4 Days in to the Albanian Alps, Valbona and Theth Valley

780 Euro | Highlights of the Albanian Alps, Valbona and Theth Valley

 

Valbona Valley is renowned for its striking natural beauty and rugged landscapes. The hike typically begins in the picturesque village of Valbona, 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 pristine 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, Rosi Peak, 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

Discover this Tour

Day 1.Tirana to Shkoder

Upon arrival in Tirana, we will rendezvous with the group and proceed to the city of Shkodra, which is not only the capital of northern Albania but also an important trading center for the region. During our visit, we will explore ancient castles and learn about the city’s rich history, which dates back 2500 years and has been continuously inhabited to the present day. From the castle, we will be treated to a breathtaking panorama of the Shkodra field, which is surrounded by the rivers that are headed by the Albanians, as well as the largest lake in the Balkans, Lake of Shkodra. The Adriatic coastline is located a mere 8 kilometers away and can be easily viewed on clear days. After checking into the hotel, we will take a stroll through the city’s pedestrian area, which is characterized by Venetian-style buildings.

Bus Transfer 95 km, 2 hours

Day2. Shkoder to Koman and Valbona Valley

We will start our day early and embark on a journey to the Albanian Alps via an old road that leads us to the dam of one of the largest hydropower plants in the Balkans. The lake created by the dam is now a popular tourist attraction, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. This lake is now known as the fjord of southern Europe. After a short transfer, we will arrive at Sale, where we will begin our walk along the Valbona River in the forest, surrounded by Fagus trees. The walk will take approximately 2.5 hours and will conclude at the GH, where we will be hosted by the members of the house and spend the night.

Bus Transfer 75 km, Hiking 6 h | → 9 km | ↗ 350 m | ↘ 35000 m, appr 3 hours

Day 3. on the highlands of Cerrem

Today promises to be a serene and relaxing day as we take an easy stroll along the river of Theth. Our first stop is the Lock-in Tower and the old church, where we will delve into the traditions and honor code of the Albanian highlanders, learning about the history of blood feuds and their resolution in the Middle Ages.

We then embark on a picturesque 40-minute walk to the Grunas waterfall, a stunning natural monument that cascades from a height of 25 meters within the Theth National Park. Our journey continues through the park, leading us to the village of Nderlysaj. Here, we cross the deep river by the side of the majestic mountains. The arrival in Nderlysaj reveals the beautiful delta of the Theth River, fed by the karstic source known as the Blue Eye.

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

Day4. Rosi Peak toward the forbiden borders

After enjoying a delightful homemade breakfast at our Guesthouse, we will set off towards the capital city, Tirana. Our picturesque journey takes us through the scenic Kuji Bajraktarit Pass, where we will have the opportunity to gaze upon the entire Thethi Valley and reminisce about our walks there. We then descend through the beautiful Boga Tal, making a memorable stop at the impressive Castle of Shkodra. Continuing our route towards Tirana, we'll arrive in the capital where a three-hour city walk and tour with our knowledgeable guide await us. A relaxing and enriching day lies ahead, filled with the charm and history of Albania.

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

Day 5.Valbona Theth

Day 6. on the valley of Theth

Day 7.From the Highlands to the Big City

Departure

The package includes: 

8 days Excursion in the Albanian alps,

2 transfers, 3 internal transfers

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

5 nights at a Guesthouse, 

6 breakfasts, 

6 lunch packages, 

5 dinners at the Guesthouse, 

2 dinners in Restaurant

1 impressive boat trip. 

1 luggage transport with horses mules

.This provides a comprehensive and adventurous experience in the stunning Albanian Alps, combined with comfortable and authentic accommodations and delicious meals.

General Information

-This tour is rated challenging for beginners and moderate for experienced hikers and requires participants to be in good physical condition. The trail leads through varied alpine landscapes, marked by sharp inclines and declines, deep valleys carved by mountain rivers, jagged rocky summits, and stretches of resilient mountain pine.

-Despite the dramatic scenery, the routes selected are solid underfoot and generally reliable, offering both challenge and security along the way. -Trails  often involve steep ascents and descents. Weather can shift rapidly even in the summer months adding an extra layer of difficulty and occasionally leading to route adjustments in remote areas.

-It will be expected to hike six to seven hours at Valbona  Valley to Theth. Valley. Previous trekking experience is helpful but not essential for those who are very fit. Each participant must carry their own daypack during the hikes, while the main luggage for this day will be transported by mule, horses and need the adapt luggage a bag not a suitcase. Weather conditions can delay the day hike , Do the mountainous area the weather conditions can change quickly, bring a breathable light-weight waterproof gear , fleece/wool pullover, wind-stopper jacket, gloves, small backpack with rain coverage, cap, sun block, mosquito repellent, head lamp, hiking poles, water bottle, sunglasses and the right hiking shoes

- for Groups of 3,4 Persons the guiding will be with English speaking local guide, or 

-for  group  more than 5 persons please contact us. our guides speak more than one language.

- for self-guided that want to go on her own way please write us. ( self-guided will become the GPX coordinates and all the necessary reservations and transfers)

 

Our Experiences

Note: Our guided tours can be confirmed for groups of up to four people. Our guides are bilingual speakers, english and another language. Prefer to explore on your own way?  You can also book this tour as self-guided. In this case, please contact us. Photos and descriptions are made by our guests during the previous excursions. we want to see with your eyes and filled with our emotions