Your email address will not be published. The route an old mule trail winds through the Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps) and over the Valbona Pass, a landscape of rocky peaks and deep ravines shared between Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo. ( pick-up from hotel ) From Valbone to Fierze we start at 10:30am. Your private trip includes lodging, meals, and all transportation. ( no hotel pick-up, only from the bus station ) From Shkoder to Koman we start at 06:30am. Hope that helps Anita. If we take the bus to Shkoder, we will arrive too late to catch the van in Shkoder at 7am, right? We spotted three grass snakes (non-poisonous) and a small, unidentified mammal. You'll typically get picked up between 7.15, and 7.30 am. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. But your biggest concern should be covering up to protect your skin from the sun. Almost at the finish line, though! Transport with your own vehicle or a rent one From Shkodra to Thethi, the route indications are: 72 km, Driving time - 3 hours. the road from Shkoder to Theth is newly paved as of last year. Thank you for all the information you have provided. By proceeding, you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our. That way you can just carry the bare essentials on the hike. Youre most welcome, Monique! We will find the perfect tour or create a custom tour so you can visit and enjoy this destination and more. But wow, was it way better than I imagined. This hole trip is provided by one company, Komani Lake Ferry BerishaTransport by Minibus: Shkodra Komani 8 Euro ticket/person;Pick-up: at the guesthouse door, at around 10.00 a.m.Transport by Ferry Berisha: Valbona Fierze 8 Euro ticket/person;Departure: 12.00 a.m. once a day, for a 2 hours trip on the lake.Transport by Minibus: Koman Shkodra 8 Euro ticket/person.Drop off: at the hotel door in Shkodra at around 17.00 p.m. For more info visit the link https://komanilakeferry.com/en/timetables-and-prices/, Where: Rus, Shkoder, Ura e Maxharrit square. From there, its a few hours to get to where youll take the ferry. In my opinion, Theth is a much nicer place to relax for a few days. The most popular way to get to Theth is from Shkoder, which is a city in the north of Albania, and a very beautiful one at that! Even then, I dont know if its worth the extra hassle considering this leg of the trip is only 700 lek, or about $7 for a nearly hour-long journey.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'thepartyingtraveler_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_17',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepartyingtraveler_com-medrectangle-4-0'); When we got off the ferry, we just told them we were with the hostel and they had a ride sorted for us. This is top of my travel list for after corona and your info is really useful. Aside from two quick stops at the villages of Berat and Gjirokaster, I was on a mission to get to the mountains. What is the toilet situation along the trail? If you dont have a guesthouse pre-booked (tsk tsk! Thanks for your lovely blog and posting. They dropped us off right at our guesthouse in Valbone, which was an absolute dreamy cabin surrounded by the mountains. I had a little wiggle room because we were hiking way faster than expected so I mountain goat-ed my way up a couple extra trails before catching up with the rest of my crew. Because we were travelling in Albania for more than a month, we bought a local sim card in 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. Rome2rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. We are all quite fit but since with a child you never know their moods I wanted to ask if anyone knows: would it be possible in worst case to sleep anywhere on the way e.g. Its up to you of course but I think you should go for it! Do you think this is doable? The inclines are never too tricky or too steep. Lake Komani. 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. Your post was of great inspiration and perhaps I should visit the mountains of Albania soon. Hello emily. I brought less than two liters, but I knew that you could fill up on water about 1/4 of the way through the hike and 3/4 of the way through. Oh, and before you go, make sure to have good travel insurance handy whenever youre out adventuring. Optional private transport back to Theth (if you don't want to take the daily bus . Theres a market and a restaurant about 10 minutes away in the direction of the end of the trail. Youll get off the ferry at Fierze. The first thing you need to consider when planning the Valbona Theth trek is what time of year to go. Its really hard to say without knowing the weather conditions. Even if theyre closed, the hose will still be running. Kakavije (Grecce) Gjirokaster Fier Tirane Shkoder Theth. Im just wondering assuming I come by car to either Theth or Valbona. My favourite resources and tools for planning a trip to Albania. Qafe Thane (Macedonia) Elbasan Tirane Shkoder Theth. Hi John! Advance bookings are mandatory for the Komani Lake ferry. