Peaks of the Balkans Tour: Theth, Valbona & Koman Lake in 5 days

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Tirana / Shkodra – Theth National Park – Blue Eye – Theth
5 stops
1
Tirana
Our journey towards Komani Lake begins early in the morning at 05:00 am. Our tour leader will come and pick you up at your hotel in Tirana.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
2
Shkoder
Our tour leader will come and pick you up at your hotel in Shkoder
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
3
Boge
From Shkoder we will experience local transport riding at around 7:30 am. As we take the turn from the main road to Theth the area becomes more rural, with fewer cars but more wild nature and amazing landscapes. Due to its favorable position this area is famous for cultivating medicinal herbs, and if you are lucky to travel in May – June you would be amazed by the pretty and aromatic fields of lavender, making you feel like you are in Provence (France). On the way to the top, we will pass through a steep sneaky hillside reaching up to 1700 meters above sea level at Qafa e Thores. They say this is the spot with the best picture – perfect view of the Albanian Alps.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
4
Blue Eye of Theth
We will have a short break for refreshment and start our hiking journey towards the Blue Eye at around mid-day. Blue Eye was formed by the erosion of the water from the melting snow of the Albanian Alps. The hike from the village is about 3 hours one way, with a hiking distance of 18 km both ways and about 700 m of elevation. (If you choose to book local transportation from Theth Village to Nderlysaj, the hike will take around 1 hour each way. The cost for local transportation is between 5-7 euros per person). This trail is considered easy to moderate, requiring some experience in hiking. You will not be able to take your eyes off this stunning scene of nature with its bright blue and green colours, it’s like being inside a postcard. Also, fun fact, the temperature of the Blue Eye is just around 5 degrees Celsius. Hiking details (approx.): Distance: 18km Elevation gain: 700 m Technical difficulty: Moderate Time: 6h Trail type: Loop
3 hours • Admission ticket free
5
Qender Theth
We will go back to the village center and visit the Old Church and the “Lock in” Tower (symbol of Theth). The stories behind these buildings take up centuries full of history.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Theth – Grunas Waterfall – Theth
1 stop
6
Grunasi Waterfall
After breakfast get ready to hike from Theth to Grunas Waterfall. It takes approximately an hour to get the waterfall from the center of Theth Village. The hike takes you along local villagers daily lives and Kullas (stone houses typical of the Albanian Alps). Once you reach the waterfall you will be amazed by the curtain of white water coming over the grey rocks as if it were being poured from a bucket that never empties. The water tumbles down the hillside in a series of mini-waterfalls. Grunasi waterfall was declared a natural monument since 2002. Take some time to soak in the picturesque landscape of the Albanian Alps. At around midday we get back to Theth. Free afternoon to explore the National Park on your own. Overnight in Theth. Hiking details (approx.): Distance: 6 km Elevation gain: 270 m Technical difficulty: Moderate Time: 3h Trail type: Loop
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Theth National Park – Valbona Pass – Valbona Valley National Park
2 stops
7
Theth National Park
Get ready for the highlight of this trip. Trekking from Theth to Valbona will be an intense day as the walk takes about 6 to 8 hours (about 1050m elevation) in a remote terrain, nevertheless unquestionably worthy!
1 hour • Admission ticket free
8
Valbona Pass
The Valbona pass offers a spectacular view of the Peaks of the Balkans and “Accursed Mountains”. When reaching the top of the Valbona Pass, you will experience a serious shot of adrenaline. From here you will be able to see at both sides of the valleys. This top viewpoint is perfect for a short break and the possibility to capture amazing pictures of the Albanian Alps. From Valbona Pass, star your decent to the next destination, Valbona Valley, another picturesque village surrounded by high mountains. After reaching the village, we will walk towards the traditional guesthouse. Overnight in Valbona. *You will be carrying all your belongings with you during this trek so we recommend you pack lightly. Hiking details (approx.): Distance: 14 km Elevation gain: 1050m Technical Difficulty: Moderate Time: 6 -8h Trail type: one way
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Valbona Valley – “Piramida 18” – Valbona Valley
1 stop
9
Valbona Valley National Park
The hiking tour of the Albanian Alps gets more intense during this day, however filled with exciting challenges and breathtaking scenery. Our hiking objective is "Piramida 18", offering one of the most beautiful views and is located on the Montenegrin–Albanian border. “Piramida 18” stands 2000m above sea level, with a total of 15 km hike both ways. To reach the pass takes around 4h from Vabona Valley National Park and we pass through Kukaj. The view offers a 360° spectacular panorama of the wild nature of Accursed Mountains. We will enjoy a picnic lunch from this breath-taking corner of the world. We will take some time to rest and recharge on the middle of the Alps before starting our descent back to Valbona Valley. Overnight in a guesthouse in Valbona. Hiking details (approx.): Distance: 16 km Elevation gain: 1180m Technical difficulty: Moderate Time: 7.5 h Trail type: Loop
7 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Valbona Valley - Komani Lake – Shkoder or Tirana
3 stops
10
Waking up with such a magnificent view of the Albanian Alps will make you want to stay longer,
1 hour • Admission ticket free
11
Komani Lake By Wild Tour Albania
We will get on a boat that will take us through Komani Lake offering spectacular views of the Albanian Alps, waterfalls, rural villages and wild forests. It is considered by many as an exotic experience combined with the unmatched hospitality of the locals.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
12
Tirana
Once arriving in the Komani dam we will experience local transport over bumpy roads, however offering spectacular views of Vau i Dejes Lake. From here our driver will take us back to the modern and dynamic city of Shkoder or Tirana after an unforgettable experience. You will return home full of the wonders of Albania, with a new sense of self-excitement to share with those around you.
4 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• This tour requires some hiking experience and good physical condition.
• This tour departs early in the morning; thus, we would recommend you to eat breakfast before the tour departure or to take some food with you.
• Blue eye: elevation up to 789 m, hiking 3-4 hours one way.
• Grunas Waterfall: elevation up to 270m, hiking 1 hour one way.
• Valbona Pass: elevation up to 1050m, hiking 6 to 8 hours.

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