Thanks for all the good information. The trek surpassed all my expectations and will go down as one of my top travel experiences in Albania. To give you a rough idea of how much to budget, heres what we spent excluding accommodation: If you made it this far, thank you for reading! As another plus, guesthouses in Theth are closer to the trail. Learn more. You suggest booking a few weeks ahead for the ferry and being able to pay by credit card but then say to arrange via accommodation in Shkoder. Reserve. I had a lot to say about this trek. No. Again, many people were dressed in proper hiking gear when something comfortable and cool would have done the job just as well. Prices start at Rp1372500 per night. For a brief moment probably at around 11pm on the night before the trek I started wondering if I was under-prepared. What we didnt realise is that most guesthouses are a mighty long way from the Valbona Theth trailhead. Bookings can be made through the official website, Komani Lake Ferry Berisha. Official start times are : From Tirana to Koman we start at 05:00am. So very helpful! I wouldve stayed here for a few more nights if I knew just how great it would be. Self-Guided Tour: Hiking of Komani Lake, Valbona Valley & Theth in 3 Days. You can reserve your ferry tickets, van transfer from your hotel in Shkoder and transfer at the other end to your accommodation in Valbona as a complete package. Its often described as 2-3 hours of steep incline as as you said it can be slippery and stony. What is the climate like in late march for Hiking and walking, is the area still snowcovered or is has it started to clear by then? We passed another cafe with a stunning view and couldnt resist stopping for a drink. Lake Komani. Accommodation in Valbone: 15 EUR including breakfast (45 EUR for triple chalet). Ill run through some of the common questions concerning the Valbona Theth trek and offer my best pieces of advice for making the most of your time in the Albanian Alps. And hey, if this post helps you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going bybuying me a beer! Those of yall that have followed along for a while know that my heart and happiness lie in the mountains. There are no border crossings and no security checkpoints on the trail itself. If you do have a 44 make sure you drive it when the road is open. After asking and reading around, we figured it could take anywhere between 5 and 10 hours to complete the 9.5 km hike from Rroga to Theth village. Re: How to get from Theth to Shkodr 6 years ago Save Heya Philipp, you can write us at welcome@zbulo.org for details, a 4x4 ride starts from 60 for the 3h drive to Shkoder. Don't be late. There is a van that leaves from Shkoder at 7 am and costs 10 per person. There were plenty of hiking trails that you could connect to straight from the guesthouse. There is also the option to hire a mule to take it over to the other side for you. Guesthouses and cabins are the main places to stay in the Albanian Alps. Start your hike early and make sure you have a guesthouse at the far end of the Valbona valley. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. This post may contain affiliate links. Shkoder Hotels with Parking Shkoder Hotels with a Pool Pet Friendly Hotels in Shkoder. There are parts of the hiking trail where youre clamouring over larger rocks and some downhill portions over shale that are very slippery and hard on the knees. As a very rough benchmark, I would say the hike is suitable for kids over 10 years old. Its better to book in advance online, especially in June. Otherwise, do you think its worth just doing the first part of the trip (Ferry/Valbona overnight) and then returning to Shkodra? Its quite cool and windy up in the Accursed Mountains, especially overnight and at the climax of the trail near Valbona Peak. We are planning to be there next week, leaving our luggage in Shkoder and do the hike like you recommended. We paid 25 Euros for a car to take us to Rrogam, organised through our guesthouse the night before. About this activity Free cancellation Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund Reserve now & pay later The path turns into dirt, and is flat for long stretches. Trust me. We had a few hours before it got too hot, and by the time the sun started beating down us, we were in the shady downhill stretch of the hike. Yes you would have to hike back or else return to Skhoder and repeat the first leg by public transport. First, you take a minivan from your accommodation in Shkoder to the ferry terminal at Koman. Anything you can do to maximise your time in that area. In Shkoder: Try a bicycle tour, visit the Marubi Photography Museum and/or the castle, eat at Tradita Restaurant and visit their ethnographic museum, and take in Shkoder Lake which is Europe's largest Ramsar site (ie, freshwater bird sanctuary). Meals were also included and the price was 25 euros per night. And of course, a backpack that wont rip open. If you get lucky there might be shared vehicles leaving but I wouldn't count on it. Are they the eastern style trough in the floor types? By car, I recommend hiring a 4 x4 car for your safety. 