Probably the most beautiful part of the Durmitor massif is the Škrčka Jezera (eng. Škrka lakes) region. While being an ideal location for tent camping, swimming during the summer months, watching wild mountain goats and deer, Škrčka Lakes are the ultimate outdoor hub for exploring the unlimited number of peaks and trails of the Durmitor National Park.
Aside from hiking and tent camping, the speciality of this region is the stunning stargazing experience.
Our two-day package (with possible extension to three days) with tent camping at Škrka Lakes, and two full days of hiking adventures including visits to the stunning Durmitor peaks of Prutaš and Bobotov Kuk is simply the best the Durmitor National Park has to offer.
Keep in mind that this region offers a huge hiking potential that can be adjusted for all levels of fitness, starting with children from at least 5 years of age and up.
Destination: Škrka Lakes, Montenegro
Accommodation: Tent Camping
Meals Included: L – D
Itinerary Note:The wider Škrka region of Durmitor National Park offers an amazing variety of stunning hiking trails, meaning this two day tent camping tour can be perfectly adjusted to almost any fitness level, including children of age 5+.
The original itinerary is adjusted to anyone of normal fitness level, and requires no climbing skills or experience.
Morning:The regular tour pickup is at Žabljak. If you prefer to start this tour from elsewhere in Montenegro, please let us know in advance.
The short but stunning ride from Žabljak to Sedlo pass and Šarban (Dobri Do valley) will immediately give us an amazing opportunity to see and understand what a beautiful place Durmitor National Park really is.
The climb to Prutaš peak is not too difficult, and is suitable for most people with normal physical fitness. The track does not require any technical skills and is absolutely safe, even for young children.
During the ascent to the top of Prutaš itself, there is a constant opportunity to enjoy the superb panoramas of the numerous Durmitor peaks. In the first part of the trail we shall be rewarded with stunning views of the peaks such as “Sedlena greda” (2,227masl), “Štit” (2,248 masl) and “Đevojka – Soa” (2,440 masl), while the 2nd part of the ascent will offer even more. The views of “Bobotov kuk” (2,522 masl), “Bezimeni vrh” (2,487 masl), “Planinica” (2,330 masl) and others wonders of Durmitor, including interesting geomorphological wonder of “Šareni pasovi” and the valley between the peaks of Bobotov Kuk and Prutaš definitely make this hiking trail one of the most amazing in the Durmitor region.
After about 3 to 4 hours (4 kilometers) of moderate hiking, we shall reach the top of Prutaš itself at 2393 meters above sea level. At the top, we are greeted by even more beautiful 360-degree panoramas that now open up views of other regions beyond Durmitor itself.
From the very top of Prutaš, in addition to the above-mentioned peaks of Durmitor, we can additionally see the canyons of the Sušica and Tara rivers, the beautiful Montenegrin villages of Nedajno and Mala Crna Gora, the highest peak of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the beautiful Maglić (part of BH National Park Sutjeska), and many other Montenegrin mountain regions such as are Moračke Planine and Sinjavina.
Although it is not the highest peak of Durmitor, Prutaš is one of the most beautiful peaks of Montenegro, which offers an unforgettable hiking experience.
Lunch:At the very top, we will organize the most delicious picnic lunch with many choices of local food (including vegetarian), and leave about 45 minutes to an hour to enjoy the beautiful views of the wider Durmitor region.
After a “delicious” psycho-physical break, we continue our trail in the direction of the east and our final destination, the beautiful Škrčka Jezera.
Afternoon:Only about 15 minutes later, on the descent from the top of Prutaš peak, the fantastic views of the Škrčka lakes valley will open up in front of us.
The beautiful turquoise green lakes nestled under the highest peaks of Durmitor are the absolute biggest highlight of our two-day hiking and tent camping tour. Small Škrčko lake, which is about 5 times smaller than Big Škrčko lake, is located at an altitude of 1711 meters and has a maximum depth of about 6 meters, while Big Škrčko Lake is located at an altitude of 1686 meters and has a maximum depth of about 17 meters.
Descending from the top of Prutaš peak at approx. 2,400m will be a bit challenging for the knees, so the use of hiking poles is recommended.
We expect to arrive at the beautiful Škrčka Jezera in the afternoon. Upon arrival, we recommend a decent rest for acclimatization and a relaxing swim in one of the lakes. During the summer months the water in the lakes is ideal for swimming, so make sure to bring swimsuits.
Usually small lake is bit warmer due to its smaller size, but the big lake has much better almost full sandy beaches. Definitely we recommend to try both of them.
We will use the rest of the daylight to gather local herbs, make tea or coffee and gather dry wood and prepare to light the campfire. Until the daylight is there, we still have to set up our tents. It is usually a simple process, but can still be very interesting equally for adults and for young kids.
Dinner: Dinner is made according to a predefined menu with the guests, and is cooked on the spot. In addition to standard camping equipment, we also carry a cooking set making the overall ambiance of the tent camping a top notch experience.
Stargazing:The sunset over the Durmitor peaks is a special experience, followed by an even more special experience of the perfect starry sky. If we are lucky to have a cloudless sky, the evening stargazing experience is probably the most beautiful “journey” one can experience.
In the late hours it is time for a sleep.
