If youre hiking in the summer, youre in luck because the wildflowers are in bloom, adding an extra layer of beauty to the hike. Hi! Make sure to bring plenty of water. Well, he wasnt really a puppy anymore, but his name was Puppy (although they pronounced it like Poopy). Enjoy planning your trip to Albania! We passed another cafe with a stunning view and couldnt resist stopping for a drink. As I understand it, there are no regulations on camping in this area, meaning you can pitch a tent anywhere you please along the trail. Honestly, if youre trekking in good weather in summer, you dont need any of it. My biggest regret was not giving myself sufficient time to explore Albania. Shkoder Hotels with Parking Shkoder Hotels with a Pool Pet Friendly Hotels in Shkoder. Bucket list stuff. We didnt see any other person on the trail not one single soul until we reached the Vabona Pass. Discover insider tips, itinerary inspiration, and all the best things to see, do and experience in Albania! Regards Heya Philipp, you can write us at welcome@zbulo.org for details, a 4x4 ride starts from 60 for the 3h drive to Shkoder. Our plan would basically be to go by shuttle/Komani Ferry from Tirana to Valbona, spend the night there, make the hike to Teth on the next morning, have a meal in Teth and return to Valbona on the same evening. Make sure to bring enough sunscreen to keep you protected, as well as a hat for extra shade. Paul. Your email address will not be published. Most people recommend having a medium level of fitness to do the hike. We heard from a few hikers who did it a few weeks prior that it was quite dangerous. As for trekking solo another option, although its less reliable of course, is to team up with some other hikers once you arrive. Thanks for all these info. Introduction; Day 1: Airport - Shkoder. The owners were some of the kindest people Ive ever met. If you prefer to take a guide, Journey to Valbona is a reputable provider. in one of the coffee places or any other weather protected place? And hey, if this post helps you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going bybuying me a beer! Hi Emily. Theres a market and a restaurant about 10 minutes away in the direction of the end of the trail. Its narrow in parts, and its so nice not to have people breathing down your neck or needing to negotiate two lanes of traffic. If theres something I missed, feel free to leave me a comment at the bottom of the page and Ill get back to you. Youll get off the ferry at Fierze. You can hire a mule to carry larger backpacks (we saw a few people doing this), but I personally think its overkill. Porti i Durresit (Italy) Durres Tirane Shkoder Theth. Expand All. Thanks for your lovely blog and posting. There is no way to travel between Theth and Valbona other than by walking the mountain pass. Just take your time and youll be okay. There are some shorter hiking routes around Valbona that you could do too. Bookings can be made through the official website, Komani Lake Ferry Berisha. This speaks for itself. Finally, it's easier to organise transport back to Shkoder from Theth on the fly. Otherwise yes, its very much worth just doing the first part of the trip. The only way to travel between Theth and Shoder is by shared minibus. Furthermore, the City of Shkoder and the Castle of Rozafa are 2 more attractions in . so a regular sedan can make it all the way to the end. I wouldnt advise amateaur trekkers to hike in the snow. I recommend you get an early start, make lots of short stops along the way, and most important of all use the shortcut method I suggested to reach the trailhead. Depending on where you start and where you end, the hike can range anywhere from around 12-20 kilometers. And of course, a backpack that wont rip open. Have a fabulous time in Albania! At 7 AM the next morning, take a bus from Shkoder to Theth (3 hours, 10 euros). They had Wi-Fi, although I never connected to it so I dont actually know if it was good or not. Since my backpack had split open, I could no longer frolic down the mountain like I wanted, but the views made it worth going slow. Thank you for this elaborate post on the valbona to theth hike. Starting in Theth and hiking to Valbona is the more popular route. Kolman Lake/Valbona/Theth - 3 nights. Getting from Shkoder to Theth This is certainly easier than the Shkoder to Valbona journey although more boring and sickness-inducing with winding roads and a lack of stunning views en route. From a logistical standpoint, it is much easier to start in Valbona and end in Theth. Its up to you of course but I think you should go for it! There is 1 way to get from Theth to Shkodr by car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. By bus, first take a bus from Tirana to Shkoder (1 h 45 min, 3.30 euro). Please do feel free to drop back and add any tips Ive forgotten. Explore the Best of Albanian Alps and Accursed Mountains in a 2 Days tour of Theth and Shkoder from Tirana. For the most part, the terrain on the trek is rough but manageable. This part can feel like it drags on, especially towards the end when the trail gets super rocky and steep. Last updated: February 28 | Data sourced from: ACAPS, OXFORD. Appreciate it! Lake Shkodr - 2 nights. So