Why the Valbona Pass in Albania is One of the World's Greatest Hikes
The Albanian Alps are still quite unknown to many travelers and that’s exactly why the hike from the Valbona to the Theth valley is so unique. Pack your rucksack and discover this trail with stunning views of unadulterated nature.
General Information
To start the hike, you’ll have to travel to the village of Valbona. To do this it’s wise to spend a night in Shkoder and ask your hotel to reserve your spot to Valbona, which includes a 6am bus ride to the Lake Koman ferry station, the ferry to Fierza, and another bus to Valbona. The hike takes around six hours, so spending a night in Valbona is also a good decision with many accommodation options available from camping sites to hotels. Make sure to visit the Journey to Valbona webpage for more information.
The Hike
The entire path is marked with white-red-white lines that lead you in the right direction and apart from the quite steep and often arduous climb to the top, it’s not a difficult hike. Make sure you have a good pair of hiking boots on and plenty of water and something to eat for a much-needed lunch break. The path is closed between November and May. If you’re one of those hikers who enjoys their solitude, try to plan the hike for October when the weather is temperate, the leaves are a stunning yellow and red, and there is a lack of other hikers around.
The Beauty
As expected, the Valbona Pass is an absolutely stunning hike where you’ll be accompanied by beautiful views of the mountains all around. Don’t be surprised to come across shepherds who have brought their flock to the mountain to graze, since Albania still has a very strong rural culture. From beginning to end, the scenery changes many times from rocky mountain paths to green pastures, thick beech forests to village roads with cows grazing on the grass. Of course, one of the most notable points is the pass itself where you can look out over the Valbona valley on one side and the Theth valley on the other.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
