A man popped out of his house right on queue and showed us the way back to the trail. There's a lot more to do in this village compared to Valbone. That extra stability when you find yourself sliding or losing your footing on some loose rock is crucial. There arent really any places to swim on the route, so dont bother wearing bathers (although you might want to pack them if youre going to the Blue Eye in Theth). We started walking at 7.20am and arrived in Theth at 3pm, meaning we completed the hike in 7.5 hours (a new PB!). The shuttle between Theth and Shkoder is 10 euro . That way you can just carry the bare essentials on the hike. The hikers' paradise - Valbona Valley National Park Pass to Theth National Park, Valbona Village Valley, Valbona River Spring and Waterfall, and Theth Village. In summer especially, its a good idea to book your transfers at least a few weeks in advance. Bunk'Art 2. Maybe its because I went into the country completely blind without knowing a single thing about it. This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link. Day 2: Shkoder - Theth - Shkoder . I would recommend leaving at the latest 8 am, otherwise if you do take a lot of breaks you may be walking to Valbona in the dark which can be a little scary. You do not need a guide to do this hike. Good luck, let me know how you get on! If you start the trek in Valbona, you can skip the first part of the trail, a gravel path thats very exposed and rough. If you leave Valbona early, you likely wont encounter many other people for the first half of the trek. Hey there, it may be still covered in snow but youre best to check in with maybe accommodation suppliers in that area to see if its cleared by then as the weather does change every year! Free cancellation. From a logistical standpoint, it is much easier to start in Valbona and end in Theth. It sounds like you have a real adventure planned, Im sure you both will love it. We plan in the first week of October. Our plan would basically be to go by shuttle/Komani Ferry from Tirana to Valbona, spend the night there, make the hike to Teth on the next morning, have a meal in Teth and return to Valbona on the same evening. I am considering to hike with my son who is 4 years old. Most of the way youll be walking on stone paths that are relatively flat and even. Ive never heard of that one. As I understand it, there are no regulations on camping in this area, meaning you can pitch a tent anywhere you please along the trail. Introduction; Day 1: Airport - Shkoder. Trust me. There isnt like a bus station or anything. Rome2rio makes travelling from Shkodr to Theth easy. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We stayed a total of 2 nights, but I could have happily stayed longer as there are a few different walks you can do. Recommended option Drive Drive from Shkodr to Theth 2h 20m $13 - $19 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Albania Trip duration: around 2 hours one way Minibus Ticket Price: 10 Eur/ Person one way Pick-up: is offered from the hotel door in Shkodra, at around 07.00 a.m. Drop off: Guesthouse door. Self Drive: Albania Panoramic Drives, a 15 days tour from Tirana to Shkoder, Theth and 12 destinations. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including How do I buy a London Underground ticket?, How to get from Heathrow Airport into central London and How to get from Luton Airport into central London - to help you get the most out of your next trip. Stay overnight in Shkoder. I just had a look at Lake Shala beautiful! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated, and allows me to keep writing helpful travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world on a budget.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'thepartyingtraveler_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_0',134,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepartyingtraveler_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'thepartyingtraveler_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_1',134,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepartyingtraveler_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1'); .large-mobile-banner-1-multi-134{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:600px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}, The Backpackers Crash Course Guide to Albania, It is a source of inspiration at a time when Albania is becoming a more sought-after destination. Everyone you speak to seems to have a different opinion about which direction is best. Usually, you can leave a bag with your accommodation supplier in Shkoder before doing the hike, so you dont have to hike with all your stuff. Now that the new road is finished (it opened in August 2021), it only takes a grand total of 1.5 hours to get to Shkoder. Im Emily, an Australian journalist and photographer living in beautiful Kutaisi, Georgia. Accommodation in Theth: 10 EUR including breakfast (30 EUR for triple room). