Local Village House Trekking

This tour is recommended for reasonably fit people who are used to long walks, and for those with a flexible, adventurous attitude. Accommodation in the mountains is in the traditional houses of the Albanian highlanders, the "Malesore".

Special highlights of this tour are:

- Lake Koman: The ferry trip on Lake Koman is an outstanding experience. The lake is narrow and winding, and stretches along the bed of the Drini River. The lake was formed after the construction of a dam in the 80's. The steep cliffs on both sides create a spectacular landscape reminiscent of Norwegian fjords.

- Valbona Valley: This is probably the most beautiful valley of Northern Albania. The turquoise waters of Valbona River flow in the middle of a spectacular border of steep mountain peaks. This is the jewel in the crown of the Albanian Alps.

- Theth Valley: A hidden paradise in the heart of the Albanian Alps, the Theth Valley is the starting point for all treks to the highest peaks and passes in the region. It leads to Montenegro in the North, Kosovo in the East and the city of Shkodra in the West.

Day 1: The Koman Dam and the river Drin.
In the early morning, the group will drive to the ferry, which passes through the spectacular canyon of the Drin River. The lake was created after the construction of the Dam of Koman in the 80's. The trip will continue by car along the beautiful valley of the Valbona River, to the charming village of Dunishë, where the group will stay overnight. Dinner and accommodation are in a village house in Dunishë, the best starting point for all kinds of hikes in the surrounding mountains. The lovely little lake behind the house is an ideal spot to rest after a long day.

Day 2: Trekking to the village of Kukaj
Trekking will start from the house toward the village of Kukaj (900 m). From there, a shepherd's path will take the group to the remote landscapes of the Eastern Alps of Albania to reach Qafa e Rosit (2000 m; approximately seven to eight hours of walking). The path climbs smoothly amidst green meadows, with gorgeous views of the Jezerca Mountain and Rrethi i Bardhë, the White Circle. At the end of the day, the tour will rest in the same place as the previous night in Dunishë.

Day 3: Over the pass to Thethi
After breakfast, the group will drive 10 km to the village of Rragam, where the next round of trekking will begin. The journey will peak at the Pass of Valbona (1966 m). This is the classic route through the Albanian Alps, which for centuries linked the two valleys of the area, Valbona and Thethi. Mules will be used to carry luggage to the next resting area. The Albanian highlanders commonly use the path from late spring to the first snow of winter. Participants can enjoy the refreshing natural springs along the way, and the peaks of Jezerca and Radohima. From there, the group will start the descent towards the village of Thethi (800 m), where they will rest overnight after about eight hours of walking. Thethi is the best-preserved Alpine village in Albania, with typical houses still roofed with wooden tiles amid stunning surroundings. The group will stay overnight in one of the traditional houses and enjoy extraordinary hospitality.

Day 4: Discover Thethi
Thethi is one of the best-known villages of Northern Albania, because of its stunning beauty and traditional houses. The group will walk down from the house and visit the attractions near the village, including the Church, the Kulla e Ngujimit (a tower house used in the past by men as a shelter against on going vendettas), the Thethi Waterfall and the Grunasi Canyon. The group will also visit the Cyclopean stonewalled terraces dating from the late bronze era, but discovered only in 2007. Travellers will retire to the same house as the night before.

Day 5: Shkoder and Tirana
The group will leave Thethi in a vehicle, and have lunch at a traditional restaurant in Shkoder. It will then proceed to the capital, Tirana.

Note: This trip is combined with the 7 day scenic trekking in Northern Albania, starting on day 3 of the 7 day trip. If you would like to depart from Shkoder, we can arrange you a pre tour accommodation in hotel Tradita.

The price of this 5 day trekking is 300 euro per person with a min. of 3 participants. Therefore, please contact us before booking.

The set departure dates are:

13 June
25 July
16 August

Note: In case you leave from Tirana there is an extra fee of 10 euros. You will be picked up at your hotel in Tirana and with arranged transport by us, you will be brought to the guide who will be waiting for you in Shkoder.