Tirana (or Shkodra) - Koman - Valbone

Komani Lake - Komani Lake is a reservoir located on the Drin River in northern Albania. It is surrounded by lush forested hills, steep slopes, deep gorges, and a narrow valley entirely occupied by the river. In addition to the Drin, it is also fed by the Shala and Valbona Rivers. The lake covers an area of 34 km² (13 sq mi) and is 400 m (0.25 mi) wide. The narrowest gorge, flanked by vertical canyon walls, is over 50 m (0.031 mi) wide. The reservoir was built between 1979 and 1988 near the village of Koman, with a height of 115 m (377 ft).

The unique topography and hydrological conditions have led to the development of diverse habitats. The golden jackal, red fox, European badger, Eurasian otter, beech marten, and European polecat are the main predatory mammals. Numerous bird species have been spotted in the area, including the common kingfisher, common quail, grey heron, Eurasian wryneck, great spotted woodpecker, and black-headed gull.

Valbone - The Valbona Valley National Park (Albanian: Parku Kombëtar i Luginës së Valbonës) was a national park within the Albanian Alps in northern Albania. In 2022, it was merged to form the Alps of Albania National Park. The park spans a total area of 80 km² (31 sq mi), encompassing the Valbona River and its surrounding mountainous terrain, alpine landscapes, glacial springs, deep depressions, various rock formations, waterfalls, and the Valbona Valley with its dense coniferous and deciduous forests. It is known for its remote areas with a largely preserved ecosystem that remains mostly untouched and pristine. This vast, unspoiled ecosystem is the highlight of what is often called the Albanian Miracle of the Alps.

Mulliri I Vjeter I Valbones - This is an almost 150-year-old mill, used by the Valbona villagers to grind corn, wheat, and other grains. It is the first attraction on the right of the road just before entering the village. It was also a popular social gathering place for locals and visitors when it was operational. Today, it remains largely intact, with the large grinding stones and equipment still present. It is well-preserved and highly recommended for visitors to Valbona. As you cross the wooden bridge, take a moment to enjoy the fresh air and the crystal blue waters of the Valbona River flowing through the large rocks.

Xhemes’ Lake - Xhema’s Lake is named after the lord whose house is closest to the lake. It is located at Quku i Dunishes, on the left side of the road from Dragobi to Valbona. While glacial lakes are typically found at over 1500 m above sea level, Xhema’s Lake is a rare exception, situated at 770 m above sea level. The water level is highest in spring and lowest in winter. In winter, the lake freezes and is covered with snow, yet it still has a depth of up to three meters and a surface area of 500 square meters.

The water is very clear, and the lake is a deep blue color. It is surrounded by majestic beech trees. The surrounding landscape and its own stunning beauty make Xhema’s Lake one of the most beautiful places in the Alps.

Valbone - Theth

Ujevara E Rrogamit - Rrogami Waterfall - Valbona’s river source is a natural spring that also creates the stunning Rragami Waterfall, another marvel of alpine nature that should not be missed when visiting Valbona. The Valbona River is 50 km long, starting from its source and flowing into Fierza Lake. It winds through the Valbona Valley in the inhabited area and reappears at the height of Dragobi village. Located near the village of Rragam of Shala, at the top of the Valbona Valley, it is in the same direction as the well-known Valbona Pass towards Thethi Valley and Thethi National Park. The trail to Valbona’s Spring, also known as Rragami Waterfall, begins in this area, starting from Rragam village. It is an easy 50-60 minute walk in one direction through the beech forest, with a maximum elevation gain of 200 meters.

Valbona Pass - One of Valbona’s main attractions is its connection with Thethi Valley through the Valbona Pass. This epic trail through the Albanian Alps is heavily trafficked and traversed by many Albanian and international travelers each season.

The mountain pass connecting Theth with Valbona is named “Valbona’s Pass” and is located at an altitude of 1759 meters above sea level, surrounded by other higher peaks. The hiking trail starts in the Gjelaj neighborhood, in the village of Rragam of Shala, in the upper part of the Valbona Valley, and consists of a 9.5 km trail to Theth. The trail can start from either side, Valbona – Theth or Theth – Valbona. The elevation difference to cross is about 630 meters, while starting from Thethi is about 850 meters. The walk towards the Valbona Pass can begin from the guesthouse door down in the valley or from the start of the trail in Gjelaj of Valbona to Gjelaj of Thethi.

