About halfway to the Valbona Pass, youll run into a little cafe where you can buy drinks and refill your water bottles. But trust me, youll want to stay in Theth for at least one night. It allows me to keep providing free travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'thepartyingtraveler_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_9',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepartyingtraveler_com-medrectangle-3-0'); I hiked from Valbone (or Valbona) to Theth. the road from Shkoder to Theth is newly paved as of last year. Thanks for the really detailed overview of the hike. By proceeding, you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our. Peaks of the Balkans also has a list of local mountain guides some of them local to the area on their website. It cost 16 euros for all of that. How Easy Is It To Get Cocaine in Colombia? Our accommodation, for example, was a full 9km from the start of the trail thats almost the same distance as the hike itself! Bucket list stuff. The ferry takes about three hours but it is one of the most stunning boat rides youll ever go on. Trust me, Im as stubborn as it gets for doing everything on my own to save a little money. If you can, its preferable to leave your car in Shkoder and do the ferry instead thats one of the highlights! Hey Kim! Theth (or Thethi in Albanian) is possibly the most beautiful place in Albania. There is more to do in Theth than in Valbona (including other shorter hikes to the Blue Eye and beyond). Thanks for reading Im so happy this could be of value for you! My recommendation is to seal your important documents in a waterproof bag and keep them at the bottom of your day pack. Best Selection - Best Price - Trusted Payments. Push through for the final few kilometers and youll be rewarded with the wonderful views from the village of Theth. Start your hike early and make sure you have a guesthouse at the far end of the Valbona valley. The water is meltwater and safe to drink. Your email address will not be published. Are they the eastern style trough in the floor types? The glorious meadow even sounds like a good goal for me. I confirm the new paved road to Theth is completed and works like a charm! I dont think its possible to sleep somewhere along the way, unless some purpose-built accommodations have popped up since I was there. From there, its another one hour drive by minivan to Valbona. This active multi-day tour of Valbona and Theth in the heart of the Albanian Alps takes you to Lake Koman, Valbona Valley, and the quaint village of Theth. Where to stay in Shkoder Accommodation IN Shkoder The Wanderers Hostel - Shkoder I do have one question though. The beds were comfy and they had hot showers, and best of all, a puppy! Starting in Theth and hiking to Valbona is the more popular route. For the latest travel status, we recommend checking the official page for Albania. 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. No. 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). Great questions. This means skipping the first part of the hike through the open riverbed (some of the toughest terrain, incidentally) but it also saves you having to walk along the highway and it shaves off 2 to 4 hours of extra slog. A refillable water bottle, a light jacket and sun protection gear are all essential. I just had a look at Lake Shala beautiful! 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. What is the Valbona Theth trek actually like on the ground? You should absolutely spend a couple of nights in Shkoder if you can. 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. Besides that, Theth is all nature. Kakavije (Grecce) Gjirokaster Fier Tirane Shkoder Theth. Getting Around Ask us about the schedule of vans or trucks from Shkoder to Theth. Thanks for this great guide ! 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. 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. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. If you get lucky there might be shared vehicles leaving but I wouldn't count on it. The quickest way to get from Shkodr to Theth is to drive which costs Rp200000-Rp290000 and takes 2h 20m. How much would that typically be and how long does it take? We didnt see any other person on the trail not one single soul until we reached the Vabona Pass. Transport from Theth to Shkoder: 10 EUR (1200 LEK) for a minivan. We were lucky we had that packed lunch, otherwise we would have gone hungry. (Its also possible to book a transfer from Tirana bus station for 1400 lek.). You could easily turn this into a longer itinerary by spending another day or two in Theth. Enjoy planning your trip to Albania! Planning to do the trek in June 2020, after discovering last year it was closed in April. The entire area is otherworldly, and this amazing adventure belongs at the top of your Albania bucket list. The showers were hot, the beds were cozy, and for 25 euros a night, it cannot be beat. Your email address will not be published. There are two ways to do this trek: By walking from Valbona to Theth (like we did) or by doing the route in reverse. Good luck, let me know how you get on! This put us way ahead of the pack (and ahead of the weather). Hi Emily, The stunning Valbone to Theth hike only left me wanting more, but I have no doubt that Ill be back in this region someday. Yes, the driving distance between Shkodr to Theth is 73 km. Many thanks for all the detailed information, really useful to us as were planning our trip to Albania! Thank you for useful info! Thank you, I visited in October when there was some rain and the road in places was mud. Thanks for all these info. The journey can take form 6 8 hours depending on your fitness levels and how long you stop at the top on the way. (Note that WIFI is standard in guesthouses in both villages.). This is why I recommend leaving your car in Shkoder and making use of the public transport connections to get to and from the mountains. The hike itself isnt too challenging. My husband might make it to the peak and I may not .. but we will both return. 