Walking in Northern Albania - Into The Accursed Mountains
Group Tour
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Overview
Extending across vistas liberally scattered with deep river valleys, alpine lakes and national parks, the towering limestone gorges of the Accursed Mountains, or Albanian Alps, provide the perfect backdrop to one of Europe’s last great adventures.
After soaking up the past in the historic town of Shkodër, the gateway to the north, our journey takes us from the breath-taking expanse of Lake Koman deep into the heart of the Valbonë Valley, also known as the ‘Miracle ...
Extending across vistas liberally scattered with deep river valleys, alpine lakes and national parks, the towering limestone gorges of the Accursed Mountains, or Albanian Alps, provide the perfect backdrop to one of Europe’s last great adventures.
After soaking up the past in the historic town of Shkodër, the gateway to the north, our journey takes us from the breath-taking expanse of Lake Koman deep into the heart of the Valbonë Valley, also known as the ‘Miracle of the Alps’. From here we follow remote highland trails which take us through quaint mountain villages and over the imposing Bori and Valbonë passes, passing through some of the country’s most precious and unspoilt landscapes, including Theth National Park.
This is an incredible adventure encompassing epic scenery, stunning walks and an insight into traditional but dying way of life.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use a minibus, a local ferry and our own two feet!
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
5 nights x Superior
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
ACCOMMODATION
As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip.
On this particular trip we will be in small 3* hotels and locally run guesthouses (with mainly en-suite facilities). In Thethi and Nderlysaj we stay in guesthouses where it will be necessary to share with up to 4 people in a room. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.
FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Book With Confidence
We understand that flexibility is now a key factor when booking a holiday, and we believe our Covid Promise and Covid Viable Test provide that.
We believe these terms and conditions for making a booking are amongst the most generous in the travel industry right now, and we hope they will give you the confidence, when you feel ready, to go ahead and book your next adventure.
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
DAY 1: TOUR STARTS IN TIRANA - SHKODËR
DAY 1: TOUR STARTS IN TIRANA - SHKODËR
Those arriving on the group flight will meet at Tirana airport and head immediately north to one of Europe’s oldest and most historic cities. Located close to the border with Montenegro, Shkodër stands as a gateway to Albania’s stunning northern landscapes, with impressive views of the Drin River to the east, the Adriatic Sea to the west and the majestic Albanian Alps to the northeast. Historically an important trading post for centuries, the city is home to the ancient Rozafa Fortress, strategically located on the hill overlooking the city and surrounding vistas.
DAY 2: SHKODËR - VALBONË VALLEY
DAY 2: SHKODËR - VALBONË VALLEY
From Shkodër this morning we will drive for a couple of hours to Lake Koman to begin our spectacular journey towards the Albanian Alps. As part of a major hydroelectric project dating back to the 1980s, Lake Koman was created by a dam, and the result is quite breathtaking. Traveling on a small public ferry, this idyllic ride will take us along the Drin River, which over the centuries has carved its way through the mountains to create some magnificent canyons and narrow passageways that are reminiscent of the celebrated Norwegian fjords. Unlike the fjords however, in comparison this area is vastly unpopulated by tourists and offers some spectacular unspoiled views as we slowly cruise north for about 2½ hours. Arriving at the Fierza dock, we will then continue by road deep into the heart of the Albanian Alps and through the dramatic Valbonë Valley, stopping for lunch en route. In the afternoon we will take a leisurely walk to the beautiful meadows of Grykat e Hapta, before returning to the valley where we will enjoy an evening of local food and hospitality.
