred route to the summit.
Alternative starting points
The hike to Bobotov Kuk can also be started from other locations. Three alternative starting points are located on the P14, past Sedlo Pass. A fourth option is to hike to Bobotov Kuk directly from the Black Lake near Zabljak. Here is a look at each option into more details:
- Alternative Starting Point 1 – This trailhead is located 3.8km past Sedlo Pass. From here, the hike is about 3.8km long and you don’t lose much elevation along the way, but you start at a lower altitude (1736 m above sea level).
- Alternative Starting Point 2 – Located near the alternative starting point 1, this path follows a different route but is more demanding than the previous. It only reconnects with the main trail in Zeleni Vir.
- Alternative Starting Point 3 – Another trailhead is located near a Memorial (Spomenik alpinisti), about 6km past Sedlo Pass. This hike is 6km long, but it involves more ups and downs.
- Alternative Starting Point 4 – Start hiking from Black Lake, near the town of Zabljak.
How to Get to Sedlo Pass
To reach Sedlo Pass, you can either drive, hire a taxi or hitchhike.
Driving is the easiest option, and it takes about 20 minutes from Zabljak. There are 2 parking areas conveniently located near the trailhead, and parking is free of charge. Alternatively, consider hiring a driver. The ride from Zabljak to Sedlo Pass should cost you no more than 20€.
If you’re staying in a hiking hostel or hotel, they may arrange transportation for you, possibly at a cheaper fare. Hitchhiking is also a popular option, especially on the way back: as there’s only one road leading up and down Sedlo Pass, pretty much every car is going in your direction.
Bobotov Kuk Hike: Entrance Fee & Permits
There is a 5€ entrance fee to access the Durmitor National Park. Once you reach Sedlo Pass, a ranger will be there collecting 5€ from each hiker. At Sedlo Pass, there is no way to pay with card, so make sure to bring cash with you.
If you hike from the Black Lake however, the ranger typically carries a card machine and you can even pay with card on the way.
Bobotov Kuk Hike Overview
Here is a quick overview of the Bobotov Kuk hike from Sedlo Pass:
Distance: 9.6km (round-trip)
Difficulty: moderate – difficult
Duration: 6-8h (round-trip)
Elevation Difference: +/- 530m
The trail difficulty is considered moderate to difficult, with uneven trails and many exposed sections. The drop on the side of the trail is often significant, and you must keep that in mind if you are afraid of heights.
Here is what one of the exposed sections look like:
PLANNING A ROAD TRIP TO MONTENEGRO? Don’t miss the Grebaje Valley!
Bobotov Kuk Hike – Detailed Guide
The hike to Bobotov Kuk can be divided in 4 sections for better understanding:
- Section 1: about 1.1km long, it takes about 1hour, and it goes from 1900m to 2160m in elevation. This section is steep and features a short but difficult section with steel cables.
- Section 2: relatively flat section, about 1.8km long. It doesn’t take long to complete, and it goes from 2160m down to 2080m and back up to 2120m. Even though it looks quite flat, expect some ups and downs along the way. This section ends at a viewpoint over the valley just in front of Bobotov Kuk.
- Section 3: the way down and up. From the viewpoint (2120m), descend in the valley towards Zeleni Lake (2020m) and prepare to hike all the way up to a viewpoint at the base of Bobotov Kuk (2343m). This section is about 1.5km long.
- Section 4: climb to the summit! From the viewpoint, the hike to the summit of Bobotov Kuk is relatively short but quite complicated. The first part is steep, while the second includes an extremely exposed section with cables and potential rocks falling. It is only about 500m long, but it will take you about 45min-1h round trip.
Section 1 – The first incline
As you get to Sedlo Pass, you will most likely be met by a ranger who’s there to collect the Durmitor NP entrance fee. Once you got your ticket, begin the Bobotov Kuk hike and follow the trail, which is overall very well marked.
You’ll soon spot a danger sign, which indicates the chance of falling rocks. Be careful on this section and watch out for any potential signs of loose rocks falling down the cliff.
It won’t take long before you reach the first exposed section of the trail. Here, the trail becomes narrow, the drop higher, and a safety steel cable has been installed. Hold on the cable as you proceed towards a point called “sunset panorama” on maps.me, right under Uvita Greda peak.
This is a great spot for photos, and it’s not rare to see mountain goats and other animals. After a while, the trail inclination eases, and you’ll now be walking on a relatively flat trail.
Section 2 – The gentle trail
The second section doesn’t feature big inclines, but it does offer some incredibly beautiful views. The staggering peaks that precede Bobotov Kuk are simply stunning, and we could sit and look at them for hours.
As you continue on the main trail descending in the valley, you’ll spot a sign on a rock indicating the word “Izvor”. Take a little detour to refill your water bottles with fresh spring water!
