Semi – Private Hiking Tour; Theth & Blue Eye in 3 Days

Day 1 · Tirana / Shkoder – Theth National Park – Blue Eye - Theth

1. 1

   Choose Balkans

   Passing by

   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.

2. 2

   Shkoder

   Passing by

   As 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.

3. 3

   Theth

   5 hours

   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.

4. 4

   Blue Eye of Theth

   3 hours

   We 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)

5. 5

   Blue Eye of Theth

   2 hours Admission included

   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. Would you dare to dive in the blue but very cold water? We 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.

   Hiking details (approx.):

   Distance: 18km

   Elevation gain: 700 m

   Technical difficulty: Moderate

   Time: 6h

   Trail type: Loop

Overnight in a guesthouse in Theth.

Day 2 · Theth – Grunas Waterfall – Theth

1. 1

   Grunasi Waterfall

   2 hours

   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 Theth.

   Hiking details (approx.):

   Distance: 6 km

   Elevation gain: 270 m

   Technical difficulty: Moderate

   Time: 3h

   Trail type: Loop

Overnight in a guesthouse in Theth.

Day 3 · Theth – Shkoder / Tirana

1. 1

   Shkoder

   one hour

   Waking up with such a magnificent view of the Albanian Alps will make you want to stay longer. You will have some free time to enjoy the wild beauty of the Accursed Mountains. Latter during the day, we will drive back through a steep sneaky hillside reaching Qafa e Thores. The elaborated zig-zags road through the mountainous terrain smoothens down little by little taking us towards Shkoder or Tirana. You will return home full of the wonders of Albania with a new sense of self excitement to share with those around you.