Semi-Private Tour; Theth, Valbona & Koman Lake in 4 Days
Overview
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.
What's included
- Professional tour guide leader
- Transport provided by the company from Tirana to Theth on day 1
- Hotel pick up and Hotel drop off in Shkoder or Tirana
- Entry tickets for the ‘’will be visited’’ sites
- Local transport for bumpy road from Komani Lake to Vau i Dejes or Shkoder
- Boat ticket from Fierza Dam to Komani Lake
- Tourist taxes; Road taxes; Petrol
- Local transport for bumpy road from Valbona to Fierza
- Breakfast
- Shared accommodation in traditional homestay/guesthouse. A room accommodates 2-5 travelers
- Transport provided by the company from Vau i Dejes to Tirana on day 4
- Lunches, Dinners, Drinks & Snacks, one meal cost about 12 -15 Euros
- Souvenirs, Personal spending
- Local transportation from Theth Village to Nderlysaj (or back)
- Other local transfers not mentioned in the included section
- Everything that is not mentioned in the included
What to expect
Day 1
Tirana / Shkoder – Theth National Park – Blue Eye – Theth
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.
30 minOur tour leader will come and pick you up at your hotel in Shkoder
3 minAs 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.
30 minWe 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 from the village is about 3 hours one way, with a hiking distance of 18 km both ways and about 700 m of elevation. (If you choose to book local transportation from Theth Village to Nderlysaj, the hike will take around 1 hour each way. The cost for local transportation is between 5-7 euros per person) 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. Hiking details (approx.): Distance: 18km Elevation gain: 700 m Technical difficulty: Moderate Time: 6h Trail type: Loop
3hWe 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
1hDay 2
Theth – Grunas Waterfall – Theth
After breakfast get ready to hike from Theth to Grunas Waterfall. It takes approximately an hour to get the waterfall from the center of Theth Village. The hike takes you along local villagers daily lives and Kullas (stone houses typical of the Albanian Alps). Once you reach the waterfall you will be amazed by the curtain of white water coming over the grey rocks as if it were being poured from a bucket that never empties. The water tumbles down the hillside in a series of mini-waterfalls. Grunasi waterfall was declared a natural monument since 2002. Take some time to soak in the picturesque landscape of the Albanian Alps. At around midday we get back to Theth. Free afternoon to explore the National Park on your own. Overnight in Guest House Rrashkadoli
3hHiking details (approx.): Distance: 6 km Elevation gain: 270 m Technical difficulty: Moderate Time: 3h Trail type: Loop
1hDay 3
Theth National Park – Valbona Pass – Valbona Valley National Park
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!
1hThe 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
7hAdmission includedFrom Valbona Pass, star your 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. Overnight in Guesthouse Skënder Selimaj *You will be carrying all your belongings with you during this trek so we recommend you pack lightly Hiking details (approx.): Distance: 14 km Elevation gain: 1050m Technical Difficulty: Moderate Time: 6 -8h Trail type: one way
1hDay 4
Valbona Valley - Komani Lake – Shkoder or Tirana
Waking up with such a magnificent view of the Albanian Alps will make you want to stay longer
1hwe will get on a 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.
3hAdmission includedOnce arriving in the Komani dam we will experience local transport over bumpy roads, however offering spectacular views of Vau i Dejes Lake. 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.
4h
Good to know
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour requires some hiking experience and good physical condition.
- Private rooms are possible on 40 Euros extra charge per night per room based on availability.
- You will be carrying your belongings with you during the trek so we recommend you pack lightly. For any excess luggage you will need to book excess luggage transportation or pre arrange luggage storage in Tirana/Shkoder. On the second day, luggage transportation from Theth to Valbona might be possible depending on availability for an additional fee of minimum110€ (one person) or €55 per person for groups.
- If you have enjoyed your experience, tipping is a wonderful way to show gratitude for your tour leader / driver efforts and dedication.
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews
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