3 days in the Albanian Alps, hiking from Valbona to Thethi
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration3 days
-
LevelIntermediate
-
DestinationEurope / Albania
-
AgeFrom 6 - 90 years
-
CO₂-Emissions104.87 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIndependent traveler
-
Languages
Albanian
French
In a few words
Discover the highlights of the Albanian Alps in 3 days on an adventure combining sailing, hiking, and spectacular scenery between Tirana, Valbona, and Theth . This short but intense trip traverses some of the most beautiful landscapes in northern Albania, between wild valleys, mountain villages, and crystal-clear rivers.
From Tirana , the road leads to the spectacular Lake Koman , where a two-hour boat trip winds its way between steep, fjord-like mountains. After Fierza and the Bajram Curri region, the route follows the clear waters of the Valbona River to the heart of Valbona National Park , a peaceful setting surrounded by peaks.
The next day, it's time for the legendary Valbona – Theth hike , one of the most beautiful treks in the Balkans. The trail crosses forests, alpine pastures and panoramic mountain passes , offering remarkable views of the rugged peaks of the Albanian Alps before reaching the traditional village of Theth .
The final day reveals more natural wonders: the turquoise spring of the Blue Eye , the Grunas Canyon with its spectacular waterfall , and sweeping mountain views. The route continues through Bogë and then Shkodra , on the shores of its lake, before returning to Tirana .
The highlights
-
Albanian Alps, Balkan peaks
-
Peaks of the Balkan Trail
-
Thethi and Valbona National Parks
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Rock climbing
- Average duration/day: 1h
- Predominant type of road : Cliff/Rack
Swimming
- Average duration/day: 1h
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 475 m
- Average daily descent: 115 m
Management
Program
-
Lake Komani and Valbona Valley
- Transportation Ferry - 06h - 250km
- Activity Rock climbing
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Predominant type of road Cliff/Rack
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We will begin our journey early in the morning from Tirana to make the most of the day. Our first tourist attraction will be the famous Lake Komani, where we will take a boat for a cruise of over two hours. In Fierza, private transport will take us to Bajram Curri (the town in the Alps) and the magnificent Shoshan Canyon. Together, we will follow the course of the Valbona River until we reach the national park. Accommodation will be in the valley, with free time to enjoy nature and explore.
Day 1 -
Hiking
- Activity Swimming
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The second day is dedicated to hiking. We'll get up early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and sun. We'll begin by slowly leaving the valley and continuing into the beautiful region of pine trees and alpine greenery. We'll take time to take photos, rest, and enjoy the magnificent views from the summit. At the top, we'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of two valleys, Valbona and Thethi, two of our renowned national parks. In the evening, we'll explore Thethi with short walks to Thethi Church or Lock Tower.
Day 2 -
Thethi National Park
- Activity Swimming
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 4 km
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 30 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After enjoying a second night in the Albanian Alps and the fresh valley air, it's time to plunge into the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Eye. The Blue Eye is a natural oasis located in the village of Kaprre, completely isolated from the rest of the world—a true gem of nature. On the way back, we'll visit the Grunas Canyon and the Grunas Waterfall. We'll also stop at the Buni i Bajraktarit viewpoint, the village of Boge, and Shkodra, the largest city in northern Albania. We'll explore Shkodra and enjoy a meal by Lake Shkodra, the largest lake in the Balkans. We'll take a stroll through the pedestrian zone, perhaps enjoying some ice cream, before heading back to Tirana together. End of trip.
Day 3
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Professional tour guide
- Accommodation for overnight stays
- Transportation
- Boat tickets
- Tolls, parking, road taxes
- Pick-up and drop-off in Tirana
- 24/7 administrative support
The price does not include
- The international flight to Tirana
- Lunch and dinner
- Memories
- Personal expenses
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
Please bring your identity card or passport.
Some places do not accept card payments, so you will need to carry some cash with you during the hike.
Detailed information and arrangements regarding your booking will be sent to you the day before the tour.
Clothing to bring
You need to have nice and very comfortable shoes for hiking.
The tour includes hiking and trekking, but we will also have plenty of opportunities to swim and enjoy the rivers and lakes. Therefore, please bring a change of clothes.