Approx. 2-3hrs walking (300m ascent, 300m descent. Total distance 4kms, highest point 1361m)
DAY 3: VALBONË VALLEY
DAY 3: VALBONË VALLEY
Today we will explore these stunning jagged landscapes as we head towards the more remote areas of the eastern Alps of Albania. Following a simple shepherd’s path up through beech and pine forests and lush green meadows we can enjoy dramatic views of the rocky domes of Maja Jezercë (2695m) and Mount Rosi (2560m) as we further explore the depths of this remote region. There’s no better place to stop for a picnic lunch and a rest surrounded by some of nature’s best, before slowly making our way back down into the valley, stopping along the way in the quaint little hamlet of Kukaj where we can sample some local herbal tea before enjoying another evening surrounded by nature’s finest in the valley. Approx. 6hrs walking (800m ascent, 800m descent. Total distance 12kms, highest point 1625m)
DAY 4: VALBONË VALLEY
DAY 4: VALBONË VALLEY
Moving closer to the Montenegro border today we will drive a short distance to the secluded village of Çerem, populated mostly by shepherds during the summer season but otherwise left uninhabited due to poor weather conditions limiting supplies and snow blocking the roads. From here we will set off by foot through more enchanting forests and meadows which are dominated by the rocky domes of Kolata Mountain. As we continue our ascent, and weather permitting, we reach the Bori Pass, which marks the border with Montenegro. Here we can enjoy a well-earned picnic lunch near one of the fresh-water mountain springs. Following the winding slopes of Mount Sqapit, this afternoon we will make our way back down to Çerem where we will meet our minibus and drive back to Valbonë for the night. Approx. 6hrs walking (730m ascent, 700m descent. Total distance 13kms. Highest point 1840m)
DAY 5: VALBONË VALLEY - VALBONË PASS - THETHI
DAY 5: VALBONË VALLEY - VALBONË PASS - THETHI
Today offers some spectacular scenery as we hike one of the area’s most celebrated trails, which has for centuries connected the glacial valleys of Valbonë and Thethi, crossing over the 1800m high Valbonë pass, which is only accessible during the summer months due to heavy snowfall. We will be accompanied by horses which will carry our luggage as we tackle this challenging but hugely rewarding hike. Passing by the last houses of the village of Rrogam, the trail steepens towards a large bowl of alpine meadows, framed by rocky slopes that lead up to the Valbonë Pass. From the pass we can take in some of the region’s most spectacular views of the jagged peaks of ‘Bjeshket e Namuna’, also dramatically known as the Accursed Mountains. From here we will slowly descend towards the village of Thethi (approx. 850m above sea level), stopping along the way for another charming picnic lunch, and arriving mid-late afternoon. Approx. 7hrs walking (700m ascent, 1040m descent. Total distance 9kms, highest point 1800m)
DAY 6: THETHI - NDERLYSAJ
DAY 6: THETHI - NDERLYSAJ
Today we will enjoy a leisurely day of exploring Thethi and the surrounding area. Standing as the most well-preserved alpine village in Albania, Thethi has been declared a Protected Historic Centre and, located in the heart of the Theth National Park, offers some outstanding natural beauty. The village itself has a lot to offer, including the stone-built Catholic Church, the blood feud tower ‘Kulla e Ngujimit’ and the stone-walled terraces which date back to the Bronze Age. As we venture out of the village, we will follow the River Shala, through the beautiful Grunasi Canyon towards the picturesque hamlet of Nderlysaj where we’ll be able to soak up the peace and tranquility of this very special mountain setting. Approx. 4 hrs walking (110m ascent, 355m descent. Total distance 7kms, highest point 810m)
DAY 7: NDERLYSAJ - THORE PASS - KRUJË
DAY 7: NDERLYSAJ - THORE PASS - KRUJË
Our final day of walking will take us up to the spectacular Thore Pass. Following the trail along the Kaprea Creek, we can stop to admire the stunning Nderlysa turquoise pools, before continuing up through forests and pastures until we reach the 1,685m-high pass. Here we will be met by our minibus and transferred along a wonderfully scenic route to Krujë, passing through the Boga Valley. After checking into our hotel we will enjoy a delicious final dinner in this charming town located just north of the country’s capital and within good distance of the airport. Approx. 4-5 hrs walking (1190m ascent, 50m descent. Total distance 9kms, highest point 1670m)
DAY 8: TOUR ENDS IN KRUJË
DAY 8: TOUR ENDS IN KRUJË
The tour ends at the hotel after a visit to the National Museum 'George Kastrioti Skanderbeg' and lunch. Those on the suggested group flight (see GETTING THERE below will be transferred to Tirana airport)
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Rozafa Hotel, Shkodër
The fairly large Rozafa houses 77 rooms and is a notable hotel in the city having been around since 1971. It has nurtured a reputation of providing a high level of service by Albanian standards. The interiors are designed in a grand fashion with a luxury stay in mind; décor typically features shades of gold, cream and burgundy upholstery and bedding; gold-framed pictures hanging from the walls and marble bathrooms. Facilities include a restaurant and bar serving both Albanian and pizza dishes, as well as two cafes. With an ideal central location, independent exploration is easy and great views across Shkoder can be seen from the higher floors.
