Trek Albania

Tirana or Shkoder - Theth National Park. Your journey into the Albanian Alps starts early. Your Tour Leader collects you from your accommodation in Tirana or Shkoder at 6 am. As we head towards Northern Albania, the landscape opens up into wild fields, rivers, Shkodra Lake and rugged, untouched mountains. From Shkoder, we switch to local transport at around 7:30 am.

Once we turn off the main road towards Theth, the area becomes more rural, with fewer cars and more wild nature. Its favourable position makes the region well known for growing medicinal herbs, and between May and June the fragrant lavender fields can feel more like Provence in France. The road climbs a steep, winding hillside to Qafa e Thores, 1,700 m above sea level. It is said to be the best photo spot on the route, with a perfect view of the Albanian Alps.

After a short refreshment stop, we set off on foot towards the Blue Eye at around midday. Erosion from the Albanian Alps' melting snow created this pool. The hike from the village takes about 3 hours each way, covering 18 km in total with around 700 m of elevation. You can also choose local transport from Theth Village to Nderlysaj at an additional cost, which cuts the hike to around 1 hour each way. The trail is rated easy to moderate and calls for some hiking experience. The reward is bright blue and green water that looks like a postcard. At only around 5 degrees Celsius, a dip is only for the brave.

Back in the village centre, we visit the Old Church and the "Lock in" Tower, the symbol of Theth. The stories behind both buildings go back centuries. We spend the night at our accommodation in Theth.

Please note: Hiking details (approx.) - distance 18 km, elevation gain 700 m, technical difficulty moderate, time 6 hours, loop trail.

After breakfast, we hike from Theth to Grunas Waterfall, about an hour from the centre of Theth Village. The trail gives a glimpse of local villagers' daily lives and passes Kullas, the stone houses typical of the Albanian Alps.

At the waterfall, a curtain of white water pours over grey rocks as if from a bucket that never empties, then tumbles down the hillside in a series of mini-waterfalls. Grunas Waterfall has been a natural monument since 2002. We take some time to enjoy the Albanian Alps scenery before heading back to Theth at around midday.

The afternoon is free for you to explore Theth National Park on your own.

Please note: Hiking details (approx.) - distance 6 km, elevation gain 270 m, technical difficulty moderate, time 3 hours, loop trail.

Theth National Park - Valbona Valley National Park. Today is the standout day of the trip: the trek from Theth to Valbona. It is a hard day of 6 to 8 hours through remote terrain, with about 1,050 m of elevation, but it is well worth the effort. The Valbona Pass has spectacular views of the Peaks of the Balkans and the "Accursed Mountains".

Reaching the top of the pass gives a real rush of adrenaline, and you can see down both sides of the valleys. This high viewpoint is ideal for a short break and for photos of the Albanian Alps.

From the pass, we descend to Valbona Valley, another picturesque village surrounded by high mountains. Once in the village, we walk to our traditional accommodation for the night.

Please note: You will be carrying all your belongings on this trek, so packing lightly is recommended.

Please note: Hiking details (approx.) - distance 14 km, elevation gain 1,050 m, technical difficulty moderate, time 6-8 hours, one-way trail.

Valbona Valley National Park - Shkoder or Tirana. The day starts with a magnificent view of the Albanian Alps that makes it hard to leave. We board a boat across Komani Lake, passing views of the Albanian Alps, waterfalls, rural villages and wild forests. Many consider it an exotic experience, and the locals' unmatched hospitality makes it even better.

At the Komani dam, we continue by local transport over bumpy roads, with far-reaching views of Vau i Dejes Lake. From here, our driver takes us back to the modern, dynamic city of Shkoder or Tirana, where the tour ends. You head home full of the wonders of Albania after an unforgettable few days.