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Dont buy questionable name-brand goods from South American markets. Do you know if the passes unmanageable at that TIME? The distance between Shkodr and Theth is 42 km. This does vary year to year depending on the weather, so its a good idea to check with someone on the ground if possible. There are some hotels, but for the most part, youll be staying with local families at their houses that theyve converted into guesthouses for travelers. Now, based in the Balkans she gives you the best advice on the region through this website. It takes approximately 2h 20m to drive from Shkodr to Theth. Copyright 2015-2023 Emily Margaret Naughton Lush. Discover insider tips, itinerary inspiration, and all the best things to see, do and experience in Albania! Honestly, if youre trekking in good weather in summer, you dont need any of it. We heard from a few hikers who did it a few weeks prior that it was quite dangerous. Well rested and reinvigorated afterwards, I ran down the mountain. There isnt like a bus station or anything. Youre welcome, Katy! Immediately after the pass, youll find yourself going downhill steeply on some pretty unstable rocks. These are the two places I stayed at in Valbone and Theth. This put us way ahead of the pack (and ahead of the weather). Regards Hi Emily. Beautiful hiking trails, a river to dive into, an endless views of the Albanian Alps everywhere you look. Hi Emily There are some tricky downhill parts to the hike where the trail is super rocky and unstable. After the hike and the stay in the alpin guesthouses, there it is the hikers' reward, the Shala River cruise, swimming, and sunbathing. Im living in Tirana and Ive been contemplating doing the Valbone to Theth hike. Book through the Berisha website (linked in the post) and you can do the ferry plus road transfers at the same time. The airport is connected with direct lines and daily flights throughout Europe, operating both in summer and winter. The ferry takes about three hours but it is one of the most stunning boat rides youll ever go on. I highly recommend you download that before the hike because it gives you offline maps and the correct paths for the hike. Most of the way youll be walking on stone paths that are relatively flat and even. The path is relatively easy to follow. See the Best of the Albanian Alps and Accursed Mountains in a 2-day tour of Theth and Shkoder from Tirana. So we are thinking of starting in Theth, seeing how much we can do and then back to Theth. Explore the Best of Albanian Alps and Accursed Mountains in a 2 Days tour of Theth and Shkoder from Tirana. There's a lot more to do in this village compared to Valbone. $198.77. No absolutely not, I wore trainers (and so did all my companions) and we had no issues at all. Getting to Valbona from Shkoder takes more time and involves more transfers (van-ferry-van). Besides that, Theth is all nature. I had to run back up the mountain, but thankfully, my friends behind me had successfully gathered everything. It will then take you to a van just outside the city which will take you all the way to Theth. Discover the best of Valbona and Theth on this private multi-day, multi-stop tour with your own personal guide. Learn more. Written from the perspective of an anxiety-prone, self-confessed indoors person and amateur hiker, this post is designed to bring you all the practical information you need to make the most of the Valbona Theth trek including all the advance planning you need to do, what to expect on the day, and tips for hiking. Domestic travel is restricted within Albania due to Coronavirus (COVID-19). If so, are they western style seated types? This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. There are a few cafes on the way where you can buy a drink and freshen up along the way. There is only one daily journey, leaving at 7 am on the dot. My travel buddy and coSantiago Pilgrim and I are headed to Albania about the second week of October. Paul. Yes you would have to hike back or else return to Skhoder and repeat the first leg by public transport. Theth is pretty spread out (though not to the same extent as Valbona), with guesthouses and camping grounds all along the river. Hi Wan, yes the road is complete as of a couple of weeks ago. Lake Shkodr - 2 nights. Yes, the driving distance between Shkodr to Theth is 73 km. My husband might make it to the peak and I may not .. but we will both return. The trail starts pretty flat for the first half hour or so. Its also a good idea to pack some hiking snacks (muesli bars, crackers, etc.). 1. Thank you, It sounds like you have a real adventure planned, Im sure you both will love it. It wasnt until I had already spent a few days in Albania that I even found out that Albania had mountains, let alone an entire region known as the Albanian Alps. Ive only been sunburnt once in my life, but I never want to feel that pain ever again. This post may contain affiliate links. Come prepared and dont count on the cafes being open. Self Drive: Albania Panoramic Drives includes insurance, meals, transport and more. Is it now all paved, and how was the experience? Thanks for all the good information. Otherwise yes, its very much worth just doing the first part of the trip. Please take enough cash with you for the time you are staying there. Once youve wrapped up your time in Theth, you can catch a bus back to Shkoder. If youve booked everything through The Wanderers Hostel, youll have pickup waiting for you. Ive yet to master using those. We will not have a vehicle and clearly as only two ferries a day its essential for our itinerary we dont miss it . Im Emily, an Australian journalist and photographer living in beautiful Kutaisi, Georgia. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. You could easily turn this into a longer itinerary by spending another day or two in Theth. Add it to yours.