Hiking Tour of Theth, Valbona, Koman Lake & Shala River in 6 Days

Embarking on a hiking tour through the stunning landscapes of northern Albania promises an unforgettable adventure. Over six days, travellers will explore the picturesque villages of Theth and Valbona, alongside the serene Koman Lake and Shala River. This journey combines moderate to challenging hikes, including the captivating Blue Eye spring and the panoramic Valbona Pass. Immerse in the natural beauty and rich culture of the Albanian Alps, while experiencing traditional homestays and professional guidance. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or seeking an exhilarating outdoor escape, this tour offers a chance to discover the breathtaking wonders that await.

Key Points

• This 6-day hiking tour explores northern Albania, including destinations like the picturesque village of Theth, Blue Eye spring, and Valbona Pass.
• The tour requires a moderate fitness level and hiking experience, with hikes ranging from 1 to 8 hours one-way and elevations up to 1176 meters.
• The tour includes accommodation, transportation, boat tickets, entry fees, and a professional tour leader, with a maximum group size of 10 travelers.
• Additional costs include meals, souvenirs, and optional services like private room upgrades and luggage transport via mule or horse.
• The tour starts and ends in Tirana, with pickup and drop-off available, and the itinerary is subject to adjustment by the tour company.

Tour Overview

This 6-day hiking tour explores the stunning landscapes of northern Albania, taking travelers through the picturesque villages of Theth and Valbona, the scenic Koman Lake, and the serene Shala River.

The tour requires moderate physical fitness and some hiking experience, with elevations ranging from 270 to 1176 meters and hike durations from 1 to 8 hours one-way.

Included services cover accommodation, transportation, boat tickets, entry fees, and a professional tour leader, while additional costs include meals, souvenirs, and optional extras like private rooms or luggage transport.

The tour departs from Tirana and is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, with the itinerary subject to adjustment as needed.

Destinations and Highlights

The tour begins in the picturesque village of Theth, nestled in the heart of the rugged Albanian Alps.

Highlights include:

• Exploring the legendary Blue Eye, a natural spring with crystal-clear, turquoise waters
• Admiring the mighty Grunas Waterfall, a 270-meter cascade plunging down the mountainside
• Conquering the challenging Valbona Pass, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks
• Discovering Piramida 18, a curious stone formation atop a mountain ridge

After Theth, the journey continues to Valbona, Koman Lake, and the scenic Shala River, showcasing the breathtaking natural beauty of northern Albania.

Hiking Difficulty and Requirements

While the destinations and highlights of the tour showcase Albania’s natural wonders, the hiking difficulty and requirements are important considerations for prospective travelers.

The tour’s hiking ranges from moderate to challenging, requiring good physical fitness and previous hiking experience. The Blue Eye hike takes 3-4 hours one way at an elevation of 789 meters.

The demanding Valbona Pass trek spans 6-8 hours at 1050 meters. Reaching the Piramida 18 viewpoint involves a 4-hour hike up to 1176 meters.

Travelers should assess their abilities and prepare accordingly. The rugged terrain and high elevations make this tour unsuitable for those with limited hiking experience or mobility issues.

Included Services and Amenities

The tour package includes a range of services and amenities to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience for travelers.

Accommodation is provided for 5 nights in traditional homestays and guesthouses, with professional tour leadership throughout the journey.

Transportation is included, from hotel pickup in Tirana to local travel on bumpy roads, as well as boat tickets for the Koman Lake crossing.

Plus, entry fees, taxes, and petrol are covered, and a daily breakfast is provided.

The tour also includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Tirana
• Transport from Tirana to Theth and local transport
• Boat ticket from Komani dam to Shala River and back
• Entry tickets for all visited sites
• Tourist taxes, road taxes, and petrol

Additional Costs and Exclusions

Aside from the included services, travelers should expect to cover additional costs during the hiking tour.

Lunches, dinners, drinks, and snacks will cost approximately 12-15 Euros per meal. Souvenirs and personal spending are also not included.

The private room option is an extra 35 Euros per night, subject to availability.

Travelers who need to transport their luggage via mule or horse caravan can expect to pay 1000 Euros per horse or mule.

Any services or items not explicitly mentioned in the included services are considered additional costs.

Meeting and Pickup Details

The tour departs from the Choose Balkans office located at Rr. Reshit Çollaku.

Hotel pick-up in Tirana is available upon request, with 12 hours’ notice required.

The tour ends at the same meeting point.

Key pickup and drop-off details:

• Departure location: Choose Balkans office at Rr. Reshit Çollaku
• Pickup available from Tirana hotels (12 hours’ notice needed)
• End point: Returns to the departure location
• Start time: 5:00 am

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, with a maximum group size of 10 travelers.

Accommodation will be in shared rooms at homestays and lodges, unless a private room option is booked.

Itinerary and Daily Activities

Although the tour starts early at 5:00 am, the first day eases participants into the hiking with a visit to the scenic Blue Eye spring, situated at an elevation of 789 meters. The hike takes 3-4 hours one way.

Next, the group visits the Grunas Waterfall, a 1-hour hike each way at an elevation of 270 meters.

On day 2, the challenging 6-8 hour hike to the Valbona Pass at 1050 meters awaits.

The following day, hikers ascend to Piramida 18 at 1176 meters, a 4-hour hike one way.

Throughout the tour, travelers stay in traditional homestays and guesthouses, with breakfasts included.

Important Considerations

Carefully planned, this hiking tour through the captivating landscapes of Theth, Valbona, Koman Lake, and Shala River presents participants with a range of important considerations.

Prospective travelers should ensure they possess the required moderate fitness level and some hiking experience. Accommodation is in shared rooms at traditional homestays and guesthouses, though private rooms can be booked for an additional fee, subject to availability.

Trekkers should also be aware that the itinerary may be adjusted as needed by the tour company. Plus, visitors should budget for meals, snacks, and personal expenses not included in the tour package.

• Moderate fitness and hiking experience required
• Shared accommodations, with private room option
• Potential itinerary adjustments
• Budgeting for additional costs

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum/Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is 10 travelers. There is no minimum group size specified, so the tour can accommodate groups of any size between 1 and 10 participants.

Can I Store My Luggage Somewhere During the Hikes?

Travelers can arrange for a mule or horse caravan to transport their luggage during the hikes, at an additional cost of 1000 Euros per horse/mule. This service allows hikers to enjoy the trails without the burden of their belongings.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions. However, the hiking portions require moderate physical fitness and some prior hiking experience. Children under 12 may struggle with the more challenging hikes.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour provider has a strict no-pet policy to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. Travelers are advised to make alternative arrangements for their pets during the tour dates.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour’s cancellation policy allows for full refunds up to 45 days before departure. Cancellations between 44-15 days incur a 50% fee, while those within 14 days are non-refundable. Flexibility is provided for rescheduling within 2 weeks of the trip.

Recap

This 6-day hiking tour of northern Albania’s stunning landscapes is an unforgettable adventure. Traversing picturesque villages, serene lakes, and rugged terrain, you’ll learn about the region’s natural beauty and rich culture. With professional guidance, traditional homestays, and a mix of moderate to challenging hikes, this tour offers an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore the captivating Albanian Alps.