Hiking the Albanian Alps - Explore - Albania

Hiking the Albanian Alps

4.6Based on

Guided and Escorted

Carbon neutral

8 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants

16 peopleMaximum group size

16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Tirana, Albania

Ends

Tirana, Albania

Highlights

Explore the beauty of northern Albania, trekking in the little visited Albanian Alps

Spend time with the local families in Theth, enjoying a traditionally cooked lunch

Learn about about the fascinating history and culture of Albania

Itinerary

Explore the beauty of Northern Albania on this week-long walking holiday. Trek in the little-visited Albanian Alps, through the spectacular scenic Valbona and Theth National Parks before winding up in the cosmopolitan capital, Tirana. Along the way, encounter a traditional way of life, staying in remote villages and learning about the country's folklore.

Koman Lake - Take a boat ride across glassy waters and beneath dramatic mountain gorges.

Traditional Villages - Spend time with local families in Theth, enjoying a traditionally cooked lunch.

Alpine Walking - Marvel at wildflower meadows, lush valleys and craggy passes in the Albania Alps.

day 1 - Join trip in Tirana

Our trip begins in Tirana. To ensure you get an airport transfer, please book a flight that arrives no later than 11pm. From the airport, you'll be transferred to our hotel in Tirana - a journey of approximately 30 minutes.

If possible, we recommend having dinner before arrival at Tirana Airport. The airport is currently undergoing major renovations, and food options are limited. You might prefer to eat during your flight or bring something with you.

Accommodation:Sar'Otel Boutique Hotel (or similar)

day 2 - Drive to Koman Lake, boat ride through scenic channels. Drive to Valbona via riverside walk

This morning, we'll drive from Tirana to the docks at Lake Koman, before boarding our ferry. Described in the Bradt guides as 'one of the great boat trips of the world' our two-hour journey takes us on glassy blue waters through twists and turns of narrow waterways beneath stunning mountain peaks. A truly beautiful introduction to the amazing scenery that Northern Albania has to offer.

Once at the other side, we'll drive to Valbona and dive into an alpine landscape, stopping en route for a beautiful riverside walk that will stretch out our legs and prepare us for the week ahead. After our walk, we'll continue to our base in the mountains for the next three nights.

Today's 6-kilometre/3.7-mile linear walk is expected to take between one to three hours, depending on which hotel you are staying at- your tour leader will confirm this on the trip. Maximum 360 metres/1,181 feet of ascent and 180 metres/591 feet of descent.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel NeoKulla (or similar)

day 3 - Hiking in Valbona National Park and views of Dragobia Gorge

We'll spend the next two days hiking in Valbona National Park. Valbona is based in the Tropoja district of Northern Albania which, along with two adjoining districts, encompasses a region called The Malesi, roughly translated this means The Highlands. A wild and high mountainous region inhabited by fiercely independent and strong people who have never really been conquered or subdued by the various invasions in the last 2000 years. The full name of the mountains around Valbona is the Malësi e Gjakovës and this name is most often translated in English as 'The Accursed Mountains.

A short drive after breakfast brings us to the beginning of our trail near to Drogobia village. We'll start a moderate climb, crossing meadows and patches of beechwood, climbing higher until we reach the elevated pastures known as 'Gjarpri I Dragobis' - the Drogobia Snake. After a quick break to enjoy our lunch, we'll continue our walk through the pastures, taking in the stunning views of Dragobia Gorge across the valley, framed by numerous peaks. From there, we'll descend to the valley floor and take a short drive back to our hotel.

Today's 11-kilometre/6.8 mile out and back walk is expected to take around five hours with 630 metres/2,067 feet of ascent and descent.

Meals:Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation:Hotel NeoKulla (or similar)

day 4 - Hike to the Rrethi i Jubanit plateau and visit to local family home

Today we'll be walking through the mountain slopes in front of us that create the massif of Paplluga. The trail winds (steeply at times) through woods of beech and fir, crossing occasionally an old road used during the regime years for timber, until we reach the plateau known as 'Rrethi i Jubanit' and continue towards a panoramic spot where we'll take a break to enjoy our lunch. In front of us tower the magnificent vertical peaks of Grykat e Hapta, which create an impressive amphitheatre of limestone stretching until the end of the valley in the southwest, where the Valbona Pass awaits for us to cross in the coming day.

After lunch, we'll continue to stay high on the plateau before starting the descent in the east-facing slopes of 'Rrethri' to reach the hamlet of Kukaj where we will taste a cup of herbal mountain tea on the terrace of a local family's home. Refreshed, we will then descend to the bottom of the valley under the soft late afternoon light.

Today's 8-kilometre/4.9-mile walk is expected to take around five hours with 440 metres/1,443 feet of ascent and 390 metres/1280 feet of descent.

Meals:Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation:Hotel NeoKulla (or similar)

day 5 - Hike the Valbona Pass to Theth National Park

A morning transfer will take us from the hotel to the top of the valley in Rrogam, where the road ends. From here, we'll begin walking uphill along a steep and winding forest trail to reach the Valbona Springs. Later, the walk continues into wide alpine pastures with large glacier rocks scattered around the valley floor. The path then continues to steepen into a narrow trail that leads to the Valbona Pass. On clear days the views from this location at the heart of the Accursed Massif are truly breathtaking. From here, we'll follow a rather steep trail that winds through fir and beech forest and descends into the Theth valley, also surrounded by several 2,500 metre/8,200-feet-high sheer rocky domes, such as the Radohima and the Harapit.

