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8
Daily Tour
8 people
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| Number of Persons | Price / Person |
|---|---|
| Group 8+ | 744€ |
| Group 2-7 pax | 930 € |
| Solo Traveler | 1767 € |
Important information:
* All participants are responsible for having their own health/travel insurance.
* Single Supplement: To guarantee tour departure even for one participant we require a single supplement of 419 Euros. If other participants join this tour, you will be refunded 50% of the single supplement amount and your room occupancy will be still private. We organize small groups up to 8 pax. Please contact us if you are a larger group of participants for a quotation.
* This tour requires some hiking experience and good physical condition.
* The accommodation is based in traditional and simple homestay/guesthouse/lodge- style or shepherd’s hut with basic bathroom amenities. Each room typically accommodates two to five travelers, and it might be necessary for male and female groups to share a room, unless you book a private room. Private rooms are possible on 40 Euros extra charge per night per room based on availability.
* Each accommodation offers a selection of limited food options available to pack before embarking on the next hike. These options include bread, cheese, yogurt, meat, vegetables, and honey. For each meal you can pay in cash at the guest house directly (please make sure to have cash with you as the credit/debit card payments are not possible in the Alps). One meal cost about 12 -15 euros.
* Suitable age 12+.
* The company reserves the right to run this tour under the same conditions with the inverse itinerary.
* Mule or horse caravan, to carry heavy luggage, is available on request with an extra charge of 100 Euros per horse/mule. A horse can carry between 30 – 35 kg.
* Choose Balkans reserves the rights to add other participants in and during the tour program. If you are interested in a private tour, please contact us for a quotation.
* Tour’s schedule or itinerary may be affected/adopted due to; weather, Acts of God, labour strikes, bank holidays, site temporary closure/renovation or other external forces outside the Company’s control.
* On request this tour may also depart from other cities of Albania or neighbouring countries such as Kosovo, Montenegro or N. Macedonia. Please contact us for more information on the extra costs.
* Please note that Choose Balkans needs to receive the net (full) quoted amount. Transaction and payment fees are on the sender (you in this case). We will notify you with a print screen of the amount received at our account as soon as we receive your down payment.
* Please note that Credit/Debit card payments are possible at our office in Tirana and apply a 5% bank commission.
* If you confirm to book this tour or any other service offered by Choose Balkans, via Choose Balkans official channels; email/facebook/whatsapp/phonecall or any other form of communication it means that you have read and agreed to the terms &conditions. https://choosebalkans.com/terms-conditions-tours/
Your journey towards the Albanian Alps begins at 06:00 am in the morning. As you drive along the way towards Northern Albania, you will be amazed by beautiful landscapes; wild fields, rivers, Shkodra Lake and rugged untouched mountains. From Shkoder you will experience local transport riding at around 7:30 am. As you take the turn from the main road to Theth the area becomes more rural, with fewer cars but more wild nature and amazing landscapes. Due to its favourable position this area is famous for cultivating medicinal herbs, and if you are lucky to travel in May – June you would be amazed by the pretty and aromatic fields of lavender, making you feel like you are in Provence (France). On the way to the top, you will pass through a steep sneaky hillside reaching up to 1700 meters above sea level at Qafa e Thores. They say this is the spot with the best picture – perfect view of the Albanian Alps.
You will have a short break for refreshment and start your hiking journey towards the Blue Eye at around mid-day. Blue Eye was formed by the erosion of the water from the melting snow of the Albanian Alps. The hike is about 3 hours one way, with a hiking distance of 6.2 km both ways and about 700 m of elevation. This trail is considered easy to moderate, requiring some experience in hiking. You will not be able to take your eyes off this stunning scene of nature with its bright blue and green colours, it’s like being inside a postcard. Also, fun fact, the temperature of the Blue Eye is just around 5 degrees Celsius. Would you dare to dive in the blue but very cold water? You will go back to the village center and visit the Old Church and the “Lock in” Tower (symbol of Theth). The stories behind these buildings take up centuries full of history. After a day full of exploration, you will go back to the village center. Overnight in a guesthouse in Theth.
Hiking details:
Hiking Distance: 18 km
Elevation Max: 800m
Technical difficulty: Moderate
Time: 8h
Trail type: one way
Trekking to Valbona from Theth will be an intense day as the walk takes about 6 to 8 hours in a remote terrain, nevertheless unquestionably worthy! The route used to be an old mule trail and goes through a landscape full of impressive mountains. At one point, you will see the Theth valley on one side and Valbona valley on the other side. The Valbona pass also offers a spectacular view of the Balkan Peaks and “Bjeshket e Nemuna” or the Accursed Mountains. “Bjeshket e Nemuna” is a national park in Gjakova and Peja in Kosovo, near the borders with Albania and Montenegro. On your way, you will walk through some beautiful landscapes and wild forests. You might even see some shepherd’s passing by with their flock. When reaching the top of the Valbona Pass, you will experience a serious shot of adrenaline. Overnight in a guesthouse in Valbona.
