In the border region at the Čakor Pass

In the former Yugoslavia, the 1,849-meter Čakor Pass was considered the highest asphalted Alpine crossing. The pass road once connected the Montenegrin town of Andrijevica with Peja in Kosovo. During the 1999 war, however, the road was blocked at the border by a tank barrier and remains closed to this day. While Montenegro has since repaved its section of the road, on the Kosovar side, it remains a dirt track.
Nevertheless, a trip up to the Čakor Pass is well worth it. The reason lies in the track that branches off northward at the pass summit. This challenging and varied natural trail runs close to the border, leading into the Šekular Valley. It offers both spectacular views down into the Lim Valley and plenty of driving challenges.
You reach the pass from Morino via the R19, which sets the tone with its sharp curves and switchbacks—a thrilling start to the journey. With around 1,000 meters of elevation gain over 20 kilometers, there’s plenty of driving fun to be had.
For the first six kilometers, the track winds along the mountainside on coarse gravel. A few mild curves, stunning views down into the Lim Valley, and a relatively steady altitude make this section a scenic ride. Along the way, you’ll pass several katuns—the local term for farms. These offer charming examples of how agriculture and livestock farming are sustained in the remote mountains of Montenegro—a tradition that one hopes will endure for years to come.
Further along, the track’s surface shifts from gravel to earth, becoming occasionally slippery and requiring a delicate touch from the driver. The descent into the Šekular Valley, however, is on a well-maintained forest road with delightful curves and hairpin turns. Finally, the asphalt resumes in the village of Laze.