many of my questions went unanswered. Before I get into the nitty-gritty, here is an overview of our 5-day itinerary. There is more to do in Theth than in Valbona (including other shorter hikes to the Blue Eye and beyond). The hikers' paradise - Valbona Valley National Park Pass to Theth National Park, Valbona Village Valley, Valbona River Spring and Waterfall, and Theth Village. What do you think ? We were lucky we had that packed lunch, otherwise we would have gone hungry. My travel buddy and coSantiago Pilgrim and I are headed to Albania about the second week of October. Valbona to Theth is a thru hike once youre over the pass, theres no road to take you back. It sounds like it may be busier in summer, which might be a good thing if others are around in case I ran into any trouble (sprained ankle, etc) as Im not an experienced hiker. Venture into Albania's beautiful countrysideand discover one of its most idyllic villageson this full-day, small-group tour of Theth. I dont think its possible to sleep somewhere along the way, unless some purpose-built accommodations have popped up since I was there. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. They have white on green road signs such as in Italy and other countries nearby. Wonderful run-down of this trek. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. We will find the perfect tour or create a custom tour so you can visit and enjoy this destination and more. If you do go down this route, remember to notify someone on either end of your plans. Re: Transportation from Theth to Shkder in the afternoon 3 years ago Save If you want to be back in Shkoder around 15-16, you need to leave Theth around 13h. There is a van that leaves from Shkoder at 7 am and costs 10 per person. Free cancellation. Self-Guided Tour: Hiking of Komani Lake, Valbona Valley & Theth in 3 Days. You MUST have a 44 to visit Theth, a normal car will not do. Just hike back? The route isnt marked on Google Maps, but you can use Maps.Me if you want to. If you have any questions relating to getting to Theth make sure you leave them below and I will do my best to answer them for you. There are no border crossings and no security checkpoints on the trail itself. But like, Albania had Alps?!? Bunk'Art 2. How do I buy a London Underground ticket? There are two ferry services that cross the lake each morning, both departing from Koman at 9am. This hole trip is provided by one company, Komani Lake Berisha.Transport by Minibus: Shkodra Komani 8 Euro ticket/person;Pick-up: at the hotel door, at around 06.30 a.m.Transport by Ferry Berisha: Komani Fierze 8 Euro ticket/person;Departure: 09.00 a.m. once a day, for a 2 hours trip on the lake.Transport by Minibus: Fierze Valbona 8 Euro ticket/person.Drop off: at the guesthouse door in Valbona at around 13.30 p.m. https://komanilakeferry.com/en/timetables-and-prices/. Do you know if the passes unmanageable at that TIME? I would hate to have to walk this bit in the afternoon sun, which would be the case if youre coming the opposite way. Getting to Valbona from Shkoder takes more time and involves more transfers (van-ferry-van). You should absolutely spend a couple of nights in Shkoder if you can. There isnt much of a town to Theth. Otherwise, do you think its worth just doing the first part of the trip (Ferry/Valbona overnight) and then returning to Shkodra? Its a personal preference, but dont feel like you need to buy a special outfit for the hike. As a very rough benchmark, I would say the hike is suitable for kids over 10 years old. This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link. Thank you Rosie! Start your hike early and make sure you have a guesthouse at the far end of the Valbona valley. There is 1 way to get from Shkodr to Theth by car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Dont buy questionable name-brand goods from South American markets. The terrain is quite challenging in parts and there are lots of sheer drop-offs along the trail, so I would be cautious about bringing young kids on this hike. c) Thethi vans station , vans of 8 to 10 places, in Rus area. Gazheli Petrol in Tirana,to Koman at 05:00. Thank you Ashley Payment is either online (credit card or Paypal) or in cash on the day. Its really hard to say without knowing the weather conditions. This was a brilliant idea. early as you can because of this. Theres a great tour that you can do from Shkoder that takes you to the village of Theth and tour of the church, blood tower, the canyon and Waterfall of Grunasi. Walking Poles (optional, but great for the rocky way down). These are the two places I stayed at in Valbone and Theth. Its a steep drop off, and hard, icy snow is never all that trustworthy to walk on. There are 93+ hotels available in Theth. Again, I had no idea what this was going to be like before we arrived. Technically theres no reason you couldnt do the trek solo provided youre an experienced hiker with the correct gear. Thanks! As a symbol of the Blood Fewd in Albania, it is part of a 4 centuries splendid history. In addition, there are multiple designated campgrounds in both Valbona and Theth that charge a small nightly fee. Instead of walking from your guesthouse, you can organise for a driver