Hiking details:
Hike Distance: 12.16 km
Elevation Max: 1790m
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 6 -8h
Trail type: one way
Your next destination on Peaks of the Balkans tour is Cerem. On your hike, you will pass through forests and meadows. You will arrive in an area that looks like a canyon and the only place that still has snow, even during the summer. You will have the option to hike to the highest peak of Montenegro, Zla Kolata peak (2033m), which will add another 3 hours of hike. Another magnificent element that you will cross during the hike is a stone surface on the side of a mountain that looks like the face of a miserable old man. You will also pass a cave with an extremely cold wind along the trail of which no one knows the exit. So, all in all, there is definitely enough extraordinary things to see during the hike, besides the mountains. You will arrive at the shepherd’s huts in Cerem, which is located high in the mountains, 1300m above sea level. There is no connection to civilization from here, because they have no Wi-Fi and no electricity. However, the delicious food and hospitality of the people make up for the basic facilities. Overnight in a shepherd’s hut in Cerem.
Hiking details:
Hike Distance: 20km
Elevation Max: 2033 m
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 7h 30min
Trail type: one way
From Cerem, you will hike towards Doberdol following a mule track. On your way, you will cross the border to Montenegro for about two hours. The hike brings us through pine forests and you can find all kinds of berries, such as blueberries, blackberries and raspberries (depending on the season). You will also pass the only National Reserve in Albania, which has brown bears and the last population of approximately 40 lynxes in the Balkans. It is a beautiful trail with the highest point being 2100 meters above sea level. You will have a chance to enjoy a nice coffee or other drink at some of the shepherd’s hut villages. These villages are only populated during the summer by shepherds. Doberdol, your destination for today, is about 1800m above sea level and this is where you will have another overnight in a shepherd’s hut. The village is beautiful and you can choose from different food options made from ingredients out of the region. The beds, however, are definitely not hotel beds, just mattresses and the conditions are basic. Yet again, the locals are very welcoming, the food is delicious and it will be a great once-in-a-lifetime experience. Overnight in a shepherd’s hut in Doberdol.
Hiking Details:
Distance: 15 km
Elevation Max: 1925m
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 6h 30 min
Trail type: one way
This day hike begins with a big climb up Tromedja Mountain. This peak is very unique because while summiting the top, at a particular point, you stand in Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo at the same time. Ideal spot to rest, take photographs, and appreciate the geopolitical significance of the tripoint. After reaching this peak, you will continue the hike following the border between Kosovo and Montenegro.
After reaching this peak, you will continue the hike following the border between Kosovo and Montenegro. This hike includes beautiful views of endless meadows and Bogicevica National Park. The trail winds through blueberry bushes and is a leisurely walk-through untouched nature. As the day concludes, you will arrive in the charming village of Babino Polje, where you can immerse yourself in the natural splendour and cultural richness of this unique corner of the Balkans. Overnight in Babino Polje.
Hiking Details:
Distance: 12km
Elevation max: 2366m
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 7h
Trail type: one way
Embarking on the hike from Babino Polie to Plav is an extraordinary journey through nature's breathtaking beauty. As you traverse the pristine landscapes, nature unveils its wonders in every step. This trail goes through untouched forests and the most beautiful lake in all of Montenegro, Lake Hrid, this lake is the highlight of the trail.
Local legend says that swimming in this alpine lake brings good health and good luck in marriage. Nestled in a thick pine forest, Lake Hrid is the perfect place to take a break and cool down after hiking. Here in the wilderness, you will feel completely isolated from the outside world. The journey through the trail allows for a profound sense of isolation from the outside world, as the dense forests and pristine landscapes envelop you in a tranquil natural splendour. It becomes a truly immersive experience, where the hustle and bustle of everyday life fade away, replaced by the soothing sounds of nature.
As you reach the summit, the view of Plav unfolds in front of you like a postcard brought to life. Plav is nestled between the Prokletije Mountains, which are part of the Dinaric Alps. Known for its stunning natural beauty, including picturesque lakes and mountains. Overnight in Plav.
Hiking details:
Distance: 20km
Elevation Max: 2,068 m
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 7-8h
Trail type: one way
After enjoying very local breakfast at the guesthouse you will continue your adventure through the Peaks of the Balkans. This trail unfolds like a tapestry of wonder, leading you through landscapes that seem almost surreal in their beauty. The path meanders through dense forests, where ancient trees reach towards the sky, creating a cathedral of greenery.
As the ascent in elevation continues, the scenery undergoes a breathtaking transformation into an alpine paradise. The path reveals panoramic views that stretch across rugged valleys and expansive meadows, each vista more awe-inspiring than the last. The rugged beauty of the landscape serves us as a constant companion. Approaching Vusanje, the landscape opens up to reveal a valley of unparalleled beauty. Nestled between mountains, the quaint village is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of human settlement and the natural world. Overnight in Vusanje.
Hiking details:
Distance: 21km
Elevation Max: 2100m
Technical Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 7h
Trail type: one way
From Vuthaj, you will head towards Theth and cross the border back to Albania. During this trek, you will visit a hidden water place which is difficult to find by yourself if you don’t know the exact location.
You will also pass by one of the highest peaks of the Balkans, the Arapi peak (2217m above sea level) next to Jezerca Peak (2694 m above sea level). You will come across multiple shepherd’s huts, in the Albanian Alps which show the way of life away from civilization. After arriving in Theth your local transportation will be waiting for you to drive to Tirana. You will return home full of the wonders of Albania, with a new sense of self-excitement to share with those around you.
Hiking Details:
Distance: 21 km
Elevation Max: 1741m
Technical difficulty: Moderate
Time: 8h
Trail type: one way
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