Through the Canyon of Lake Koman and into the Albanian Alps
From Shkoder driving to reach the docks in the dam of Koman. The homonymous lake beyond it, was artificially created in the 70’s after the construction of the hydropower dam that interrupts the canyon of river Drin.
The spectacular ferry ride through gorgeous landscape that will follow from there, is a not-to-miss highlight of Northern Albania! The trip will continue by car through the narrow gorge of Valbona – one of the most beautiful valleys of the Albanian Alps. In the charming village of Valbona – Rrogam we will be hosted in a comfortable local guesthouse. The location is the ideal starting point for all kinds of hikes in the surrounding mountains. Overnight in Valbona
Transfer information:
Distance: 82 km
Duration: 6 hours
Car transfer
Shkoder – Koman (42 km);
Koman-Fierza (2,5 h ferry),
Fierza – Valbona: 40km
The Valbona Pass
The hikers follows a ‘classic’ trail of the Albanian Alps that for centuries connected the glacier valleys of Valbona and Thethi via the 1850m high Valbona Pass. The pass becomes possible to cross on foot from the end of May, when the snow melts enough to let people and animals through, using horses to carry the luggage to the next guesthouse. The trail steepens up towards a plateau sided by rough slopes and a winding narrow trail that leads to the Valbona Pass. On clear days is a superb panoramic spot from where to admire the jagged peaks of ‘Bjeshket e Namuna’ – the Accursed Mountains. Than start to descent towards the village of Thethi (850m), again passing through dense woods and grassy meadows. In the afternoon relax in Thethi, the best-preserved alpine village of Albania. Overnight in Thethi.
Hike information:
Gradient: 1150m ; – 900m
Distance: 14 km
Duration: 6 hrs
Discover Thethi
Thethi is the most known village of Northern Albania. The small village has been described by several well-known writers that were impressed by its stunning and rather inaccessible location in the middle of vertical mountains. Still today, most of the houses or ‘kulla’ are built in grey stone and roofed with wooden planks. Traditions remain strong and authentic.
We will walk down from the house (850m) and visit the attractions of the village, including the Church, Kulla e Ngujimit (a tower house used in the past by men as a shelter against ongoing vendettas), the Waterfall of Thethi, the rocky narrows of the Grunasi Canyon. Near the canyon are found stone-walled terraces dating from the late bronze era, revealed only in 2007. Ending with scenic drive via Thore Pass and the Boga Valley back to Shkoder.
Hike information
Gradient: 200m ; – 200m
Distance: 11 km
Duration: 5 hrs.
Overview | This tour gives the chance to the participants admiring some of the best views and landscapes of Northern Albania. Such as the “Fjords” Koman Lake, Valleys of Valbona and Theth, Peaks of Albanian Alps, Valbona Pass, Blue Eye , waterfalls etc. Very good opportunity for the enthusiast of walking, hiking and discovering life style, traditions of Albanian Highlanders (Malesori). |
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Tour | Alps 4U |
Type | Guided walking holiday |
Duration | 3 night/4 days |
Start /Finish | Shkoder/Shkoder |
Code | H004 |
Level | Challenging |
Travel Seasons | May-October |
Price | Start From —- |
Accomodations | Guesthouse : 3 Nights |
Service include |
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Not included |
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Good to know |
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