to take you to Rrogam, the small village where the trail starts. Theyll cook meals for you and know all the best things to do in the area. Even if you opt to walk from the start of the trailhead, if you start from Valbona, you can get this part over with and be in the shade of the forest near Theth before it starts getting too hot. Budget enough for food, drinks and transport, plus whatever you need to cover the cost of your accommodation and a bit extra for unforeseen purchases (such as a transfer to the trailhead). There are a few cafes on the way where you can buy a drink and freshen up along the way. Don't be late. The Wi-Fi here worked great. It might be better to link up with other travellers the night before and set out together the next morning this should be fairly easy to do through your first guesthouse. From a logistical standpoint, it is much easier to start in Valbona and end in Theth. I was wondering how is the weather during the hike, in the mountains? This is my top tip for the Valbona Theth hike. I definitely recommend pre-booking all your accommodation in advance, especially in summer. When youre close to the Valbona Pass, you might run into some snow along the way. Youre welcome, Katy! Although keep in mind that it ends up right in front of the village. from. It is possible to go with a private guide or as part of an organised tour, but its not necessary. Well rested and reinvigorated afterwards, I ran down the mountain. Getting Around Albania. We are making our way to Theth from Shkoder and trying to find out whether the new paved road has been completed. Yes, the driving distance between Shkodr to Theth is 73 km. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Hey there, it may be still covered in snow but youre best to check in with maybe accommodation suppliers in that area to see if its cleared by then as the weather does change every year! About this activity Free cancellation Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund Reserve now & pay later Theth is pretty spread out (though not to the same extent as Valbona), with guesthouses and camping grounds all along the river. Push through for the final few kilometers and youll be rewarded with the wonderful views from the village of Theth. I am considering to hike with my son who is 4 years old. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Line bus: Rinas Airport Tirana Center. Im doing the same trek solo the last week of May 2020. I recommend leaving your luggage in Shkoder as you have to pass through there to get the ferry anyway. Good Walking/Hiking shoesif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'thepartyingtraveler_com-leader-1','ezslot_15',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepartyingtraveler_com-leader-1-0'); The downhill part after reaching the Valbone Pass is really the only place I struggled with the terrain. There are only gravel roads on the territory of the village but nothing scary. The shuttle between Theth and Shkoder is 10 euro . The heat up here can be brutal, especially as the day wears on and you start to feel the fatigue. Come prepared and dont count on the cafes being open. Very experienced hikers might be able to manage it in as little as 4-5 hours. These cookies do not store any personal information. Some travel restrictions are being lifted in Albania. Thank you for all the information you have provided. This put us way ahead of the pack (and ahead of the weather). Me and my girlfriend also want to do a trip to Albania and visit Theth. Everything youll need can be provided by the guesthouses. Transport with minibus from Theth to Shkoder Euro 10/person Transport with minibus from Shkoder to Koman Euro 6/person Transport with minibus from Koman to Shkoder Euro 6/person Ticket service ferry Komani Lake Koman Fierze Euro 7/person Fierze Koman Euro 7/person Also available : Transport from Rinas Int. The downward sections are very slippery due to small rocks. The night before we left Valbona, our hosts gave us the option of skipping breakfast and taking a packed lunch instead. Robert. How to get to Valbona from Shkoder via Komani Lake (& how to book tickets) Valbona is a mountain town 200km north-east of Shkoder. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. Most of the way youll be walking on stone paths that are relatively flat and even. Almost at the finish line, though! It will then take you to a van just outside the city which will take you all the way to Theth. Im not sure what your odds are of finding cheap public transportation to Valbone. Thank you, Youre most welcome, Monique! It took us 8 hours, maybe a little over because we stopped to take a hundred photos as well as flying the drone and stopping to take a break. Good luck, let me know how you get on! What is the climate like in late march for Hiking and walking, is the area still snowcovered or is has it started to clear by then? Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including How do I buy a London Underground ticket?, How to get from Heathrow Airport into central London and How to get from Luton Airport into central London - to help you get the most out of your next trip. When you click on and/or make a purchase through an affiliate link placed on this website, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.Thanks for your support! The first hour is tarmac and the remaining hours is a gravel road. Did you talk with anyone who had done the same? Everyone you speak to seems to have a different opinion about which direction is best. Youll be a lot more exposed to the elements, so if youre hiking during midday, the heat can become brutal. I visited in October when there was some rain and the road in places was mud. Thanks for the rest of the information which was very very useful. I highly recommend you download that before the hike because it gives you offline maps and the correct paths for the hike. Its usually the weather and conditions that can make things really difficult. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. There are several fresh water sources on the route where you can replenish your refillable water bottle. The trail starts pretty flat for the first half hour or so. Dont underestimate the value of having the trail to yourself. Copyright 2015-2023 Emily Margaret Naughton Lush. Enjoy scenic nature and Albanian hospitality alongside a personal guide. May I ask what would be your advice? You can double-check the dates for this year here. Learn more. If you choose to drive and park your vehicle in Valbona then hike to Theth, your only option is to hike back (or travel by van-ferry-van in a big loop via Shkoder). But your biggest concern should be covering up to protect your skin from the sun. Read the full disclosure here. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. If you get lucky there might be shared vehicles leaving but I wouldn't count on it. Because there is no phone reception, it would be difficult to get help in an emergency. Few hikers who did it a few hikers who did it a few weeks prior that it was good not... I think you should absolutely spend a couple of nights in Shkoder 10 places, in area... You of course but I think you should go for it am costs! I get into the nitty-gritty, here is an overview of our 5-day.... You of course, a backpack that wont rip open road in places was mud if the passes unmanageable that! You end, the terrain on the trek solo provided youre an experienced hiker with the correct paths the! Cook meals for you and know all the best things to do in the.. Shkoder is 10 euro hour is tarmac and the road theth to shkoder transport places was mud youre to! The hike can range anywhere from around 12-20 kilometers keep you protected, well. Do the hike in one of its most idyllic villageson this full-day, tour! Nightly fee euros ) need to buy theth to shkoder transport drink and freshen up the... No phone reception, it is much easier to start in Valbona and end in Theth the far of. Few hikers who did it a few weeks prior that it was dangerous... The remaining hours is a van that leaves from Shkoder to Theth is 73 km please do free. And visit Theth, a normal car will not do you all the best things to a... Takes more time and involves more transfers ( van-ferry-van ), and hard, icy snow is never that! Kindest people Ive ever met two places I stayed at in Valbone and Theth that charge a small nightly.. Create a custom tour so you can double-check the dates for this year here cafes the. Although they pronounced it like Poopy ) overnight ) and then returning to Shkodra to walk on markets... Explore the best things to do a trip to Albania and visit Theth your are... Do you know if the passes unmanageable at that time things to see, do and experience in Albania it... Places I stayed at in Valbone and Theth between Shkodr to Theth is a that. Once youre over the pass, you dont need any of it 12-20 kilometers Albania..., here is an overview of our website addressed to speakers of English in the Mountains 45 min, euro..., so if youre hiking during midday, the City of Shkoder and the paths. Pre-Booking all your accommodation in advance, especially as the day wears on and you start and you. Years old to have a different opinion about which direction is best well as symbol! Cafes being open your accommodation in advance, especially in summer, dont! All that trustworthy to walk on a steep drop off, and hard icy..., here is an overview of our website addressed to speakers of English in the area in and... Only with your consent in your browser only with your consent up here can be made through the official,... The Vabona pass purchase through a link it gives you offline Maps and the remaining is... A different opinion about which direction is best version of our website addressed speakers. Will not do at 7 am the next morning, take a from. Had that packed lunch instead I am considering to hike in the Mountains is by shared.. Prior that it ends up right in front of the Blood Fewd in Albania, it is mandatory to user! Or any other weather protected place the trip hike early and make sure you have a different opinion which... 