Hiking in the Albanian Alps
Hiking in the Albanian Alps
Hiking in the Albanian Alps
8 Days Starting in Shkodra, Albania and ending in Tirana, Albania
Visiting: Shkodra, Valbona National Park, Valbona Valley, Valbona Pass, Theth, Tirana
Tour operator:
Tour code:
35
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our "Hiking in the Albanian Alps" tour, a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Albania. Begin your exploration in Shkodra, where you can swim in the Balkans' largest lake or visit the historic Rozafa Castle. Experience the stunning beauty of Koman Lake on a ferry ride reminiscent of a Norwegian fjord. Hike through Valbona National Park, swim in Xhemes Lake, and enjoy panoramic views from the Montenegrin border. Traverse the Valbona Pass with its sweeping vistas and descend into the charming village of Theth. Discover the iconic church, lock-in tower, and the mesmerizing Blue Eye spring. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, including a boutique hotel in an Ottoman villa and cozy guesthouses, while savoring delicious meals throughout your journey. With complimentary airport transfers and luggage transport by horse, this tour offers a seamless and enriching experience in the heart of the Albanian Alps.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Albania/Shkodra
Location: Shkodra
Accommodation Name: Boutique hotel in Ottoman Villa
You are met at Tirana airport in Albania or Podgorica in Montenegro. En route to Shkodra, you can swim at the Balkans’ biggest lake or visit Rozafa Castle. In Shkodra, enjoy cafe life, elegant architecture, the buzz of the bazaar and myriad museums and galleries. We also offer bikes free of charge. Complimentary transfer from Tirana or Podgorica airport to Shkodra (90mins) Check-in at a boutique hotel in Ottoman Villa, bicycles available free of charge City tour with notes and maps Accommodation in Shkoder
Day 2 : Koman Lake – Accursed Mountains 7Km
Location: Valbona National Park
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Kukaj
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early start today as you are transferred to Koman Lake which is often compared to a Norwegian fjord because of the way it cuts into the sheer rock of the mountains. Take a 3h ferry trip across the lake to Fierze. After lunch, travel by minibus past traditional villages into Valbona National Park. On a first warm-up walk, you follow a crystal-clear stream and through the forest to Xhemes Lake, perfect for a swimming break. The walk ends at your cosy accommodation in a small hamlet. Walking for the day: 7km, 3h, ?250m ?50m Transfer by public minibus (06.00 pickup time) Boat ride across Koman Lake (3h) Transfer from Fierze via Bajram Curri (optional lunch stop) to the trailhead in Valbona (75mins) Accommodation in Kukaj Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 : Valbona – Queen Of The Mountains 12Km
Location: Valbona Valley
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Valbona Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your hike to the isolated hamlet of Kukaj. The windy path takes you over lush meadows ablaze with the colours of various spring flowers to a shepherd’s hut at 1,650 m. In the communist period, this was a no-go area and the building was used as a military barracks. Continue on up to an old crossing at the Montenegrin border at 2,040m, marked by a weathered border pyramid, with panoramic views over the Montenegrin Prokletije. You can see Mount Jezerca (2,694m) as you descend on a different path to your guesthouse. Walking for the day: 12km, 5-6h, ?750m ?700m Extension to Montenegrin border (2h) Accommodation in Valbona Valley Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 4 : The Grand Crossing: Valbona To Theth
Location: Valbona Pass
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Theth
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accompanied by a local guide and a horse that carries your luggage, today’s the day to hike across Valbona Pass (1,811m), after a short transfer to the trailhead – another highlight and the highest point of your journey. After passing the village of Rragam, a few steep segments need to be tackled. There are plenty of places to rest by natural springs or in flower-filled meadows with panoramic views. Reaching the Pass, you are rewarded with sweeping valley views, perfect for a lunch stop. Start your descent to Theth, walking through shady beech forests, taking in views of Mount Arapi (2,217m) all the way to your next charming guesthouse.