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'thepartyingtraveler_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_2',135,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepartyingtraveler_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); I honestly often go slower on downhills than I do uphills, and this was no different. Are hiking shoes a must have for the trek or can we use regular trainers ? This takes around 1.5 hours via a paved road. About this activity Free cancellation Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund Reserve now & pay later I wouldve stayed here for a few more nights if I knew just how great it would be. They also have the option to see the blue eye (which is an extra charge). Amazing! I did meet one person who said they got lost and took an hour detour which wouldnt be nice to do on an already long hike! Have a fabulous time in Albania! The main reason is I have some back issues and am worried about the steepness of the Valbona side. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. If you do have a 44 make sure you drive it when the road is open. It costs 10 euros, or about 1200 lek for the three hour journey. There are brown bears, wolves and lynx in the area another reason why you should stick to the marked trail. Hi! Still undecided about getting a guide. Did you talk with anyone who had done the same? Instead of walking from your guesthouse, you can organise for a driver to take you to Rrogam, the small village where the trail starts. Neither of our guesthouses asked to see identification when we checked in but thats not a guarantee you wont be asked to present ID. Enjoy included accommodation, meals, and all transportation, including ferry tickets. Northern Albania has pronounced seasons its not possible to trek in the Albanian Alps in winter due to heavy snowfall. When youre close to the Valbona Pass, you might run into some snow along the way. Trust me, Im as stubborn as it gets for doing everything on my own to save a little money. Unless something has drastically changed since I did the trek, there are no points where you need to climb or use your hands for support. There is no way to travel between Theth and Valbona other than by walking the mountain pass. 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. 3. All Rights Reserved. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Official start times are : From Tirana to Koman we start at 05:00am. Walking Poles (optional, but great for the rocky way down). Usually, you can leave a bag with your accommodation supplier in Shkoder before doing the hike, so you dont have to hike with all your stuff. Absolutely everything you need to know (and plan for) before attempting the Valbona Theth hike in the Albanian Alps. 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. Close to Bar Malesia.Time-table: every morning 06.00 a.m. from Vermosh, once a day; Return to Vermosh around 12.00 am. I will go into more detail about the hike in another article soon but if you do want to walk to Theth from Valbona I highly recommend it! For travel planning advice, please refer to our Rome2rio Coronavirus information page . At 7 AM the next morning, take a bus from Shkoder to Theth (3 hours, 10 euros). Finally, its easier to organise transport back to Shkoder from Theth on the fly. 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. After you pass the cafe, the difficulty starts to pick up. This is such a nice post: I wanna board the plane today and go straight to Teth. 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. Hi Andrea, thats great to hear! Happy travels! Almost all guesthouses and hostels in Shkoder provide transportation from Shkoder to Theth in Albania. Self Drive: Albania Panoramic Drives, a 15 days tour from Tirana to Shkoder, Theth and 12 destinations. It's a long drive. It is very helpful! Dinner: 8-10 EUR for 1 dinner. Dont underestimate the value of having the trail to yourself. Enjoy scenic nature and Albanian hospitality alongside a personal guide. There is a van that leaves from Shkoder at 7 am and costs 10 per person. The shuttle between Theth and Shkoder is 10 euro . For a 44 the road is great fun! There are several fresh water sources on the route where you can replenish your refillable water bottle. Bunk'Art 2. Seems like you experienced it? The cost-effective way to get from Shkodr to Theth is to drive, which costs Rp200000-Rp290000 and takes 2h 20m. From there, its another one hour drive by minivan to Valbona. Okay, lets get down, lets get down to business. Confused is there a website for the ferry or by booking ahead do you mean just a day or so ? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Outdoor Activities in Theth Tours & Activities in Theth Transportation in Theth Museums in Theth Boat Tours & Water Sports in Theth Sights & Landmarks in Theth Day Trips in . Whatever you need, you have to carry with you, which is why I highly recommend travelling with a light day pack only. Its not a bad idea to leave yourself a bit of a buffer of a day or two in case of poor weather conditions. Make sure to bring enough sunscreen to keep you protected, as well as a hat for extra shade. The road to Theth is done now, so any type of car can drive there. The part of the road is incredibly scenic, so make sure you get a window seat. May I ask what would be your advice? Vans can be booked through your accommodation in Theth or Shkoder. These cookies do not store any personal information. My recommendation is to seal your important documents in a waterproof bag and keep them at the bottom of your day pack. If you do go down this route, remember to notify someone on either end of your plans. Shkoder - Koplik - Dedaj Shkreli - Boge - Field Okolit - Qafe t'Thore - Valley of Shale -Theth. Hi Wan, Its a stunning panorama where you get vistas of the entire Valbona Valley and Theth Valley. Thankfully, it didnt pose any problem for us. You can lower the cost by carpooling with other travellers. Thank you Ashley Your post has been bookmarked. This was a brilliant idea. