Walking in Northern Albania: Into The Accursed Mountains
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Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Accursed Mountains of Northern Albania and Montenegro. This tour offers a unique blend of challenging hikes, cultural exploration, and breathtaking landscapes. Traverse isolated mountain villages and forest trails, and enjoy a magical boat ride along Lake Koman through the stunning Drin River canyons. Experience the warmth of local hospitality and savor delicious meals in rural guesthouses. Visit the historic city of Shkodër and take on the rewarding hike up to Valbonë Pass. Discover the beauty of Thethi village, nestled in the heart of Theth National Park. With expert guides and a commitment to eco-conscious travel, this adventure promises an enriching experience for those seeking both physical challenge and cultural immersion. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
DAY 1: Tour starts in Tirana. Drive to Shkodër
Location: Tirana, Shkodër, Rozafa Fortress
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Tradita or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Meeting at Tirana airport we'll head immediately north to one of Europe’s oldest and most historic cities. Located close to the border with Montenegro, Shkodër stands as a gateway to Albania’s stunning northern landscapes, with impressive views of the Drin River to the east, the Adriatic Sea to the west and the majestic Albanian Alps to the northeast. Historically an important trading post for centuries, the city is home to the ancient Rozafa Fortress, which we'll visit this afternoon and which sits strategically located on the hill overlooking the city and surrounding vistas. ...more ...less
DAY 2: Shkodër – Vermosh Valley: Meadows, Hikes & Hospitality
Location: Shkodër, Lake Shkodra, Tamare, Berdolec Pass, Greben Peak, Vermosh Valley
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse Leonard Lumaj or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Shkodër this morning we will drive for a couple of hours, initially following the shores of Lake Shkodra before ascending on a scenic road via hairpin bends and panoramic viewpoints towards the village of Tamare and the Berdolec Pass, from where our first hike begins. Our trail today follows meadows and birch woods up to the rounded Greben Peak (1840m). From here, the views, weather-permitting, over Mount Trojan and the barren Accursed Mountains will give an enticing taste of the incredible landscapes that will serve as our constant backdrop over the next few days. Passing shepherd huts en route, we will then descend along forest trails towards the remote valley of Vermosh, where we’ll encounter our first experience of Albanian mountain guesthouse hospitality.
Approx. 5hrs walking (490m ascent, 790m descent. Total distance 10kms, highest point 1840m)
DAY 3: Vermosh Valley – Vusanje: Over the Taljanka Ridge (1931m) to Montenegro
Location: Lepusha, Taljanka Ridge, Grebaje, Karanfil, Vusanje
Accommodation Name: Moonlight Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short transfer will bring us to the village of Lepusha with its spectacular location and scattered rural settlements. From here we will start walking through forests and pastures, and past abandoned ruins of the army structures that once guarded the border day and night during the communist era. In their absence, we are now free to reach the ridge and cross the border into neighbouring Montenegro, enjoying some of the most spectacular views in the whole of the Dinaric range. As we descend towards Grebaje, we’ll have unobstructed views of the limestone towers of Karanfil, the Balkans’ answer to the Dolomites! Having reached the valley bottom, a short drive will take us to our rural host in the ethnically-Albanian village of Vusanje, situated at the entrance to one of the most stunning valleys in the region.
Approx. 6hrs walking (580m ascent, 790m descent. Total distance 10kms, highest point 1931m
DAY 4: Vusanje – Thethi: Trek back to Albania via the Peja Pass (1721m)
Location: Vusanje, Ropojana Valley, Peja Pass, Theth, Mt Harapi
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse Niko Harusha or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short transfer through the scenic Ropojana Valley will bring us to the start of today’s trail. With our luggage loaded onto horses, we’ll start climbing towards the karst Runica plateau, traversing lunar-esque landscapes en route to Peja Pass (1721m) where we’ll stop for a picnic lunch to appreciate the beautiful valley of Theth from high above. Our route descends via a zigzag trail alongside the vertical dome of Mt Harapi that overlooks the entire valley before talking us through the upper neighbourhood of Okol towards our guesthouse, which will be our base for the next two nights.
Approx. 6-7hrs walking (845m ascent, 660m descent. Total distance 15kms, highest point 1721m)
DAY 5: Theth: Exploring Theth National Park
Location: Theth, Theth National Park, Grunasi Canyon, Nderlysaj
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse Niko Harusha or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will enjoy a more leisurely day (although anyone who wishes can undertake an additional 6km/3hr walk to the Blue Eye pools today, should they wish) of exploring Thethi and the surrounding area. Standing as the most well-preserved alpine village in Albania, Thethi has been declared a Protected Historic Centre and, located in the heart of the Theth National Park, offers some outstanding natural beauty. The village itself has a lot to offer, including the stone-built Catholic Church, the blood feud tower ‘Kulla e Ngujimit’ and the stone-walled terraces which date back to the Bronze Age. As we venture out of the village, we will follow the River Shala, through the beautiful Grunasi Canyon towards the picturesque hamlet of Nderlysaj where we’ll be able to soak up the peace and tranquility of this very special mountain setting before a short transfer take us back to Thethi for a second night.
