Albanian Alps Trek: Theth & Valbona

Albanian Magic Classic Highlights of the Albanian Alps 30 June – 4 July

Tour Overview This tour caters to active and culturally curious travelers who are looking for authentic experiences of the famed highland hospitality, like to stay in famiy-run guesthouse and are eager to explore the Albanian Alps on scenic nature hikes that fit average fitness levels within a 5-day trip.

The tour starts in Shkodra and visit two of the most remarkable valleys in the Accursed Mountains: Valbona and Thethi, both dominated by towering mountains and traditional alpine houses.

Traveling into the mountains you enjoy a tranquil ferry ride across the Koman Lake and upon return to Shkodra a scenic drive across the mountains.

Your “Albanian Magic” Highlights:     

a tranquil ferry ride on fjord-like Lake Koman splendid views on scenic hikes in the Valbona and Thethi National Parks on the edge of two magnificent valleys: the hike across the Valbona Pass (1820m) insights in traditional mountain lifestyle and warm hospitality the Blue Eye’s fascinating play of colors

Duration: 5 days Group Size: 2 persons Accommodation: shared or private rooms in simple, clean family-run guesthouses Difficulty: 2/4 + only one long transfer hike Walks: 5x | 4:00h average walking time - almost all can be shortened/extended Luggage Transfers: yes, by horse and car

Tour Facts Services included:     

4x accommodation in alpine guest houses, shared facilities and 3-6 bed rooms (private rooms subject to availability) full board (meals prepared by host family and picnic lunch) English speaking guide all transports from/to Shkodra incl. the ferry trip entrance fees

At your own:   

airfare insurance (compulsory for every participant) tips and personal expenses for drinks or souvenirs

You should bring the following equipment: Hiking boots, light rainwear (90% of rain falls in winter), sun protection (cream, hat, glasses), 20-30l day pack, 1.5 liters water gear, towel and swimsuit (optional).

Please note that suitcases are not suitable for transport on horses and only one piece of baggage with maximum weight of 15kg is included per person.

Visitors are expected to respect the wildlife, leave what they find, dispose of their waste properly and to be considerate with locals.

1

st

Journey into the Accursed Mountains Tranquil Ferry Ride & a Walk in the Valbona National Park

7km

250m

50m

3:00h

You rise early for the transfer through a scenic gorge to the Koman Dam (55km/1:30h). The picturesque reservoir loops similar to a Norwegian fjord through sheer rock walls and is considered a highlight of the Albanian Alps. The custom made ferry stops at several points to pick up locals from remote villages before arriving at Fierze (46km/3h). After lunch you travel by minibus past traditional villages, composed of wooden shingle covered stone houses, into the highlands and the Valbona National Park (35km/1:15h). To warm-up for the anticipated trek you continue on foot along the crystal clean stream and on quiet berry-lined trails through the forest to the secluded Xhemes Lake for a swimming break. The walk ends at our cozy guesthouse in a small hamlet. You will have itchy feed when you see the jagged peaks from the terrace, tomorrow will be the day.

2

nd

Valbona – Queen of the Mountains Hamlet Kukaj, colorful Meadows and hospitable Shepherds

10.5km

700m

700m

5:00h (+2h)

Refreshed you start your hike to Kukaj, an isolated hamlet where only two families reside, below bunkers that once protected the border are now scattered in the riverbed. The windy path takes you over lush meadows ablaze with the colors of a wide variety of spring flowers to a shepherd hut on 1.650m. In the communist period when this was a no-go area and the building used as a military barrack. Admire the wild and romantic jagged mountain scenery, sample fresh milk products and opt to climb higher to an ancient crossing at the Montenegrin border or to stay and enjoy the views. At 2.040m a weathered border pyramid remains as a reminder of the isolation Albania once endured, from here views reach to the most dramatic parts of Montenegrin Prokletije. Catching a last glimpse at the Alps highest peak Jezerca (2.694m) you descent on a different path to another guesthouse. When daylight fades you can watch the alpine glow over dinner in the idyllic garden, no surprise many women are named after the beautiful valley.

3

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The Grand Crossing: Hike from Valbona to Theth On par with the Mountains on Valbona Pass (1.811m)

11.75km

725m

1125m

6:00h

Accompanied by mules that carry your load you set out for the transfer hike across Valbona Pass (1.815m) – another highlight of each journey. After the village Rragam few steep segments follow, you can pause regularly near springs and on colorful meadows to take a breath and enjoy the splendid views. Reaching the pass the surrounding peaks appear on par and sweeping views of both valleys fascinate even the seasoned traveler. Enjoy the picturesque landscape during a lunch break ahead of the descent to Theth. The fairy-tale beech forest provides cover from the sun in the afternoon, by the time the woods thin out Mt. Arapi (2.217m) is visible and soon the upmost houses of the village are reached. Spread below are the different hamlets, on a broad path you reach another inviting guesthouse in the center of the village.

4

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Theth – In the Heart of the Albanian Alps Grunas Waterfall & Canyon | Kanun & Blood Feud

9km

375m

100m

4:00h

A walk through the village and the green gardens reveals the full extent of Theh. You visit the iconic church, well-kept fields and dive at the lock-in tower that offered protection for men threatened by blood feud into the history of the “kanun”. It is the perfect place to elaborate on the highland law code of Leke Dukagjini, its origins, impact and present day relevance. Onward along the water channels you ascend the plateau of the famed waterfall at which’s base often a rainbow appears. On a cliff above the river archeologists discovered stone-aged terraces, you can rest here, enjoy the picnic lunch and gaze into the adjacent 50m deep Grunas Canyon. Along the river a wellworn bridle path takes us downstream to Nderlysa where you stay on a farmstead. Use your free time to sample mulberries, grapes and plums in the garden, harvest corn and milk sheep with the family, learn to cook a typical dish, explore the surroundings or swim.

5

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The “Blue Eye” and Terthoria Mountain Road Walk to a hidden Oasis & Scenic Drive to Shkodra

9km

275m

275m

3:00h

Through a canyon you hike to the karst spring called “Blue Eye”. The bravest can take a dip in the icy waters while butterflies swirl around you – truly a hidden oasis to relax at. Without mobile phone coverage, electricity and road access busy everyday life seems completely forgotten and you can feel the isolation of the Accursed Mountains. After lunch at the guesthouse the ride on the scenic pass to Boga Valley takes you passed the Edith Durham Memorial, where you can joyfully take in the last views of the dramatic mountains, to Shkodra. Expect to arrive there about 4-5pm, we are glad to help with accommodation or onward transfer arrangements throughout Albania and into the neighboring countries.