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Hidden Valley Trek

Name: Hidden Valley Trek
Brand: Bookatrekking
Price: 955.00 EUR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (1611 reviews)

Duration: 8 days

Trails: T2 trails

Distance: 10 - 15 km per day

Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day

Overview
Itinerary
What's Included
FAQ

> Enjoy spectacular nature along the Vjosa River
> Walk in the footsteps of historic caravan traders
> Visit the UNESCO-listed Gjirokastra

Europe’s last wild river, Vjosa, winds its way across southern Albania. This journey sees one of the most impressive mountain-framed valleys one of its branches, the Zagoria River, has formed. Trek from doorstep to doorstep through remote, idyllic villages where time stands still. Panoramas of flower-covered meadows circled by snow-capped peaks unfold in spring, the sweet harvest time awaits in autumn. Follow in the footsteps of caravan travel, cross historical Ottoman stone bridges, visit the well-preserved orthodox churches, and marvel at medieval frescoes. Bathe in a waterfall and the healing waters of thermal pools. Your hosts welcome you in their simple homestays, where you enjoy a fine raki, fresh produce from the garden, and warm, homemade meals at the end of each day. Experience history and tradition that come to life inside the finest mansions of the City of Stone Gjirokastra and conclude the journey in the dynamic capital city Tirana.

We arrange your transfers, luggage transfers and overnight stays, as well as provide all the needed support and materials for a hassle-free, self-guided trip for you to enjoy at your own pace.

Itinerary

Day

Arrival Day

Welcome to the Balkans! Our staff meets you in town or at Tirana Airport (TIA) to hand over materials (road book, maps, GPS & SIM card), walk you through the trip and answer all your questions. Depending on your booking, you're either taken directly to the doorstep by our driver, or you continue with your own vehicle to your first overnight. The transfer into Southern Albania takes up to four hours, it leads past the coastal plain's colorful produce stands and along the mountain-backed Vjosa River to the outskirts of Tepelena. There, a bold bridge is followed by a narrow road that meanders into the small village Peshtan, right at the starting point of the hike. Tonight, you will experience the area's famed hospitality in one of the family-run guesthouses. Time to relax and enjoy the delicious cooking and home-made wine or raki, tomorrow you start walking the beautiful Zagoria Valley.

Peshtan

Info

Day

Zagoria Valley

This 5-day trek begins at the edge of the Zagoria River Valley, a pristine tributary within Europe's first Wild River National Park. This secluded landscape is shielded by four imposing mountains ranges, creating a hidden world preserved from modern influence. Entering the valley along an ancient, nearly forgotten caravan route, we follow over the coming days a path lined with Ottoman bridges and Orthodox churches, remnants of the valley's rich past. Our first walk begins with an ascent through open woodlands to a pass, where the valley's full extent unfolds before us Descending through terraced fields, we pause in the tiny hamlet of Kala, home to to just three remaining residents, and cool off with a wild splash beneath an impresive Ottoman stone bridge. Following a cobbled caravan, we climb toward Limar, a village with expansive views of majestic Mt Strakavec (1.958 m) and distinctive stone houses. Tonight, we're welcomed into the home of the village teacher, Noli and Margerita, who, over an evening meal of locally sourced ingredients, will share stories of life under communism - a rare firsthand glimpse into the resilience and history of those who called this secluded valley home.

Limar

Info

Day

A day in the Zagoria villages

Our route today follows foothpaths with views of towering mountains above and the Zagoria River winding below. The trail links the remote villages of Leskaj and Doshnica and Hoshteve. Passing through these hamlets gives us the opportunity to meet locals learn about the traditional ways of life sustained by animal husbandry, beekeeping, and medicinal herb gathering. After a coffee break in the village, the basin on top of the Doshnica Waterfall invites us to a cooling dip of our feet. Depending on the water level, we may continue along the stream or backtrack into the village before the final ascent to Hoshteve awaits. Upon reaching the village, we visit the Church of the Holy Apostles, a beautifully preserved treasure of Orthodox heritage, Byzantine frescoe painting and intricate wood carving - one of the finest in rural Albania. The modest livelihoods here once spured mass emigration to Greece. Katrina and Ladi, our hosts and members of the returning diaspora, spent 17 years abroad and have now come home to open a guesthouse. We'll be warmly welcomed by Katrina and Ladi, who generously share their story and serve a delicious, home cooked meal with us.

Hoshteve

Info

Day

Follow in the footsteps of Bill Tilman

Today’s shorter and easier route invites a more relaxed walking experience, dominated by views of Mt. Cajupi (2.145 m). We'll traverse the hamets Vithuq, Koncka, Nivan, to reach Sheper. Connected by better, yet unmade roads that hint at modern influences from the outside world. Nivan, once the heart of the commune, reveals remnants of military installations and storage depots, with its central square honoring William Tilman. Celebrated as “the 20th Century's last true explorer", Tilman was a renowned British mountaineer and sailor who fought with the valley's resistance against German occupation during World War II. As we continue, the trail descends through oak forest to the river, where we'll visit an old monastery and have the option to take a small detour to yet another of Ali Pasha’s remaining stone bridges before reaching our final overnight with Antoneta and Mondi, a gifted stone mason, In Sheper, we find a village where many formerly nomadic Aromanian shepherds were forcefully settled after the borders with neighoring Greece closed in the late 1940s. The ruined museum and nearby buildings are adorned with faded quotes from Marx and Lenin, serving as poignant reminders of Albania's complex communist past.

