Trek Albania

Tirana / Shkoder - Theth National Park. Our journey to the Albanian Alps starts at 6:00 with pick up at your hotel in either Tirana or Shkoder. As we travel towards Northern Albania, we'll pass by wild fields, rivers, Shkoder Lake, and untouched mountains. From Shkoder, we will transition to local transport around 7:30, turning off the main road towards Theth.

We'll navigate a steep hillside, ascending to 1700 metres at Qafa e Thores, renowned for offering the most picturesque view of the Albanian Alps. We'll take a short break for refreshments before beginning our hike to the Blue Eye around midday. The Blue Eye is formed by the melting snow of the Albanian Alps. The hike is about 3 hours one way, covering a round-trip distance of 18 km with an elevation gain of 700 metres. Alternatively, you can opt for local transport from Theth Village to Nderlysaj, in which case the hike will only take about 1 hour each way, costing between 5-7 euros per person. This trail is classified as easy to moderate, requiring some hiking experience. The vibrant blue and green scenery will leave you feeling as though you're inside a postcard. The Blue Eye's temperature is around 5 degrees Celsius, are you brave enough to take a dip in the chilly water?

After returning to the village centre, we will visit the Old Church and the "Lock-in" Tower, both iconic symbols of Theth with fascinating histories that span centuries. We'll spend the night in a traditional guest house in Theth.

Please note: This dedicated trekking tour requires a good level of fitness. You can find more details about the type of hiking involved in the Trip Notes.

Theth National Park - Valbona Valley National Park. Prepare for the highlight of our trip: the trek from Theth to Valbona. This challenging journey takes about 6 to 8 hours, covering a 14 km distance and a 1050m elevation gain through remote terrain, but it's undeniably rewarding. At the Valbona Pass, we'll be treated to breathtaking views of the peaks of the Balkans and the "Accursed Mountains."

Reaching the top of Valbona Pass delivers a thrilling rush of adrenaline, and we'll be able to see both sides of the valleys. This vantage point is ideal for a short break and offers the perfect opportunity to capture stunning photos of the Albanian Alps. From Valbona Pass, we'll begin our descent to Valbona Valley, a charming village nestled among towering mountains. Once we arrive, we'll head towards the traditional guesthouse for an overnight stay in Valbona. Please note that you'll need to carry all your belongings during the trek, so packing lightly is advisable.

Today's hike is more intense, as we make our way to Piramida 18, which offers stunning views and is located on the Montenegrin–Albanian border. Piramida 18 stands 2,000 metres above sea level, with a round-trip hike totalling 15 km. Reaching the pass takes approximately 4 hours from Valbona Valley National Park, passing through Kukaj. From the summit, enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the wild nature of the Accursed Mountains. We'll have a picnic lunch in this breathtaking part of the world and take some time to rest and recharge in the heart of the Alps before descending back to Valbona Valley. Our overnight accommodation will be in a guesthouse in Valbona.

Valbona Valley National Park - Tirana / Shkoder. Waking up to the breathtaking view of the Albanian Alps is an experience that might make you wish to extend your stay. We are finished with hiking, but today we enjoy an included boat journey across Komani Lake, where you'll enjoy stunning vistas of the Albanian Alps, waterfalls, quaint rural villages, and untouched forests. Upon reaching the Komani Dam, we will travel along bumpy roads using local transport, which offer remarkable views of Vau i Dejes Lake. From there, our driver will take us back to the Shkoder or Tirana, depending on your preference. Our tour arrangements end with drop off back in the city of your choice, at approximately 18:00 - 19:00.