Vila Dini, Valbonë Valley
The exterior, yellow brick structure set against alpine mountains is reminiscent of a Swiss alpine chalet. The lodging at Vila Dine is simple but provides a very comfortable and welcoming base whilst exploring the region. Rooms are fitted with central heating, quality windows and modern bathrooms though space and furniture is limited in some. There is Wi-Fi throughout the building an indoor restaurant serving local dishes and an outdoor terrace.
Logu i Harushave, Thethi
Enjoy a rural farm stay at this remote spot, surrounded by just the mountain air and views. The wooden and stone structure is built to a high standard and rooms are found within the main building or as separate log cabins. Both types of accommodation offer a quality stay, decorated with simple, farm-inspired bedding and furnishings. There are Wi-Fi and electrical plugs. The location alone is worth a night or two, and views of the enveloping wilderness can be enjoyed from the building’s balconies or the large garden space, equipped with benches and tables. Meals are ample, consisting of traditional, home-made dishes and can be eaten inside and outside.
Prek Bjeshka, Nderlysa
Approaching the guesthouse, the rustic stone building set against a backdrop of contrasting green and grey from the surrounding mountains and sky blue is reminiscent of a fairy-tale village. Inside, rooms are comfortable and warm but simple, largely kept plain with minimal furniture and just basic amenities. Bjeshka guesthouse does boast Wi-Fi on the grounds. Out in the lush gardens, guests can relax in the outdoor pool, enjoy a drink beside it or simply lounge outside with a good book, surrounded by fresh air and tranquil views of the surrounding mountains. The Kitchen, of course, serves up sumptuous, home-cooked local grub which can be enjoyed out in the tended-to part of the forest that makes up the gardens.
Hotel Panorama, Krujë
The elegant, white building overlooks the town and provides a very comfortable stay with a bit of local personality. Rooms are spacious, simple and modern, equipped with air-conditioning and other mod-cons. Many rooms also feature a balcony for tranquil views over the charming city, whilst picture postcard views of the castle and mountain city can be enjoyed from the restaurant. Dining at the hotel has a rustic yet stylish appeal, with quaintly carved wooden doors and furniture, exposed brick support pillars and wonderful local dishes. Other facilities include an outdoor pool, bar and lounging area.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
If travelling to/from the start/finish of the tour from another European country you might also want to consider reducing your carbon footprint by travelling there by train. We are unfortunately not (yet) in a position to help you with the actual booking of the train tickets but lots of good information can be found here - www.seat61.com
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| BA 928 | London Heathrow (LHR) 07:55 | Tirana Airport (TIA) 12:00 |
| BA 929 | Tirana Airport (TIA) 12:50 | London Heathrow (LHR) 14:55 |
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders do not currently require a visa for Albania.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Or alternatively you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries.
Below is just a small sample of what you could do. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your individual requirements.
Tirana
Take an extra day or so to explore the country’s quirky capital. Allow 1- 2 days.
Southern Albania
Check out our Southern Albania itinerary which connects perfectly with our Northern Albania dates and will give you an incredible insight into the south’s stunning landscapes. Allow 8 days.
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
Albania has a variety of climatic conditions, being situated in the transition zone between the typical Mediterranean climate in the west and the moderate continental in the east. In early/late summer you can typically expect daytime temperatures to be around 25-28C and night-time temperatures to be around 12-15C. Rain is always possible so please come prepared.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. All our tours have a fitness rating as a guideline but you should check the day-by-day itinerary carefully. In certain instances we may ask you to complete a travel questionnaire before confirming your booking in order to ensure your suitability. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
You will need to be in a reasonable state of health and have a good level of fitness to be suitable to join this tour involving consecutive days of walking.
The trek is graded as moderate with an average daily walking time of around 5hrs, but please note there are two full day treks in the itinerary. In some places the paths are rocky and uneven.
Walking times and distances have been given in the itinerary, please note that times are averages and dependent on other factors, such as the pace of the group and weather. They also do not include breaks for picnics, photos and the like.
This tour has a couple of medium/long driving days, these will be no longer than approx. 6.5 hours driving time (around 260km), regular breaks will be provided.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation, but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except at the guesthouses in Thethi and Nderlysaj, where you will be required to share with others of the same sex due to the limited number of rooms available.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A £200 (or equivalent) deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 2234 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.