4 days in Valbona and Theth Valley

390 Euro | 4 days into the Valbona and Theth Valley

Valbona Valley is renowned for its striking natural beauty and rugged landscapes. Through the picturesque village of Valbona and Theth, surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests. As you traverse the valley, you'll encounter a diverse range of flora and fauna, with beech and oak trees providing shade along the trails. The Valbona River flows through the valley, offering refreshing spots to rest and enjoy the serene environment. Theth, on the other hand, is a charming, remote village that has preserved its traditional architecture and way of life. The hike from Valbona to Theth takes you through Valbona Pass, which stands at an altitude of 1860 meters. This pass offers stunning panoramic views of both Valbona and Theth valleys. The descent into Theth leads you through a dense beech forest, known for its tranquility and beauty. Both valleys boast breathtaking scenery, traditional villages, and a sense of untouched nature, making the hike an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts.

Highlights

Koman Lake, the Fjords of the Balkans, Valbona Pass Hike, Grunas Waterfall, Lock-in Tower and Old Church in Theth, hike along Theth River till to Theth Canyon and after to Blue Eye Carstic Spring, Castle of Shkodra, and the city tour in Tirana

Itinerary daily

Day 1 | Into the Heart of the Alps

Our journey begins in Tirana or Shkodra, where we set off early in the morning towards the majestic Albanian Alps. Around 8:30 AM, the group meets for departure to Lake Koman. Travelers from Shkodra will meet directly at the boat dock, ready to board for an unforgettable ride. The road to Lake Koman winds past the dam of one of the largest hydropower plants in the Balkans, built in the 1980s. The lake created here—also known as the “fjord of Southern Europe”—is a breathtaking spectacle, with emerald waters framed by towering peaks.

After a short transfer, we reach the starting point of our hike. A gentle 2.5-hour walk along the Valbona River awaits, shaded by ancient beech forests and serenaded by the sounds of rushing water. By evening, we arrive at a welcoming guesthouse, where warm hospitality and a hearty dinner set the tone for the days ahead.

|Bus Transfer 75km 2.5 h/45 km |Boot 2.5 h |Hiking 2,5 h ca 7 km. ↗ 250 m. ↘ 150 m

Day 2 | Crossing the Legendary Valbona Pass

Today is the pinnacle of our walks as we embark on the Valbona Theth pass, one of the most stunning attractions in the Balkans, used by Albanian mountaineers for centuries. Valbona's Pass, perched at 1860 meters above sea level, offers breathtaking views of two of the most beautiful valleys in the Balkans: Valbona and Theth. This mountain pass majestically connects these two valleys.

Our descent to Theth takes us through a magnificent beech forest, known as one of Albania's most beautiful forests. Along our walk, we will have the opportunity to rest at one of the service structures established for the numerous hikers in this area. The descent to Theth also allows us to refresh in the cold waters of the Theth River, which flows from the glacial peaks of the Albanian mountains. Meanwhile, our luggage will be conveniently transported by mules directly to our guesthouse.

Bus Transfer NO, Hiking 6 h | → 14 km | ↗ 950 m | ↘ 1.100 m

Day 3 | Between Legends and Reality, Theth’s Hidden Gems

After two days of alpine adventure, today brings a gentler pace. We stroll along the river of Theth, immersing ourselves in the village’s rich cultural heritage. Our first stop is the Lock-in Tower that offered protection to those affected by the Blood Feudand and dive into the history of the “Kanun” of the Albanian Lord Lek Dukagjini, at the nearby lock-in tower the old church, where stories of highland traditions and medieval codes of honor come to life.

Next, a 40-minute walk leads us to the Grunas Waterfall, a spectacular cascade plunging 25 meters into the Theth National Park. From here, the trail continues to the canyon of Theth River, heading toward the village of Nderlysaj, where the river carves its way through dramatic mountain scenery.

The highlight of the day is the Blue Eye of Theth, a mesmerizing karstic spring whose turquoise waters shimmer like a jewel in the valley. This natural wonder, fed by glacial streams, is the perfect finale to our journey—an unforgettable reminder of Albania’s raw and untouched beauty. A 20 minutes ride will take us at our guesthouse.