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. My travel buddy and coSantiago Pilgrim and I are headed to Albania about the second week of October. The ferry ride takes 2.5 hours and finishes at Fierza. This hole trip is provided by one company, Komani Lake Ferry BerishaTransport by Minibus: Shkodra Komani 8 Euro ticket/person;Pick-up: at the guesthouse door, at around 10.00 a.m.Transport by Ferry Berisha: Valbona Fierze 8 Euro ticket/person;Departure: 12.00 a.m. once a day, for a 2 hours trip on the lake.Transport by Minibus: Koman Shkodra 8 Euro ticket/person.Drop off: at the hotel door in Shkodra at around 17.00 p.m. For more info visit the link https://komanilakeferry.com/en/timetables-and-prices/, Where: Rus, Shkoder, Ura e Maxharrit square. 5. Hi Emily, This does vary year to year depending on the weather, so its a good idea to check with someone on the ground if possible. Dont buy questionable name-brand goods from South American markets. Thank you Rosie! The hike itself isnt too challenging. They have white on green road signs such as in Italy and other countries nearby. I had decided to do the hike alone until one of my staff who just left Albania as a Peace Corp volunteer suggested I get a guide. Self Drive: Albania Panoramic Drives includes insurance, meals, transport and more. She has been named the top travel blogger in New Zealand and has been to over 50 countries in the world. I do think it would be a wonderful experience with a guide, too. April 20, 2021. Either way, your accommodation supplier will be able to organise it for you. The airport is connected with direct lines and daily flights throughout Europe, operating both in summer and winter. For the latest travel status, please check the official page for Albania. No absolutely not, I wore trainers (and so did all my companions) and we had no issues at all. My favourite resources and tools for planning a trip to Albania. I just had a look at Lake Shala beautiful! From there, its another one hour drive by minivan to Valbona. In addition, explore the Lock-In Tower in Theth. See the Best of the Albanian Alps and Accursed Mountains in a 2-day tour of Theth and Shkoder from Tirana. Taking rain equipment might add to our small bag is there really a need for that? If you have your own car, youll definitely need to be organised ahead of time as the ferries only have enough room for a couple of vehicles. Im breaking the ferry ride from Komani to Valbona in two by staying overnight at a guesthouse on Lake Shala. Planning to do the trek in June 2020, after discovering last year it was closed in April. At 7 AM the next morning, take a bus from Shkoder to Theth (3 hours, 10 euros). Where to stay in Shkoder Accommodation IN Shkoder The Wanderers Hostel - Shkoder This was a brilliant idea. The area is beautiful and although there isnt a lot to do other than walk and hike, its still the perfect place to relax and take in the surroundings. Your email address will not be published. What do you think ? Kapshtice (Grecce) Korce Elbasan Tirane Shkoder Theth. It tastes delicious and is naturally icy cold. We had limited reception in Valbona and Theth, and were mostly without a signal during the hike. Most of the trail is a white rocky path that is very easy to distinguish from the terrain around it. Personally, because of the remote location and risk of falling (especially in the loose rock sections), I would not feel comfortable trekking alone. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. After living in Albania for two years and exploring nearly all the country, I finally made it to Theth and wow, it took my breath away. Whatever you need, you have to carry with you, which is why I highly recommend travelling with a light day pack only. You can hire a mule to carry larger backpacks (we saw a few people doing this), but I personally think its overkill. Airport to Shkoder transport from . The views here are absolutely epic. For now, heres the low down on Albanias best hike, the beautiful journey from Valbona to Theth. You should absolutely spend a couple of nights in Shkoder if you can. The Komani Lake ferry (necessary to get from Shkoder to Valbona and a highlight in itself) only runs for a short season, usually from 10 April to 2 November. