This trek is for active and adventurous people who enjoy hiking and love to get to know the local people and their culture. We will hike the classic pass of the Albanian Alps that has linked the two most known valleys of the area – Valbona and Thethi – for centuries. The approximately 7-8 hour hike between these two authentic villages takes you past refreshing springs of water, spectacular views and unique natural beauty. This hike is not the only highlight of the tour; you will also experience the local culture by staying in village houses, then take an amazing ferry ride on the beautiful lake of Koman.
You can book this tour as a private departure via the enquire now button.
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Tirana | ||||||||||
| TOUR: | Majestic mountain trekking from Valbona to Thethi | ||||||||||
| TYPE: | Guided hiking holiday | ||||||||||
| CODE: | W 3.3 | ||||||||||
| LEVEL: | Challenging | ||||||||||
| PRICE: | Ask a quote from our direct sales department | ||||||||||
| SEASON: | June – Mid October | ||||||||||
| NIGHTS: | 2 | ||||||||||
| DAYS: | 3 | ||||||||||
| HIKING DAYS: | 1 | ||||||||||
| INCLUDED |
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| NOT INCLUDED |
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*Private tour
If you wish to do this tour on a different date, please contact us via the enquire now button. We have guides who can speak Albanian, English, Italian, French, German, Italian, Dutch or Spanish.
Essential Info
Level of the tour: Challenging
This tour’s difficulty level is challenging, and demands you to be in excellent physical shape. The paths are not always in the best of conditions and markings can be scarce. Day-treks may have big ascents and descents. Changing weather conditions (even in mid-summer) can play an important role when trekking in remote areas, and may cause changes in the scheduled route.
Normally, the treks are between six to eight hours a day. Prior trekking experience is an advantage, but not necessary for those who are in very good shape. During the hikes, you are required to personally carry your own day rucksack. The main luggage will be transported on a mule/ horse or vehicle.
What to bring:
Breathable light-weight waterproof gear (gore-tex, sympatex, etc), fleece/wool pullover, wind-stopper jacket, gloves, small backpack with rain coverage, cap, sun block, mosquito repellent, head lamp, hiking poles, water bottle, sunglasses.
Terrain during the hikes
This trail is characterized by lots of descents and ascents. The route passes over engraved relief representing alpine terrain with steep slopes, mountain river valleys carved into the mountains, rocky peaks, belts of mountain pine, etc. However, the chosen paths are mostly well trodden underfoot and safe.
Good to know:
Pick-up location
Shkoder, to be specified at booking confirmation
Drop-off location
Shkoder, to be specified at booking confirmation
Luggage transport
The hike from Valbona to Thethi is accompanied by a mule/horse that carries the luggage. It is therefore important that you use a bag for your luggage, not a suitcase. You will carry your own day backpack. From Thethi to Boga, a vehicle will transport the luggage to Boga, and from there we drive back to Tirana.
Hiking route
We reserve the right to modify the hiking route, in case of presence of snow.
Children policy
Children joining this tour should have experience with hiking. An adult need accompany children under 18.
Land only
The “OA” tours are Land Only; the prices do not include your flight, nor transport to and from the airport to hotel. You must make your own way to the starting point of every tour. If you would like us to arrange a transfer for you from the airport to your hotel or from your hotel to the beginning point of the tour please let us know at booking or contact us via the enquiry
Through the Canyon of Lake Koman, into the Albanian Alps
Early in the morning we depart from Shkodra and head towards the dam of Koman, where the artificial lake—formed in the 1980s after the construction of a hydropower dam—awaits. What follows is an unforgettable boat ride through the dramatic canyon landscape of the Drin River: one of the highlights of Northern Albania.
After arriving at the docks of Fierza, we pause for a traditional lunch nearby before continuing by local transport through the narrow and scenic Valbona Valley. Our destination is the remote village of Valbona – Rrogam, tucked deep into the Albanian Alps.
Here, in a comfortable local guesthouse, we settle in for the night. The surrounding jagged limestone peaks catch the last light of the day, offering a perfect moment to explore the village at your own pace.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Valbona – Rrogam.
Crossing the Valbona Pass to Theth
Today we embark on a classic mountain hike connecting the valleys of Valbona and Theth via the 1860m-high Valbona Pass. This historic trail becomes passable from late May, when snow begins to retreat.
Our luggage will be carried by packhorses while we ascend past the last homes of Rrogam and into steeper alpine terrain. The narrow trail winds up through rocky slopes to a panoramic plateau. On clear days, the view from the pass reveals the dramatic skyline of the Accursed Mountains (Bjeshket e Namuna).
After a picnic lunch, we descend through dense forests and open meadows into the heart of Thethi Valley (850m). There we relax in the best-preserved alpine village of Albania, hosted in a traditional stone guesthouse where the warmth of local hospitality is second to none.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Theth.
Discovering Thethi and return to Shkodra
Today we explore the remarkable heritage of Thethi. This mountain village, often described by poets and travellers for its isolated beauty, retains much of its traditional architecture and customs. Most homes (kulla) are built in grey stone with wooden plank roofs.
We descend from the guesthouse to visit key sites: the historic church, the Kulla e Ngujimit (a traditional shelter tower once used to escape blood feuds), and the impressive Thethi waterfall. At the Grunasi Canyon, we cross a wooden bridge to observe narrow rock formations and, nearby, ancient stone terraces dating from the late Bronze Age—discovered only in 2007.
After a picnic with a view, we begin our scenic return via the dramatic Thore Pass and through the verdant Boga Valley, arriving back in Shkodra by late afternoon.
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