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Rinas
Tirana/Shkodra:Valbona to Theth Hike via Shala River (SelfGuided)
- Duration20 hours
- Max Travelers15 people
- Free CancellationUp to 24 hrs
- CategoryAdditional fees, Adventure Tours
Overview
Self-Guided Experience with Transport + Digital Map
Embark on one of Albania’s most iconic adventures — a 2-day journey from the fjord-like waters of Koman Lake to the turquoise beauty of Shala River, followed by a self-guided hike from Valbona to Theth.
Start your day with a scenic boat ride to Shala River, often called the “Thailand of Albania.” After time to swim and relax, continue through Fierza to Valbona. The next morning, begin your self-guided hike across the stunning Valbona Pass, using our digital GPS map to guide your way.
Perfect for hikers and nature lovers who want freedom without the hassle of organizing transport.
Trip Info Delivery
You’ll receive everything one day before departure:
✔️ Transport tickets (PDF)
✔️ Digital GPS hiking map
✔️ Full itinerary with pickup points & contacts
Sent via WhatsApp or email.
Gallery
What's included
Boat ticket from Koman to Shala River
Minibus transfer from Fierza to Valbona
Transport ticket from Shkodra to Koman
Transport ticket from Theth to Shkodra
Boat ticket from Shala River to Fierza
24/7 online support from Co-Travel team
Digital hiking map (Valbona to Theth) with GPS navigation
What's Not included
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Personal expenses
Accommodation in Valbona/Theth
Transport ticket from Tirana to Shkoder
Luggage transfer (hike is with your own backpack)
Tour guide u2013 this is a self-guided experience
Entrance fees (if any apply during your own exploration)
Itinerary
Day 1: Travel from Tirana/Tirana Airport/Shkodra to ValbonannYour journey toward the Albanian Alps begins early in the morning, with organized departures from several locations.nDepartures:n05:30 AM - From Tirana: Meeting point at Rruga Asim Vokshi, at u201cGazheliu201d gas station.n06:00 AM - From Tirana Airport: Meeting point at the u201cAlpetu201d gas station.n06:45 AM - From Shkodra: Meeting point in the city center, in front of Hotel Rozafa.nFrom here, you will travel toward Koman Lake, enjoying scenic views of mountains and rural villages along the way.nImportant Note: Due to high demand, hotel pick-up at your accommodation is not available. Select one of the designated meeting points and confirm your departure city when booking.n08:30 AM u2013 Arrival at Koman Lake and ferry boarding.nEnjoy a spectacular journey by boat through Koman Lake, famous for its fjord-like cliffs and emerald waters. Youu2019ll continue along the river to reach the stunning Shala River, often called the u201cThailand of Albania.u201d
09:00 AM u2013 Boat Ride: From Koman Lake to Shala River. Enjoy a spectacular journey by boat through Koman Lake.n10:30 AM u2013 Arrive at Shala River: Spend time swimming, relaxing, or exploring this remote and beautiful location.n The turquoise water, peaceful riverbanks, and surrounding mountains offer the perfect break in nature.n14:00 PM u2013 Departure from Shala River to Fierza: Reboard the same boat for a scenic continuation to Fierza (approx. 2 hours).
14:00 PM u2013 Departure from Shala River to FierzanReboard the same boat for a scenic continuation to Fierza (approx. 2 hours). Please note: this is a transport transfer, not a guided tour, and food/drinks are not included.nn16:00 PM u2013 Arrival in Fierza & Minivan Transfer to ValbonanUpon arrival, a shared minivan will be waiting to transfer you to Valbona Valley. Let the driver know your guesthouse name for direct drop-off.
17:00 PM u2013 Arrival in ValbonanCheck into your accommodation (not included). Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the hike the following day.
Day 2 u2013 Self-Guided Hike from Valbona to ThethnThis day is dedicated to the Valbonau2013Theth hike, one of the most scenic trails in the Balkans.nStart early, ideally no later than 07:00 AM, to allow enough time and avoid midday heat. Many guesthouses offer transport to the trailhead for an extra fee, so confirm this in advance.nOnce at the trailhead, follow the GPS map provided one day before your trip.nHike details:nDistance: ~17 kmnDuration: 6u20138 hoursnElevation gain: ~1000 mnTrail: Well-marked with panoramic viewsnThe route passes through forests, alpine meadows, and mountain passes.nnImportant: This is a challenging mountain hike. We recommend bringing:nu2714ufe0f Hiking shoesnu2714ufe0f 2u20133L of waternu2714ufe0f Snacksnu2714ufe0f Sun protectionnu2714ufe0f Layered clothing depending on weather
Arrival in Theth & Return OptionsnYou will arrive in Theth in the afternoon.nnOption 1: Stay overnight (not included) and return the next day at 11:00 AM to Shkodra, then continue to Tirana at 14:00.nnOption 2: Return the same day if you arrive before 17:00.nReturn point: Theth village center (Minimarket Jezerca). Duration to Shkodra: approx. 2 hours.
Return to ShkodranPick-up Location: Minimarket Jezerca, Theth centernnDeparture: 5:00 PM (same day) or 11:00 AM (next day)nnDuration: ~2 hoursnnDrop-off: Shkodra city center or nearby address upon request
Good to know
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adultu2019s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Travel time is included in the total duration!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.