Theth Valbona Hike via Koman Lake (4 Days)
Discover Valbona Valley, Theth village, Lake Koman, and much more on a 4-day hiking tour from Shkoder with optional extension to visit the Blue Eye of Theth and to explore Shala river, deep in the Albanian Alps. You will hike on your own (without guide) but have all you need arranged and pre-booked.
Hiking Tour Highlights
Viewpoints – Experience breathtaking views of rocky valleys and forests from the Valbona Pass.
Shkodra – Stroll through the picturesque city centre and experience local highlights such as the Marubi Photo Museum, Lake Shkodra and the view from the Illyrian fortress of Rozafa.
Lake Koman – The ferry ride across the Koman reservoir is one of the most unforgettable and scenic experiences of a trip to Albania.
Village of Theth – You will visit one of the most picturesque villages in Albania, located in the middle of the Theth National Park.
Culinary Experiences – Discover the unique cuisine of Albania and be impressed by the hospitality of the villagers in the mountains.
Optional extension (+1 day): Blue Eye and Grunas Waterfall — Experience the Blue Eye pool of Theth with turquoise waters fed by a cool mountain stream and the nearby Grunas Waterfall (30m) in a single day.
Hiking Tour Itinerary
Experience rural Albania on a 4-day self-guided tour from Shkodra. All transfers and accommodation and meals in guesthouses are included.
Make your way to Shkoder. Your double room at the guest house will be ready for you from 15:00. Use the day to visit the Marubi Photo Museum, explore the old town, climb the Rozafa Fortress or have dinner near Lake Shkoder enjoying the beautiful scenery.
your day starts with an early morning breakfast and pick-up at 6:30 from the guest house in Shkoder followed by a scenic drive to Lake Koman. There you will change to the ferry to Fierza, on the other side of the artificial lake. Enjoy the fantastic ride across the fjord-like reservoir through steep mountain slopes amidst the breathtaking landscape of northern Albania.
From Fierza, the drive will continue to Valbona, passing through Bajram Curri. Arrival at the guest house. The old grain mill (Mulliri i Vjetër i Valbonës) right by the river is recommended for those who feel like a walk. Further recommendations are available at the guest house. Dinner and overnight in guest house.
today you will already wake up in the Albanian Alps. After breakfast, make your way over scree fields to the foot of the mountains and up to the Valbona Pass to Theth, following an old path that was once the only way to travel between Valbona and Shkoder.
You will pass through old villages where people still live in their 100+ year old stone towers. Enjoy spectacular views of the long, rocky valley and over quiet, peaceful forests, and stop for lunch at a traditional café of your choice.
Upon arrival in Theth, be amazed by the village’s unique nature, history, and traditions. Visit the Lock-in Tower of Theth and learn more about its exciting past. Dinner and overnight at the guest house.
Starts with breakfast at the guest house. You will then leave Theth behind you at 11:00 to embark on a 3-hour ride back to Shkoder via minibus. Serpentines and narrow mountain roads will allow wonderful views of the Albanian Alps. Arrival at Shkoder is around 14:00.
From the lake Koman, a branch leads into the Shala River. The shallow water takes on a beautiful turquoise colour here. The picturesque setting, reminiscent of Thailand, attracts many visitors to relax on the riverbank in summer. To experience Shala, take a slightly later transfer on Day 2, arriving around 11:30 in the upper area of the Shala River, followed by lunch. Relax by the river or take a mini hike to a higher viewpoint.
Sometimes the water level of the river is low, and the boat cannot go all the way to the end of the river, which means you have to trudge a few metres through the shallow water. You will spend the night right on the river, with dinner and breakfast included, making your way back to Valbona by boat the next day. Price: 100 EUR/person (in August very crowded, very hot, not recommended).
Treat yourself to another day in the mountains to relax or take a short hike to explore the mysterious Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter), a natural pool of water located about 10 kilometres Theth. The 5-meter-deep and ice-cold (5 °C) waters of the Blue Eye were formed by rock erosion caused by water falling from the mountains. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Blue Eye and return to the guest house in the afternoon. On the way back, a short detour to Grunas Waterfall is recommended. Price: 45 EUR/person
Included
✓ 1 night: Guest house in a double room in Shkoder
✓ 2 nights: Guest house in double room in Valbona and Theth
✓ All transfers in shared minibus
✓ Komani Lake ferry tickets
✓ Meals:
3×breakfast, 1×lunch (packed lunch for the hike over the pass), 2×dinner (in Valbona and Theth).
Packing
What you should bring
Good to know
- This tour is suitable only for people with good physical condition.
- The distance between Valbona and Theth is 16 kilometres. The maximum difference in altitude for the hike on day 3 is 1,000 metres.
Guest Houses
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the Theth Valbona hike?
We recommend planning around 6–7 hours of walking, plus stops. The hiking trail distance from Valbona to Theth is about 16 km with a maximum elevation gain of 1000 metres.