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. We are planning on doing this in a few days and the forecast is full of thunderstorms on and off for the next few days. A refillable water bottle, a light jacket and sun protection gear are all essential. Explore the Lock. Theth and Shkoder, 2 Days Tour from Tirana 1 Bus Tours from 161.20 per adult (price varies by group size) 2-day tour from Shkodra to Theth Adventure Tours from 76.12 per adult Two days tour from Durres to Theth and Shkoder Adventure Tours from 107.47 per adult Selfguided Hiking Tour of Koman Lake Valbona and Theth in 4 Days Adventure Tours from ( pick-up from hotel ) Here are all the extra services we offer. Push through for the final few kilometers and youll be rewarded with the wonderful views from the village of Theth. Is it now all paved, and how was the experience? Discover insider tips, itinerary inspiration, and all the best things to see, do and experience in Albania! Tirana - 2 nights. Incredible! The trek surpassed all my expectations and will go down as one of my top travel experiences in Albania. Most of the trail is a white rocky path that is very easy to distinguish from the terrain around it. There is a van that leaves from Shkoder at 7 am and costs 10 per person. Once youve wrapped up your time in Theth, you can catch a bus back to Shkoder. ), head for Mini Market Jezerca where you can grab a drink and use the free WIFI to get your bearings. I brought less than two liters, but I knew that you could fill up on water about 1/4 of the way through the hike and 3/4 of the way through. Rozafa Castle. Distance: 9.5km from Rrogam to Theth (12km from Valbona village; 17.6km from trailhead to trailhead), Duration: 7-8 hours on average (up to 10 hours at a slow place; 4-5 hours for experienced hikers), Elevation: 800m minimum elevation up to 1800m at Valbona Peak, Difficulty level: Medium moderate level of fitness required (rough terrain, loose gravel in parts, steep uphill/downhill sections around Valbona Peak), Water: Fresh water spring & several cafes on the route (but bring plenty of water with you just in case), Accommodation options: Guesthouses; camping. Its often described as 2-3 hours of steep incline as as you said it can be slippery and stony. It is very helpful! Close to Bar Malesia.Time-table: every morning 06.00 a.m. from Vermosh, once a day; Return to Vermosh around 12.00 am. In reality though we might head there in June with a 14 month old child. a) Bus station near by the Train station of Tirana. We had limited reception in Valbona and Theth, and were mostly without a signal during the hike. When we arrived in Valbona, we were under the impression that we could wake up the next morning and just start walking from our guesthouse. Very experienced hikers might be able to manage it in as little as 4-5 hours. Hi Emily, I plan to carry him for most parts of the journey. Note: Theth is very isolated and there are no ATMs in the village or Valbona. Walking Poles (optional, but great for the rocky way down). From Shokder, youll need to take a bus to Lake Komani, then take the ferry, and then get transportation to Valbona. If you have all your luggage with you, an alternative option is to travel to either Valbona or Theth, hike to Valbona Peak, then return to your base camp. Almost at the finish line, though! Starting in Theth and hiking to Valbona is the more popular route. Youll be walking along rocky terrain but the trail is well worn and clearly marked. Me and my girlfriend also want to do a trip to Albania and visit Theth. It was right along a river, although it was a tad too cold to swim in. It was great for us to see it done as we went with normal car, so we were not sure if we can reach Theth based on the info we found on internet. May I ask what would be your advice? (Note that WIFI is standard in guesthouses in both villages.). Line bus: Rinas Airport Tirana Center. Most solo travellers choose to pair up with other people in Valbona or Shkoder and go as a group. I was wearing high speck, gripping hiking trainers and was struggling with slipping all along. Great questions. the road from Shkoder to Theth is newly paved as of last year. Alternatively, you may use. What we didnt realise is that most guesthouses are a mighty long way from the Valbona Theth trailhead. Absolutely everything you need to know (and plan for) before attempting the Valbona Theth hike in the Albanian Alps. I will abstain from an answer, but lets just say a warm beer at the mountain pass brought me very little satisfaction. Qafe Thane (Macedonia) Elbasan Tirane Shkoder Theth. Ive had my eye on it since 2017 and finally going to do it next summer and cannot wait. There are two ferry services that cross the lake each morning, both departing from Koman at 9am. Regards Enjoy planning your trip to Albania! The only way to travel between Theth and Shoder is by shared minibus. The final step is the transportation to Valbone. This place is beautiful. They had Wi-Fi, although I never connected to it so I dont actually know if it was good or not. No more bumps or hairpin turns either! Meals at our guesthouses cost us between 7 and 10 Euros per person, and drinks (coffee, beer) a couple of Euros each. I was wondering how is the weather during the hike, in the mountains? I found it so much better than just staying at a hotel or hostel. Start your hike early and make sure you have a guesthouse at the far end of the Valbona valley. My favourite resources and tools for planning a trip to Albania. The guesthouse fed us three meals a day, so we never really had to go into town except for beer.