Hiking in the Albanian Alps
Hiking in the Albanian Alps
Hiking in the Albanian Alps
8 Days Starting and ending in 42.069299,19.503256
Visiting: Albania
Tour operator:
Tour code:
35
Recommended For:
Group size:
2 - 20
Tour operated in:
EnglishFrom:
$1090
$1041 (USD)
Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$49
NB: Prices correct on 16-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
This self-guided holiday hiking in the Albanian Alps over eight days is a very exciting way to delve deeply into the awe-inspiring and untouched landscapes of the Accursed Mountains This is a natural adventure that takes you into Theth National Park and Peja pass, over the iconic Valbona Pass (1,811m) and to the icy waters of Blue Eye natural springs. Staying at a wonderful mix of hotels and mountain guesthouses, this is a trip into Albania at its most authentic
Itinerary
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
Overnight at Shkoder boutique hotel (Hotel Tradita)
Day 2: Koman Lake – Accursed Mountains 7km
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)
Overnight at Valbone Hotel / private ensuite (Vila Dini or Guesthouse Kol Gjoni)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Valbona – Queen of the Mountains 12km
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)
Overnight at Valbone Hotel / private ensuite (Vila Dini or Guesthouse Kol Gjoni)
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 4: The Grand Crossing: Valbona to Theth 15km
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.
Walking for the day: 15km, 6-7h, ?750m ?1,125m
Short transfer by car to the trailhead
Hike on a caravan route across the Valbona Pass to Theth
Luggage transport on a horse
Overnight at guesthouse in Theth / private ensuite (Bujtina Polia)
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 5: Peja Pass / Meadows above the Clouds 7-15km
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.
Option 1: Peja Pass: Hike on the caravan route to the karst plateau, which can be shortened one hour each way with an optional car transfer (not included, payable on-site), 7-15km, 6-8h, ?950m ?950m
Option 2: Field of Denelli: Hike on a cliff path to the shepherd’s hut on a mountain plateau, 10km, 6-7h, ?1000m ?1000m
Option 3: Shorter walks up to 4h within the valley
Overnight in the previous night’s accommodation (Guesthouse Theth (private ensuite))
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 6: Theth, in the heart of the Albanian Alps 8km
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.
Walking for the day: 8km, 3-4h, ?150m ?400m
Overnight at a guesthouse in Nderlys / private ensuite (Bjeshka Guesthouse)
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 7: The Blue Eye. Tirana or Shkodra 9km
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.
Walking for the day: 9km, 3-4h, ?275m ?275m
Transfer by public minibus (13.00-14.00 departure time) over the Thoria Pass (1,645m) to Shkodra or onto to Tirana
City tour with notes and maps.
Overnight at Shkoder or Tirana hotel- depending on your flights (Hotel Tradita or Vila 60)
Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch
Day 8: Departure
Depending on departure time possibility of further exploring the capital
Complimentary transfer to Tirana or Podgorica airport (1.5h – 2h)
Meals included: Breakfast
Check out our Q&As
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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.
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