Walking in Northern Albania: Into The Accursed Mountains
Walking in Northern Albania: Into The Accursed Mountains
Walking in Northern Albania: Into The Accursed Mountains
8 Days Starting in TIRANA and ending in KRUJË
Visiting: Tirana, Shkodër, Valbona Valley National Park, Theth, Valbona Pass, Nderlysaj, Krujë District
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NALB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
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Tour Overview
Extending across vistas liberally scattered with deep river valleys, alpine lakes and national parks, the towering limestone gorges of the Accursed Mountains, or Albanian Alps, provide the perfect backdrop to one of Europe’s last great adventures.After soaking up the past in the historic town of Shkodër, the gateway to the north, our journey takes us from the breath-taking expanse of Lake Koman deep into the heart of the Valbonë Valley, also known as the ‘Miracle of the Alps’. From here we follow remote highland trails which take us through quaint mountain villages and over the imposing Bori and Valbonë passes, passing through some of the country’s most precious and unspoilt landscapes, including Theth National Park.This is an incredible adventure encompassing epic scenery, stunning walks and an insight into traditional but dying way of life.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Tour Starts In Tirana - Shkodër
Location: Tirana
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Rozafa or similar
Those arriving on the group flight will meet at Tirana airport and head immediately north to one of Europe’s oldest and most historic cities. Located close to the border with Montenegro, Shkodër stands as a gateway to Albania’s stunning northern landscapes, with impressive views of the Drin River to the east, the Adriatic Sea to the west and the majestic Albanian Alps to the northeast. Historically an important trading post for centuries, the city is home to the ancient Rozafa Fortress, strategically located on the hill overlooking the city and surrounding vistas.
Day 2 : Shkodër - Valbonë Valley
Location: Shkodër, Valbona Valley National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Vila Dini or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Shkodër this morning we will drive for a couple of hours to Lake Koman to begin our spectacular journey towards the Albanian Alps. As part of a major hydroelectric project dating back to the 1980s, Lake Koman was created by a dam, and the result is quite breathtaking. Traveling on a small public ferry, this idyllic ride will take us along the Drin River, which over the centuries has carved its way through the mountains to create some magnificent canyons and narrow passageways that are reminiscent of the celebrated Norwegian fjords. Unlike the fjords however, in comparison this area is vastly unpopulated by tourists and offers some spectacular unspoiled views as we slowly cruise north for about 2½ hours. Arriving at the Fierza dock, we will then continue by road deep into the heart of the Albanian Alps and through the dramatic Valbonë Valley, stopping for lunch en route. In the afternoon we will take a leisurely walk to the beautiful meadows of Grykat e Hapta, before returning to the valley where we will enjoy an evening of local food and hospitality.Approx. 2-3hrs walking (300m ascent, 300m descent. Total distance 4kms, highest point 1361m)
Day 3 : Valbonë Valley
Location: Valbona Valley National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Vila Dini or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will explore these stunning jagged landscapes as we head towards the more remote areas of the eastern Alps of Albania. Following a simple shepherd’s path up through beech and pine forests and lush green meadows we can enjoy dramatic views of the rocky domes of Maja Jezercë (2695m) and Mount Rosi (2560m) as we further explore the depths of this remote region. There’s no better place to stop for a picnic lunch and a rest surrounded by some of nature’s best, before slowly making our way back down into the valley, stopping along the way in the quaint little hamlet of Kukaj where we can sample some local herbal tea before enjoying another evening surrounded by nature’s finest in the valley. Approx. 6hrs walking (800m ascent, 800m descent. Total distance 12kms, highest point 1625m)
Day 4 : Valbonë Valley
Location: Valbona Valley National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Vila Dini or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Moving closer to the Montenegro border today we will drive a short distance to the secluded village of Çerem, populated mostly by shepherds during the summer season but otherwise left uninhabited due to poor weather conditions limiting supplies and snow blocking the roads. From here we will set off by foot through more enchanting forests and meadows which are dominated by the rocky domes of Kolata Mountain. As we continue our ascent, and weather permitting, we reach the Bori Pass, which marks the border with Montenegro. Here we can enjoy a well-earned picnic lunch near one of the fresh-water mountain springs. Following the winding slopes of Mount Sqapit, this afternoon we will make our way back down to Çerem where we will meet our minibus and drive back to Valbonë for the night. Approx. 6hrs walking (730m ascent, 700m descent. Total distance 13kms. Highest point 1840m)
