Self Guided: Hiking Tour of Koman Lake, Valbona & Theth in 6 Days

Tirana

This tour departs very early in the morning from Tirana or Shkodra. 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.

• Admission Ticket Free

Shkoder

This tour departs very early in the morning from Shkodra. You will depart towards northern Albania with a shared transportation provided by our partner.

5 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Boge

From Shkoder we will experience local transport riding at around 7:30 am. 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.

1 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Blue Eye of Theth

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 is about 3 hours one way, with a hiking distance of 6.2 km both ways and about 700 m of elevation. 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?

3 Hours • Admission Ticket Included

Qender Theth

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.

1 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Grunasi Waterfall

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 get back to Theth. Free afternoon to explore the National Park on your own.

3 Hours • Admission Ticket Included

Valbona Pass

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. After reaching the village, we will walk towards the traditional guesthouse.

6 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

The hiking tour of the Albanian Alps gets more intense during this day, however filled with exciting challenges and breathtaking scenery. The hiking objective is "Piramida 18", offering one of the most beautiful views and is located on the Montenegrin–Albanian border. “Piramida 18” stands 2000m above sea level, with a total of 15 km hike both ways. To reach the pass takes around 4h from Vabona Valley National Park and we pass through Kukaj. The view offers a 360° spectacular panorama of the wild nature of Accursed Mountains. Enjoy a picnic lunch from this breath-taking corner of the world. Take some time to rest and recharge on the middle of the Alps before starting your descent back to Valbona Valley.

7 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Komani Lake

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

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Shala River

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

2 Hours • Admission Ticket Included

Koman

Waking up by the shore of the lake and enjoy a tasty breakfast. Later during the day, you get back on the boat to Komani Dam, following the same adventures root through the Albanian Alps.

1 Hours • Admission Ticket Free

Vau i Dejes

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

• Admission Ticket Free

Shkoder

Returning back to the modern and dynamic city of Shkoder or Tirana after an unforgettable experience marks the end of this self-guided tour. You will return home full of the wonders of Albania, with a new sense of self-excitement to share with those around you.

• Admission Ticket Free

Tirana

Returning back to the modern and dynamic city of Shkoder or Tirana after an unforgettable experience marks the end of this self-guided tour. You will return home full of the wonders of Albania, with a new sense of self-excitement to share with those around you.

• Admission Ticket Free