Multi-day mountaineering tour through Durmitor and Biogradska Gora, 143.3 km long.
Montenegrin Transversal 1 is a very demanding multi-day one-way hiking tour. It is 143.3 km long, with a total ascent of 5436 m and descent of 5187 m, and passes through two national parks.
Montenegrin Transversal 1 is a multi-day one-way mountaineering tour. The trailhead is near Black Lake, which is about 0.4 km from the start. The trail is 143.3 km long, with a total ascent of 5436 m and descent of 5187 m. The lowest point is at 793 m a.s.l., and the highest at 2158 m a.s.l. The estimated walking time without breaks is 50 h 5 min.
The surface is mixed: 58% gravel, 25% dirt/forest trail and 17% asphalt/concrete. The trail is marked. It passes through Durmitor National Park and Biogradska Gora National Park. Along the way it passes near Žabljak (about 0.1 km from the trail), Mojkovac (about 0.0 km) and the Zminičko, Šiško and Pešića lakes.
Along the route there are several mountain huts and cabins, including Ckara Mountain Hut at 60.5 km, Džambas Mountain Hut at 78.5 km, Vranjak Mountain Hut at 100.2 km and Carine Mountain Hut at 125.4 km. Among the peaks along the trail are Veliki Kurozeb (1886 m a.s.l., at 28.2 km), Zekova Glava (2122 m a.s.l., at 96.8 km) and Maglić (2142 m a.s.l., at 137.6 km).
The tour is very demanding and intended for experienced mountaineers. On the SAC scale it is rated T2. Good fitness, multi-day equipment and planning of overnight stays are required.
What this difficulty means
Very long or alpine terrain where hands may be needed, with few ways out. Only for experienced mountaineers in stable weather.
Mountain hiking grade SAC T2 (scale T1–T6).
Move along the profile to follow the route on the map; switch on 3D for the terrain.
↑ 5,436 m · ↓ 5,187 m · highest point 2,158 m
Along the way
The trail passes through Durmitor National Park.
The lake closest to the start of the trail, about 0.4 km away.
The trail passes through Biogradska Gora National Park.
Peak at 2142 m a.s.l., 137.6 km from the start of the trail.
Hut at 1865 m a.s.l., 125.4 km from the start of the trail.
Bring enough water and plan to refill at springs and drinking fountains along the trail.
Wear layered mountaineering clothing; the tour is multi-day and very demanding.
Check the weather forecast before departure; at altitudes above 2000 m conditions change quickly.
Wear hiking footwear with good soles because of the gravel and forest sections.
Tell someone your route plan and expected duration.
In case of thunderstorms, descend from exposed sections.
The tour is multi-day and very demanding. At altitudes above 2000 m the weather changes quickly, and fog and thunderstorms are possible. In emergencies, call 112.
Emergency number in Montenegro: 112.
Good to know
Best season
Due to altitudes up to 2158 m a.s.l., the best period is from June to September. On higher sections snow can remain until late spring.
Getting there
The closest point to the start of the trail is Black Lake (about 0.4 km). The trail passes near Žabljak (about 0.1 km).
The trail is 143.3 km long and runs in one direction.
Estimated walking time without breaks is 50 h 5 min; it is a multi-day tour.
It is very demanding and intended for experienced hikers; according to the SAC scale T2.
It passes through Durmitor National Park and Biogradska Gora National Park, near Žabljak and Mojkovac.
9.6 km↑ 933 m4½–6½ h
78.8 km↑ 2,501 m3–5 days
42.4 km↑ 1,630 m2–3 days
3.4 km↑ 91 m55–80 min
Loop
5.4 km↑ 76 m1½–2 h
4.4 km20–30 min
11.7 km↑ 1,090 m5½–8 h
8.9 km↑ 1,244 m5½–7½ h
Times and grades are estimates. Conditions change: check the weather and local information before you set out.
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