3. You can do the hike in sneakers, but it is a lot more difficult than having boots with good traction. And of course, a backpack that wont rip open. 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 . You will need to book the night before as a furgon will pick you up from your hotel or hostel. The uphill parts are gruelling for sure, but they only come in short bursts, and you do get some relief with the downhill portions. There are 93+ hotels available in Theth. Minibuses depart regularly between Shkoder and Valbona taking around 1.5 hours and costing approx 1,200 lek (10). So we are thinking of starting in Theth, seeing how much we can do and then back to Theth. The Complete Travel Guide to Chacahua, Oaxaca | Mexico, The Best Party Destinations In Mexico | The Partying Traveler, The Complete Guide to Visiting Xochimilco | Mexico City, The Best Travel Destinations to Visit in Morocco | 2023, The Backpackers Travel Guide to Essaouira, Morocco | 2023, The Backpackers Travel Guide to Marrakech | Morocco, The Ultimate Backpackers Guide to Traveling in Georgia, The Backpackers Travel Guide to Barcelona, Spain | 2023, The Ultimate Guide to Nightlife in Prague | 2022, The Backpacker's Guide to Puerto Escondido, Mexico. Finally, its easier to organise transport back to Shkoder from Theth on the fly. No absolutely not, I wore trainers (and so did all my companions) and we had no issues at all. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. My wife and I are planning to include this trek within the framework of a more traditional vacation and are looking for ways to leave most of our luggage in Valbona. When we arrived in Valbona, we were under the impression that we could wake up the next morning and just start walking from our guesthouse. Most people recommend having a medium level of fitness to do the hike. Lake Komani. Wonderful run-down of this trek. Either way, your accommodation supplier will be able to organise it for you. They had Wi-Fi, although I never connected to it so I dont actually know if it was good or not. Chances are you will share your seat with some homemade bread the true Balkan way! If this post helped you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going bybuying me a beer! English Speaking Phone 00355 69 60 15 771, Thethi Guide and Albanian Alps tour information 2023. 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. It looks like a beautiful part of the world so Id hate to miss out on seeing it. Theres a market and a restaurant about 10 minutes away in the direction of the end of the trail. Just a question regarding the gear. Hope you enjoyed the hike! Times are above. Venture into Albania's beautiful countrysideand discover one of its most idyllic villageson this full-day, small-group tour of Theth. In summer especially, its a good idea to book your transfers at least a few weeks in advance. Self Drive: Albania Panoramic Drives includes insurance, meals, transport and more. This speaks for itself. Robert. If there is heavy rainfall, it might not be possible to do the trek. Domestic travel is restricted within Albania due to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Otherwise yes, its still worth doing Valbona for the ferry! Thanks for your lovely blog and posting. The downward sections are very slippery due to small rocks. Did you talk with anyone who had done the same? 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? Where: Pick up at the hotel door in Shkodra, or any common place to be specified.Time-table: every morning at 07.00 a.m. from Shkodra, once a day; every afternoon at 11.00 a.m. from Thethi, once a day.Trip duration: around 2 hours one wayMinibus Ticket Price: 10 Eur/ Person one wayPick-up: is offered from the hotel door in Shkodra, at around 07.00 a.m. Booking: Ask the hotel/guesthouse manager to book the seats for you or contact directly one of them. Thankfully, it didnt pose any problem for us. Thanks for sharing! You suggest booking a few weeks ahead for the ferry and being able to pay by credit card but then say to arrange via accommodation in Shkoder. Beautiful Theth. I do think it would be a wonderful experience with a guide, too. I recommend avoiding peak season (July/August) if you can, and opting for June or September shoulder season instead. Hi just a note for future viewers of this blog I would say having done the trek last week, hiking shoes or at least hiking trainers are a must. The first hour is tarmac and the remaining hours is a gravel road. This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link. Hi Georgia! Im not planning to stay in Shkoder for a few weeks !! 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). Personally, because of the remote location and risk of falling (especially in the loose rock sections), I would not feel comfortable trekking alone. 