IF YOU ARE DOING THIS ADVENTURE WITH CHILDREN
As we have mentioned several times, this two-day Durmitor tour is an ideal adventure for children and teenagers. Here we list a few things that will make this experience unforgettable for children.
Finding a suitable location for setting up camp and setting up the tent itself is always an interesting experience. Collecting dry wood and making a campfire always offers an interesting charm. Preparing and cooking food, and using some of the local herbs teaches us about usefulness and coexistence with nature. Washing dishes with the use of biodegradable detergents and collecting our own, but also sometimes other people’s garbage, gives us a dimension of responsibility towards nature. Staying in nature with children is always an activity that creates a sense of responsibility for themselves and nature too.
With your guide, observe the starry sky and learn the basics of astronomy using interactive methods and tools. If the sky is clear, enjoy the fantastic views of the moon rising over the peaks of Durmitor. In the early morning hours, enjoy beautiful sunrises as well.
The region of the Durmitor National Park is too rich with wild life. If we are lucky, we can easily happen to see some of the local wild animals such as wild goats or deer.
With over a thousand wild animals, 160 species of birds, 40 species of fungi, 1500 other species and 1000 species of insects, the Durmitor region is heaven on earth for exploring the flora and fauna.
Destination: Žabljak, Montenegro
Meals Included: B – L
Itinerary Note: Use the Funky Tours benefits of your optional day and decide what kind of activity you would like to engage with on Day 2. Škrka Lakes are a great hub for stunning hiking adventures offering easy, medium and very challenging hiking trail options.
For maximum flexibility, we offer our guests few hiking options for the second day of the adventure.
OPTION 1: Return via Škrčko Ždrijelo at 2114m
Morning: The regular and easy option on the second day, after a good night’s sleep, is an easy morning wake up, followed by a delicious breakfast, and free morning for further exploration of the beautiful Škrka lakes. As mentioned earlier, summertime swimming or just easy walks around the lakes make this an amazing outdoor experience.
Afternoon:Around midday, after we packed up our tents and the rest of the gear, we are ready to go back. On the return we still have about 3 hours of medium hiking, with our return point being the Šarban, the spot where we started this stunning adventure.
Lunch:At the end of the day, we take you to a local traditional restaurant on Durmitor for a well-deserved tasting of local Montenegrin specialties. Trying local specialties such as Kačamak, Cicvara or Durmitor famous lamb is simply a must.
The day ends with drop off at the desired location in Žabljak.
This option is ideal for people and children who do not want to burden themselves with difficult hiking and want to enjoy a relaxed day exploring Durmitors hidden treasures.
If you prefer that this tour starts or ends somewhere else in Montenegro, especially in the Kotor or Budva region, please let us know in advance.
OPTION 2: Return via Bobotov Kuk peak at 2525m
Itinerary Note:The more challenging return option on the second day is the return hike over the highest peak of Durmitor massif, the stunning Bobotov Kuk peak at an altitude of 2525 meters. This option is ideal for people of slightly advanced fitness level, who preferably have some experience with via ferrata, and are not afraid of heights.
Morning:After waking up early, it’s time for a delicious breakfast. Early mornings at Durmitor offer us fantastic views of the sunrise over the peaks of Durmitor. Before we start our returning hike, a few moments to enjoy the beauty of Škrka lakes in the early mornings is heavily recommended.
When conducting a hike to Bobotov Kuk, we recommend starting early, because if we want to climb Bobotov Kuk from Škrka lakes, with approximately of 700 to 800 meters of vertical gain, and with return to Sedlo pass or Žabljak, we have to count in approximately about 5 to 6, or even 7+ hours of quite a challenging hiking.
The hiking trail over the Samar pass and the Zeleni Vir valley to the top of Botov Kuk offers fantastic scenery and views on all sides of Durmitor. Getting to the top of Bobotov Kuk requires a basic experience in alpine climbing and use of cables, and it is not recommended for people who are afraid of heights.
Afternoon:After climbing up and descending from Bobotov Kuk, the last part of the returning trail can be shorter (approx. 2.3hrs) that goes directly across the Zeleni Vir valley to the Sedlo pass, or a bit longer one that ends at Black Lake, near Žabljak (approx. 3.30hrs).
Lunch:As in the first option, the day ends with a late lunch and a tasting of local Montenegrin specialties, as well as drop-off at the desired location (Žabljak region).
If you prefer that this tour starts or ends somewhere else in Montenegro, especially in the Kotor or Budva region, please let us know in advance.
WHAT TO KNOW WHEN HIKING IN DURMITOR NATIONAL PARK?
If possible opt for hiking boots, or sturdy hiking shoes that will protect your ankle in case of twist or if you accidentally hit the rock. Try to wear layered clothing and as less as possible cotton and, replace it by quick-drying high performance fabric. Bring protective hat and suncream. Have spare shirts. Make sure to have appropriate socks and long legged hiking trousers.
General rule of thumb is 1/2 l of water for every 2 hrs of hiking. Bring food rich in carbohydrates that will give you energy through the day. Include protein bars, nuts, seeds and dried fruits.
Always make sure to follow your guide and marked trails. Never wonder off the marked trail unless it feels completely safe. Be aware of your physical and mental limits and, always make sure not to loose focus.
What Do I Need to Bring?
What Are You Additionally Expected to Carry?
Total additional carryon amount should not exceed approx. 5kg.