Hiking the Albanian Accursed Mountains - Valbona to Theth Pass

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Albania
Hiking the Albanian Accursed Mountains - Valbona to Theth Pass

The Albanian Alps loop is one of our greatest experiences in Albania. This is a five day round trip that combines a spectacular ferry ride and fantastic days hike between two remote mountain hamlets has put northern Albania’s mysterious highlands on the map, an amazing kayaking experience in Shkodra lake and the visit of the mysterious bunker in Albania’s capital Tirana.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the great Shkodra lake

Arrival in Tirana airport. Meeting with the local guide. Departure to Shkodra after about 2 hours drive. Local fish lake lunch in Shiroke village and 2 hours of kayaking/boat tour in Shkodra lake. Arrival in Shkodra and accommodation in the hotel. During the afternoon we will visit the Shkodra Promenade and enjoy a traditional dinner.

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Day 2: Ferry boat in the spectacular Albanian Fjords

Early Breakfast (6:00-7:00). Leaving to Koman after about 2 hours drive. A spectacular ferry ride into the Albanian Fjords. Arrival at village Fjerze at 12:00. Drive to Valbona villahe and local luch. Accommodation in guest houses or tents camping. Hiking in beautiful Valbona Valley to Xhema Lake, Old Milling. Typicall dinner.

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Day 3: Hiking form Valbona to Theth

Early Breakfast (5:30 – 6:30). Drive with a local minibus to Rragam village. There we get ready for the hike into the Albanian Alps. The pass is about 8 hours. The hike is long and sometimes tough, but anyone that’s reasonably fit can do it.

Accommodation in guest house or a camping site in Theth. Local lunch. Walking to Grunas waterfall and visit of the Saint John’s Church and of the Isolation Tower.

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Day 4: Hiking in the magical Albanian Alps

Breakfast (07.30-08.30) and departure with local minivan to Nderlyse. Visit of the stones basins and of the Blue Eye of Theth. Local picnic lunch. Back to Theth in the afternoon and departure to Tirana. Short stop in Qafe Thore. Dinner in Boge. Arrival in Tirana late in the evening and accommodation in the guest house.

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Day 5: Bunker visit in the vibrant capital of Tirana

Breakfast. Visit of Tirana city and the of the BUNK'ART 2. BUNK'ART 2 reconstructs the history of the Albanian Ministry of Internal Affairs from 1912 to 1991 and reveals the secrets of “Sigurimi”, the political police that was the harsh persecution weapon used by the regime of Enver Hoxha. BUNK'ART 2 is the first major video museum exhibition dedicated to the victims of communist terror. Optional free lunch. Departure to the airport.

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FAQs

The only extra costs are:

  • Flights to and from Tirana
  • Lunch on day five
  • Any personal expenses such as drinks
  • Clothing suitable for hiking

Albanian food is hearty and healthy, usually based around meat and vegetables much of which is seasonal and sourced locally. Popular dishes include turkey, lamb or goat Pershesh, served with a local bread known as Kulac, a meat and leek pie made with thin pastry called Byrek and freshly caught fish served in a Mediterranean style. Fish dishes are often flavoured with white vinegar and olive oil grown in Southern Albania and many dishes are served with wine from one the local vineyards.

Please let us know of any dietary requirements in advance so we can cater to these.

The best months for hiking the Albanian Alps are May and September  when the weather is warm and sunny, reaching temperatures of around 30 degrees.

All kayaking equipment is included.

Absolutely! The trip runs with a minimum group of 4 people and a maximum of 16, so you’ll be exploring with other like-minded travellers. Lot’s of people book our trips as a solo traveller - it’s a great way to meet people.

Hiking experience is needed with a moderate level of fitness is required along with the ability to swim.

This trip will run with a maximum of 16 participants.

Recommended packing includes: - Comfortable boots - Lightweight, breathable clothing that’s suitable for hiking - Wind/waterproof jacket - Hat - Warm fleece or jumper - Water bottle - Sunglasses - Sunscreen - Headtorch - Insect repellent - Hiking poles - Swimwear - Towel - A small backpack

Your head guide is Blerina

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip you'll be led by Blerina and the guiding team based in Tirana.

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

Blerina

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