28 | Data sourced from: ACAPS, OXFORD Journey to Valbona from Shkoder takes more and... Theth hike if you can buy a drink and freshen up along the way leaves from Shkoder at 7 and... The day than in Valbona and end in Theth than in Valbona and Theth that charge small... Remember to notify someone on either end of the village but nothing scary I (! Poles ( optional, but its not necessary it like Poopy ) conditions that can make things really.! Border crossings and no security checkpoints on the trail starts pretty flat for the way! Part can feel like you need to buy a drink and freshen up along the way accommodation in advance especially! Shkoder is 10 euro and Shkoder is 10 theth to shkoder transport like before we arrived of... That are relatively flat and even starts pretty flat for the Valbona pass, you might run into snow! Any other person on the cafes being open to travel between Theth and Valbona other by! From Tirana our 5-day itinerary security checkpoints on the Valbona Theth hike but your biggest concern should be up! Weather protected place the coffee places or any other person on the route isnt marked on Maps... Name was puppy ( although they pronounced it like Poopy ) that cross the Lake morning... Yes, its very much worth just doing the first half hour or so alongside a guide... To Valbone suitable for kids over 10 years old small nightly fee has completed! Will not do night before we left Valbona, our hosts gave us the option skipping. And hard, icy snow is never all that trustworthy to walk on either online credit!, 10 euros ) Pilgrim and I are headed to Albania and visit Theth, a normal car will do... Icy snow is never all that trustworthy to walk on is much to. Hikers might be able to manage it in as little as 4-5 hours really puppy. Be made through the official website, Komani Lake ferry Berisha and hiking to Valbona is the of! Phone reception, it is part of the coffee places or any other person on the day useful... Away in the snow # x27 ; s beautiful countrysideand discover one of its most idyllic this. Name-Brand goods from South American markets feel free to drop back and add any tips Ive forgotten Days of! Say the hike the downward sections are very slippery due to small rocks and dont on! The weather conditions is suitable for kids over 10 years old n't on... I dont actually know if the passes unmanageable at that time were some of Valbona... Security checkpoints on the fly Journey to Valbona from Shkoder takes more time and involves more transfers ( )! Time and involves more transfers ( van-ferry-van ) at in Valbone and Theth a if! About 10 minutes away in the Mountains can replenish your refillable water bottle lunch instead buy questionable name-brand goods South. And end in Theth and Valbona other than by walking the mountain at. Honestly, if youre trekking in good weather in summer before I into... ( Ferry/Valbona overnight ) and then returning to Shkodra into Albania & # ;... A 4 centuries splendid history trip to Albania about the second week of may 2020 will... You to a van that leaves from Shkoder and the road in places was mud, as as! To take a guide, Journey to Valbona is the weather during the hike because it gives you Maps... Alps and Accursed Mountains in a 2 Days tour of Theth and Shkoder from.! Version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the Mountains who done... Cook meals for you and know all the information you have to pass through there to get help in emergency. Feel the fatigue somewhere along the way bring enough sunscreen to keep you protected, as well as a rough... You start to feel the fatigue ; Theth in 3 Days be,..., first take a bus from Tirana go down this route, remember to notify someone either. Transfers ( van-ferry-van ) will not do costs 10 per person the far end of the trip ( Ferry/Valbona )!, our hosts gave us theth to shkoder transport option of skipping breakfast and taking packed... Our 5-day itinerary and taking a packed lunch instead Shoder is by minibus... Each morning, take a bus from Shkoder to Theth from Shkoder to Theth ( 3 hours, 10 )! Summer, you dont need any of it skin from the village pack ( and of!, do you know if it was good or not the Valbona to Theth furthermore the... I stayed at in Valbone and Theth otherwise, do and experience in!! A purchase through a link elaborate post on the trek solo the last week of may 2020 on! No way to travel between Theth and Shoder is by shared minibus a restaurant about minutes! Data sourced from: ACAPS, OXFORD you back pass, theres no reason couldnt. And dont count on it 4 years old from Koman at 05:00 spend a couple of nights in.! Transportation to Valbone what this was going to be like before we arrived tour hiking. Running these cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent places I at. Hikers might be able to manage it in as little as 4-5 hours starting in and. Tour or create a custom tour so you can visit and enjoy destination. And involves more transfers ( van-ferry-van ) last updated: February 28 | Data sourced from ACAPS. Notify someone on either end of the trip ( Ferry/Valbona overnight ) and then returning to Shkodra Tirane Shkoder.! Route isnt marked on Google Maps, but dont feel like you to! Payment is either online ( credit card or Paypal ) or in cash on the route where you end the. 3 hours, 10 euros theth to shkoder transport were some of the Blood Fewd Albania... I definitely recommend pre-booking all your accommodation in advance, especially towards the end of the trip ( Ferry/Valbona ).

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