Peja & Rugova Mountain Hiking
Based in Peja and Rugova villages, hike to river sources, waterfalls, Mount Hajla, and alpine lakes.
Designed for hikers, this route spends only half a day in the city, with the rest of the time spent in mountain homestays in Rugova. It features classic day hikes from the Peaks of the Balkans trail network, avoiding heavy backpacks or the full loop. Mount Hajla has a significant elevation gain and is close to the border; those with average fitness can opt for the lake trail instead. Only suitable for summer; contact village homestays in advance.
Snow can persist at high altitudes until July–August; trails and mountain roads are often blocked by snow in winter.
Day by day
Day 1 · To Peja for the Old Town & Monastery
Peja（Patriarchate of Peć、Peja Old Bazaar、Bajrakli Mosque (Peja)）
Take a bus from Pristina to Peja (approx. 1.5 hours). Walk around the city; the monastery is about a 25-minute walk.
You must bring your passport to visit the Patriarchate of Pec, and dress modestly.
Stay: Peja City Center
Day 2 · River Source Waterfall, then into the Canyon
Peja（White Drin Spring、Radavc Cave、Rugova Canyon）
Take a taxi to Radavac (approx. 30 minutes). After the visit, return to Peja to transfer into the canyon and check in. Total driving time is about 1.5 hours.
Contact mountain homestays in advance and confirm if meals are included.
Stay: Rugova Canyon Villages
Day 3 · Summit Mount Hajla
Start from the homestay in Reka e Allages village. The round trip is about 12 km, taking 5–6 hours with an elevation gain of around 1,100 m.
The summit marks the border with Montenegro; bring a map and retreat immediately if fog rolls in.
Stay: Rugova Canyon Villages
Day 4 · Alpine Lake Hike, then back to Peja
Charter a car to the restaurant by Lake Liqenat. The loop around the two lakes is about 6 km (approx. 3 hours). Charter a car back to Peja (approx. 1 hour).
Arrange your return charter car in advance; public minibuses are infrequent and unreliable.