Shkoder

Overview

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Itinerary

• 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)

• 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.

• 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 u2013 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 u2013 perfect view of the Albanian Alps.

• 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)nHiking details (approx.):nDistance: 18kmnElevation gain: 700 mnTechnical difficulty: ModeratenTime: 6hnTrail type: Loop

• After the hike go back to the village center and visit the Old Church and the u201cLock inu201d Tower (symbol of Theth). The stories behind these buildings take up centuries full of history.

• 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 u201cAccursed Mountainsu201d. 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. nFrom Valbona Pass, star your decent to the next destination, Valbona Valley, another picturesque village surrounded by high mountains. n*You will be carrying all your belongings with you during this trek so we recommend you pack lightly.nnHiking details (approx.):nDistance: 14 kmnElevation gain: 1050mnTechnical Difficulty: ModeratenTime: 6 -8hnTrail type: one way

• 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.

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

• 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.

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 minimum110u20ac (one person) or u20ac55 per person for groups.

• This tour requires some hiking experience and good physical condition.

Cancellation Policy

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

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