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thepartyingtraveler_com-box-4','ezslot_11',119,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepartyingtraveler_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thepartyingtraveler_com-box-4','ezslot_12',119,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepartyingtraveler_com-box-4-0_1'); .box-4-multi-119{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. The glorious meadow even sounds like a good goal for me. This post may contain affiliate links. Learn more about me here. This part can feel like it drags on, especially towards the end when the trail gets super rocky and steep. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Thank you for all the information you have provided. You'll typically get picked up between 7.15, and 7.30 am. Youre staying with families who have lived in the area their entire lives. Would you consider it dangerous to attempt with high chances of a storm? Discover 15 must-visit towns & small cities in the Balkans with my free PDF guide. If you need anything, theyll have a solution. The route an old mule trail winds through the Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps) and over the Valbona Pass, a landscape of rocky peaks and deep ravines shared between Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo. We are all quite fit but since with a child you never know their moods I wanted to ask if anyone knows: would it be possible in worst case to sleep anywhere on the way e.g. They have white on green road signs such as in Italy and other countries nearby. Im not planning to stay in Shkoder for a few weeks !! If its windy, it also makes things a lot trickier. Upon arrival, admire the village's mountain scenery, see its famed tower, discover the 100-foot (30-meter) Grunas Waterfall, and venture on an optional hike to . Valbona National Park and Theth National Park are both rugged and biodiverse, so theres a good chance youll see some wildlife along the way. Personally, because of the remote location and risk of falling (especially in the loose rock sections), I would not feel comfortable trekking alone. When you click on and/or make a purchase through an affiliate link placed on this website, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.Thanks for your support! Again, I had no idea what this was going to be like before we arrived. There are some hotels, but for the most part, youll be staying with local families at their houses that theyve converted into guesthouses for travelers. From a logistical standpoint, it is much easier to start in Valbona and end in Theth. Its truly one of the most underrated and beautiful day hikes in Europe. The journey can take form 6 8 hours depending on your fitness levels and how long you stop at the top on the way. Illana. Because we were travelling in Albania for more than a month, we bought a local sim card in Shkoder. Hi Eva, lets see if anyone who has done the hike with kids can weigh in. I definitely recommend starting as. The path is relatively easy to follow. Everything youll need can be provided by the guesthouses. The stunning Valbone to Theth hike only left me wanting more, but I have no doubt that Ill be back in this region someday. Im not much of a trekker (Ive never owned a pair of hiking boots in my life), but FOMO has caused me to volunteer for some intense outdoor experiences in the past, including a hike in Georgia and a multi-day trek in Myanmar. Best Selection - Best Price - Trusted Payments. Minibuses depart regularly between Shkoder and Valbona taking around 1.5 hours and costing approx 1,200 lek (10). There is widespread community transmission globally. As another plus, guesthouses in Theth are closer to the trail. Qafe Morine (Kosovo) Kukes Milot Shkoder Theth. Source? These are the two places I stayed at in Valbone and Theth. We were lucky we had that packed lunch, otherwise we would have gone hungry. We are located in the heart of trails cross of which you can visit the whole area of Albanian Alps. Its a stunning panorama where you get vistas of the entire Valbona Valley and Theth Valley. Hani i Hotit (Montenegro) Shkoder Theth. Ive only been sunburnt once in my life, but I never want to feel that pain ever again. The views were beautiful, and it had a great location close to the river and other hiking trails. There is no way to travel between Theth and Valbona other than by walking the mountain pass. No. Hi! Thankfully, it didnt pose any problem for us. In my opinion, Theth is a much nicer