Peaks of the Balkans Tour: Theth, Valbona & Koman Lake in 5 days
Join this captivating five-day tour through Northern Albania, starting from Tirana or Shkodra. We will experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Albanian Alps, explore the rural charm of Theth National Park, trek from Theth to Valbona and enjoy the boat ride through Komani Lake. Each step of this adventure reveals a new side of the region's natural beauty .
ItineraryDay 1: Tirana / Shkodra – Theth National Park – Blue Eye – Theth Stop At: Tirana, Tirana, Tirana County
Our journey towards Komani Lake begins early in the morning at 05:00 am. Our tour leader will come and pick you up at your hotel in Tirana.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Shkoder, Shkoder, Shkoder County
Our tour leader will come and pick you up at your hotel in Shkoder
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Boge, Boge, Shkoder County
From Shkoder we will experience local transport riding at around 7:30 am. As we take the turn from the main road to Theth the area becomes more rural, with fewer cars but more wild nature and amazing landscapes. Due to its favorable position this area is famous for cultivating medicinal herbs, and if you are lucky to travel in May – June you would be amazed by the pretty and aromatic fields of lavender, making you feel like you are in Provence (France). On the way to the top, we will pass through a steep sneaky hillside reaching up to 1700 meters above sea level at Qafa e Thores. They say this is the spot with the best picture – perfect view of the Albanian Alps.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Blue Eye of Theth, Kaprre Pusi i Zi, Syri i Kalter, Theth 4009 Albania
We will have a short break for refreshment and start our hiking journey towards the Blue Eye at around mid-day. Blue Eye was formed by the erosion of the water from the melting snow of the Albanian Alps. The hike is about 3 hours one way, with a hiking distance of 6.2 km both ways and about 700 m of elevation. This trail is considered easy to moderate, requiring some experience in hiking. You will not be able to take your eyes off this stunning scene of nature with its bright blue and green colours, it’s like being inside a postcard. Also, fun fact, the temperature of the Blue Eye is just around 5 degrees Celsius. Would you dare to dive in the blue but very cold water-
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Qender Theth, Qender Theth, Shkoder County
We will go back to the village center and visit the Old Church and the “Lock in” Tower (symbol of Theth). The stories behind these buildings take up centuries full of history.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in a guesthouse in Theth
Day 2: Theth – Grunas Waterfall – Theth Stop At: Grunasi Waterfall, Theth Albania
After breakfast get ready to hike from Theth to Grunas Waterfall. It takes approximately an hour to get the waterfall from the center of Theth Village. The hike takes you along local villagers daily lives and Kullas (stone houses typical of the Albanian Alps).
Once you reach the waterfall you will be amazed by the curtain of white water coming over the grey rocks as if it were being poured from a bucket that never empties. The water tumbles down the hillside in a series of mini-waterfalls. Grunasi waterfall was declared a natural monument since 2002. Take some time to soak in the picturesque landscape of the Albanian Alps. At around midday we get back to Theth
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Qender Theth, Qender Theth, Shkoder County
Free afternoon to explore the National Park on your own.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Overnight in a guesthouse in Theth
Day 3: Theth National Park – Valbona Pass – Valbona Valley National Park Stop At: Valbona Pass, Rruga Azem Hajdari, Bajram Curri Albania
Get ready for the highlight of this trip. Trekking from Theth to Valbona will be an intense day as the walk takes about 6 to 8 hours (about 1050m elevation) in a remote terrain, nevertheless unquestionably worthy! The Valbona pass offers a spectacular view of the Peaks of the Balkans and “Accursed Mountains”. When reaching the top of the Valbona Pass, you will experience a serious shot of adrenaline. From here you will be able to see at both sides of the valleys. This top viewpoint is perfect for a short break and the possibility to capture amazing pictures of the Albanian Alps.
From Valbona Pass we will star our decent to the next destination, Valbona Valley, another picturesque village surrounded by high mountains. After reaching the village, we will walk towards the traditional guesthouse
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Overnight in a guesthouse in Valbona
Day 4: Valbona Valley – “Piramida 18” – Valbona Valley Stop At: Kukaj, Albania
The hiking tour of the Albanian Alps gets more intense during this day, however filled with exciting challenges and breathtaking scenery. Our hiking objective is "Piramida 18", offering one of the most beautiful views and is located on the Montenegrin–Albanian border.
“Piramida 18” stands 2000m above sea level, with a total of 15 km hike both ways. To reach the pass takes around 4h from Vabona Valley National Park and we pass through Kukaj. The view offers a 360° spectacular panorama of the wild nature of Accursed Mountains. We will enjoy a picnic lunch from this breath-taking corner of the world. We will take some time to rest and recharge on the middle of the Alps before starting our descent back to Valbona Valley.
Duration: 7 hours
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Overnight in a guesthouse in Valbona.
Day 5: Valbona Valley - Komani Lake – Shkoder or Tirana Stop At: Komani Lake, Koman Albania
Waking up with such a magnificent view of the Albanian Alps will make you want to stay longer, however, we will get on a boat that will take us through Komani Lake offering spectacular views of the Albanian Alps, waterfalls, rural villages and wild forests. It is considered by many as an exotic experience combined with the unmatched hospitality of the locals. Once arriving in the Komani dam we will experience local transport over bumpy roads, however offering spectacular views of Vau i Dejes Lake.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Shkoder, Shkoder, Shkoder County
From here our driver will take us back to the modern and dynamic city of Shkoder or Tirana after an unforgettable experience. You will return home full of the wonders of Albania, with a new sense of self-excitement to share with those around you.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Tirana, Tirana, Tirana County
From here our driver will take us back to the modern and dynamic city of Shkoder or Tirana after an unforgettable experience. You will return home full of the wonders of Albania, with a new sense of self-excitement to share with those around you.
Duration: 5 minutes
Meals included:
•
No accommodation included on this day.
Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level"
"This tour requires some hiking experience and good physical condition."
"This tour departs early in the morning; thus, we would recommend you to eat breakfast before the tour departure or to take some food with you."
"Blue eye: elevation up to 789 m, hiking 3-4 hours one way."
"Grunas Waterfall: elevation up to 270m, hiking 1 hour one way."
"Valbona Pass: elevation up to 1050m, hiking 6 to 8 hours."
"Piramida 18: Elevation up to 1706 m, hiking 4 hours one way."
"Mule or horse caravan, to carry heavy luggage from Valbona to Theth, is available on request with an extra charge of 1000 Euros per horse/mule."
"The company reserves the right to run this tour under the same conditions with the inverse itinerary."
"* The accommodation is based in traditional and simple homestay/guesthouse/lodge- style or shepherd’s hut with basic bathroom amenities. Each room typically accommodates two to five travelers, and it might be necessary for male and female groups to share a room, unless you book a private room. Private rooms are possible on 35 Euros extra charge per night per person based on availability."
"This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund"
"This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund"
"This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"
Start Time:
05:00 AM
Duration: 5 Days
Start location: 1: Choose Balkans - Albania Tour Operator, Rruga Reshit Çollaku, Tirana, Albania
2: Shkodër, Albania
Traveler pickup is offered
The tour departs from Choose Balkans office at Rr. Reshit Çollaku. On request (at least 12 hours before tour departure) we can pick you up from your hotel in Shkoder or Tirana free of charge.
Airports- Rinas Airport, Tirana Albania
Cancellations and refunds:
All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
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