Sheper

Info

Day

Crossing over the Dhembel Pass

The crossing of the Dhembel-Nemercke Range is the last stage of the trek through the secluded valley, leading back into the outside world. As the drive around takes almost as long as the walk across, the challenging route remains in use by locals to this day. Enver Hoxha's bunkers still protect the entrance to a crack that climbs with fabulous views of Mt. Cajupi (2.145 m) to the top of the mountain. Shepherds come from as far as Konispol, the southernmost point of Albania, to these summer pastures. It isn't uncommon for flocks to travel two weeks to reach the fertile meadows. The alpine valley is bare of trees and flanked by steep slopes, the Dhembel Pass (1450 m) sits at its end and offers views of the Eastern Mountains, across into Greece and to the city of Permet far below. The long rocky descent requires attention and leads into Leuse, another stone village with an imposing, fresco-covered church - perhaps the most beautiful in Southern Albania? From here it's only a short walk to the centrally located hotel. After a long day, you can put up the tired leg and look forward to the city’s cuisine, wines and raki.

Permet

Info

Day

The wonders of Permet

The scenery alone is worth the 45 min drive to today's trailhead. Below, the turquoise waters of Vjosa have dug deep into the rock, above the river towers the rugged Mt. Nemercka (2.485 m). From afar, the sheer, 650 m high wall of Southern Albania's second highest summit looks impressive, but only a walk along water channels towards the Sopot Waterfall at the wall's base reveals its full extent. Returning from the hike, another unique nature gem at the nearby entrance of the Langarica Canyon waits to surprise. The warm thermal pools of Benje are said to have a healing effect on many ailments. They are a welcome treatment after the last days of hiking. Soak and relax in their sulfuric waters or explore the river canyon on foot. From here it takes a good 90 min to transfer to Gjirokaster, where you will stay at one of the vernacular mansions of Ottoman architecture in the old town. Start exploring the streets of the "City of Stone'' and absorb the atmosphere in one of the many small cafes, tomorrow there's time for more.

Gjirokaster

Info

Day

The historic Gjirokastra & the modern Tirana

Famed for its intricate Ottoman mansions, it's also known as the birthplace of dictator Enver Hoxha and Albania's Nobel-nominated writer Ismail Kadare. Protected by the status of "Museum Town", Gjirokaster survived socialist modernization campaigns and is today inscribed in the World Heritage List. Get lost in a maze of narrow, cobbled streets, visit the ethnographic museum in Hoxha’s birth house and climb to the towering castle above. Inside the walls, oddities like an American “spy plane” sit on display, the city museum enlightens with unique insights and the views from the iconic clock tower over the Drino Valley remind of the trekking days. One can easily spend more days walking through the neighborhoods or visiting nearby sites. Butrint, the Blue Eye (a karst spring) and beaches of the Albanian Riviera are also less than two hours driving from here. A private transfer or public transport takes you to the centrally located hotel in Tirana (up to 4 h), the modern capital that wants to be everything but Albanian. Visit the Skanderbeg Square and trendy "Blloku" district to watch the city come to life at night.

Tirana

Info

Day

Departure Day

Time permitting, Tirana invites you to explore its streets and sights on a stroll. Sip an espresso in one of the charming bars, observe the busy morning flow and select special treats as edible souvenirs at the lively “New Bazaar”. Interested to learn more about the communist past? “Bunkart 2” and “The House of Leaves” provide insights and are only a 5 min walk away from Tirana’s main "Skanderbeg Square". Your multi-faceted journey in Albania ends with a 30 min transfer to the airport. Thank you for joining our adventure, we hope to see you again in the country of warm hospitality, countless mountains and sun-kissed beaches. Not ready to leave yet? Ask us what more to do in the mountains, exploring the cultural highlights of Albania’s historic cities or a laid-back beach extension - there’s always more to explore in the Balkans!

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Included

Accommodation

We will arrange your accommodation on the Hidden Valley Trek in hotels, inns, and guesthouses. Accommodation will be private in single, double or twin rooms and with en-suite bathroom where possible.
Full travel guide

You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Hidden Valley Trek. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.
Baggage Transfer

This trek includes the transfer of your luggage throughout the entire Hidden Valley Trek trek. Your bags will be picked up every morning from the hotel lobby and will be driven to your next next accommodation. Baggage transfers allow you to travel lighter during the day and enjoy the walk in a more relaxed manner.
Accommodation before and after the tour

Accommodation before and after the trek is included. Breakfast is, if possible, part of your stay.
Full board (where possible)

Full board is included on most days, wherever available. On days when meals are not provided, there is plenty of opportunity to explore the local village or city and enjoy a meal at one of the welcoming local restaurants.
Transfers according to itinerary

All transfers as described in the itinerary are included.

Excluded

Traveling to and from

You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport. This also applies to any transport from the end point of your trail.
Travel Insurance

Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.
Personal expenses

Personal expenses on such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.

FAQ

What if the dates I want are not available?
If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?
How do I know if this trek is right for me?
Can meals be adapted to my dietary requirements?

How to Book

Booking
Availability
Cancellation policy

Just for You

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

Hidden Valley Trek

Itinerary

Arrival Day

Peshtan

Zagoria Valley

Limar

A day in the Zagoria villages

Hoshteve

Follow in the footsteps of Bill Tilman

Sheper

Crossing over the Dhembel Pass

Permet

The wonders of Permet

Gjirokaster

The historic Gjirokastra & the modern Tirana

Tirana

Departure Day

Included

Accommodation

Full travel guide

Baggage Transfer

Accommodation before and after the tour

Full board (where possible)

Transfers according to itinerary

Excluded

Traveling to and from

Travel Insurance

Personal expenses

FAQ

What if the dates I want are not available?

If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?

How do I know if this trek is right for me?

Can meals be adapted to my dietary requirements?

How to Book

Booking

Availability

Cancellation policy

Just for You

Intermediate

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

Intermediate

Peaks of the Balkans Trail (Guided)

Intermediate

Peaks of the Balkans Trail (Self Guided)

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