Self-Guided Hiking Tour: Theth, Valbona & Koman Lake in 3 Days, Tirana

About this activity

Join this 3 day self guided hiking tour and explore the spectacular Alps of Northern Albania; Theth National Park, Valbona Valley and Komani Lake. By choosing our self guided hiking tour you will save time and money while getting to enjoy the freedom of traveling on your own through the wild landscapes. The Choose Balkans Team will be there to assist you prior, during and after the whole tour and will provide you all the details you need for this amazing self-guided tre

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At a glance

Duration: 3 days
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 10 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: Choose Balkans

Ages: Adults (2–90 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Local transport provided by the company from meeting point in Tirana or Shkodra to Theth on day 1
Included: Local transport for bumpy road from Valbona to Fierza
Included: Choose Balkans Assistance
Included: Local transport for bumpy road from Komani Lake to Shkoder or Tirana bus terminal
Included: Tourist taxes
Included: Shared accommodation for 2 nights in traditional homestay/guesthouse with basic bathroom amenities
Included: Breakfast
Included: All needed instructions and coordination about this tour
Included: Boat ticket Fierza Dam to Komani Lake

Not included

Not included: Lunch, Drinks & Snacks, One meal cost about 12-18 euros
Not included: Private rooms are possible on 45 Euros extra charge per night per room based on availability
Not included: Local transportation from Theth Village to Nderlysaj (or back)
Not included: Transfer from hotel to the meeting point on the first day
Not included: Transfer from drop off point to your hotel on the last day
Not included: Other local transfers not mentioned in the included section
Not included: Tour Guide
Not included: Souvenirs; Personal spending
Not included: Everything that is not mentioned in the included

Itinerary

Day 1 · Tirana / Shkodra – Theth – Blue Eye – Theth

Tirana

Passing by

This tour departs very early in the morning from Tirana or Shkodra. You will depart towards northern Albania with a shared transportation provided through our partners. Please make sure to arrive at the meeting point on time to catch the local transportation. (Details provided at the time of booking)
Shkoder

5 min

As you drive along the way towards Northern Albania, you will be amazed by beautiful landscapes; wild fields, rivers, Shkodra Lake and rugged untouched mountains. In Shkodra, we will switch to a different local transport to continue our journey to Theth.
Boge

2 hours

As you 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, you 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.
Blue Eye of Theth

3 hours

Have a short break for refreshment and start your 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)

Hiking details (approx.):

Distance: 18km

Elevation gain: 700 m

Technical difficulty: Moderate

Time: 6h

Trail type: Loop
Qender Theth

one hour

After the hike 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.

Day 2 · Theth National Park – Valbona Pass – Valbona Valley National Park

Valbona Pass

6 hours Admission included

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, star your decent to the next destination, Valbona Valley, another picturesque village surrounded by high mountains.

*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

Overnight in Valbona.

Day 3 · Valbona Valley - Komani Lake – Shkoder or Tirana

Koman

3 hours

Waking up with such a magnificent view of the Albanian Alps will make you want to stay longer, however, you 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.
Vau i Dejes

2 hours

Once arriving in the Komani dam you will experience local transport over bumpy roads, however offering spectacular views of Vau i Dejes Lake.
Tirana

4 hours

Returning back to the modern and dynamic city of Shkoder or Tirana after an unforgettable experience marks the end of this self-guided tour. In Tirana/Shkoder, you'll be dropped off at the bus station; from there, you can make your own way to your hotel by bus or taxi (not included). You will return home full of the wonders of Albania, with a new sense of self-excitement to share with those around you.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

This tour departs very early in the morning from Shkodra. You will depart towards northern Albania with a shared transportation provided through our partners. Please make sure to arrive at the meeting point on time to catch the local transportation. (Details provided at the time of booking)
This tour departs very early in the morning from Tirana. You will depart towards northern Albania with a shared transportation provided through our partners. Please make sure to arrive at the meeting point on time to catch the local transportation. (Details provided at the time of booking)

End point

This tour departs very early in the morning from Shkodra. You will depart towards northern Albania with a shared transportation provided through our partners. Please make sure to arrive at the meeting point on time to catch the local transportation. (Details provided at the time of booking)
This tour departs very early in the morning from Tirana. You will depart towards northern Albania with a shared transportation provided through our partners. Please make sure to arrive at the meeting point on time to catch the local transportation. (Details provided at the time of booking)

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

If you cancel	You get back
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
All participants are responsible for having their own health/travel insurance
The accommodation is based in traditional and simple homestay/guesthouse/lodge- style with basic bathroom amenities. Each room typically accommodates two to five travelers, and it might be necessary for male and female groups to share a room, unless you book a private room. Private rooms are possible on 45 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.
This tour requires some hiking experience and good physical condition.