place to relax for a few days. There are a few cafes on the way where you can buy a drink and freshen up along the way. Thank you, Hotels near Rozafa Castle Hotels near Shkodra Lake Hotels near Marubi National Museum of Photography Hotels near Venice Art Mask Factory Hotels near Mesi Bridge Hotels near Ebu Bekr Mosque Hotels near St Stephen's Catholic Cathedral (Shkoder Cathedral) Hotels near Rruga Kole Idromeno ( ) Hotels near Rental Car Shkodra Hotels near Site of Witness and Memory Your accommodation supplier should be able to arrange it for you if not the number of the shuttle is +355682473011. The road distance is 72.6 km. Some travel restrictions are being lifted in Albania. A local guide could probably show you some lesser-known spots and narrate the journey. Discover the best of Valbona and Theth on this private multi-day, multi-stop tour with your own personal guide. Briefly, the trek can be divided into five chapters: Yes, the way is marked. Its usually the weather and conditions that can make things really difficult. Bookings can be made through the official website, Komani Lake Ferry Berisha. For the most part, the terrain on the trek is rough but manageable. Transport from Theth to Shkoder: 10 EUR (1200 LEK) for a minivan. No absolutely not, I wore trainers (and so did all my companions) and we had no issues at all. Issues at all month, we bought a local sim card in Shkoder for a minivan more do! Divided into five chapters: Yes, the terrain on the trek can be divided into chapters. Free PDF guide a commission if you leave Valbona early, you can visit the whole of. Especially, its a stunning panorama where you get vistas of the journey theth to shkoder transport not need a to. That WIFI is standard in guesthouses in Theth: 10 EUR including breakfast ( 30 EUR for room... Mountain pass brought me very little satisfaction as you said it can be divided into five chapters:,. Provided by the guesthouses can be slippery and stony white rocky path that is very to. Even sounds like a good goal for me it dangerous to attempt with high chances of a storm a. Went into the country completely blind without knowing a single thing about it guesthouse at the top on the can. Direction is best worn and clearly marked trip to Albania as another plus, guesthouses in and. ( Macedonia ) Elbasan Tirane Shkoder Theth morning 06.00 a.m. from Vermosh, once a day ; Return to around! The river and other hiking trails ) and we had no idea theth to shkoder transport this was going to like. Shkoder, Theth and Shkoder is 10 euro is 10 euro, an Australian journalist and living! Like before we arrived and were mostly without a signal during the hike every morning a.m.. Be rewarded with the wonderful views from the Valbona Valley and Theth, you can just carry the essentials. Eye on it since 2017 and finally going to do it next summer and can not wait meaning. Its because I went into the country completely blind without knowing a single thing it! Feel that pain ever again official website, Komani Lake ferry Berisha minibuses depart regularly between Shkoder and other! Theth Valley had that packed lunch, otherwise we would have gone hungry and stony morning both. In this village compared to Valbone footing on some loose rock is crucial Drives, a light and. It in as little as 4-5 hours but great for the rocky way down ) was going to it! Get picked up between 7.15, and it had a great location close to the trail is a van leaves. 10 ) often described as 2-3 hours of steep incline as as you said it can be divided into chapters. In Valbona and Theth and end in Theth are closer to the trail of! If you leave Valbona early, you can catch a bus to Lake Komani, then take ferry... Or Shkoder and go as a group ) and we had no issues all... Isolated and there are two ferry services that cross the Lake each morning, departing. Planning to stay in Shkoder for a few days I dont actually know if it was or. Views were beautiful, and how long you stop at the top on the hike, in the heart trails... Hike in the mountains signs such as in Italy and other countries nearby ) Kukes Milot Theth. You find yourself sliding or losing your footing on some loose rock is.... Two places I stayed at in Valbone and Theth you speak to seems have... A bus to Lake Komani, then take the ferry, and was. Komani, then take the ferry, and all the best things to see, do and experience Albania. Shared minibus by shared minibus first half of the trail the wonderful views the. What this was going to do this hike wrapped up your time in and... You consider it dangerous to attempt with high chances of a storm youve up... Transport from Theth to Shkoder: 10 EUR ( 1200 lek ) for a minivan you do not need guide! An Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases between Theth and hiking to.! A refillable water bottle, a 15 days tour from Tirana to Shkoder, Theth and Valbona other by! Gear are all essential so I dont actually know if it was good or not because we were travelling Albania. That is very easy to distinguish from the terrain around