Approx. 3 hrs walking (0m ascent, 240m descent. Total distance 7kms, highest point 747m)
DAY 6: Thethi - Valbonë Valley: Hike over the Valbonë Pass (1795m)
Location: Thethi, Valbonë Pass, Valbonë Valley
Accommodation Name: Bujtina Valbone or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today offers some spectacular scenery as we hike one of the area’s most celebrated trails, which has for centuries connected the glacial valleys of Valbonë and Thethi, crossing over the 1795m high Valbonë pass, which is only accessible during the summer months due to heavy snowfall. We will be accompanied once more by horses which will carry our luggage as we tackle this challenging but hugely rewarding hike. From the pass we can take in some of the region’s most spectacular views before descending towards a large bowl of alpine meadows, framed by rocky slopes and on towards the village of Rrogam at the entrance to the Valbonë Valley.
Approx. 7hrs walking (980m ascent, 770m descent. Total distance 13kms, highest point 1795m)
DAY 7: Valbonë Valley – Krujë: By ferry across Lake Koman
Location: Lake Koman, Krujë
Accommodation Name: Hotel Panorama or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On our final full day, we will travel on a small public ferry from Fierza dock along Lake Koman which was created as part of a major hydroelectric project dating back to the 1980s. This idyllic and spectacular ride will take us along the Drin River, which over the centuries has carved its way through the mountains to create some magnificent canyons and narrow passageways that are reminiscent of the celebrated Norwegian fjords. After a two-hour slow cruise, we continue by road to the historic town of Krujë, located just located just north of Tirana and the international airport. Here we visit the imposing castle, home to its acclaimed Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania's national hero, before settling in for our final dinner and evening.
DAY 8: Tour ends in Krujë
Location: Krujë, Tirana
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends after breakfast. Those on the suggested group flight (see the GETTING THERE below)will be transferred to nearby Tirana airport in time for check-in.
What's Included
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Transport
The tour includes transportation using a minibus, a local ferry, and walking.
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Group Size
The maximum group size for this tour is 12 participants.
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Carbon Contributions
Contributions to climate and community projects are included for all bookings.
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Expert Team
The tour includes the full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate.
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Entrance Fees
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary are included.
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Fitness Rating
The tour has a high fitness rating, indicating challenging activities.
What's Not Included
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Visas & Travel Insurance
Visas are nationality dependent and travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
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Tips
Tips are optional and not included, but guidance will be provided in the pre-departure information documents.
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International Flights
International flights are not included, but quotes for flights originating in the UK can be provided.
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Airport Transfers
Complimentary transfers are included only if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.
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Beverages & Personal Costs
Beverages and any costs of a personal nature, such as laundry and souvenirs, are not included.
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com For this tour UK passport holders do not currently require a visa for Albania.Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client. ...more ...less
Key Aspects to Consider
You will need to be in a reasonable state of health and have a good level of fitness to be suitable to join this tour involving consecutive days of walking.
The trek is graded as high with an average daily walking time of around 6hrs. Please note there are three full day treks in the itinerary. In some places the paths are rocky and uneven.
Walking times and distances have been given in the itinerary, please note that times are averages and dependent on other factors, such as the pace of the group and weather. They also do not include breaks for picnics, photos and the like.
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Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
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Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation, but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except at the guesthouses in Vermosh, Vusanje and Thethi, where you may be required to share with others of the same sex due to the limited number of rooms available in these properties.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
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Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel through the stunning landscapes of Northern Albania using a combination of minibus, local ferry, and hiking, ensuring a seamless and immersive journey through the Accursed Mountains.
Accommodation
Experience authentic Albanian hospitality in charming rural guesthouses and comfortable hotels, including Hotel Tradita, Guesthouse Leonard Lumaj, and Bujtina Valbone, offering a cozy retreat after a day of exploration.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you will stay in a mix of hotels and rural guesthouses. In Shkodër, you will stay at Hotel Tradita or a similar establishment. In the Vermosh Valley, you will experience local hospitality at Guesthouse Leonard Lumaj or similar. In Vusanje, accommodation will be at Moonlight Guesthouse or similar. In Theth, you will stay at Guesthouse Niko Harusha or similar for two nights. In the Valbonë Valley, you will be accommodated at Bujtina Valbone or similar. Finally, in Krujë, you will stay at Hotel Panorama or similar. ...more ...less
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners. Meals will be provided at the accommodations and during the hikes, offering a taste of local cuisine and hospitality.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 12 participants, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience.
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What kind of transportation will be used during the tour?
Transportation during the tour will include a minibus for road travel, a local ferry for the boat ride along Lake Koman, and hiking on foot for the trekking portions of the tour.
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What level of fitness is required for this tour?
A good level of fitness is required for this tour as it involves consecutive days of walking with an average daily walking time of around 6 hours. The trek is graded as high, with some paths being rocky and uneven.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, additional costs not included in the tour price are visas and travel insurance, tips, international flights, airport transfers (unless arriving/departing on the suggested group flights), and personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, and souvenirs.
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Is travel insurance mandatory for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is mandatory for all tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
Walking in Northern Albania: Into The Accursed Mountains
8 Days Starting in Tirana, Albania and ending in Krujë, Albania
Visiting: Tirana, Shkodër, Rozafa Fortress, Lake Shkodra, Tamare, Berdolec Pass, Greben Peak, Vermosh Valley, Lepusha, Taljanka Ridge, Grebaje, Karanfil, Vusanje, Ropojana Valley, Peja Pass, Theth, Mt Harapi, Theth National Park, Grunasi Canyon, Nderlysaj, Thethi, Valbonë Pass, Valbonë Valley, Lake Koman, Krujë ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NALB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
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