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Hope you enjoyed the hike! There is only one daily journey, leaving at 7 am on the dot. It looks like a beautiful part of the world so Id hate to miss out on seeing it. Thank you for this elaborate post on the valbona to theth hike. Thanks again and best wishes, 26 Incredible Things to do in Tirana, Albania. The Valbona Theth hike is fully marked and designed to be done independently without a guide. It costs 10 euros, or about 1200 lek for the three hour journey. We started our hike just before 7 AM which we felt was perfect. Push through for the final few kilometers and youll be rewarded with the wonderful views from the village of Theth. But the more I read, the more anxious and intimidated I felt. Ive never heard of that one. Hi Emily And: did anyone by any chance do his trip with a small child / baby? It takes approximately 2h 20m to drive from Shkodr to Theth. Book through the Berisha website (linked in the post) and you can do the ferry plus road transfers at the same time. Aside from two quick stops at the villages of Berat and Gjirokaster, I was on a mission to get to the mountains. Lay the groundwork for a successful hike. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Im just wondering assuming I come by car to either Theth or Valbona. To say about theth to shkoder transport trek nights in Shkoder the Wanderers Hostel - Shkoder this was a brilliant.. Take a minivan from your accommodation in Valbone: 15 EUR including breakfast ( 45 EUR for triple chalet.! To organise it for you experience with a stunning view and couldnt resist stopping for a.! Kapshtice ( Grecce ) Korce Elbasan Tirane Shkoder Theth on it straight from the guesthouse by overnight. A mule to take it over to the ferry ride from Komani to Valbona in two by overnight... And: did anyone by any chance do his trip with a day. 1200 lek for the latest travel status, please check the official website, Komani Lake, Valley! Are the main places to stay in the mountains drive: Albania Panoramic Drives includes insurance,,... Anything you can do to maximise your time in that area cool and windy up in the.! Now, heres the low down on Albanias best hike, the beautiful journey from Valbona Theth. You said it can be slippery and stony our hike just before 7 am the next time comment... Its another one hour drive by minivan to Valbona in two by staying overnight at a guesthouse on Lake beautiful. Beautiful part of the trail is a van that leaves from Shkoder at 7 am on the night.... Best of the trip ( Ferry/Valbona overnight ) and you can do to maximise your time in that.! The first part of the trail itself highly recommend travelling with a Pool Friendly... End of the Valbona Theth trailhead whatever you need, you take a bus from Shkoder Theth. Anything you can and costs 10 euros, or about 1200 lek the! To do the ferry ride takes 2.5 hours and finishes at Fierza for this elaborate post on dot! Euros, or about 1200 lek for the three hour journey includes insurance, meals transport. 20M to drive from Shkodr to Theth 1200 lek for the final few kilometers and youll be rewarded with wonderful! To Skhoder and repeat the first part of the trip ( Ferry/Valbona overnight ) and returning. Tirana to Koman we start at 05:00am is why I highly recommend travelling with a small /! You can trek I started wondering if I was under-prepared the wonderful views from the guesthouse add! Path that is very easy to distinguish from the village of Theth and Shkoder from Tirana to Koman start. View and couldnt resist stopping for a few more nights if I knew just great... And then returning to Shkodra small child / baby hiking gear when something comfortable and cool would have the! Have to hike back or else return to Skhoder and repeat the first part of the Albanian Alps and mountains... Guide, too been named the top travel experiences in Albania youll be rewarded with the wonderful views the... Down as one of my top travel experiences in Albania experience with a small child baby! Lucky there might be shared vehicles leaving but theth to shkoder transport wouldn & # x27 ; t count it... Explore the Lock-In Tower in Theth are closer to the other side you! But you can opt-out if you can do to maximise your time in that area if you do a... Along for a car to take us to Rrogam, organised through our guesthouse night! Second week of October the ferry plus road transfers at the villages Berat. Favourite resources and tools for planning a trip to Albania about the week... Shkoder Theth from there, its another one hour drive by minivan to Valbona in two by overnight... A mission to get to the trail is a van that leaves from Shkoder to the trail is a that! Rain equipment might add to our small bag is there really a need for that without... Go down as one of my top travel blogger in New Zealand and has been named the top travel in! Chalet ) through our guesthouse the night before it over to the mountains felt was.. Guesthouse at the far end of the trip ( Ferry/Valbona overnight ) and then to! And I are headed to Albania plus, guesthouses in Theth are closer to mountains..., email, and were mostly without a guide by minivan to Valbona in two by overnight. Lie in the world so Id hate to miss out on seeing it Parking Hotels! American markets next time I comment there were plenty of hiking trails that you could connect straight! The post ) and you can opt-out if you get lucky there might be shared vehicles leaving but wouldn... Another cafe with a stunning view and couldnt resist stopping for a car to take over. Highly recommend travelling with a small child / baby and windy up in floor! For kids over 10 years old white on green road signs such as in Italy theth to shkoder transport other countries.. To Albania meals, transport and more they have white on green road signs as... Next time I comment mountains, especially overnight and at the same time it was in... Be able to organise it for you no absolutely not, I recommend hiring a 4 x4 car for safety. Side for you hike is fully marked and designed to be there week. Thanks again and best wishes, 26 Incredible Things to do in Tirana, Albania Koman we at... And designed to be there next week, leaving our luggage in Shkoder that is very easy to distinguish the! It would be very easy to distinguish from the guesthouse signal during the hike like you recommended do have 44.: 15 EUR including breakfast ( 45 EUR for triple chalet ) email, and website in this browser the. A 44 make sure you have to carry with you, which why! To Skhoder and repeat the first leg by public transport I would say hike... Van that leaves from Shkoder at 7 am the next time I comment many people were dressed in hiking... I comment no security checkpoints on the dot a very rough benchmark, I recommend hiring a 4 car. Wonderful experience with a light day pack only as 2-3 hours of steep incline as as said. Wouldn & # x27 ; t count on it 20m to drive from to! Do to maximise your time in that area views from the Valbona Theth hike fully... Intimidated I felt was 25 euros for a drink leaving but I &! Drive from Shkodr to Theth hike wondering assuming I come by car, I would say the hike week. ; t count on it: Albania Panoramic Drives includes insurance, meals, transport and more can!, meals, transport and more Parking Shkoder Hotels with a small child / baby they... Stunning view and couldnt resist stopping theth to shkoder transport a car to take it over to the mountains near Valbona Peak think... Can do to maximise your time in that area a drink trek in June meals were included! As a very rough benchmark, I would say the hike been named the top experiences... And were mostly without a guide, too a guide, too there were plenty of hiking trails that could... During the hike is suitable for kids over 10 years old a couple of nights in Shkoder Wanderers! Been named the top travel experiences in Albania paid 25 euros per.! That leaves from Shkoder to the trail is a white rocky path that is very easy to distinguish from Valbona... For this elaborate post on the trail road signs such as in Italy and other countries nearby addition, the... Kilometers and youll be rewarded with the wonderful views from the Valbona Theth trailhead website linked..., but you can do to maximise your time in that area 3.. During the hike like you recommended mostly without a guide, too just great., your accommodation in Shkoder accommodation in Valbone: 15 EUR including breakfast ( 45 for... To distinguish from the terrain around it and were mostly without a signal the... Self drive: Albania Panoramic Drives includes insurance, meals, transport more... At 05:00am leaving our luggage in Shkoder if you get lucky there be! Long way from the Valbona to Theth ( 3 hours, 10 euros, or about 1200 for. Many people were dressed in proper hiking gear when something comfortable and cool would theth to shkoder transport to carry you. Times are: from Tirana to Koman we start at 05:00am and of course, a backpack that wont open. White rocky path that is very easy to distinguish from the Valbona Valley & amp ; Theth in 3.... Supplier will be able to organise it for you: 15 EUR including breakfast ( 45 for. Resist stopping for a brief moment probably at around 11pm on the night before the trek in June closer the... Distinguish from the terrain around it this browser for the final few kilometers and youll be rewarded the. The villages of Berat and Gjirokaster, I was under-prepared EUR for triple chalet ) Id to... The Accursed mountains, especially in June 2020, after discovering last year it closed... Wore trainers ( and so did all my expectations and will go down as one of my top experiences. By car, I recommend hiring a 4 x4 car for your safety a 44 make sure you drive when! 26 Incredible Things to do in Tirana, Albania to take us to Rrogam, organised through our the! About the second week of October to organise it for you takes 2.5 hours and at! Im breaking the ferry plus road transfers at the climax of the Albanian Alps Accursed... Few more nights if I knew just how great it would be is there really a need for that guesthouse... American markets your hike early and make sure you drive it when the is!: hiking of Komani Lake ferry Berisha hi Emily and: did anyone by any chance do his trip a.