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 . Only to realize about 10 minutes later that my backpack had ripped open and I was missing my camera, AirPods, clothes, and other things. Eventually, the incline begins. 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. I had a lot to say about this trek. Learn more. Usually the driver will make a couple of pit stops for photos. 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. Day 1: Tirana - Koman Lake - ValbonaLeave . Thanks! Deals of The Week . We did the trek in the second week of June. Getting back to Shkoder from Theth is easy by comparison (van only). Hi! Prices start at Rp1372500 per night. They helped sort everything else out for us. Reserve. We had limited reception in Valbona and Theth, and were mostly without a signal during the hike. There were plenty of hiking trails that you could connect to straight from the guesthouse. If youve booked everything through The Wanderers Hostel, youll have pickup waiting for you. For the most part, the terrain on the trek is rough but manageable. 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. Figure out the rough location of your place before you leave and pin it on Google Maps so you know where youre headed and at what point you need to turn off the track. Heres why: Valbona is a mountain town 200km north-east of Shkoder. The path is relatively easy to follow. Its a stunning panorama where you get vistas of the entire Valbona Valley and Theth Valley. 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. Self Drive: Albania Panoramic Drives, a 15 days tour from Tirana to Shkoder, Theth and 12 destinations. I recommend leaving your luggage in Shkoder as you have to pass through there to get the ferry anyway. Me and my girlfriend also want to do a trip to Albania and visit Theth. Would you consider it dangerous to attempt with high chances of a storm? As for trekking solo another option, although its less reliable of course, is to team up with some other hikers once you arrive. You can even buy beer here, but being ~ the partying traveler ~ that I am, I brought my own beer up the mountain. Thanks! I hightailed my way away from the coast. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. If youre not a huge hiker, it is possible to still enjoy Theth. The path turns into dirt, and is flat for long stretches. a) Bus station near by the Train station of Tirana. Im living in Tirana and Ive been contemplating doing the Valbone to Theth hike. - every morning at 07.00 a.m. from Shkodra, once a day; - every afternoon at 11.00 a.m. from Thethi, once a day. Getting Around Albania. There are several fresh water sources on the route where you can replenish your refillable water bottle. Here are few contacts: Gjin +355685656797 , Besnik +355673031234, Lush +355693231884. Expect rugged mountains and beautiful views, especially as you approach Valbona Peak. However, I do recommend that you stay a couple of nights in Theth as there are some great things to do in the area. Qafe Thane (Macedonia) Elbasan Tirane Shkoder Theth. About this activity Free cancellation Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund Reserve now & pay later There are a few cafes on the way where you can buy a drink and freshen up along the way. This is fabulous! Appreciate it! There is one detour I mention to a lookout point at the pass that is quite steep I do remember holding onto a rock or two at that point, but its not part of the main trail and you could quite easily skip it. I did the trek in thin socks and a pair of beat-up Nikes that have holes in the toes. Most guesthouses and cafes only accept cash but will take either Euros or Albanian lek. Excellent post with some really nice photos. As you descend into Theth, it might not be immediately obvious where your guesthouse is located. 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 The first thing you need to consider when planning the Valbona Theth trek is what time of year to go. If you prefer to take a guide, Journey to Valbona is a reputable provider. A local guide could probably show you some lesser-known spots and narrate the journey. 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). Qafe Prush (Kosovo) Tropoje Koman (traveling by ferry through the lake of Koman) Shkoder Theth. Find all the transport options for your trip from Shkodr to Theth right here. It sounds like you have a real adventure planned, Im sure you both will love it. Getting to Valbona from Shkoder takes more time and involves more transfers (van-ferry-van). Youll get off the ferry at Fierze. Its difficult to say I would recommend asking someone local in Theth or Valbona so they can give you advice, perhaps your guesthouse house or the staff at the national park service (the Theth office was particularly good when we visited). Hi Emily These cookies do not store any personal information. Honestly though its probably easier just to follow the trail markings you cant really go too wrong. There is also the option to hire a mule to take it over to the other side for you. Very experienced hikers might be able to manage it in as little as 4-5 hours. Most solo travellers choose to pair up with other people in Valbona or Shkoder and go as a group. Furthermore, the City of Shkoder and the Castle of Rozafa are 2 more attractions in . Find a guesthouse in Shkoder that will mind your big luggage if you book another night with them on the way back through. 