Albanian Alps

Welcome to the Balkans! You will be met by a driver at Tirana (TIA) or Podgorica (TGD) Airport for the two-hour transfer to Shkodra. Once in Shkodra, you will meet staff on site later in the afternoon to receive materials for the hikes (road book, maps, GPS & SIM card). If you arrive early in Shkodra, we recommend you take a dip in Shkodra Lake and visit the Rozafa Castle, to learn more about its legend and enjoy the stunning views of the Alps.

The day begins with a beautiful drive through the Drin Gorges to Lake Komani.
The picturesque reservoir resembles a Norwegian fjord through the steep rock walls and turquoise waters below, probably why it is claimed to be the most attractive route into the Albanian Alps. After the beautiful car ride, you hop on one of the specially made boats for a three-hour trip along Lake Komani. The boat stops several times during the trip to pick up chatty locals from remote villages before arriving in Fierze. After lunch you continue by car into the highlands of the Valbona National Park, to a traditional village of impressive tower houses. This afternoon’s warm-up hike takes you along a crystal-clear stream, through ancient riparian forests with great scenery and incredible strawberries. Along the way, you can take a bathing break by the river or in a secluded pond. The hike ends at a cosy accommodation in upper Valbona, where you have the opportunity to explore the surroundings further in the evening. You round off the day by enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal and some well-deserved rest after this busy day in the Albanian Alps. 7.5km, +250m, -50m

After a restful night’s sleep high in the mountains, you begin the trek to Kukaj, a remote village where only two families live. You’ll hike along a path across lush meadows that glow with the colours of a variety of spring flowers until you reach a shepherd’s hut, at an altitude of 1,650 metres. During the communist era, when this was a forbidden area, the building was formerly a military barrack. Hike on and admire the wild and romantic mountain scenery, sample fresh dairy products in the company of local heaths or choose to climb higher to an old crossroad, on the Montenegrin border, at 2,045 metres. Once up there, you’ll find among the magical views an ancient pyramid from the time when Albania was a very isolated country. On the way down to the accommodation, you’ll catch a glimpse of the highest mountain in the area, Jezerca (2,694 metres). As the last of the daylight fades over the mountains, you’ll sit in an idyllic garden and enjoy good food and drink.

Today, another highlight awaits as you tackle the highest point of the journey. The day starts with a short drive along a small and bumpy road before stopping to meet the donkey transport that will take your luggage. From there, the day’s hike starts, taking you over the Valbona Pass (1811 metres altitude). Above the small mountain village of Rragam you will encounter some steeper segments. Along the trail you will find not only incredible views but also beautiful springs and large colourful meadows where you can stop for a well-deserved break. When you reach the mountain pass, it’s time for lunch, where you can enjoy the picturesque landscape the surroundings have to offer. After a great lunch, it’s time to descend to Theth. The hike takes you through fabulous beech forests before reaching the guesthouse in the centre of Theth. 11 km, +800m, -1125m

Today you can choose between two treks, the Peja Pass at the northern end of the valley or trekking to Denelli’s meadows. Whichever trek you choose, you will return to Theth in the evening again to spend another night there.
If you choose the Peja Pass, it’s an early start with a transfer to the start of the trail. The hike is along an old caravan trail, hidden in the 900 metre steep slope below Mount Arapi. Once at the top, you’ll have the chance to cool your feet in a small lake before hiking back home.
If you choose to do the Denelli hike instead, the trail starts right at the guesthouse in Theth. This trail takes you through the green and lush Ulaj area on nice little paths along river crossings and steep cliffs. Eventually you’ll reach a large plain in the middle of the mountains, where moors are often visible during July and August. After a break here, you’ll hike back to the guesthouse in Theth.

You start the day with a hike through Theth and its green fields that surround the village. You then visit the iconic church where you can delve into the history of Theth. Here you can also learn more about the highland law code Leke Dukagjini, its origin, influence and contemporary relevance. You then make your way along water channels that allow you to get a unique and stunning view of the Thethi Waterfall, where archaeologists have discovered Stone Age terraces. Just a stone’s throw away you can also find the Grunas Canyon, where the second part of the hike begins. Here you hike along a river until you reach Nderlysa, where you will sleep tonight. You can spend the rest of the day tasting all the different berries and fruits the area has to offer or take a dip in some of the nearby pools.
Think this hike was too short? Then hike yesterday’s option with a transfer to Nderlysa.

Today you start your hike through a canyon, which leads to the karst spring ‘Blue Eye’. This hidden oasis surrounded by lush forest and amazing butterflies is truly a highlight of the trip. After the oasis, the hike can be extended to an abandoned village nearby. At 13-14 o’clock the public minibus will pick you up for a 3 hour nice and scenic drive over the Terthoria pass, continued to the Boge valley and finally along the Shkodra lake. After changing buses, you will travel for another two hours through the Albanian countryside before arriving at your hotel in the centre of Tirana in the early evening. In Tirana you can enjoy the modern and very different side of Albania. The evening ends with dinner out in the elegant ‘blloku district’.

We at EverTrek hope you have had a great trip!
We hope to see you again.