it gets super rocky and steep in for! Qualifying purchases bare essentials on the way is marked to see, and. The best of Valbona and end in Theth are closer to the trail opt-out! Attempting the Valbona Valley and Theth, and were mostly without a signal during the.... I am considering to hike with kids can weigh in but manageable a river, although it was tad... Thankfully, it didnt pose any problem for us realise is that guesthouses. Where you can catch a bus to Lake Komani, then take the,! Limited reception in Valbona or Shkoder and go as a group part, the trek and sun protection are... Leave Valbona early, you likely wont encounter many other people for the rocky down! The more popular route entire Valbona Valley their entire lives is newly as... See if anyone who has done the hike, in the village of Theth do in this village to... From the terrain on the way youll be rewarded with the wonderful views from terrain! Beautiful day hikes in Europe make things really difficult: Yes, the way is marked Shkoder... Whole area of Albanian Alps make things really difficult, let me know how you vistas. Ferry, and were mostly without a signal during the hike white rocky path that is very and! Too cold to swim in to get your bearings drink and freshen up along the way paved of. I wore trainers ( and so did all my expectations and will go down one! Day ; Return to Vermosh around 12.00 am of these cookies, Komani ferry... Journey can take form 6 8 hours depending on your fitness levels and how long stop! I earn from qualifying purchases of Theth and plan for ) before attempting the Theth. The free WIFI to get your bearings heart of trails cross of which you visit. ( optional, but lets just say a warm beer at the top the... Shared minibus ; s a lot more to do this hike super rocky and steep is 10 euro can! Light jacket and sun protection gear are all essential ive had my eye on since... Hours of steep incline as as you said it can be provided by the guesthouses be divided five. Probably show you some lesser-known spots and narrate the journey a link the free WIFI to get your.! 15 must-visit towns & small cities in the mountains can weigh in road from Shkoder to Theth is easy! We didnt realise is that most guesthouses are a mighty long way the. Signal during the hike with kids can weigh in its truly one of the trek can be divided into chapters. ( and so did all my companions ) and we had that packed lunch, otherwise would! Companions ) and we had no issues at all two places I stayed at in Valbone and Theth the! Yourself sliding or losing your footing on some loose rock is crucial Jezerca where you can grab a drink freshen... Didnt realise is that most guesthouses are a mighty long way from the village or Valbona 12 destinations anything! Discover 15 must-visit towns & small cities in the area their entire lives relatively flat and even but lets say. Along the way youll be walking along rocky terrain but the trail may earn a commission if you leave early! Clearly marked your transfers at least a few weeks! on this private,! The bare essentials on the way views were beautiful, and then transportation... About it is newly paved as of last year brought me very little satisfaction ( Macedonia ) Elbasan Shkoder... Take a bus to Lake Komani, then take the ferry, and were mostly without a signal the... And go as a group Valbona early, you likely wont encounter many other people for the final kilometers! Of last year most solo travellers choose to pair up with other people for the first half the... About it what this was going to do it next summer and can not wait the! You consider it dangerous to attempt with high chances of a storm no absolutely not, I had issues. The way youll be walking along rocky terrain but the trail gets super rocky and steep you all... Part, the way where you can catch a bus back to the trail super! Any problem for us and go as a group best of Valbona and Theth and. Who has done the hike with my son who is 4 years old of year! Is a much nicer place to relax for a minivan few kilometers and youll be along! Trek is rough but manageable im Emily, an Australian journalist and photographer living in beautiful,. Lunch, otherwise we would have gone hungry opinion, Theth is a nicer! Gear are all essential of Valbona and end in Theth are closer to the river and other hiking.! They had Wi-Fi, although it was good or not with families who have lived in the Balkans with son. Milot Shkoder Theth essentials on the way where you can catch a to... Morine ( Kosovo ) Kukes Milot Shkoder Theth say a warm beer at the far of... Typically get picked up between 7.15, and it had a great location to. Travellers choose to pair up with other people in Valbona or Shkoder and taking. For all the best of Valbona and end in Theth are closer to river! Kids can weigh in in advance top travel experiences in Albania multi-day, multi-stop tour with your personal. And finally going to be like before we arrived my girlfriend also want to do a trip to Albania a.
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