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.

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.

Click for Route Map :  14 km  5–6 h  ~600 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

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.

Click for Route Map :  18 km  6-7 h  ~750 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate

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.

After time to rest and enjoy the setting, the return follows the same route back, that combines rural scenery with one of Albania’s most iconic sights.

Click for Route Map :  15 km  5-6 h  ~1000 m  ●●●●○ — Challenging

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.

The descent into the Valbona Valley passes through alpine pastures and wildflower meadows before entering the forest again near the hamlet of Rragam. Most hikers complete the trek in one long day, while some split it into two with an overnight stay at a mountain guesthouse along the way. It’s a classic crossing that captures the wild beauty and mountain spirit of northern Albania.

After several days of hiking through Albania’s wild landscapes, today is a chance to slow down, explore Theth at your own pace, or take a day trip to one of the country’s other stunning destinations.

Another great option is the short 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.

Click for Route Map : 10 km  5–6 h  ~1,000 m  ●●●●○ — Challenging

Towering above the village of Theth, Maja e Harapit (2,218 m) is one of the most distinctive peaks in the Albanian Alps, its sheer limestone face dominating the upper valley. The hike to its summit is steep and rugged, but the reward is one of the finest viewpoints in the entire range.

Starting from Theth, the trail climbs through beech and pine forest before emerging onto alpine pastures dotted with shepherd huts. From here, the route becomes rockier, zigzagging across scree slopes and karst ridges with ever-widening views of the Theth Valley below. The summit ridge opens to a breathtaking panorama over the jagged peaks of the Accursed Mountains, including Maja e Jezerces and the distant border ridges of Montenegro.

The descent follows the same route, with time to appreciate the shifting light over the cliffs and valleys. It’s a demanding but deeply rewarding climb that captures the wild, untamed spirit of the Prokletije and the dramatic beauty surrounding Theth.

Click for Route Map :  13 km  5-6 h  ~1350 m  ●●●●○ — Challenging

This long, scenic hike from Theth climbs deep into the high peaks of the Albanian Alps toward Qafa e Pejës, or Peja Pass, and the small alpine lake that lies just beyond it. The trail begins near the upper end of Theth and follows a steady climb through beech forest, crossing clear mountain streams before emerging into open meadows.

Above the tree line, the views expand dramatically across limestone ridges and deep valleys. The path continues on rocky switchbacks toward the pass at around 1,710 m, where vast mountain walls rise on both sides. A short detour leads to Peja Lake, a small, tranquil tarn set in a grassy cirque beneath the cliffs.

After resting at the pass or lake, hikers return along the same route, descending through the forests to Theth. Though demanding, the combination of alpine scenery, solitude, and clear mountain air makes this one of the most rewarding day hikes in the region.

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 to the airport, or back to Tirana city. 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!