For the next two nights, we'll stay at a simple guesthouse run by a local family, offering lovely mountain views. Each room accommodates two to four guests, so you may share with other group members during your stay. If you' re travelling as a couple, please be aware that rooms may be allocated by gender for our group at this property. The rooms are basic but comfortable with shared bathroom facilities. You're guaranteed a warm welcome from your hosts who will provide lovely home-cooked meals. Please note single rooms are unavailable on this night.

Today's challenging 15-kilometre/ 9.3-mile walk takes approximately seven hours, featuring 1000 metres/ 3280 feet of ascent and 1,270 metres/ 4166 feet of descent. The route is steep and traverses rocky terrain, but it should not be too difficult for hikers in reasonably good shape. At the end of the ascent, there is a coffee bar where you can take a well-deserved rest.

Meals:Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation:Hotel Alpet (or similar)

day 6 - Exploring the Theth Valley

Theth is an iconic Northern Albanian 'malesore' (highlands) village. Enclosed in the full remoteness of the Accursed Mountains, it stayed protected from the multiple invasions that afflicted the more accessible parts of the Alps and life was organised following the detailed rules of the 'Kanun' - the Unwritten Code of the Mountains. These aspects were well pictured by the Victorian traveller Ms Edith Durham in the book, High Albania, written on her journey into the area at the beginning of the 20th Century.

After breakfast, we'll have the chance to visit some of the local attractions of the village such as the stone built catholic church, Kulla e Ngujimit - and the blood feud lock-in tower, used under the old 'kanun' to solve crimes amongst local families. Leaving the town, we'll walk along the river and reach a small waterfall. Our walk also takes us along the Grunas Canyon's ancient terraces towards the hamlet of Nderlysa; here we'll have a tasty lunch prepared by one of the local families.

In the afternoon, you'll have the option to stay back at the guesthouse where we had lunch and relax in the gardens or take a further optional walk (total 6 kilometres/3.7 miles) to a natural, crystal-clear swimming pool. The natural pools in Nderlysa are created by the clear and icy water of the Kaprea Creek and offer the opportunity for a swim. Later on in the afternoon, we'll take a short 20-minute drive back to Theth where we'll have dinner and stay overnight.

Today's 7-kilometre/4.3-mile walk is expected to take around four hours with 420 metres/1,378 feet of ascent and 660 metres/2,165 feet of descent.

Meals:Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation:Hotel Alpet (or similar)

day 7 - Drive to Shkoder, city tour and free time

This morning, we'll drive into the scenic valley of Boga, where there is the option, depending on the group's wishes, to stop for a leisurely circular walk at the Thore Pass surroundings to admire the views (approximately 90 minutes).

Leaving the silhouette of the Albanian Alps behind us we'll head towards the Shkoder where we'll check into our hotel.

On arrival in Shkoder, we'll have a guided city tour, giving us the chance to learn about Shkoder throughout history and get to know the culture of the area. Known as the 'Capital of North Albania', Shkoder is one of the oldest cities in the country. Founded in the 4th century BC, the city is rich in cultural heritage and boasts a large number of artists, musicians, poets and writers. The rest of the day will be available for free time to relax and explore the city at your own pace.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Tradita (or similar)

day 8 - Trip ends at Tirana airport

Today we'll have a free morning to explore Shkoder before transfering to Tirana airport which takes around 2 hours. We will be able to leave our luggage at our hotel after check-out, to avoid carrying them around in our free time. Our transfer will depart Shkoder at 2pm and the earliest time flights can be booked on this day are 6.55pm. The trip ends at Tirana airport.

If you've booked a post-tour stay in Tirana, we recommend taking the cable car up Mount Dajti for a panoramic view of the city or visiting some of the history-based museums in the capital such as the House of Leaves or Bunk'art.

Meals:Breakfast

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

Accommodation

Sar'Otel Boutique Hotel (or similar) (1 night)Hotel NeoKulla (or similar) (3 nights)Hotel Alpet (or similar) (2 nights)Hotel Tradita (or similar) (1 night)

Meals

7 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches

Transport

Driver(s)BusBoat

Guide

Explore Tour LeaderLocal Guide(s)

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Hiking the Albanian Alps

4.6

based on 29 reviews

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 59+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 820 customer reviews from

&quot;&quot;

Very prompt and excellent service.

3 days ago

Similar Tours You Might Like

Discover our top tours similar to Hiking the Albanian Alps that you might like.

Highlights of Albania

4.6(71 reviews)

Step off the beaten path and witness Albania’s storied past and dramatic landscapes on the Highlights of Albania cultural trip. Spanning 10 days from Tirana to Kruje, this moderately active tour is curated for seniors eager to unravel Roman and Byzantine legacies at Butrint and Berat Castle—both UNESCO-listed. Explore modern cities, discover foodie hotspots like Përmet, and enjoy genuine hospitality in vibrant towns. The tour’s standout? A seamless blend of ancient wonders and contemporary culture, offering a warm Albanian welcome at every stop.

