5-day Theth, Valbona Valley and Komani Lake Trek (Guided)

Duration: 5 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 10 - 15 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day

+ Breakfast
+ Door-to-door transfer service
+ Professional tour leader
+ Ferry ticket: Komani Lake - Fierza Dam
- Lunch & dinner

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day trek through Northern Albania, starting from Tirana or Shkodra and traveling deep into the heart of Albania's mountainous region. This fully guided adventure allows you to experience the unspoiled charm of Theth National Park and the breathtaking views of the Valbona Valley.

Your journey will take you through remote valleys, up mountain passes and into the hidden wonders of Theth. At each stop, your guide brings the region to life, sharing stories of the local history and traditions that make the landscape a living story. And just when you think the views can't get any better, you'll finish with a ferry ride across magical Lake Komani - a boat ride so breathtaking it's often called one of the most beautiful in the world. With cozy guesthouses, hearty Albanian meals, and all the logistics taken care of, all you have to do is enjoy every moment in the lush green heart of Albania. Sounds like your kind of adventure?

Itinerary

Day
1

Tirana / Shkoder – Theth National Park – Blue Eye - Theth

Duration: 06:00 h
Distance: 18 km

Our trip to the Albanian Alps starts at 06:00 am in the morning. Our guide will meet you at your hotel in Tirana or Shkoder. As we travel towards the north of Albania, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful scenery: wild fields, rivers, Lake Shkodra, and rugged, unspoilt mountains.

From Shkoder, we will experience local transport at around 7.30 a.m. As we leave the main road towards Theth, the area becomes more rural, with fewer cars but more wild nature and stunning scenery. Due to its favorable location, this area is famous for cultivating medicinal herbs, and if you’re lucky enough to visit in May-June, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful and aromatic lavender fields, making you feel as if you were in Provence, France. On the way to the top, we pass through a steep, treacherous slope that reaches 1,700 meters above sea level at Qafa e Thores. It’s said that this spot has the best views of the Albanian Alps—perfect for taking picture.

We’ll take a short break for refreshments and start our hike towards the Blue Eye around midday. The Blue Eye was formed by water erosion from the melting snow of the Albanian Alps. The hike from the village takes about 3 hours one way, covering a total distance of 18 km round trip and a climb of about 700 meters. (If you choose to book local transport from the village of Theth to Nderlysaj, the walk will take about 1 hour each way. The cost of local transport is between 5-7 Euros per person).

Theth

Info
Theth
Day
2

Theth – Grunas Waterfall – Theth

Duration: 03:00 h
Distance: 6 km

After breakfast, get ready to hike from Theth to Grunas Waterfall. It takes about an hour to reach the waterfall from the center of Theth village. The walk takes you past the daily life of the villagers and the kullas (stone houses typical of the Albanian Alps).

Once you reach the waterfall, you will be amazed by the curtain of white water that flows over the grey rocks, as if poured from a bucket that never empties. The water cascades down the slope in a series of mini-waterfalls. Grunasi Waterfall was declared a natural monument in 2002. Take some time to enjoy the picturesque scenery of the Albanian Alps. Return to Theth around lunchtime. Free afternoon to explore the National Park on your own. Overnight in Theth.

Theth

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Theth
Day
3

Theth – Valbona Pass – Valbona

Duration: 07:00 h
Distance: 14 km

Get ready for the highlight of this trip. The trek from Theth to Valbona will be an intense day, taking about 6 to 8 hours (about 1050m of ascent) in remote terrain, but undoubtedly rewarding! The Valbona Pass offers spectacular views of the Balkan peaks and the "Accursed Mountains". Reaching the top of the Valbona Pass is a real adrenaline rush. From here, you can see both sides of the valleys. This top viewpoint is perfect for a short break and the opportunity to take amazing pictures of the Albanian Alps.

From the Valbona Pass, we descend to our next destination, the Valbona Valley, another picturesque village surrounded by high mountains. Once we reach the village, we walk to the traditional guesthouse. Overnight in Valbona.

Valbona

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Valbona
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Included

  • Transfers

    Day 1: Local transport from Tirana/Shkodra to Theth.
    Day 5: Local transport for bumpy roads from Valbona to Fierza and from Komani Lake to Vau i Dejes/Shkoder. And from Vau i Dejes to the bus station in Tirana.

  • Acccommodation in Guesthouses

    Shared accommodation for 4 nights in traditional and simple homestay/guesthouse with basic bathroom facilities. A typical room accommodates 2 to 5 travellers and it may be necessary for male and female groups to share a room (unless you book a private room).

  • Professional guide

    During your trek, you will at all times be accompanied by an English speaking guide.

  • Activities

    All activities as mentioned in the itinerary are included in the price.

  • Breakfast

    Breakfasts are included in the price of the trek. They will be provided at the accommodation where you spent the night before.

  • Luggage transport (optional)

    Luggage transport can be booked upon request. Ask our Trekking Experts about the possibilities.

  • Ferry ticket

    The return ferry trip across Lake Komani from the Fierza dam to the Komani dam is included.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    This trip does not include costs for transportation (flights, bus travel, etc.) to your destination.

  • Lunch and dinner

    The meals during the trek are not included in the final price, except for breakfast.

  • Tipping

    Gratuities for the guide are not covered by the trek's price. The amount to tip is at your discretion, yet if you've received excellent service from your guide, considering a generous tip is appreciated.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. It is important that your travel insurance also covers adventures at a high altitude. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Accommodation before and after the trek

    Before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks at the bar and other similar expenses are your own responsibility.

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Jan Bakker
Jan Bakker
This trek is operated by
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