Bus Transfer NO/ Hiking 5h3 | → 14 km | ↗ 350 m | ↘ 350 m

Day 4 | From Theth to Tirana: History, Culture and the big City

After a delightful homemade breakfast at our guesthouse, we bid farewell to the alpine serenity and set off towards Albania’s vibrant capital. Our route takes us across the Thore Pass, offering sweeping views over the entire Thethi Valley — a chance to reflect on the unforgettable trails we conquered in the days before.

Descending into the enchanting Boga Valley, the landscape shifts from rugged peaks to rolling hills, each turn revealing new vistas. Along the way, we pause at the Castle of Shkodra, a monumental fortress that has guarded the city for centuries. Its commanding position above Lake Shkodra provides a memorable backdrop and a glimpse into Albania’s storied past.

In afternoon, we continue towards Tirana, where a three-hour guided city walk awaits. Strolling through lively boulevards and hidden corners, our knowledgeable guide introduces us to the capital’s rich blend of Ottoman, Italian, and communist-era influences. From bustling markets to historic landmarks, Tirana’s charm and energy provide the perfect finale to our journey.

This day is both relaxing and enriching, weaving together natural beauty, cultural heritage, and urban discovery — a fitting conclusion to an adventure that has spanned valleys, passes, and centuries of Albanian tradition.

Bus 180 km, 4,5 hours. No Hiking. 3 h walking . flat

The package includes:

4 days Excursion into the Albanian alps and Tirana,

2 transfers and 2 internal transfers

3 days of hiking in the highlights of the Albanian Alps,

3 nights at a Guesthouse,

3 breakfasts,

4 lunch packages,

3 dinners at the Guesthouse,

1 impressive boat trip.

What to except : This three-day hiking adventure combines breathtaking landscapes, authentic countryside life, and cultural discovery. From fjord-like lakes to alpine passes and hidden waterfalls, the Albanian Alps promise an experience that stirs both body and souls, combined with comfortable and authentic accommodations and delicious home made meals.

Previous Experiences in Images

Note: Our guided tours can be confirmed for groups of up to four people. Our guides are bilingual speakers, English and another language. For Groups of 3 or4 Persons the guiding will be with English speaking local guide. Group with more than 5 persons can book a Guide for all days during the Trip

Prefer to explore on your own way? You can also book this tour as self-guided. You will become all reservations, transfers and stays, meals, the GPX coordinates

General Information

This hiking tour is rated challenging for beginners and moderate for experienced hikers. Participants should be in good physical condition, as the route involves sustained walking over mountainous terrain.

The trail passes through a diverse and spectacular alpine landscape, featuring steep ascents and descents, deep valleys shaped by mountain rivers, rugged rocky peaks, and stretches of hardy mountain pine forests. While the scenery is dramatic, the chosen routes are generally stable and reliable underfoot, providing a balance of challenge and safety.

Hiking days often include sharp inclines and declines, and weather conditions in the mountains can change rapidly—even during summer. Sudden shifts in weather may increase the difficulty of the hike and, in some cases, require route adjustments, particularly in remote areas.

The main hike from Valbona Valley to Theth Valley typically takes six to seven hours. Previous trekking experience is helpful but not essential for participants who are very fit and comfortable with long hiking days.

Each participant is required to carry their own daypack during the hike. Main luggage will be transported separately by mule or horse, so luggage must be packed in a soft bag or duffel—suitcases are not suitable.

Due to the mountainous terrain, weather conditions may occasionally cause delays or changes to the hiking schedule.

Recommended Equipment

Participants should be well prepared and bring: Breathable, lightweight waterproof jacket, Fleece or wool pullover, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Small day backpack with rain cover, Hiking poles, Hiking shoes with good grip, Water bottle, Sun hat or cap, Sunscreen, Mosquito repellent, Headlamp, Sunglasses, Proper preparation and appropriate gear are essential to fully enjoy this unforgettable hiking experience through the wild and beautiful mountains of Northern Albania.