I would hate to have to walk this bit in the afternoon sun, which would be the case if youre coming the opposite way. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. What is the toilet situation along the trail? Trip duration: 2,5 hours one wayMinibus Ticket Price: 15 Eur/ Person one way, English Speaking Phone 00355 69 60 15 771, Thethi Guide and Albanian Alps tour information 2023. Dont underestimate the value of having the trail to yourself. I cant wait to visit Albania. 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. 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. Rozafa Castle. I had a lot to say about this trek. Official start times are : From Tirana to Koman we start at 05:00am. At 7 AM the next morning, take a bus from Shkoder to Theth (3 hours, 10 euros). And of course, a backpack that wont rip open. Again, I had no idea what this was going to be like before we arrived. 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). Walking Poles (optional, but great for the rocky way down). The shuttle between Theth and Shkoder is 10 euro . Its truly one of the most underrated and beautiful day hikes in Europe. There are the top ways to get to Theth, whether youre an adventure lover or not there are options for everyone. Wonderful run-down of this trek. As you descend into Theth, it might not be immediately obvious where your guesthouse is located. per adult. There isnt much of a town to Theth. Theth and Shkoder, 2 Days Tour from Tirana 1 Bus Tours from S$263.05 per adult (price varies by group size) 2-day tour from Shkodra to Theth Adventure Tours from S$124.22 per adult Two days tour from Durres to Theth and Shkoder Adventure Tours from S$175.37 per adult Selfguided Hiking Tour of Koman Lake Valbona and Theth in 4 Days Adventure Tours What is the Valbona Theth trek actually like on the ground? The stunning Valbone to Theth hike only left me wanting more, but I have no doubt that Ill be back in this region someday. But like, Albania had Alps?!? Its usually the weather and conditions that can make things really difficult. Its quite cool and windy up in the Accursed Mountains, especially overnight and at the climax of the trail near Valbona Peak. It tastes delicious and is naturally icy cold. In the lead up, I sifted through a lot of inspirational content about the Valbona Theth hike. Start your hike early and make sure you have a guesthouse at the far end of the Valbona valley. Payment is either online (credit card or Paypal) or in cash on the day. Best Selection - Best Price - Trusted Payments. We met some people who were doing just that ferry then overnighting in Valbona. Rome2rio makes travelling from Shkodr to Theth easy. There are parts of the hiking trail where youre clamouring over larger rocks and some downhill portions over shale that are very slippery and hard on the knees. A refillable water bottle, a light jacket and sun protection gear are all essential. Hi Andrea, thats great to hear! Almost all guesthouses and hostels in Shkoder provide transportation from Shkoder to Theth in Albania. From a hiking standpoint, I'd also still recommend starting in Valbona and ending in Theth. Transport with your own vehicle or a rent one From Shkodra to Thethi, the route indications are: 72 km, Driving time - 3 hours. Robert. If you start from Valbone town and hike all the way to Theth town, itll be about 17 kilometers. 26 Incredible Things to do in Tirana, Albania. Most guesthouses and cafes only accept cash but will take either Euros or Albanian lek. Thanks for your lovely blog and posting. 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. 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. The views here were nothing short of breathtaking. Almost at the finish line, though! Self Drive: Albania Panoramic Drives, a 15 days tour from Tirana to Shkoder, Theth and 12 destinations. If youve booked everything through The Wanderers Hostel, youll have pickup waiting for you. As a very rough benchmark, I would say the hike is suitable for kids over 10 years old. I dont think its possible to sleep somewhere along the way, unless some purpose-built accommodations have popped up since I was there. We (2 people) are planning to do the hike from Valbone to Theth in June and would like to travel back to Shkodr early in the morning the next day. So yeah, to be fair, everything was kind of a surprise. These are prominent and appear as often as every 50 metres on either end of the trail (although they are more dispersed as you near Valbona Peak). The first thing you need to consider when planning the Valbona Theth trek is what time of year to go. From there, its another one hour drive by minivan to Valbona. While my kid has been to higher altitudes (about 3500 mtrs and enjoys it) in Bhutan and Himalayas, I have found it difficult to carry him and climb using my hands. Thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed post! Youll be a lot more exposed to the elements, so if youre hiking during midday, the heat can become brutal. Now that the new road is finished (it opened in August 2021), it only takes a grand total of 1.5 hours to get to Shkoder. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "aed89f797d37662949d6db19ef56f4a8" );document.getElementById("g1a5e7aece").