This tour includes the most beautiful peaks of the Balkans. It starts with the transfer in Valbona Valley through Koman lake and it goes on with daily trekking in valleys and plateaus of the Albanian Alps to the three-state border: Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro. Itinerary passes through the northern part of the Accursed Mountains of Montenegro and ends again in Albanian territory in Theth National Park. The trekking trails are challenging and require moderate physical conditions. It takes 5-6 hours of walking and the accommodations are in guesthouse or shepherd’s huts equipped with all necessary facilities. Luggage will be transported by mules and trekking will be guided by English speaking mountain guide, native of this area.
- Accommodation at boutique hotels, guesthouses or shepherd huts. Breakfasts included. Lunches and dinner we can include upon your request.
- All transport and transfers, including the ferry transfer at Koman Lake.
- English speaking mountain guide, native of the Albanian Alps.
- Luggage transport by horse during the treks.
- Local taxes and border-crossing fees.
Transfer to Shkodra
Meet our representative at the Tirana International Airport upon arrival and transfer north to Shkodra. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Shkodra.
Shkodra is the northern biggest city of Albania and is one of the oldest settlements of the Balkans. Its castle dates back to 9th C.BC. Surrounded by the high Albanian Alps, Shkodra Lake and 3 rivers (Kir, Drin, and Buna) Shkodra is blessed by nature. It has inherited a great ottoman and Venetian architecture that attract visitors. While walking through narrow pedestrian streets you will find shops, restaurants, artisans, villas and beautiful gardens.
Transfer to Valbona via Koman Lake.
Leave the hotel early in the morning and transfer to Komani Lake. Take the ferry journey through the lake for approx. 2.5h. Continue to Valbona Valley National Park. Accommodate at the guesthouse and explore the village by the afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Valbona.
Koman Lake is an artificial lake formed by the hydropower dam built-in 1979 by the communist regime. It is built in the valley of the longest river in Albania, Drin River. The boat journey takes 3 hours through the very steep mountains and the only that you see is nature, vegetation, and some small farms completely disconnected by the outside world making it an amazing experience.
Hike to the Montenegro border
Leave the guesthouse and start hiking to the upper valley at the hamlet of Kukaj. From there start ascending to the meadows below Rosi mountain. In June this is a paradise for botanists. Endemic species including Gentiana, Orchids, etc are to be found here. The trek continues to the 18th pyramid(2000m alt) that marks the border between Albania and Montenegro. At this point the view over Montenegro is stunning. Start descending on the way back to Valbona village. The total trek is approx. 7 hours.
Cerem Village
Today’s hike starts with a car transfer near Cerem village. The trail is approx. 20km and the total hike up to 7 hours. The trail goes around the Kollata mountain which is the highest mountain in Montenegro. Cerem village is remotely nestled in the high Alps. It is inhabited only during summer by semi-nomad shepherds looking for fresh graze. The shepherd huts are now adjusted to welcome the tourists trekking these mountains.
Doberdol
Today’s hike starts with an ascending to Montenegro border and the shepherd’s summer village Balqin then descending to the Doberdol village which is also a shepherd’s village only inhabited during summer. The trail goes by the Gashi area which is a natural protected area and the glacial lakes of Doberdol-Sulbica. The trail is approx. 16 km distance at a moderate hiking level.
Babino Polje
Today’s trek starts from the shepherd house in Doberdol with ascending to the point of 3 borders (Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro share the borders at this point 2119m alt.) then descend down to Montenegro Village, Babino Polje. The trail is in total 14km and the hiking level is easy.
Vusinje
Today’s hike is approx. 5 hours to the glacial lake Hridsko Jezero 1900m alt then transfer by car to the Vuthaj town in Montenegro. The difficulty level is easy at a total hiking distance of 11 km.
Theth
Today’s hike is the longest (21km)compared to the other days but way more beautiful. It starts from Vuthaj with an ascending to Peja Pass(1707m alt). This trail was used since antiquity from the locals to connect the two sides of the Alps while communism was a forbidden area due to the threat of escaping. The views of the Accursed Mountains will be seen almost during the trail.
Exploring Theth
Enjoy the breakfast at the guesthouse then start the trek from Theth Church to Grunas Waterfall then to Nderlysa (7km approx, 2h walking). Another must-visit attraction is the Blue Eye natural pool (6.4 km approx 2 h walking round trip). On the way back to the guesthouse we will arrange transport by car. Dinner and overnight in Theth.
Mrizi Zanave Farm
Farewell to the locals in Theth village and transfer by car to Shkodra town. Visit of the legendary Rozafa castle overlooking the Shkodra Lake, Buna and Drin River. Transfer to capital Tirana with a lunch stop en route to Mrizi I Zanave farm. Dinner and overnight at Tirana.
Departure
Transfer to Tirana International Airport for your flight back home
Need to Know
Accommodation takes place at local guesthouses in Valbona and Theth. Guesthouses are equipped with all necessary facilities, private rooms with bathrooms, shower, hot water, wifi, etc. The guesthouses have also a restaurant, you can enjoy traditional food cooked by the family members.
During the trek, you can have prepared lunch packs, while water you can refill at the natural springs on the trail.
During the trek, you will carry only your personal backpack while during the long treks(Valbona to Theth) luggage will be transported by horses.
All our services are personalized, meaning that the itineraries are adjustable depending on the physical shape.
You will be guided by local guides, born and bred in the national park and know the terrain better than anyone.
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