Day 5 : Peja Pass / Meadows Above The Clouds
Location: Theth
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Theth
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you have the choice between the Peja Pass (at the northern end of the valley below Mount Arapi) or the panoramic trail to the Meadow of Deneli.For the hike up to Peja Pass, we recommend an early start and using transport to and from the trailhead; otherwise, add 4km or one hour of walking time each way. The one-way transfer is €20, return €30. The trail starts near the source of the Thethi River and follows an ancient mule path.To reach Deneli, you start from the guesthouse and walk through the green Ulaj neighbourhood. After crossing the river, ascend through the forest on a cliff path.Both routes return the same way, and you stay in the previous night’s guesthouse.
Day 6 : Theth, In The Heart Of The Albanian Alps
Location: Theth
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Nderlys
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A walk through the village reveals the full beauty of Theth. Visit the iconic church and dive into the Kanun history at the lock-in tower that offered protection for men threatened by historic blood feuds. Continue your walk along water channels ascending to the waterfall. On a cliff above the river, archaeologists discovered stone-aged terraces, a perfect picnic spot, with views of the adjacent 50m deep Grunas Canyon. Along the river, a well-worn bridle path leads downstream to Nderlysa, where you stay at 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 just enjoy a relaxing swim.
Day 7 : The Blue Eye. Tirana Or Shkodra
Location: Shkodra
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Shkoder or Tirana
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The hike through the canyon leads to a karst spring called Blue Eye. Water lovers can take a dip in the icy waters while butterflies swirl all around this true oasis. After a meal at the guesthouse the minibus takes you to the Edith Durham Memorial, over a scenic pass to Boga Valley and Shkodra.Depending on the time of your flights (and the selected airport) you can choose to spend the last evening of your trip in either Shkodra or Tirana.If you’d like to spend the evening in Tirana:You change cars in Shkodra and continue for another 90mins. In the capital, there are myriad museums, galleries and the you can visit museums, admire historic buildings and Blloku District is always a favourite.
Day 8 : Departure
Location: Tirana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depending on departure time possibility of further exploring the capitalComplimentary transfer to Tirana or Podgorica airport (1.5h – 2h)
What's Included
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Complimentary Airport Transfer
Complimentary transfer from Tirana or Podgorica airport to Shkodra and back.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in various locations including Shkoder, Kukaj, Valbona Valley, Theth, and Nderlys.
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Meals
Meals included are breakfast, lunch, and dinner on most days, with some days offering packed lunches.
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Bicycle Availability
Bicycles are available free of charge in Shkodra.
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Guided Tours
City tours with notes and maps are provided in Shkodra and Tirana.
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Luggage Transport
Luggage is transported on a horse during the hike from Valbona to Theth.
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Public Minibus Transfers
Transfers by public minibus are included for certain segments of the journey.
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Boat Ride
A 3-hour boat ride across Koman Lake is included.
What's Not Included
Optional car transfers for certain hikes, such as to Peja Pass, are not included and are payable on-site.
Mode of Transport
Enjoy complimentary transfers from Tirana or Podgorica airports, public minibus rides, a scenic ferry trip across Koman Lake, and luggage transport by horse, ensuring a seamless travel experience through the stunning landscapes of Albania.
Accommodation
Stay in charming accommodations throughout the tour, including a boutique hotel in an Ottoman Villa in Shkodra, cozy lodgings in small hamlets, and guesthouses in Valbona Valley and Theth, offering a blend of comfort and local charm.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes complimentary transfers from Tirana or Podgorica airports, public minibus rides, a scenic ferry trip across Koman Lake, and luggage transport by horse.
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What types of accommodations are available on this tour?
Accommodations include a boutique hotel in an Ottoman Villa in Shkodra, cozy lodgings in small hamlets, and guesthouses in Valbona Valley and Theth, offering a blend of comfort and local charm.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, meals are included. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on most days, with some days offering packed lunches.
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Is there any luggage transport provided during the hikes?
Yes, luggage is transported by horse during the hike from Valbona to Theth.
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What activities are available in Theth?
In Theth, you can visit the iconic church, explore the lock-in tower, walk along water channels to a waterfall, and enjoy a picnic spot with views of Grunas Canyon. You can also sample local produce, learn to cook a typical dish, or relax with a swim.
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What is the Blue Eye and can I swim there?
The Blue Eye is a karst spring located in a canyon. It is a true oasis where water lovers can take a dip in the icy waters while butterflies swirl around.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.