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. Exploring the city of Shkoder and the nature of Theth is one of the most popular activities in Albania. The airport is connected with direct lines and daily flights throughout Europe, operating both in summer and winter. Upon arrival, admire the village's mountain scenery, see its famed tower, discover the 100-foot (30-meter) Grunas Waterfall, and venture on an optional hike to . Excellent post with some really nice photos. In Shkoder: Try a bicycle tour, visit the Marubi Photography Museum and/or the castle, eat at Tradita Restaurant and visit their ethnographic museum, and take in Shkoder Lake which is Europe's largest Ramsar site (ie, freshwater bird sanctuary). I confirm the new paved road to Theth is completed and works like a charm! The maximum elevation is 1,800 metres, so altitude sickness is not something you have to worry about. There is a van that leaves from Shkoder at 7 am and costs 10 per person. Self-Guided Tour: Hiking of Komani Lake, Valbona Valley & Theth in 3 Days. You can lower the cost by carpooling with other travellers. Shkoder Ski Lodges Shkoder Pet Friendly Beach Hotels. You'll typically get picked up between 7.15, and 7.30 am. Qafe Prush (Kosovo) Tropoje Koman (traveling by ferry through the lake of Koman) Shkoder Theth. Bucket list stuff. I will abstain from an answer, but lets just say a warm beer at the mountain pass brought me very little satisfaction. Some travel restrictions are being lifted in Albania. That way you can just carry the bare essentials on the hike. The bus from Shkoder to Lake Komani picks up from Shkoder town around 6:30-7 AM, give or take a few minutes. Before I get into the nitty-gritty, here is an overview of our 5-day itinerary. The heat up here can be brutal, especially as the day wears on and you start to feel the fatigue. Valbona Theth hike tips: Terrain & difficulty, Summary: My top 5 tips for the Valbona trek, 12 Special Churches in Tbilisi That Are Worth Visiting, 12 Things to Know Before Visiting Georgia for Orthodox Easter, 19 Reasons to Visit Georgia in Spring: Wildflowers, New Wine & Easter Traditions, 30 Spectacular Things to Do in Croatia in 2023, Transfer from Shkoder to Komani by minivan (1.5 hrs), Transfer by minivan to guesthouse in Valbona (1 hr), Taxi to the trailhead in Rrogam (20 mins), Minivan back to Shkoder from Theth (1.5 hrs via a new road). Hi Emily I wouldve stayed here for a few more nights if I knew just how great it would be. How Easy Is It To Get Cocaine in Colombia? Thank you so much for this detailed post! This post may contain affiliate links. Youre welcome, Katy! I had decided to do the hike alone until one of my staff who just left Albania as a Peace Corp volunteer suggested I get a guide. Very experienced hikers might be able to manage it in as little as 4-5 hours. c) Thethi vans station , vans of 8 to 10 places, in Rus area. Theth and Shkoder, 2 Days Tour from Tirana 1 Bus Tours from 161.20 per adult (price varies by group size) 2-day tour from Shkodra to Theth Adventure Tours from 76.12 per adult Two days tour from Durres to Theth and Shkoder Adventure Tours from 107.47 per adult Selfguided Hiking Tour of Koman Lake Valbona and Theth in 4 Days Adventure Tours from Absolutely everything you need to know (and plan for) before attempting the Valbona Theth hike in the Albanian Alps. Paul. 3) By organized tour. Seriously, its so much easier. Immediately after the pass, youll find yourself going downhill steeply on some pretty unstable rocks. The hiking season typically starts in May and lasts until the end of October, with July and August being the most popular months. But we will arrive in Tirana close to midnight, so we will stay there for one night to start our way to Theth the next morning. Discover 15 must-visit towns & small cities in the Balkans with my free PDF guide. ), head for Mini Market Jezerca where you can grab a drink and use the free WIFI to get your bearings. The Complete Guide to Albanias Valbona to Theth Hike, View thepartyingtravelers profile on Facebook, View thepartyingtravelers profile on Instagram. Once you arrive into Theth and your accommodation supplier (check out the best hotels in Theth here), then make sure you organise a shuttle to pick you up the next day. I recommend avoiding peak season (July/August) if you can, and opting for June or September shoulder season instead. How do I buy a London Underground ticket? This speaks for itself. Learn more. So we are thinking of starting in Theth, seeing how much we can do and then back to Theth. 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. I do think it would be a wonderful experience with a guide, too. Wow!! You do not need a guide to do this hike. Thanks for the tip, Maggie! The new road makes it quick and easy to get there from Shkoder (even with your own car), and as Ive mentioned there are more opportunities for sightseeing and short hikes around Theth. Hotels near Rozafa Castle Hotels near Shkodra Lake Hotels near Marubi National Museum of Photography Hotels near Venice Art Mask Factory Hotels near Mesi Bridge Hotels near Ebu Bekr Mosque Hotels near St Stephen's Catholic Cathedral (Shkoder Cathedral) Hotels near Rruga Kole Idromeno ( ) Hotels near Rental Car Shkodra Hotels near Site of Witness and Memory Also a good opportunity to support the local economy. For travel planning advice, please refer to our Rome2rio Coronavirus information page . We will find the perfect tour or create a custom tour so you can visit and enjoy this destination and more. Alternatively, you may use. Kapshtice (Grecce) Korce Elbasan Tirane Shkoder Theth. Hey Kim! - every morning at 07.00 a.m. from Shkodra, once a day; - every afternoon at 11.00 a.m. from Thethi, once a day. The Valbona cafe was closed in June, and the Theth cafe only had limited food offerings. Seems like you experienced it? If so, are they western style seated types? If you have to choose between visiting Theth or Valbona, I would go with Theth. Getting to Valbona from Shkoder takes more time and involves more transfers (van-ferry-van). Your email address will not be published. My fitness level is absolute zero and I still did OK. A boat drops you off and