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. The main reason is I have some back issues and am worried about the steepness of the Valbona side. Again, many people were dressed in proper hiking gear when something comfortable and cool would have done the job just as well. 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. 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. Are you going to trek from Valbona to Theth or try the reverse route? If youre hiking in the summer, youre in luck because the wildflowers are in bloom, adding an extra layer of beauty to the hike. The Wi-Fi here worked great. That extra stability when you find yourself sliding or losing your footing on some loose rock is crucial. 5. $198.77. It is possible to go with a private guide or as part of an organised tour, but its not necessary. Unfortunately, there isnt a lot of places to pull over and take pictures but its a beautiful drive even if you cannot stop. Airport to Shkoder transport from . If you start the trek in Valbona, you can skip the first part of the trail, a gravel path thats very exposed and rough. I love all your helpful links and tips. A man popped out of his house right on queue and showed us the way back to the trail. And do one-way trek to other side. Thank you for all the information you have provided. Make sure to bring enough sunscreen to keep you protected, as well as a hat for extra shade. Come prepared and dont count on the cafes being open. There are some shorter hiking routes around Valbona that you could do too. Its up to you of course but I think you should go for it! Always check the weather forecast a few days out and double-check weather conditions locally when you arrive before you set off. I was wondering how is the weather during the hike, in the mountains? I wore a long-sleeved skivvy, comfy exercise shorts and a light scarf. There was a lot we had to figure out for ourselves. Hi Anita, Copyright 2015-2023 Emily Margaret Naughton Lush. Thank you Rosie! Shkoder Koplik Dedaj Shkreli Boge Field Okolit Qafe tThore Valley of Shale -Theth. The Valbona cafe was closed in June, and the Theth cafe only had limited food offerings. I havent heard of anyone doing that before, but I think its a great idea. A good place to camp is near the cafe above Theth. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. This post may contain affiliate links. If so, are they western style seated types? Kapshtice (Grecce) Korce Elbasan Tirane Shkoder Theth. 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. If you do go down this route, remember to notify someone on either end of your plans. Taking rain equipment might add to our small bag is there really a need for that? The views here were nothing short of breathtaking. Depending on where you start and where you end, the hike can range anywhere from around 12-20 kilometers. The views here are absolutely gorgeous. The night before we left Valbona, our hosts gave us the option of skipping breakfast and taking a packed lunch instead. Hi Wan, yes the road is complete as of a couple of weeks ago. 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. They also booked our place for us in Theth, and called the owner so he would meet us at the end of the hike and take us directly to our cabin. This is definitely up there with the best hikes in the Balkans, Im sure youll love it. 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! Again, I had no idea what this was going to be like before we arrived. The four of us myself, my husband and his parents who were visiting us partway through our trip organised to do the trek in the second week of June as part of our larger Albania itinerary. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. My fitness level is absolute zero and I still did OK. Enjoy included accommodation, meals, and all transportation, including ferry tickets. 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! The motorways are primary roads with a speed limit of 110 kilometres per hour (68 mph). Everyone you speak to seems to have a different opinion about which direction is best. After pickup from your accommodation in Tirana or Shkoder, travel via Jeep out of the city. Once youve wrapped up your time in Theth, you can catch a bus back to Shkoder. Skanderbeg Square. I recommend doing the reverse and trekking from Valbona to Theth. Youre staying with families who have lived in the area their entire lives. Valbona to Theth is a thru hike once youre over the pass, theres no road to take you back. The trek surpassed all my expectations and will go down as one of my top travel experiences in Albania. My favourite resources and tools for planning a trip to Albania. I definitely met people who were doing the hike both ways but the most popular option is to get a shuttle from Shkoder to Theth, then do the hike to Valbona and take the ferry + shuttle back to Shkoder, or the other way around! What is the toilet situation along the trail? At 7 AM the next morning, take a bus from Shkoder to Theth (3 hours, 10 euros). Thank you so much for this detailed post! Recommended option Drive Drive from Shkodr to Theth 2h 20m $13 - $19 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Albania Well, he wasnt really a puppy anymore, but his name was Puppy (although they pronounced it like Poopy).
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