Theth National Park - Theth National Park (Albanian: Parku Kombëtar i Thethit) was a national park in northern Albania. In 2022, it was merged to form the Alps of Albania National Park. Established in 1966, the park covered 2,630 hectares (26.3 km²) and is centered on the Albanian Alps, encompassing the larger portion of Shala Valley. The park was established to protect various ecosystems, biodiversity, and the cultural and historical heritage of the region. It is characterized by high terrain, with a wide variety of natural features including valleys, rivers, mountains, waterfalls, dense forests, and several rock formations. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the park as Category II. Notably, the region has also been identified as an important Bird and Plant Area. In 2017, Theth was further declared a Protected Historic Center.

Theth - Tirana (or Shkoder)

Tower of Nikoll Koceku - The Lock-in tower built in Theth, Dukagjin is typical of this area. A fort built at the end of the village and used by the whole village. It was the home of those families who, due to blood feuds, were forced to stay there (all males over the age of 14). Only the women of the house were free to go out and work some land in front of the tower. Today the tower can be visited and is located in an area of great touristic value. It is located south of the village of Theth and very close to the Shala river. This tower has been built for 388 years, it is divided into 3 floors, where the upper 2 floors have an old wooden floor.

Grunasi Waterfall - Grunasi Waterfall is one of the most amazing natural attractions within Thethi National Park and in the whole Albanian Alps, declared a natural monument since 2002. Grunasi waterfall is located on the western slope of the Thethi valley in the Albanian Alps. It starts at the western foot of the Boshi mountain peak, where it forms a narrow rocky trough through a limestone slope, then the water immediately falls from a height of 25 m. At the bottom of the waterfall is formed a pond, from which water flows into the valley of Thethi, joining the Shala river, at the beginning of the Grunasi canyon. The whole slope where the waters of this waterfall break is covered by a dense forest. Due to the water droplets that fall around the ivory, on sunny days it is almost always accompanied by a rainbow at the bottom of the sled. Its environment is one of the rare phenomena of the Albanian Alps and therefore is an important tourist point.

Blue Eye of Theth - The Blue Eye is the most frequented natural attraction in Theth. This amazing attraction is placed in the village of Kaprre, approximately 7 km away from the center of Thethi village. The Blue Eye of Kaprre, part of Thethi National Park, is a well (Black Well) with a surface of about 100 m² and about 4-5 m deep, which is formed by the Black River flow that descends from the upper Kaprrea. Located between rocky and green slopes, with its depth this well takes on the colors of blue and emerald depending on the season, forming a fascinating landscape for all visitors. The Black River source in Maja e Zeze and is fed mainly by melting snow and in Nderlysa it joins Shala River to flow into the Drin river/ Komani Lake.

Boge - Bogë (definite Albanian form: Boga) is a village in the former Shkrel municipality, northern Albania. At the 2015 local government reform it became part of the municipality Malësi e Madhe. It was a historical bajrak of Kelmendi tribe in the north headwaters of Prroni i thate, bounded to the north by Shala; south by Ducaj. The village was attached to Shkrel despite originally being part of Kelmendi. The village consisted of 75 families in 1908 according to Edith Durham, all of which were Catholics. The village is divided in two sections, consisting of Preçaj and Kolaj neighborhoods.

Tirana - After a day full of walking, with wonderful views, it’s time to end this trip. We leave to return to the city of Tirana or Shkoder. On the way back we will make some short stops in some special places for photos.

• Local transport from Fierze to Valbone
• Ferry ticket for Komani Lake to Fierze Dam voyage
• Company-provided transport to and from Komani
• Bed and Breakfast for all overnights
• Breakfast included
• All fees and taxes covered
• Guidance from a professional tour guide
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off service
• Company-provided transport from Thethi back to the hotel

• Dinner
• Lunch
• Snacks
• Everything that is not mentioned in the included
• Personal spending

On this excursion, we are set to traverse through some of the exceptional parts of northern Albania. From Tirana leading up to Koman, we’re treated with sights of several hamlets, rivers, and the castle of Shkodra. The path to Koman gifts us with stunning views of the man-made Vau Dejes lake and fish farming activities. There’s also the commune’s hydropower plant, a relic from the communist era, still serving as a primary electricity source. A ferry adventure on Lake Koman offers an unparalleled visual treat with mountains, hamlets boasting old-fashioned architecture. The route from Fierza to Valbone, following the river and cutting through the Valbone valley, comes with incredible vistas. Lodging is at conventional guesthouses where we get to relish distinctive organic food native to the Balkans. Our passage through woods and views of rivers, gorges, and waterfalls enhance our travel experience. Sightseeing includes age-old residences, a church, the imprisoning tower, the waterfall - a testament to nature’s wonder commonly found in the Alps.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.