Ready for an unforgettable adventure? The Three Peaks Hike to Grebaje Valley offers breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and a chance to experience Montenegro’s wild beauty up close. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or looking for a new challenge, this trek will leave you in awe at every turn. Lace up your boots and join us as we explore this hidden gem in the heart of the Prokletije Mountains—your next adventure awaits!
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The Grebaje Valley
Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Montenegro near the Albanian border, the Grebaje Valley is a hidden gem within the dramatic Prokletije Mountains. Part of the Prokletije National Park, this valley is celebrated for its rugged landscapes, striking peaks, and unspoiled beauty.
Relatively untouched by mass tourism, Grebaje Valley is a paradise for hikers and mountaineers, with trails that ascend to several impressive summits in the Prokletije range. Among these, the Three Peaks Hike is especially popular, guiding adventurers to the peaks of Volušnica, Popadija, and Talijanka, where breathtaking views await.
How to get to the Grebaje Valley
The Grebaje Valley is located approximately 7 km from the town of Gusinje and about 19 km from Plav. This area near the Albanian border may not be the most accessible, but there are plenty of ways to get there.
If you’re driving your own car, you can easily drive in the direction of Plav and then drive further until you reach a flat camping spot called “Grebaje Valley” on Google Maps. You will pass a checkpoint a few hundred meters before you arrive, where you’ll need to purchase the National Park Entrance Pass, priced at 3€ per person per day. The road is mostly paved, with a short gravel section towards the end, which is in good conditions.
Alternatively, if you rely on public transport, check buses to Plav. I.e., there is a daily bus connecting Bioče (Podgorica) to Plav, which last 3.5h and is operated by STEMI TRAVEL. One of the most popular websites to find buses in the region is BalkanViator.
From Plav, take one of the many local buses to Gusinje, from which you can either take a taxi or walk.
The Three Peaks Hike from Grebaje Valley
The Three Peaks Hike is one of the most accessible and most scenic hikes you can do in the Grebaje Valley. It starts in the locality of Skala, and it touches the three peaks of Valusnica, Talijanka and Popadija.
The hike can be done in a loop (anti-clockwise is best) and it offers some of the greatest views over the Karanfili Mountain range, which includes peaks of neighbouring Albania.
Three Peaks Hike – Overview
Distance: 9.7km round trip
Difficulty: easy
Elevation Difference: +880m
Duration: 4-5h
The hike begins at about 1140m above sea level in the Grebaje Valley, and it passes through the peaks of Valusnica, Talijanka and Popadija. There are also a couple of viewpoints along the way which are worth checking.
Overall, we classified the hike as easy as it doesn’t present any difficulty apart from its moderate distance and elevation gain. The trail is in good conditions and well-marked, and the incline is moderate and constant.
However, this hike can be considered easy for a regular hiker with appropriate gear. If you’re not used to hiking, you might find it moderate.
Three Peaks Hike – Detailed Guide
The hike can be divided in 5 sections. The first one leads from Skala to a crosswalk located on the loop trail. The second section will take you all the way up to Valusnica, while the third and fourth will lead you respectively to the peaks of Talijanka and Popadija. The last section, on the other hand, will cover the way back to Skala.
1) From the Grebaje Valley to the Loop Trail (A-B)
We began the hike quite early on a crisp August morning. Even during summertime in fact, the temperature tends to be quite chill in the valley.
At the starting point in Skala, pretty much all arrows point at the opposite direction, indicating different mountains and different trails. Stick to the directions we provided to find the exact route for the three peaks.
TIP: if you can’t find the exact way, use maps.me and search for “Valušnica” from the free campsite at Grebaje Valley. That’s the first peak of the itinerary. It is indicated as “Valušnica” on maps.me and as “Volušnica” on the sign.
The first section passes through a dense forest for its entire way. It is about 2.5km long, and it follows a constant incline going from 1140m to 1630m above sea level.
The trail here is very easy to spot, and you can’t get wrong. Towards the end, the tall trees make room for open meadows and the view over the valley begins to open up.
As soon as the forest end, the trail splits. That’s the spot in the image below, marked as point B on our map.
On the left is the trail to Valusnica, while on the right the trail leads to Popadija. We highly recommend keeping left and do the hike anti clockwise for the best experience.
2) Hiking Valusnica (B-C)
From the crosswalk, the first peak of Valušnica (1852m above sea level) is only 1km away, with 220m positive elevation gain. It should take you about 30 minutes to reach the summit starting from point B.
Compared with the previous section, the route becomes a little steeper as it climbs through some larger rocks. At the summit, the views open up for the first time over the impressive peaks on the other side of the Grebaje valley.
Just like for the summit of Bobotov Kuk im Northern Montenegro, there is an unpleasant surprise awaiting for you at the summit: many flying ants call this summit home.
They can be annoying, but don’t worry, they only live at the very top of the mountain.