Day 5 : Valbonë Valley - Valbonë Pass - Thethi
Location: Theth, Valbona Valley National Park, Valbona Pass
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Logu i Harushave or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today offers some spectacular scenery as we hike one of the area’s most celebrated trails, which has for centuries connected the glacial valleys of Valbonë and Thethi, crossing over the 1800m high Valbonë pass, which is only accessible during the summer months due to heavy snowfall. We will be accompanied by horses which will carry our luggage as we tackle this challenging but hugely rewarding hike. Passing by the last houses of the village of Rrogam, the trail steepens towards a large bowl of alpine meadows, framed by rocky slopes that lead up to the Valbonë Pass. From the pass we can take in some of the region’s most spectacular views of the jagged peaks of ‘Bjeshket e Namuna’, also dramatically known as the Accursed Mountains. From here we will slowly descend towards the village of Thethi (approx. 850m above sea level), stopping along the way for another charming picnic lunch, and arriving mid-late afternoon.
Approx. 7hrs walking (700m ascent, 1040m descent. Total distance 9kms, highest point 1800m)
Day 6 : Thethi - Nderlysaj
Location: Theth, Nderlysaj
Accommodation: Prek Bjeshka Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will enjoy a leisurely day of exploring Thethi and the surrounding area. Standing as the most well-preserved alpine village in Albania, Thethi has been declared a Protected Historic Centre and, located in the heart of the Theth National Park, offers some outstanding natural beauty. The village itself has a lot to offer, including the stone-built Catholic Church, the blood feud tower ‘Kulla e Ngujimit’ and the stone-walled terraces which date back to the Bronze Age. As we venture out of the village, we will follow the River Shala, through the beautiful Grunasi Canyon towards the picturesque hamlet of Nderlysaj where we’ll be able to soak up the peace and tranquility of this very special mountain setting.
Approx. 4 hrs walking (110m ascent, 355m descent. Total distance 7kms, highest point 810m)
Day 7 : Nderlysaj - Thore Pass - Krujë
Location: Nderlysaj, Krujë District
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Panorama or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our final day of walking will take us up to the spectacular Thore Pass. Following the trail along the Kaprea Creek, we can stop to admire the stunning Nderlysa turquoise pools, before continuing up through forests and pastures until we reach the 1,685m-high pass. Here we will be met by our minibus and transferred along a wonderfully scenic route to Krujë, passing through the Boga Valley. After checking into our hotel we will enjoy a delicious final dinner in this charming town located just north of the country’s capital and within good distance of the airport.
Approx. 4-5 hrs walking (1190m ascent, 50m descent. Total distance 9kms, highest point 1670m)
Day 8 : Tour Ends In Krujë
Location: Krujë District
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends at the hotel after a visit to the National Museum 'George Kastrioti Skanderbeg' and lunch. Those on the suggested group flight (see GETTING THERE below will be transferred to Tirana airport)
What's Included
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MEALS
7 x Breakfasts, 6 x Lunches, 6 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use a minibus, a local ferry and our own two feet!
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to carbon offset & tree planting projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
High
What's Not Included
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com For this tour UK passport holders do not currently require a visa for Albania.Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
You will need to be in a reasonable state of health and have a good level of fitness to be suitable to join this tour involving consecutive days of walking. The trek is graded as moderate with an average daily walking time of around 5hrs, but please note there are two full day treks in the itinerary. In some places the paths are rocky and uneven.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
12
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
For this tour UK passport holders do not currently require a visa for Albania.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. -
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Book with Confidence
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Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.