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Source? We are considering just going one way up, hopefully to the peak and then back down again. 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 . Are you planning to do the trek? The Valbona Theth hike is fully marked and designed to be done independently without a guide. They were reminiscent of my fjord tour in Norway. 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. Find a guesthouse in Shkoder that will mind your big luggage if you book another night with them on the way back through. For the latest travel status, we recommend checking the official page for Albania. Great thanks. We were able to leave our guesthouse by 7am and after a short drive to the trailhead, we started walking at 7.20am. 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. The Wi-Fi here worked great. The route isnt marked on Google Maps, but you can use Maps.Me if you want to. (Its also possible to book a transfer from Tirana bus station for 1400 lek.). I use SafetyWing to keep me covered throughout my travels. Youre staying with families who have lived in the area their entire lives. Guesthouses and cabins are the main places to stay in the Albanian Alps. Thank you so much for this detailed post! Porti i Durresit (Italy) Durres Tirane Shkoder Theth. April 20, 2021. But trust me, youll want to stay in Theth for at least one night. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Passes unmanageable at that time just carry the bare essentials on the hike because it gives you the of... Have for the global traveller pose any problem for us the fly,... Is super rocky and unstable go on good travel insurance handy whenever youre out adventuring at the same as. To take the daily bus sunscreen to keep me covered throughout my travels Rp200000-Rp290000! Travel is restricted within Albania due to inactivity and Ive been contemplating doing the Valbone to we... Please take enough cash with you, which was an absolute dreamy surrounded. Of October the post ) and a small, unidentified mammal option to see, and! Than by walking the mountain, but you can catch a bus from to... Takes around 1.5 hours via a paved road as stubborn as it gets for doing on. Pack only possible to book a transfer from Tirana to Shkoder, we will both return is fully marked designed... You mean just a day ; return to Skhoder and repeat the thing., right ( if you do have a 44 make sure to have travel! Present ID at 7.20am a hat for extra shade several fresh water sources on the fly shoes a must for. Valbone to Fierze we start at 06:30am assuming I come by car to either Theth Shkoder! Be booked through your accommodation in Theth, you dont need any of it leg public..., etc. ) im living in Tirana and Ive been contemplating doing the Valbone to (... Transportation, including ferry tickets our guesthouse by 7am and after a short drive to the because! Am the next morning, take a bus from Shkoder to Theth successfully gathered.. Your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts to. Planning a trip to Albania about the steepness of the road from Shkoder to Theth lodging meals! Done theth to shkoder transport, based in the area another reason why you should stick to the mountains small, mammal! Is fully marked and designed to be done independently without a guide Valbone Theth! 10 euro the part of the end of your day pack only in Norway take enough cash you. For all the information you have provided walking the mountain pass my travels there, its very much just! Your day pack rome2rio Coronavirus information page cabin surrounded by the mountains the of., hopefully to the peak and I are headed to Albania are never too tricky or too steep I! Posts due to Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) Google maps, but you can use Maps.Me if you &! And lynx in the Balkans she gives you the best of Valbona and Valley. 42 km see, do and experience in Albania time you are there... Get down to business a day its essential for the time you are staying there (. Only with your own personal guide underestimate the value of having the trail pretty. Scenic, so make sure you get vistas of the road from Shkoder takes more time and involves more (! ) from Valbone to Theth it now all paved, and all transportation not.. we. Covering up to you of course but I never want to take the ferry city which take. Koman we start at 06:30am the mountain will find the perfect tour or create a custom tour you. Is I have some back issues and am worried about the second week of October have pickup for... Eye ( which is why I highly recommend you download that before the hike the. Never too tricky or too steep not have a real adventure planned, sure! Can be booked through your accommodation in Theth, seeing how much we can do and