Albanian Alps Explorer (self-guided hike) 3-day

Albanian Alps Explorer

1

st

Journey into the Accursed Mountains Tranquil Ferry Ride & Walk in the Valbona National Park

7km

250m

50m

3:00h

You rise early for the transfer through a scenic gorge to the Koman Dam (55km/1:30h). The picturesque reservoir loops similar to a Norwegian fjord through sheer rock walls and is considered a highlight of the Albanian Alps. The custom made ferry stops at several points to pick up locals from remote villages before arriving at Fierze (46km/3h). After lunch you travel by minibus past traditional villages, composed of wooden shingle covered stone houses, into the highlands and the Valbona National Park (35km/1:15h). To warm-up for the anticipated trek you continue on foot along the crystal clean stream and on quiet berry-lined trails through the forest to the secluded Xhemes Lake for a swimming break. The walk ends at our cozy guesthouse in a small hamlet. You will have itchy feed when you see the jagged peaks from the terrace, tomorrow will be the day.

2

nd

The Grand Crossing: Hike from Valbona to Theth On par with the Mountains on Valbona Pass (1.811m)

11.75km

725m

1125m

6:00h

After a short transfer and Accompanied by a mule that carries your luggage you set out for the transfer hike across the Valbona Pass (1.815m) – another highlight of this journey. After the village Rragam few steep segments have to be tackled, you can pause regularly near springs and on colorful meadows to take a breath and enjoy the splendid views. On the pass the surrounding peaks appear on par with you and sweeping views of both valleys fascinate even the seasoned traveler. Fully take in the picturesque landscape during a lunch break ahead of the descent to Theth. The fairy-tale beech forest provides cover from the sun in the afternoon, by the time the woods thin out the majestic silhouette of Mt. Arapi (2.217m) becomes visible and soon the upmost houses of the village are reached. Below lie scattered the hamlets of Theth, their houses are built from stones of the riverbed and are covered with wooden shingles. You make your way through the outskirts and reach another inviting guesthouse in the center.

3

rd

Theth – In the Heart of the Albanian Alps Waterfall & Canyon, the Kanun & Blood Feud and Thores Pass

9km

375m

100m

4:00h

Visit the iconic church, well-kept fields and the lock-in tower that offered protection for men threatened by blood feud. It is the perfect place to dive into the history of the “kanun” and learn more about highland law code of Leke Dukagjini, its origins, impact and present day relevance.

Onward along the water channels you ascend the plateau of the famed waterfall at which’s base often a rainbow appears. On a cliff above the river archeologists discovered stone-aged terraces: Rest, enjoy the picnic lunch and gaze into the adjacent 50m deep Grunas Canyon. After lunch at the guesthouse the local minibus waits already for the transfer across the scenic Thores Pass into Boga Valley. The route passes the Edith Durham Memorial where you can joyfully take in the last views of the dramatic mountains you just discovered. Expect to arrive in Shkodra about 4-5pm, we are glad to help with accommodation or onward transfer arrangements throughout Albania and into the neighboring countries.