Peaks of the Balkans: Exploring the Albanian Alps

We will begin our adventure by departing from Lepushë, making our way towards the Peak of Vajushe. After reaching the top, we will descend into the picturesque village of Gerbaje, located in Montenegro. The hike will involve a 750-meter elevation gain and a 1000-meter elevation loss, covering a distance of 10 kilometers, which will take us approximately 5 hours in total. Once we reach Gerbaje, we’ll continue our journey with a short 20-minute van ride to the charming village of Vuthaj, where we’ll be comfortably accommodated in a local guesthouse. In the afternoon, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through the village, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the famous Blue Eye and the stunning Vuthaj Waterfall. This hike is of moderate difficulty, so come prepared for an unforgettable experience in the heart of nature!

Our journey begins in the picturesque village of Vuthaj, where we have the option to take a minibus for the first 4 km, easing the start of our adventure. As we continue on foot, we’ll make our way to Shtara Lake, a serene body of water nestled at the end of the valley. This lake, formed by the melting of snow, has a maximum depth of just 2-3 meters, making it a peaceful spot to admire the surrounding beauty. Next, we’ll cross the Runic Plain and begin our ascent towards the Peja Pass. From here, we’ll enjoy stunning views as we descend into the charming village of Theth. The ascent to the Peja Pass will see an elevation gain of 900 meters, and our descent into Theth covers a 1,100-meter drop. The total distance between Vuthaj and Theth is about 15 km if we use the minibuses in both villages. If we choose to walk the entire way, the distance increases to 23 km. The entire trek will take around 8-9 hours, and the difficulty is considered moderate. Upon arrival in Theth, we’ll check in and relax at a cozy guesthouse. After some rest, we’ll head out to explore the Tower of Confinement (Kulla e Ngujimit), an iconic historical structure. In times of conflict or blood feuds, this tower provided a secure sanctuary for families or individuals in danger, where they could stay confined for safety. This unique building, with its thick stone walls and narrow windows, stands as a symbol of the region's rich history and the complex code of honor known as the Kanun. Here, your guide will share the fascinating stories and history behind this ancient building, offering insight into the local culture and traditions.

Today we will visit Theth, one of the most stunning and untouched gems of the Albanian Alps! Nestled in a breathtaking valley, Theth is a picturesque village that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and traditional mountain life.   As we explore this charming destination, you’ll be captivated by its towering peaks, lush forests, and crystal-clear rivers that define the landscape. Our visit begins with a stroll through the village, where time seems to stand still, and the rustic stone houses reflect the area's deep-rooted traditions. You'll experience the warmth of the local hospitality, where the villagers continue to preserve their way of life, largely untouched by modernity. Among the highlights of our visit is the famous Theth Waterfall, a stunning 30-meter drop of crystal-clear water that creates a mesmerizing backdrop of natural beauty. Next, we'll explore Theth Valley, a vast, lush meadow surrounded by towering peaks—an ideal spot for hiking and immersing yourself in the unspoiled beauty of the Albanian Alps. We’ll also visit the Blue Eye of Theth, a breathtaking natural spring with vibrant blue waters, nestled in the heart of the valley, offering a perfect spot for

The Theth to Valbona trek is one of the most iconic and breathtaking hikes in the Albanian Alps, This challenging trek connects two of Albania's most picturesque villages, Theth and Valbona, crossing rugged mountain terrain and offering dramatic views at every turn. We will begin the hike in Theth, where you’ll pass through lush valleys, dense forests, and crystal-clear rivers as you make your way upward. The trail winds through steep mountain paths, gradually ascending towards the Valbona Pass, which sits at an altitude of about 1,800 meters. From the pass, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. After reaching the pass, the descent begins, leading you into the Valbona Valley, known for its towering cliffs, alpine meadows, and the tranquil Valbona River. The final part of the journey is a scenic walk along the river, leading you to the village of Valbona, where you can relax and unwind after a day of adventure. The entire trek covers approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) and takes around 6-8 hours, depending on pace and weather conditions. The difficulty is moderate to challenging, requiring a good level of fitness and experience with mountain trekking.

We start our journey from Valbona, taking a minibus to reach the village of Çerem. From there, we will follow the trail on foot towards Stanet e Doberdolit, a beautiful highland area surrounded by nature.   The trek covers a distance of 12 km, starting from the top of the village. If you'd like, we can also take some time to explore the village of Çerem, which will add an extra 4 km to the total distance. The route involves a 500-meter elevation gain and a 500-meter descent, with an estimated walking time of 6 hours, or 7 hours if we include a visit to Çerem. At Doberdol (1,809 meters altitude), we will be accommodated in Shepherd's huts, which feature large shared rooms built with wooden planks and beams.

The tour continues in Doberdol, where we have the option to visit the Three Borders Peak, where the borders of Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro converge. From here, we make our way towards the majestic Gjeravica Peak in Kosovo, standing at an impressive 2656 meters. After reaching the summit, we descend to the stunning Heart Lake, a glacial lake nestled at an altitude of 2280 meters, perfect for a restful break. Following our time at the lake, we continue our ascent to Gjeravica's peak before descending to Zalli i Rupes. Our journey concludes with a scenic drive through the Deçan Gorge, where we will catch the minibus back. Doberdol-Gjeravica: 900m elevation gain, 13 km, 5 hours of walking. Gjeravica Peak-Zalli i Rupes: 1100m elevation descent, 3 hours. We will be accommodated in a hotel in Deçan

After a scenic journey, we’ll make a stop for lunch in the historic town of Prizren. Here, we’ll explore the iconic League of Prizren House and visit the Prizren Fortress, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. In the afternoon, we continue our trip to Tirana, where we’ll check into our hotel for the night. The day will conclude with a delicious dinner, where you can savor local flavors and relax after an exciting day of exploration

Transfer to Tirana airport for the flight departure