8 DAYS OF hiking IN NORTH.

Long considered a region hemmed in by mountains, Northern Albania now offers the best of what it has to offer: its mountains. The adjacent Valbonne and Theth National Parks represent an exceptional natural treasure. This trip will take you through mountains, rivers, valleys, traditional villages, and the customs of the mountain people.

Whatsapp: +355674993544 8 DAYS OF hiking IN NORTH.

Group

4 to 10 participants

Flight

Regular or charter depending on departures.

Displacement

Minibus, on foot, by bike, on donkey, cart and felucca.

Accommodation

Homestay and bivouac on feluccas.

Writen by Armand Pasho

Tour Guide in Albania

Itinerary

Day 1

Airport - Tirana

Arrival at Tirana Airport.

Meet and greet by one of our agents at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, free time to explore the city.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Tirana.

Airport-Tirana, 30 min

Day 2

Shkodra - Theth

Departure for the city of Shkodra. A multifaceted city, Shkodra was the capital of Illyria in antiquity and the most important city in northern Albania. A mosque, a Catholic church, and an Orthodox church stand side by side. Austrian style gives way to Ottoman, Venetian, and communist influences. The charming narrow streets and numerous bicycles create the atmosphere of a lively and charming city.

Drive to the alpine village of Theth. Upon arrival, you will be introduced to the spectacular mountain scenery and local traditions, and a welcome drink will be served. A 1.5-hour walk is planned to help you get acquainted with this magnificent region.

Overnight stay in a guesthouse in Theth.

Tirana – Shkodra, 2 hours

Shkodra – Theth, 2.5 hours

Day 3

Theth

After breakfast, we’ll set off to explore this authentic village. The peaks surrounding the Shala River valley offer a fairytale setting. The Grunas waterfall, the canyon of the same name, a pool of water shaped like an eye (which the locals call “the blue eye”), typical houses, and ancient stories to tell are the treasures to discover today.

Overnight stay in a guesthouse in Theth

Walking time: 5 hours

Elevation gain/loss: 350 m

Day 4

Peja Pass - Theth

Early departure towards the Peja Pass. A deep immersion in the nature of the Albanian Alps. These regions have always preserved ancient customs and traditions, thanks in part to their mountainous and difficult-to-access nature, as you will discover during today’s hike. The Peja Pass was once used as a route by Albanians coming from Kosovo to reach the Adriatic Sea. We will return to Theth in the afternoon.

Overnight stay in a guesthouse in Theth

Hiking time: 5 hours

Elevation gain/loss: 1000 m

Day 5

Theth - Valbona Pass

We will leave Theth and head towards the village of Valbona. The Shala and Valbona river valleys will unfold before us, and you will enjoy magnificent views of the valleys from the Valbona Pass. Being impressed by the panorama from the Valbona Pass is perfectly understandable. High peaks, springs, lush vegetation, and valleys will characterize this day’s hike.

Overnight stay in a guesthouse in Valbona

Hiking time: 6 hours 30 minutes

Elevation gain/loss: 900 m

Day 6

White Circle - Valbona

Today we set off towards a place called “The White Circle.” The inhabitants of Valbona gave this name to the area because of the high mountain peaks that form a circle of summits devoid of vegetation. Today we will discover the wonderful nature that characterizes the Albanian Alps with breathtaking views of the many peaks. In the afternoon, we will return to Valbona for the night.

Overnight stay in a guesthouse in Valbona

Hiking time: 5 hours 30 minutes

Elevation gain/loss: 800 m

Day 7

Lake Koman - Tirana

After breakfast, we’ll resume our journey towards Lake Koman. The Valbona River will accompany us for a while, and we’ll enjoy its crystal-clear waters and magnificent color. Then we’ll take a ferry for a 2-hour and 15-minute trip across this extraordinary lake. You’ll have plenty of time to admire the towering mountains and the birds that inhabit the lake and accompany you on this journey. The crossing of Lake Koman offers unparalleled natural beauty.

Then we’ll return to Tirana.

Tirana is known as the city of vibrant colors, thanks to its painted facades.

To give you an introduction to Albanian history, we’ll visit the National Museum. Afterwards, we will have the opportunity to visit one of Albania’s most beautiful places of worship, the Et’hem Bey Mosque in the center of Tirana. Then we will visit the Catholic and Orthodox cathedrals, and the former Bloco district, reserved for the nomenklatura during the communist era, now transformed into the heart of the capital’s nightlife.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Tirana

Valbona – Fierza, 1 hour

Fierza – Koman, 2 hours (by ferry)

Koman – Tirana, 2 hours 45 minutes

Day 8

Departure

You will be accompanied at the airport of Tirana.

Book this Tour

Duration

8 Days

Level

Very easy

Style / Type of Trip

Adventure

Activities

Trekking / hiking

Themes

Gastronomy

Trip

Accompanied

Activity Time

5 half-days of walking, 3 half-days of navigation, 1 half-day of cycling