28 January 2025.
Kučki Kom marks the highest point in the magnificent trio of peaks that form the distinctive Komovi massif. This detailed hiking guide covers everything you need to know for the trail.
Towering above a sea of forested foothills, Komovi’s colossal limestone massif, comprised of three distinct peaks, dominates the landscape, taking pride of place at the heart of the Komovi Nature Park.
Anchored on either side of an impressive valley, the trio remain trapped in a perpetual staring contest, with Vasojevićki Kom soaring to 2,461m and commanding the eastern flank, while Ljevorečki Kom at 2,470m and Kučki Kom at 2,487m stand proudly along the opposite wall.
As the highest of the three, Kučki Kom is reached via a challenging 10km out and back hike that takes around 6 hours to complete from Štavna.
Tracing through flower-strewn meadows and vast tracts of rockfall, the route culminates in a tough rocky ascent that involves plenty of scrambling and climbing to reach the narrow ridge that brings you to the summit.
From up top, the jagged spires of Ljevorečki and Vasojevićki rear up dramatically on either side and tumble sharply into the rolling green foothills that extend towards the horizon.
On a clear day, it’s possible to see across the entire country, as far as Bobotov Kuk in Durmitor National Park and Maja Jezerce in the Albanian Alps.
For keen hikers planning their visit to Komovi, be sure to add the spectacular Kučki Kom to your itinerary, though if you’re nervous around heights, this might not be the trail for you.
For more ideas of what to see and do in the area, don’t miss this detailed guide to the Komovi Mountains.
Distance | 10 km
Duration | 6 hours
Elevation Gain | 719 m
Difficulty | Difficult
The main trailhead for Kučki Kom is located in Štavna, however there’s a slightly shorter alternative route which begins from Katun Martinovića with the two routes intersecting in the valley at Ploča.
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A Note on the Difficulty
According to the trail signs, the Kučki Kom track is rated as ‘Moderate’, indicated by a red circle.
In my eyes, the rough scree fields, exposed ledges and considerable clambering required to navigate the rocky upper peak are more than enough to qualify this route as ‘Difficult’.
By comparison, the terrain is certainly more technical than any of the red trails (and even some of the black trails) in Durmitor National Park, with the added risk that their are no cables here for support.
Štavna lies directly north of the Komovi massif at the base of Vasojevićki and is the best access point for the Kučki Kom trail. It can be reached in around an hour from both Kolašin and Andrijevica off the M9, or 2 hours from Podgorica.
From either direction, navigate towards Trešnjevik and turn onto the CT-1. The initial section of road from Mateševo to Trešnjevik is damaged and potholed, but thankfully much of the way is newly paved as you climb into the mountains.
At the turn off, there’s a large restaurant and a boom gate where you’ll arrive at the official entrance to the Komovi Nature Park or Park Prirode Komovi.
There is a €2 entrance fee per person per day payable in cash at the control point. At the time of writing, this was not included as part of Montenegro’s National Parks Annual Pass.
Heading into the park, there are two roads that lead to Štavna. Neither are in good condition, but one is far better than the other.
The trip is manageable in a small 2WD but expect large rocks, uneven surfaces and eroded dips along the way where slow, careful driving is essential.
After 1.5 km, turn right at the signposted intersection along the rough, beat up dirt track. This will go against your better instincts as the road straight ahead is still nicely paved but it really is the better option.
The road travels through the forest following a series of wide switchbacks which climb gradually and emerge on the grassy plateau that leads into Štavna.
After 4.5 km of dirt road, you’ll reach a spacious parking area beneath the hulking beast of Vasojevićki where a yellow trail sign indicates the various hiking routes.
Near the trailhead, there are also four icy springs where you can refill your water bottle before setting off. See the locations on maps.me.
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FIND YOUR RENTAL CAR | The only way to get to and around Komovi is by car and Podgorica is the best place to pick up your vehicle with numerous options available from both the airport and downtown area.
I recommend using Discover Cars who offers a variety of suppliers at competitive rates for the region. Find the best deals here.
Accommodation in this remote part of the mountains is somewhat limited, however there is a growing number of guesthouses popping up in Štavna and the surrounding villages which afford spectacular views of the Komovi peaks.
The area is particularly popular with local hiking groups on summer weekends so I’d recommend booking ahead as accommodation does fill up quickly. Those after the comforts of a larger town will find plenty of options in Andrijevica and Kolašin
Kobil Do Guesthouse | Offering rustic but cosy bungalows in Štavna, you really can’t beat the location of Kobil Do with garden views looking straight onto the stark peaks and across the valley. A set breakfast and traditional dinner are available from the on site restaurant for an additional fee (around €25). Check rates and availability here.
Eko Katun Martinovica 1750 | Set on the ridge opposite Štavna, this property has a fantastic setting, gazing straight up at the formidable face of Vasojevićki. Road access here is slightly more challenging, but guests rave about the food and location. For Kučki Kom, you would need to begin from the alternate trailhead. Check rates and availability here.