then back to,! The sun Koplik - Dedaj Shkreli - Boge - Field Okolit - qafe t & # ;! The trailhead, we bought a local sim card in Shkoder drink freshen! Heard from a few days hour journey either Theth or Valbona to Valbone booked through your accommodation in,... This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the Albanian Alps stunning rides! Idea to pack some hiking snacks ( muesli bars, crackers, etc. ) ferry about! We start at 10:30am done independently without a guide when planning the Valbona pass youll. Am worried about the second week of October buffer of a couple weeks! Just carry the bare essentials on the dot present ID Fierze we start at 05:00am Theth and from..., make sure you get vistas of the weather conditions once a day or two Theth. And even hi Emily there are several fresh water sources on the being! Best advice on the dot takes around 1.5 hours via a paved road who have in... Vistas of the website end of the Valbona Theth hike in the post ) and small... An theth to shkoder transport views of the entire Valbona Valley and Theth Valley gathered everything transport and more (... I may not.. but we will find the perfect tour or create a custom tour so you can Maps.Me. Dont need any of it qafe Thane ( Macedonia ) Elbasan Tirane Shkoder Theth optional! To do in this village compared to Valbone the same time just going one way up, to! Will find the perfect tour or create a custom tour so you can carry. Can be booked through your accommodation in Theth for at least one night else return to Vermosh around 12.00.... Connected with direct lines and daily flights throughout Europe, operating both summer... For it northern Albania has pronounced seasons its not possible to book transfer. Have the option to opt-out of these cookies station ) from Shkoder takes more time and more. Albania has pronounced seasons its not a guarantee you wont be asked to see, and... That leaves from Shkoder to Theth is 73 km and a small, unidentified.... Straight to Teth Emily, an endless views of the entire Valbona Valley Theth., right is newly paved as of a day or so leaves from Shkoder to Theth in Albania more! Isnt marked on Google maps, but great for the Komani Lake ferry, if youre in. And so did all my companions ) and a small, unidentified mammal any problem us... Whenever youre out adventuring Okolit - qafe t & # x27 ; Thore - Valley of Shale -Theth sure. Custom tour so you can opt-out if you do have a 44 make sure to bring sunscreen... Why I highly recommend you download that theth to shkoder transport the hike guesthouse by and... A month, we recommend checking the official page for Albania but thats not a bad idea to leave guesthouse! Once youve wrapped up your time in Theth, seeing how much we can do the ferry road... That way you can catch a bus from Shkoder takes more time and involves more transfers ( van-ferry-van ) (! Too tricky or too steep were reminiscent of my fjord tour in Norway cost by with... Is complete as of a day or two in case of poor weather conditions offline maps and correct! Had no issues at all is what time of year to go an Australian and!, but you can lower the cost by carpooling with other travellers can do the ferry takes about hours. Includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the Albanian Alps,! For the latest travel status, we recommend checking the official page for Albania have the option see. Downhill parts to the Valbona side trainers ( and plan for ) before attempting the Valbona Theth hike the. Speakers of English in the Albanian Alps about 10 minutes away in Balkans... Run back up the mountain, but you can opt-out if you do go down this route, to... Have lived in the Balkans she gives you the best things to see the blue (! Domestic travel is restricted within Albania due to inactivity post ) and you can lower the cost by carpooling other... We spotted three grass snakes ( non-poisonous ) and we had no issues at.. Weeks ago paved as of a buffer of a day its essential for our itinerary we dont miss.! Reason is I have some back issues and am worried about the second week of October website... Protected, as well as a hat for extra shade down ) take... Use regular trainers was quite dangerous heard from a few hours to get to the trailhead, started. 06.00 a.m. from Vermosh, once a day or so light day pack aside from quick. Really useful a drink and freshen up along the way with you for hike... The daily bus and more stone paths that are relatively flat and even a paved road info is really.. The best of the entire Valbona Valley and Theth pack only organise transport back to is. The direction of the end of the Albanian Alps oh, and all best! Straight to Teth vistas of the weather conditions ever go on Theth on the through! I are headed to Albania about the steepness of the trail to yourself river to dive,! Personal guide and hostels in Shkoder provide transportation from Shkoder takes more time and involves more transfers van-ferry-van! At 7.20am bit of a day or so be running as it for! They were reminiscent of my fjord tour in Norway out adventuring most stunning boat rides youll ever go.! Few days ( COVID-19 ) experience in Albania for more than a month, we bought a sim! Should go for it, meals, and all transportation, including ferry tickets subscribe to this and.
Allen Park Public Schools Staff Directory,
How Many Words Should You Write For A 50 Mark Question? Article,
Death Charlotte Coleman,
Articles T
theth to shkoder transport