Tour of the Accursed Mountains: Theth, Valbona & Koman Lake
The tour to Theth National park, Valbona Valley National Park, Koman Lake & Shala river is a hiking and adventure tour program that offers its participants a combination of wild nature, unforgettable ferry ride through the heart of the Albanian Alps, unmatched hospitality and untamed views. During these four days you will be spoiled for choice from the amazing views of Northern Albania, combining a variety of exciting outdoor activities with plenty of time to soak up the local culture.
ItineraryDay 1: Tirana / Shkoder – Theth National Park – Blue Eye – Theth Stop At: Tirana, Tirana, Tirana County
Our journey towards the Albanian Alps begins at 06:00 am in the morning. Our tour leader will come and pick you up at your hotel in Tirana or Shkoder.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Shkoder, Shkoder, Shkoder County
Our tour leader will come and pick you up at your hotel in Shkoder
Duration: 3 minutes
Stop At: Boge, Boge, Shkoder County
As we drive along the way towards Northern Albania, you will be amazed by beautiful landscapes; wild fields, rivers, Shkodra Lake and rugged untouched mountains. From Shkoder we will experience local transport riding at around 7:30 am. As we take the turn from the main road to Theth the area becomes more rural, with fewer cars but more wild nature and amazing landscapes. Due to its favorable position this area is famous for cultivating medicinal herbs, and if you are lucky to travel in May – June you would be amazed by the pretty and aromatic fields of lavender, making you feel like you are in Provence (France). On the way to the top, we will pass through a steep sneaky hillside reaching up to 1700 meters above sea level at Qafa e Thores. They say this is the spot with the best picture – perfect view of the Albanian Alps.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Blue Eye of Theth, Kaprre Pusi i Zi, Syri i Kalter, Theth 4009 Albania
We will have a short break for refreshment and start our hiking journey towards the Blue Eye at around mid-day. Blue Eye was formed by the erosion of the water from the melting snow of the Albanian Alps. The hike is about 3 hours one way, with a hiking distance of 6.2 km both ways and about 700 m of elevation. This trail is considered easy to moderate, requiring some experience in hiking. You will not be able to take your eyes off this stunning scene of nature with its bright blue and green colours, it’s like being inside a postcard. Also, fun fact, the temperature of the Blue Eye is just around 5 degrees Celsius. Would you dare to dive in the blue but very cold water-
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Qender Theth, Qender Theth, Shkoder County
We will go back to the village center and visit the Old Church and the “Lock in” Tower (symbol of Theth). The stories behind these buildings take up centuries full of history. Overnight in a Traditional Guest House in Theth
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in a Traditional Guest House in Theth
Day 2: Theth National Park – Valbona Pass – Valbona Valley National Park Stop At: Valbona Pass, Rruga Azem Hajdari, Bajram Curri Albania
Get ready for the highlight of this trip. Trekking from Theth to Valbona will be an intense day as the walk takes about 6 to 8 hours (about 1050m elevation) in a remote terrain, nevertheless unquestionably worthy! The Valbona pass offers a spectacular view of the Peaks of the Balkans and “Accursed Mountains”. When reaching the top of the Valbona Pass, you will experience a serious shot of adrenaline. From here you will be able to see at both sides of the valleys. This top viewpoint is perfect for a short break and the possibility to capture amazing pictures of the Albanian Alps.
From Valbona Pass we will star our decent to the next destination, Valbona Valley, another picturesque village surrounded by high mountains. After reaching the village, we will walk towards the traditional guesthouse.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Overnight in a guesthouse in Valbona.
Day 3: Valbona Valley – Komani Lake – Shala River – Rural Village Stop At: Komani Lake, Koman Albania
Waking up with such a magnificent view of the Albanian Alps will make you want to stay longer, however, we will get on the boat that will take us through Komani Lake offering spectacular views of the Albanian Alps, waterfalls, rural villages and wild forests. It is considered by many as an exotic experience combined with the unmatched hospitality of the locals.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Shala River, Albania
Once arriving in the Komani dam we will get on a local boat (this destination is only reachable by boat) that will take us to Shala River. A place this spectacular can’t stay a secret for long. Shala River has its springs from melting snow of the Albanian Alps. This explains the clarity of its waters that create a vivid palette of colors while running through the wild mountains. Last but not least, if you are brave enough, don’t forget to bring your swimsuits as some of us will dare to swim in this paradise so-called the Albanian Thailand.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
•
Accommodation included: Overnight in a traditional guesthouse by Komani Lake in a small rural village.
Day 4: Komani Lake – Shkoder / Tirana Stop At: Komani Lake, Koman Albania
We wake up by the shore of the lake and enjoy a tasty breakfast. Later during the day, we get back on the boat to Komani Dam, following the same adventures root through the Albanian Alps.
Duration: 1 hour
Pass By: Vau i Dejes, Vau i Dejes, Shkoder, Shkoder County
Once arriving in the Komani dam we will experience local transport over bumpy roads, however offering spectacular views of Vau i Dejes Lake
Stop At: Tirana, Tirana, Tirana County
From here our driver will take us back to the modern and dynamic city of Shkoder or Tirana after an unforgettable experience. You will return home full of the wonders of Albania, with a new sense of self-excitement to share with those around you.
Duration: 3 hours
Pass By: Shkoder, Shkoder, Shkoder County
From here our driver will take us back to the modern and dynamic city of Shkoder or Tirana after an unforgettable experience. You will return home full of the wonders of Albania, with a new sense of self-excitement to share with those around you.
Meals included:
•
No accommodation included on this day.
Informacion Adicional
"Not wheelchair accessible"
"Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level"
"This tour requires some hiking experience and good physical condition."
"This tour departs early in the morning; thus, we would recommend you to eat breakfast before the tour departure or to take some food with you."
"Blue eye: elevation up to 789 m, hiking 3-4 hours one way."
"Valbona Pass: elevation up to 1050m, hiking 6 to 8 hours."
"This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund"
"This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund"
"This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers"
"Confirmation will be received at time of booking"
Hora de Inicio:
05:00 AM
Duración: 4 Days
Lugar de comienzo: 1: Choose Balkans - Albania Tour Operator, 3rd Floor, Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit Twin Towers, Tower 2, Tiranë 1001, Albania
2: Shkodër, Albania
Traveler pickup is offered
The tour departs from Choose Balkans office at Rr. Reshit Çollaku. On request (at least 12 hours before tour departure) we can pick you up from your hotel in Tirana or Shkoder free of charge.
Airports- Rinas Airport, Tirana Albania
Cancelaciones y devoluciones:
All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
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