Stijntje

My husband and I completed the **High Scardus Trail** as a self-guided trek with **Zbulo**, and it was an unforgettable experience.

First of all, I cannot praise Zbulo enough. The organisation was outstanding from start to finish. Communication was excellent throughout the entire trip. Every WhatsApp message and every question was answered quickly, and even when we needed support beyond what was included in the package, someone was there to help. A special thank you to Arsina and Ricardo for their incredible service and dedication. You made us feel supported every step of the way.

The High Scardus Trail is a challenging trek. Expect around 1,000 metres of ascent almost every day. The first two days are quite exposed and, in our opinion, a little repetitive. We were hiking during a hot period, so be prepared for long days without much shade. After those first days, however, the trail becomes increasingly varied and rewarding.

Navigation is another important point. We were extremely happy to have the GPS tracks. In our opinion, the written route descriptions alone would not have been enough. Because there is virtually no mobile reception along the trail, reliable GPS navigation is essential. Make sure your device stays charged!

One of the things we appreciated most was the variety of the accommodations. Every overnight stay was completely different and had its own unique character. Some places were more comfortable than others, but together they created a wonderful and authentic experience.

Our first night in **Kajë** was in a dormitory. Fortunately, we had it to ourselves, but it would have been helpful to know this in advance. This was also the least comfortable accommodation in terms of beds and bathroom facilities. That said, the welcome was incredibly warm and the food was absolutely fantastic.

We had read that the food along the trail could become repetitive, but honestly, we enjoyed every meal. Yes, there were recurring ingredients such as bean soup, fresh bread, tomatoes, cucumbers and sheep’s cheese, but everything was fresh, tasty and exactly what we needed after long hiking days.

The shepherds’ hut was one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. We barely shared a common language with the hosts, but they were incredibly kind, welcoming and generous.

The hotel near Mount Korab was another highlight. The owner was enthusiastic, welcoming and genuinely passionate about making guests feel at home. Our final accommodation was equally magical and provided the perfect ending to the journey.

I’ve completed quite a few long-distance hiking trips over the years, and the High Scardus Trail is unlike anything I’ve done before. It is challenging, remote and authentic. While it may not be the most spectacular trail purely in terms of scenery, the complete experience—the mountains, the villages, the people and the hospitality—makes it truly special. For that reason, it definitely ranks among my top three hiking experiences.

Thank you, Zbulo, for creating such a memorable adventure. Your professionalism, personal attention and genuine care for your guests are exceptional. I would wholeheartedly recommend both **Zbulo** and the **High Scardus Trail** to anyone looking for an authentic, challenging and unforgettable trekking experience.