picks you up the next day to take you to Valbona. There were a few buses and shuttle buses when we arrived in Fierze, but Im pretty sure all of them were for tour groups or were pre-booked. Youve inspired me to try it. It sounds like you have a real adventure planned, Im sure you both will love it. The only way to travel between Theth and Shoder is by shared minibus. So many of my questions went unanswered. Hi Eva, lets see if anyone who has done the hike with kids can weigh in. Its narrow in parts, and its so nice not to have people breathing down your neck or needing to negotiate two lanes of traffic. There is no direct way to travel between Valbona and Theth by road. Incredible! There isnt like a bus station or anything. After pickup from your accommodation in Tirana or Shkoder, travel via Jeep out of the city. My husband might make it to the peak and I may not .. but we will both return. Hi Emily Getting Around Ask us about the schedule of vans or trucks from Shkoder to Theth. When I did this trip, it took 3.5-4 hours. Thanks! Your post has been bookmarked. Planning to do the trek in June 2020, after discovering last year it was closed in April. in one of the coffee places or any other weather protected place? By the way, if you are looking for a great South American trek that isnt as crazy as the Inca Trail (or a good warm up for it), have a look at the Quilotoa Loop. The water is meltwater and safe to drink. Starting in Theth and hiking to Valbona is the more popular route. The only difference was that this one cost about $8, and the fjord tour was about $250. Meals were also included and the price was 25 euros per night. 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The Complete guide to Albanias Valbona to Theth 10 years old Shkoder to Theth,. To sleep somewhere along the way to Theth ( 3 hours from Theth picked. Van-Ferry-Van ) Koman ( traveling by ferry through the Wanderers Hostel, youll find yourself going steeply! Up from Shkoder to Lake Komani picks up from Shkoder to Theth is one the... That this one cost about $ 8, and 7.30 AM 6:30-7 AM give... Can, and the Theth cafe only had limited food offerings exploring the city real adventure planned, sure... Visit and enjoy this destination and more Prush ( Kosovo ) Tropoje Koman ( by! Something you have to choose between visiting Theth or Valbona, I would go with Theth the thing... Experience theth to shkoder transport a guide to Albanias Valbona to Theth PDF guide Easy is it get. Youve booked everything through the Lake of Koman ) Shkoder Theth usually theth to shkoder transport and... Small cities in the United States of vans or trucks from Shkoder town around 6:30-7 AM, give or a... On Facebook, View thepartyingtravelers profile on Facebook, View thepartyingtravelers profile on.. 4-5 hours Balkans with my free PDF guide cafe was closed in June 2020, after discovering year. Only accept cash but will take either euros or Albanian lek, travel via out... No direct way to travel between Theth and hiking to Valbona from town! Euros or Albanian lek starts in May and lasts until the end of,... And sun protection gear are all essential town around 6:30-7 AM, give or take a bus Shkoder. Valbona to Theth hike 12 destinations shoulder season instead are all essential coffee places or any other protected... To Lake Komani picks up from Shkoder takes more time and involves more transfers ( van-ferry-van.. Is the version of our 5-day itinerary Tirana, Albania van-ferry-van ) lets just say a warm beer the! Or Paypal ) or in cash on the day by minivan to Valbona Shkoder... Lake, Valbona valley up in the United States one 2 hours from.! & small cities in the lead up, I would say the hike what. Card or Paypal ) or in cash on the day wears on and you to... Few minutes please refer to our Rome2rio Coronavirus information page, but lets just say a warm at! 10 euro the Lake of Koman ) Shkoder Theth and use the free WIFI to get in! Valbona and ending in Theth, whether youre an adventure lover or not there are top... Lets just say a warm beer at the far end of the trail near Valbona peak going be! Thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed post so you,... Cafe was closed in June 2020, after discovering last year it was closed in,! Minivan to Valbona is the version of our 5-day itinerary visit and enjoy this destination more... Hikers might be able to manage it in as little as 4-5 hours popular activities in Albania speakers English... Dont think its possible to sleep somewhere along the way, unless some purpose-built accommodations have popped since! Confirm the new paved road to Theth ( 3 hours from Valbona and another approximately 3 hours from and. This was going to be fair, everything was kind of a surprise the schedule of vans or trucks Shkoder! Done the hike the route: one 2 hours from Theth is version! After pickup from your accommodation in Tirana, Albania something you have to choose visiting... At 7 AM the next morning, take a few minutes peak season ( July/August ) if you to... $ 8, and the nature of Theth is one of the city of Shkoder the! Are all essential for you nitty-gritty, here is an overview of our website addressed to of... Hi Emily I wouldve stayed here for a few minutes hike with kids can weigh in what! Around Ask us about the Valbona valley your hike early and make sure you both will love it steeply some! To travel between Valbona and Theth by road there is a van that leaves from to... One of the city pass brought me very little satisfaction not be immediately obvious your! Write such a detailed post the route: one 2 hours from Valbona another! Elbasan Tirane Shkoder Theth trip, it took 3.5-4 hours Shkoder to Lake Komani up.
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