Just below the peak of Valusnica, there’s also one of the most picturesque viewpoints of the entire hike. You won’t find it on most maps, but it’s clearly visible once you reach the summit.
PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: Take this picture from the left side of Valusnica peak, pointing down towards the view. The best lenses to shoot from here are a 35mm and a 50mm.
3) From Valušnica to Talijanka (C-D)
The way from Valušnica to Talijanka is roughly 1.7km long. With its 2021m above seas level, Talijanka is the highest peak of this hike, and it requires some more hiking to reach it.
The views on the way down from Valušnica are nothing short of impressive.
About half-way there, is a second picturesque viewpoint over the Karanfil. It requires a little detour of just a couple of minutes from the main trail, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Hiking up to Talijanka isn’t particularly difficult, and the summit offers plenty of opportunities to chill and have a break. Again, you may find flying ants, but only at the very top.
FUN FACT: The peak of Talijanka, as well as a portion of the trail leading to Popadija, are located in Albania!
From the summit, don’t miss the opportunity to take photos at the previous peaks: the Karanfil align just perfectly in the background.
4) From Talijanka to Popadija (D-E)
The portion of the hike between Talijanka and Popadija is short (600m) and almost flat, with a little descend to a sella and a small climb up to reach the Popadija peak.
Everything you see on your left on this section is Albania, and some hikers come or go through this way to reach the town of Lepushe, on the Albanian side.
Again, don’t forget to look back for some more stunning views!
5) From Popadija to starting point (E-A)
The way back from the summit of Popadija to the free camp of Grebaje Valley is quite straightforward. You will hike down towards point B, and then retrace your steps through the forest all the way down to the valley.
This will mark the end of your Three Peaks Hike adventure.
Prokletije National Park entrance fee
The entrance fee for Prokletije National Park is €3 per person per day. This fee contributes to the park’s upkeep and preservation of its natural beauty.
However, you are only charged 3€ for one day when you access the park through the main gate, and you most likely won’t be asked to pay more when you exit, even if you stayed more than one day.
Camping at Grebaje Valley
There is a wide free camping area inside the Grebaje Valley, right where the Three Peaks Hike trail begins. This is extremely convenient, and it is accessible by backpackers as well as overlanders.
Water is easily accessible, as there is a free public fountain where hikers can refill their bottles. On the trail however, there are no water sources, with the exception of a few springs towards the end, in the section between point E and B.
There are no public toilets at the campsite, but backpackers often make use of the facilities in nearby restaurants and accommodations located close to the camping area.
There are also four bungalows in the camping area, perfect for seeking shelter on rainy days or preparing a meal.
Where to stay in the Grebaje Valley
For those interested in hiking the Grebaje Valley but preferring more comfort over camping, here are a few accommodations worth checking out:
- Bungalows Prokletije (budget option)
- Guest house Crvenkapa (mid-range)
- Kuća broj 15 (higher-end)
These accommodations are located right in the heart of Grebaje Valley, and make a perfect base to hike the national park.
What to bring to the Three Peaks Hike
If you’re planning to complete the Three Peaks Hike in the Grebaje Valley, here’s a handy list of things to bring to make sure you’re prepared and have a great time:
The Basics
- Comfy hiking boots: Make sure they’re sturdy and waterproof—nobody likes soggy feet!
- Layers: A light base layer, something warm like a fleece or hoodie, and a jacket in case it rains.
- Backpack: Not too big, just enough to carry your stuff.
For the Weather
- Rain jacket or poncho: Mountain weather can be unpredictable, so better safe than soaked.
- Sun protection: Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen—those rays can sneak up on you.
Snacks and Drinks
- Water: At least 2 liters, especially if it’s warm.
- Snacks: Think nuts, energy bars, or anything to keep you going.
- Lunch: If you’re planning a long hike, pack something simple but filling.
Navigation and Gear
- Map or GPS app: The trails are easy to follow, but don’t rely on just winging it. A free app like maps.me can be very handyl.
- Trekking poles: Handy for steep trails, but optional if you’re feeling tough.
- Headlamp or flashlight: Just in case you’re out longer than expected.
For Emergencies
- First aid kit: Keep it small but make sure you have band-aids, blister patches, and antiseptic.
Extras
- Camera or phone: The views are insane, so you’ll want to snap some pics.
- Emergency blanket: Super light and could be a lifesaver if the weather turns.
It’s a beautiful place, so come prepared and enjoy every step!
Best time to do the Three Peaks Hike
The best time to hike the Three Peaks in Grebaje Valley is usually from late spring to early autumn—think May to October.
The weather’s perfect for hiking, with sunny days and cool evenings. The summer months are great if you want to fully enjoy the views, but if you prefer fewer crowds, aim for the shoulder seasons like late spring or early fall.
Just make sure to check the forecast, because mountain weather can be unpredictable!