10 days

Highlights of Albania

4.5(61 reviews)

Albania’s wonders are waiting to be uncovered on this 11-day "Highlights of Albania" walking tour, tailor-made for experienced travelers. Stroll through the colorful capital Tirana, wander the ancient ruins of Butrint, and soak up the charm of Ottoman-era Gjirokaster and the pristine landscapes of Llogora National Park. The itinerary blends coastal drives along the Adriatic, mountain vistas, and tranquil lakeside moments at Ohrid, while local traditions come alive over shared raki and Albanian delicacies. With a moderate activity level, this trip’s unique selling point is its balance of hidden heritage, natural beauty, and authentic local experiences in an often-overlooked European gem.

11 days

Cycling in Albania

4.8(126 reviews)

Step back in time on the 'Cycling in Albania' tour, an eight-day bicycle adventure crafted for experienced travelers ready for a challenging ride. Begin on the Macedonian border in Pogradec, then pedal through pristine snow-capped mountains, rural valleys, and historic villages, all while experiencing Albania’s signature warmth and hospitality. The journey winds past the ancient town of Gjirokastra, the UNESCO-listed ruins of Butrint, and the lush vistas of Llogara National Park before culminating with relaxation by the sea in Vlore. With its demanding terrain and rewarding landscapes, this trip’s unique draw is the rare opportunity to uncover Europe’s lesser-known beauty—Albania’s dramatic scenery and genuine local culture—by bike.

8 days

Mini UNESCO Food Tour – 4 Days

Looking for an intensive yet accessible introduction to Albania’s cultural gems? The 'Mini UNESCO Food Tour – 4 Days' is perfect for young adults and experienced travelers keen on history and local flavor. Starting in Tirana, you’ll explore Berat’s churches and watchtowers, Gjirokaster’s Ottoman architecture, and the ancient wonders of Butrint—capped off by a visit to the mesmerizing Blue Eye spring. Indulge in traditional Albanian cuisine at Llogara National Park before returning to the capital. The trip’s unique highlight is its blend of UNESCO-listed sites and culinary delights, all packed into a short, memorable journey that captures the true spirit of Albania.

4 days

Classic Tour Albania & UNESCO Sites

Step into a world where history and legend converge on the Classic Tour Albania & UNESCO Sites. Over eight days, young adults and seasoned travelers alike will explore Albania’s storied castles, ancient ruins, and archaeological wonders. This fully-guided tour winds through cities like Berat, Gjirokaster, and Butrint—each a UNESCO World Heritage Site—offering deep dives into Albanian culture and heritage. Beyond the UNESCO treasures, you’ll visit Shkodra, the ancient Illyrian capital, and Tirana, where centuries-old landmarks stand beside vibrant modern life. The tour’s unique highlight is its immersive approach to history, blending site visits with engaging stories and cultural insights. Accommodation, guidance, and transport are all included, ensuring a seamless and educational experience. For anyone eager to uncover one of Europe’s most underrated destinations, this tour package is an invitation to discover Albania’s hidden gems.

8 days

Cycle Albania

4.5(6 reviews)

Sweeping Alpine roads, turquoise coastlines, and ancient towns—Albania’s raw beauty awaits on this challenging 8-day "Cycle Albania" tour, designed for experienced travelers eager to embrace both adventure and authenticity. Beginning and ending in Tirana, this bicycle tour charts a course through Saranda, Berat, the Albanian Riviera, and lesser-known rural gems. Pedal across peaceful mountain passes and along the dramatic Ionian coastline, where the sea shimmers against rugged peaks. Marvel at UNESCO-listed Berat, explore the atmospheric ruins of Gjirokaster and Butrint, and gain a deeper appreciation for rural Albanian life by staying in cozy cabins and guesthouses. Refuel with hearty local fare and sample Albania’s renowned beer—a welcome treat after a day’s ride. The unique selling point of this tour package is its combination of spectacular, off-the-beaten-path cycling routes and immersive cultural experiences. With accommodation, transport, meals, and expert guidance included, you get a true taste of Albania’s landscapes and traditions—perfect for travelers seeking an active trip that goes beyond the tourist trail.

8 days

Cycle the Balkans

4.8(19 reviews)

Discover the untamed beauty of southeastern Europe on the Cycle the Balkans tour, a 15-day bicycle adventure through Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Starting in Tirana and concluding in Shkoder, this small-group journey invites experienced travelers to immerse themselves in history-laden towns, dramatic mountain landscapes, and vibrant regional cuisines. Pedal through the UNESCO-listed town of Ohrid, challenge yourself on the rugged ascents of the Durmitor mountains, and unwind by the serene Bay of Kotor. The trip’s unique selling point lies in its off-the-beaten-path route, granting riders the chance to experience the Balkans’ authentic charm and lesser-visited gems by bike. With guided support and all accommodations included, it’s the ultimate tour package for adventurous cyclists hungry for culture, scenery, and discovery.

15 days

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights