Albania

Your adventure begins as you arrive in Albania, where transport will be arranged to collect you from Tirana. It’s well connected to Europe, making your journey smooth and hassle-free. The meeting point, where we will start our journey to the mountains is in the city centre. The transfer will leave at 2pm and takes around 3,5 hours. If you arrive before this time there are several luggage storage places so you can use the time to explore Tirana. If you’re arriving a day early, we can suggest excellent accommodation options to ensure a relaxed start to your journey. We will stop in Shkoder for a coffee/toilet break around 15:45. If anyone would like to be collected from there it’s also possible.

For the duration of the trip, you’ll be based in Theth, right in the heart of the Albanian Apls. This means you won’t have to carry all your belongings from place to place, and after each day of hiking, you’ll return to the comfort of a warm shower and a cosy bed. Get ready for an unforgettable week exploring one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.

Deatiled Route Map

This scenic loop offers a wonderful blend of mountain views, remote hamlets, and glimpses of traditional highland life in the Theth Valley. Less visited than the famous passes, the Hardedaj and Nenreth circuit provides a peaceful and authentic hiking experience through rolling pastures and forested slopes.

Starting from the centre of Theth, the trail climbs gradually toward the small village of Hardedaj, passing through meadows and farmland framed by the peaks of Arapit and Poplluk. From Hardedaj, the path continues along gentle ridges with beautiful views of the valley before descending toward Nenreth, a quiet cluster of stone houses surrounded by terraced fields.

The circuit then loops back to Theth along a mix of forest trails and open slopes, often accompanied by the sound of cowbells and rushing streams. It’s a relaxed but rewarding day out that showcases the quieter side of the Albanian Alps — traditional life, welcoming locals, and wide views of the dramatic mountain amphitheatre around Theth.

Detailed Route Map 

*** Alternative option available for those who want an easier day.

Burimi Gropave të Bukura is one of Theth’s lesser-known but incredibly rewarding hikes, leading deep into the wild heart of the Albanian Alps. Starting near Theth village, the trail climbs steadily through forests, alpine meadows and dramatic limestone scenery before reaching a pristine mountain spring hidden among the spectacular “Beautiful Hollows” (Gropat e Bukura). Surrounded by towering peaks and untouched wilderness, the route feels peaceful and remote, making it a fantastic choice for hikers looking to escape the busier trails around Theth. The hike is considered challenging due to its steep ascent, but the breathtaking mountain views and sense of solitude make every step worth it.

If you don’t want to go all the way to the canyon, there is a great place to wait at Peja Pass where you’ll still have amazing views and reduce the day’s elevation by 200m.

Detailed Route Map 

*** Alternative extension available for those who want a harder day

This long, scenic hike from above Theth climbs steeply out of Theth through beautiful beech forests offering views all the way down to the valley. It crosses clear mountain streams before emerging into open meadows.

Once you reach the meadow, it’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy a long picnic and lie in the sun. If you still have a good amount of energy you can continue on the trail for spectacular views over the highest surrounding peaks.

After several days of hiking through Albania’s wild landscapes, today is a chance to slow down, explore Theth at your own pace. You can also mix it up a bit and get an adrenaline rush on the zipline or take a stroll down to the riverside cafes and the waterfall.

A great option is a trip to Lake Shkodër, the largest lake in the Balkans, a breathtaking destination that blends untouched nature, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage. Straddling the border between Albania and Montenegro, the lake is a haven for birdwatchers, kayakers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat. The Albanian side, near the city of Shkodër, offers stunning views, charming lakeside villages, and opportunities to explore hidden islands, ancient monasteries, and traditional fishing communities. A boat trip on the lake reveals its serene waters, lush wetlands, and an abundance of bird species, including the rare Dalmatian pelican.

Detailed Route Map 

One of the most famous hikes in the Albanian Alps, the Theth to Valbona Pass route crosses the dramatic high saddle that links two of the country’s most beautiful valleys. The trail begins from Theth, following a well-marked path that climbs gradually through shady forest and small meadows dotted with shepherd huts.

As the route gains height, the views open over the rugged peaks of the Accursed Mountains. The final ascent to the Valbona Pass at around 1,800 m is steep and rocky, but the panoramic views from the top are among the finest in the Balkans, stretching across both valleys and into Montenegro.

Detailed Route Map 

The hike to the Blue Eye, one of Albania’s most famous natural wonders, follows quiet paths through forest and farmland to reach the crystal-clear spring at Syri i Kaltër. Starting near the village of Theth, the trail winds along tracks lined with olive groves and wildflowers, with views across the Drinos valley and surrounding hills.

As the path approaches the Blue Eye, the landscape becomes greener and cooler, with streams feeding lush vegetation. We also visit the stunning Grunas Waterfall on the way.  The spring itself is unforgettable: a pool of impossibly clear turquoise water bubbling up from an underground cave, surrounded by shaded trees and wooden platforms.

At the Blue Eye you can swim and relax and later head back to the restaurants for a late lunch.

After an incredible week exploring the wild beauty of the Albanian Alps, it’s time to pack your bags and begin your journey onwards. Transport will be arranged to take you back to Tirana. It’s recommended not to book a flight before 6pm the final day to give us time to get you back to the airport.

If you’re extending your stay, there are plenty of incredible places to explore beyond the mountains. We’d be happy to share recommendations to help you make the most of your time.

As you leave Theth behind, you’ll take with you memories of dramatic peaks, glacial lakes, and unforgettable adventures in one of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes. Until next time!