The Premier Guided Alps Expedition
A fully guided trip through the Dinaric Alps with local history explained, private lodgings, and a visit to the Kanun Lock-in Tower.
All-inclusive package 42.27°N · 19.83°E
The 3-Day Albanian Alps Classic Loop.
Our signature 3-day circuit through the Dinaric Alps: from Lake Komani's fjord-like waters to the limestone peaks above Valbona and Theth. Transport, guesthouses, and meals are arranged.
- 3 days · 2 nights
- Moderate: includes a long high-altitude hike
- Small groups · private departures possible
- May – September
Why you'll love it
- Cross Lake Komani's limestone gorges by ferry
- Swim and relax at the Shala River
- Trek the Valbona Pass, connecting two national parks
- See the 25-meter Grunas Waterfall
- Off-road trip to the Theth Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër i Kaprrës)
Day by day
The itinerary.
- Day 01Shkodër → Koman → Shala River → Valbonë
Ascent into the Accursed Mountains via Lake Komani
We leave Shkodër and drive up toward the Koman dam, then board a boat to cross Lake Komani, a narrow reservoir lined with limestone cliffs up to 1,000 meters high, often compared to the fjords of Norway. We stop at the Shala River, a side tributary with clear, cold water, and give you time to swim and explore. From there we continue to Fierzë and drive overland into Valbona Valley National Park. The day ends at a guesthouse in the valley with a traditional Northern Albanian dinner.
- Day 02Valbonë → Theth
Trekking the Historic Valbona Pass
After breakfast, a transfer takes you straight to the trailhead, so there's no road walking. From there you hike 15 kilometers over the Valbona Pass (Qafa e Valbonës), once the only mule trail between these two valleys. The trail climbs through beech forest into alpine meadows, with views of the Accursed Mountains (Bjeshkët e Namuna) along the way, then descends into Theth National Park. On the way to your guesthouse there's a short detour to the Grunas Waterfall (Ujëvara e Grunasit), a 25-meter cascade protected as a natural monument. Dinner that night is with the group, back at the guesthouse.
- Day 03Theth → Blue Eye → Shkodër
Theth's Natural Wonders and the Journey Home
After breakfast, a 4x4 takes you to the hamlet of Ndërlysaj. From there, a short hike through oak forest leads to the Blue Eye of Theth (Syri i Kaltër i Kaprrës), a deep karst spring fed by snowmelt. The water is very cold. We then drive back over the Thore Pass (Qafa e Thorës), with views of the Alps on the way down to Shkodër.
What's included
- Hotel/hostel pick-up in Shkodër
- All overland transfers, including the 4x4 to the Blue Eye
- Komani Lake ferry tickets & Shala River stop
- 2 nights in traditional guesthouses (Kulla)
- Daily breakfast, packed trail lunches, and traditional dinners
- WhatsApp support throughout the trip
Not included
- Accommodation in Shkodër before/after the itinerary
- Private room supplements (subject to guesthouse capacity)
- Licensed mountain guide (itinerary is self-guided by default)
- Beverages and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Good to know
- The Trek
- The Day 2 crossing is a self-guided, 15km hike, 6 to 8 hours, climbing to nearly 1,800m. The trail is well-marked, but you should be in reasonably good shape to enjoy it.
- Payment & Booking
- Payment is cash in LEK. Book in advance: ferry seats and guesthouse rooms are limited.
- Season
- We run this from May to September, once the pass is clear of snow. July and August are warmest for swimming at the Shala; June and September are cooler and better for the hike.
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.