The 3-Day Albanian Alps Classic Loop
The full Accursed Mountains circuit: Komani Lake gorges, the Shala River, the Valbona Pass on foot, and the village of Theth. Three days, all arranged.
All-inclusive package 42.42°N · 19.88°E
The Premier Guided Alps Expedition.
The same 3-day route through the Accursed Mountains, with a bilingual guide alongside you the whole way, private rooms in both guesthouses, and the local history explained as you go: the Kanun, the old mule trails, how these valleys were settled.
- 3 days · 2 nights
- Guided alpine hike · 6/10
- English & Italian guide · Mon & Thu
- 15 May – 15 October
Why you'll love it
- An English- and Italian-speaking guide with you the whole trip
- Lake Komani crossing and time at the Shala River
- Guided crossing of the Valbona Pass
- Ndërlysaj's glacial mills and the Theth Blue Eye
- A visit to Theth's Lock-in Tower and its history
Day by day
The itinerary.
- Day 01Shkodër → Koman → Shala River → Valbonë
Navigation to the Accursed Mountains
Your guide meets you in Shkodër for an early departure toward the Koman dam. As the boat moves through the narrow limestone walls of Lake Komani, your guide explains the area's hydro-electric history. We stop at the Shala River, with time to take in the forested valley around it. From Fierzë, a private transfer takes you into the Valbona Valley, stopping on the way at Xhema's Lake (Liqeni i Xhemës), a small karst spring, and an old water millstone. You'll have a private room at the guesthouse, and dinner is made with local ingredients, sometimes with çifteli music, a traditional two-stringed instrument, playing in the background.
Tirana departures: A 05:00 connection from Zogu i Zi is available for a modest supplement.
- Day 02Valbonë → Theth
Guided Traverse of the Dinaric Alps
After breakfast, our private transport drops you at the trailhead. Your guide leads the climb over the Valbona Pass, pointing out the alpine plants and the rock formations along the way. Once you're down in the Theth valley, a vehicle meets the group and takes you to Ndërlysaj to see the smooth, water-carved glacial mills (vaskat e gurit), then a short walk to the Blue Eye. You'll have a private room in Theth, and dinner again with the group.
- Day 03Theth → Shkodër
The Kanun, Waterfalls, and Return
Before heading back, we visit the Kulla e Ngujimit (Lock-in Tower), a stone structure tied to the Kanun of Lekë Dukagjini, the 15th-century code that governed blood feuds and hospitality (Besa) in these highlands. Your guide explains how it worked and why it still shapes local customs. From there, a short hike takes you to the Grunas Waterfall. We then drive the switchbacks of the Thore Pass back to Shkodër, arriving by early afternoon, with a group lunch included.
What's included
- All transport (vans, ferries, 4x4s)
- English/Italian-speaking mountain guide
- Private guesthouse rooms in Valbonë and Theth
- All breakfasts and dinners in the Alps
- Farewell lunch in Shkodër upon return
- Entry and logistics for all sightseeing (Blue Eye, Lock-in Tower, Grunas)
Not included
- Lunch and optional activities at the Shala River
- Small entrance fee for the Lock-in Tower museum
- Trail snacks and drinking water
- Tirana connection transfer
- Travel and medical evacuation insurance
Good to know
- Scheduled Departures
- Runs Mondays and Thursdays (May 15 - Oct 15). Meet at Hotel Rozafa (Shkodër) at 06:45.
- Physical Demands
- The trek involves a lot of climbing over uneven, rocky terrain. It suits active people without existing heart or joint conditions.
- Commitment
- Private rooms and the guide are booked in advance for a remote area, so this tour is non-refundable once confirmed.
What to bring
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots (essential)
- Moisture-wicking base layers and a fleece mid-layer
- Lightweight waterproof shell (alpine weather is volatile)
- Swimwear and a quick-dry towel
- Trekking poles (highly recommended for the steep descent)
- Sun protection (high-SPF cream, polarized glasses, hat)
- Reusable water bottle (min. 1.5L capacity)
- A lightweight 30L daypack (heavy luggage is transported separately or stored in Shkodër)
Keep exploring
More experiences.
Kelmend Highlands & Vermosh Escape
Albania's northernmost corner: the Cem River Canyon, eight stone villages, and highland hospitality in Lëpushë.
Shala River Day Trip
A day trip into the Accursed Mountains: the Komani Lake ferry, then hours of swimming and relaxing on the Shala River, sometimes called the Albanian Thailand.