USEFUL WORDS: when hiking in Montenegro, you may spot the words “Izvor” or “Voda” along the trail. Izvor means spring, while Voda means water. Both words refer to the presence of a water source along the way.
Then, the trail passes by a mountain lake. We hiked Bobotov Kuk during mid-august so the lake was fully dry, but we believe it would be beautiful during late spring or early summer.
As you make your way towards the viewpoint, the summit of Bobotov Kuk makes its first appearance behind other peaks. When it becomes fully visible, you’ll get a glance of the challenge that is awaiting.
Take a break at the viewpoint below, before heading down the valley on section 3. The thoughest part of the Bobotov Kuk hike is about to begin!
Section 3 – Down and up
From the viewpoint, hike down towards the valley. After some minutes the trail splits, and you can take either one to reach the other side. The one on the right is slightly longer, but it passes through a lake and another spring. The one on the left, on the other hand, is shorter and a little steeper.
As we expected, the lake was dry when we visited in August 2024.
The way up is quite steep and tough, with about 300m of elevation difference in a trail that is just 700m long. Parts of the sections include cables, but the trail is never really too exposed compared to section 1 and section 4.
Take your time, and hike up until you reach the mountain pass at the base of Bobotov Kuk. Here is also where the trail from Zabljak and the trail from Sedlo Pass meet. From here, Zabljak is about 10km away with a negative elevation difference of 900m.
Section 4 – Climb to the summit
The final stretch of the hike leads you to the 2,523m summit of Bobotov Kuk, following a steep and challenging trail. Only proceed if you’re confident in your skills and equipment.
The first part of section 4 is just steep, but it isn’t particularly dangerous and it leads to stunning a viewpoint overlooking a different valley (Velika ravan – check for English) which is home to Skrcko Lake.
As you continue, the trail becomes narrower and more exposed, until you reach a point where a safety cable has been installed. Please note that here there’s room for only one person at the time, and you need to wait at specific exchange point if you meet other hikers going in the opposite direction.
Do not rush this section, and always hold the cable with at least one hand. Additionally, be careful of loose rocks that may fall, and do not let any rocks fall beneath you. This is the biggest danger on a Bobotov Kuk hike, and we saw with our own eyes rocks falling extremely close to hikers.
As the safety cable ends, you’ll be just a few meters away from the highest point of Durmitor NP!
The summit of Bobotov Kuk
Reaching the summit of Bobotov Kuk feels special. The effort to reach it is not the one of your average 5km hike, and the views are otherworldly. You have a 360° view of the national park, and everywhere you turn is a postcard-like view.
On the downside, there was a huge number of flying ants right on top of the mountain, which don’t make your stay very pleasant.
The hike back
Hiking back involves retracing your own steps all the way back to Sedlo Pass. Some sections might seem trickier on the way down, so make sure to give yourself time and avoid risks of falling or injuries.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: If you don’t want to hike back to Sedlo Pass, you can choose to take the trail to Zabljak from the end of Section 3. Reaching Zabljak from there will take you about 5-6 hours, so make sure to have enough water and hours of light. There is a small spring on the way to Zabljak, but it’s quite far down the road.
What to Pack & Essential Gear for Bobotov Kuk
Packing the necessary items is essential to avoid having a bad time on a Bobotov Kuk hike. First, let’s talk clothing and hiking gear.
While we saw some people completing the hike in runners without any problems, we highly recommend hiking shoes or boots to prevent the risk of falling or injuries. Bring quick drying clothes, and dress accordingly to the time of your visit. Even during summer, it is wise to bring a light jacket as the weather might turn at any time.
When it comes to packing, bring heaps of water and refill your bottles when you have a chance. Bring some fruit or sandwiches, and keep it light.
We also saw some people using drones during the hike, however there are many signs indicating that the use of drones is not allowed in the National Park.
Best Time to Hike Bobotov Kuk
The best time to hike Bobotov Kuk is June to September, when the weather is stable, trails are clear, and no special gear is needed. Expect mild temperatures, but bring layers—it gets chilly up top!
- Summer (June-September) – Ideal conditions, warm days, and dry trails, but more crowded and lakes dry up.
- Spring (April-May) – Snow and ice still cover parts of the trail, but this is the best time to see the glacial lakes and stunning ice melt. Only recommended for experienced hikers with proper gear.
- Autumn (October-November) – Fewer hikers and beautiful fall colors, but unpredictable weather.
- Winter (December-March) – Only for experienced mountaineers. Deep snow, strong winds, and freezing temps.
For most hikers, summer is the safest and easiest time to go, but if you want epic lake views, April-May is worth considering—just be ready for snow!