Hotel Komovi | Located in the heart of Andrijevica, this welcoming mountain chalet is a perfect choice for those still wanting to retain some creature comforts after a day of hiking. Some rooms are a little dated, while others have been newly renovated, and are well appointed with wooden detailing. Check rates and availability here.
Max Apartments | Top-rated Max is an excellent budget option offering a range of self-contained studio apartments in the centre of Kolašin. Check rates and availability here.
Chalet Kolašin | A classic mountain chalet, this 4-star hotel in Kolašin offers spacious rooms with mountain views, an onsite spa and sauna perfect for post-hike relaxation and includes an excellent breakfast. Check rates and availability here.
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TOP TIP | There are no shops or grocery stores near Štavna so I’d suggest stocking up on supplies for lunch and snacks for your hike before arriving in Komovi. You’ll find several supermarkets in Kolašin, one market in Andrijevica and a small corner store in Mateševo.
3.9 km | 2 hours | 408 m gain
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Setting off from the parking area, the flat trail weaves through a carpet of greenery and arrives at the first section of rockfall in just 300 metres.
Cutting across the rocky slope, the trail climbs gently beneath the razor-sharp cliffs of Vasojevićki for a short way before being enveloped in forest.
Amongst the trees, the path undulates over several small hills before arriving at a large fallen tree trunk that blocks the way and where you’ll need to crouch down and shimmy underneath.
Just ahead, the trail juts out at a gap between the trees and you’ll be welcomed with dramatic views of the mighty peaks and the congregation of cabins on the opposite ridge.
Beyond the forest, you’ll enter the next section of barren rockfall which cascades down the steep slopes of Vasojevićki.
Wrapping around the western flank of the mountain, the trail continues to climb gently towards the key intersection at Ploča where the path veers right for Ljevorečki Kom and left for Kučki Kom.
For the next hour, the path ascends gradually through a verdant valley towards the Carina Pass or Ćafa od Carina.
Speckled with colourful wildflowers and bound by jagged peaks, steep scree fields and gnarled rock formations, it’s a beautiful section of trail that marks the stark transition between the lush foothills and the desolate rocky terrain of the peaks.
Crossing over the pass through a craggy corridor, you’ll emerge onto the far side of the ridge where the endless green landscapes of Komovi’s southern half are revealed.
Rolling mountains extend to the horizon peppered with the ruins of historic katuns that have long since been abandoned, their circular stone foundations all that remains amongst the verdant pastures.
It’s a wonderful place to enjoy a short break before beginning the tough final push to the summit.
1.1 km | 1 hour | 311 m gain
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Veering right from the pass, the trail crosses a wide grassy plateau for around 300 metres before meeting the rocky terrain that marks the rugged summit.
From here, the trail pitches up sharply and begins a steady climb up the south west flank of the peak which feels rather like the formidable ascent of Mount Doom.
While it may not be far in distance, this is where the most challenging section of the hike really begins and it’s slow going with sketchy terrain for much of the way to the summit.
Navigating amongst loose scree and secure boulders, the path weaves back and forth up the slope in steep, often slippery bursts.
After 250 m you’ll reach a cleft in the rock face where the only way forward is to hoist yourself up through the gap and onto the next ledge.
Rocks have been gathered around the base to provide some leverage and there are adequate foot and hand holds to help you manoeuvre over the shelf, but essentially your arms and upper body need to do the bulk of the lifting.
This is perhaps the trickiest bit of the whole hike, especially for shorter folk, and if you’re anything like me, once you’ve managed to heave yourself through the gap, the adrenaline will have well and truly kicked in.
Ahead, you’ll be met with a scree slope carved by a clear path that cuts across the rocks and wraps around the southern face of the peak to the base of the cliffs on the far side.
Finally, the trail swings to the right and brings you onto the sturdy slab of the summit ridge where the path begins to fade, replaced by frequent red trail markers to guide you along the rugged spine.
Clambering higher with hands and feet for much of the way, there is one short exposed section which passes alongside a ravine that falls away sharply, but after around 100 metres the summit springs into view and the ridge begins to flatten out, guiding you the final few steps to the roof of the Komovi Mountains.
The views are magnificent with a panorama of distant peaks piercing the horizon.
My visit was marred by a Saharan dust plume which unfortunately obscured much of the landscapes, but even through the haze, the silhouettes of far away mountains were still impressive.
On a clear day, it’s possible to see across the country to the spectacular Durmitor National Park, as well as the Accursed Mountains that dominate the border triangle between Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro.
After a good break, the route returns back the way you came.
Personally, I found the descent to the base of the rocky summit to be just as challenging as on the way up, with the downward force making the slippery scree slopes and unstable rubble even more precarious.
Particularly on the way down, I’d really recommend following the trail markers as precisely as possible.
The terrain is undeniably sketchy in parts, but at least the route is well worn and well marked.
Being even a few steps off track up here can cause unstable rocks to crumble or collapse beneath a heavy downward footfall so stick to those markers like glue.
Hiking boots with solid grip and support are a good idea for tackling this type of terrain and, perhaps this is just my thirties catching up with me, but hiking poles are also a huge benefit for the rugged descent.
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