Northern Albania Expeditions: Komani Lake, Valbona Valley & Theth Village

The day will start early by leaving Tirana at 5:30 am to drive toward Koman Lake, in the Albanian Alps, where the ferry departs at 9:00 am to the other side of the lake, Fierza. Since 1985 this manmade lake has been the only way how locals who live in the surroundings to get in touch with the modern world. The first 2 hours of driving are smooth, with the sun rising on the horizon. The last hour will get more vivid driving on bumpy terrain and scattered, old asphalt.

In addition, over 2 hours of sailing in the depths of Drini Canyon and Koman Lake. A remote area, with unbelievable sceneries and breathtaking views. From time to time you will be forgotten by time stone towers and houses and very few locals who continue their everyday life and mostly pastoral activities.

Driving from Fierza to Valbona will take around 45 minutes, passing through Bajram Curri, the municipality of the area. Lunch break in Valbona and hiking in Kukaj, a very remote area in Valbona Valley surroundings where we will see how the people do their living. In addition, based on the time and weather, the most adventurous part of the group, is not far from the guesthouse there is a crystal clear water pool where we can have a short dip.

Also called “the Big Day” of the tour, we now set off on the thrilling hike from Valbona to Theth following the ancient path that the locals have been using for years. Back in the day, it was only possible to travel from Valbona to Shkoder on foot taking two full days of walking!
Walking on this path we will pass through the oldest part of the village where people are still living in their more than 100-year-old stone houses that are remarkable remnants of the past. In addition, this 16-km trek offers spectacular views of long rocky valleys and lush green forests.

We stop for lunch (picnic lunch from the Guesthouse) at one of the traditional cafés along the way but do stock up on snacks just in case. In addition, after trekking for about 7-8 hours we arrive in Theth.

Free evening. Overnight and dinner at the guesthouse in Theth.

Situated around 10 km from the centre of Theth, this natural water pool is the main destination of the third day. With a depth of 5 m and icy waters (5°C), the Blue Eye is formed by the erosion of rock by the water that descends from the mountains. Picnic lunch at the Blue Eye and return to the guesthouse in the afternoon.

Leaving Theth and the Albanian Alps behind and driving for around 3 hours we will reach Shkoder, the biggest city of the Albanian North. Free time in Shkoder and return to Tirana in the evening.