This is an intensive tour that is more suitable for people in good physical condition. The majority of the trails are easily navigable and well-maintained, yet there are sections with narrow and steep descents. To fully appreciate this trip, a reasonable level of hiking experience and fitness is essential.

This tour can be done anytime between June and September. The best time for walking with fewer tourist at the popular locations is June and September. July and August are also suitable, but it’s important to note the possibility of high temperatures on some days.

Accommodations: 2 nights in 3-4 stars hotels in Shkodra and/or Tirana. 4 nights with dinner and breakfast in mountain guesthouses: from these 1 night in rooms with 3-4 beds per room, which means you might share the room with other travellers. Depending on the season and availability of rooms in a few remote villages, shared bathrooms may be available in few cases. 1 night in shepherd hut, in shared rooms and toilet outside.

• This is a private group guided tour, meaning the number of people is composed by the number of your group. • The tour prices change based on the group size. Check at the Availability/Booking section for more info on prices. • Alternatively, we organize small, shared groups of a maximum of 12 to 15 participants. If you choose to join this tour as part of a shared group, Up Albania reserves the right to add other participants to the tour program. If you are interested in a shared group guided tour, please contact us for a quotation. • For those who prefer more flexibility, we also offer self-guided options. If you're interested in these alternatives, please contact us for a personalized quote. • Please note that arrivals at Tirana International Airport on Day 1 should be scheduled no later than 4 PM. To avoid so, we recommend considering traveling to Albania a day (or a few days) earlier. In this case, you would need to cover the costs of accommodation and meals for the additional night/s on your own. • Suitable for age 12+. • 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. • If you arrive or depart from an airport other than Tirana, we can advise you on the best transportation options available. Airports in neighboring cities, such as those in Kosovo (Pristina), Montenegro (Podgorica), Greece (Corfu, Preveza, Ioannina, Thessaloniki), and North Macedonia (Skopje, Ohrid), can also be considered for your travel. • On request this tour may also depart from other cities of Albania or neighbouring countries such as Kosovo, Montenegro, Greece or N. Macedonia. Please contact us for more information on the extra costs. • All clients must accept the authority of the tour leader and respect his/her decisions. The tour leader will not be held responsible for incidents or accidents which may occur as a result of unwise personal initiative, incompetence or other unexpected circumstances.

PAYMENT AND CANCELATION POLICY

PAYMENT AND CANCELATION POLICY Payments: A 20% deposit is required at the time of booking to confirm your reservation. The remaining 80% balance is due 45 days before the tour departure. For shorter trips (3 days or less), the balance is due 20 days before the tour departure. Cancellations & Refunds: 70 days or more before departure: 100% refund of the deposit amount paid. 69–45 days before departure: Loss of the 20% deposit. 30–44 days before departure: Loss of 30% of the total tour price. 15–29 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the total tour price. 8–14 days before departure: Loss of 75% of the total tour price. 7 days or less before departure: Loss of 100% of the total tour price (no refund). Postponements: If you wish to postpone instead of cancel, you can do so free of charge up to 45 days prior to departure, and all payments will be credited toward future travel. Note: Paying with a credit or debit card is not possible at the moment. We accept payments in Euros and the best payment method is via bank transfer or cash. This cancellation policy is valid for individual bookings and private groups of up to 8 travelers. For bigger groups please contact us and we will do our best to suit your wishes. We still recommend purchasing reliable travel insurance. If you have any doubts, questions, concerns, or need to soften our cancellation policy for whatever reason, don’t hesitate to contact us we will be glad to help and find a solution that suits everyone. Our first and most important concern is the safety and good vibes with our travelers. For more details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

This is an intensive tour that is more suitable for people in good physical condition. The majority of the trails are easily navigable and well-maintained, yet there are sections with narrow and steep descents. To fully appreciate this trip, a reasonable level of hiking experience and fitness is essential.

This tour can be done anytime between June and September. The best time for walking with fewer tourist at the popular locations is June and September. July and August are also suitable, but it’s important to note the possibility of high temperatures on some days.

Accommodations: 2 nights in 3-4 stars hotels in Shkodra and/or Tirana. 4 nights with dinner and breakfast in mountain guesthouses: from these 1 night in rooms with 3-4 beds per room, which means you might share the room with other travellers. Depending on the season and availability of rooms in a few remote villages, shared bathrooms may be available in few cases. 1 night in shepherd hut, in shared rooms and toilet outside.

• This is a private group guided tour, meaning the number of people is composed by the number of your group. • The tour prices change based on the group size. Check at the Availability/Booking section for more info on prices. • Alternatively, we organize small, shared groups of a maximum of 12 to 15 participants. If you choose to join this tour as part of a shared group, Up Albania reserves the right to add other participants to the tour program. If you are interested in a shared group guided tour, please contact us for a quotation. • For those who prefer more flexibility, we also offer self-guided options. If you're interested in these alternatives, please contact us for a personalized quote. • Please note that arrivals at Tirana International Airport on Day 1 should be scheduled no later than 4 PM. To avoid so, we recommend considering traveling to Albania a day (or a few days) earlier. In this case, you would need to cover the costs of accommodation and meals for the additional night/s on your own. • Suitable for age 12+. • 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. • If you arrive or depart from an airport other than Tirana, we can advise you on the best transportation options available. Airports in neighboring cities, such as those in Kosovo (Pristina), Montenegro (Podgorica), Greece (Corfu, Preveza, Ioannina, Thessaloniki), and North Macedonia (Skopje, Ohrid), can also be considered for your travel. • On request this tour may also depart from other cities of Albania or neighbouring countries such as Kosovo, Montenegro, Greece or N. Macedonia. Please contact us for more information on the extra costs. • All clients must accept the authority of the tour leader and respect his/her decisions. The tour leader will not be held responsible for incidents or accidents which may occur as a result of unwise personal initiative, incompetence or other unexpected circumstances.

PAYMENT AND CANCELATION POLICY

PAYMENT AND CANCELATION POLICY Payments: A 20% deposit is required at the time of booking to confirm your reservation. The remaining 80% balance is due 45 days before the tour departure. For shorter trips (3 days or less), the balance is due 20 days before the tour departure. Cancellations & Refunds: 70 days or more before departure: 100% refund of the deposit amount paid. 69–45 days before departure: Loss of the 20% deposit. 30–44 days before departure: Loss of 30% of the total tour price. 15–29 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the total tour price. 8–14 days before departure: Loss of 75% of the total tour price. 7 days or less before departure: Loss of 100% of the total tour price (no refund). Postponements: If you wish to postpone instead of cancel, you can do so free of charge up to 45 days prior to departure, and all payments will be credited toward future travel. Note: Paying with a credit or debit card is not possible at the moment. We accept payments in Euros and the best payment method is via bank transfer or cash. This cancellation policy is valid for individual bookings and private groups of up to 8 travelers. For bigger groups please contact us and we will do our best to suit your wishes. We still recommend purchasing reliable travel insurance. If you have any doubts, questions, concerns, or need to soften our cancellation policy for whatever reason, don’t hesitate to contact us we will be glad to help and find a solution that suits everyone. Our first and most important concern is the safety and good vibes with our travelers. For more details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

Peaks of Balkans & Uncharted Routes

Highlights

PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR THROUGH THE ALBANIAN ALPS · TWO COUNTRIES IN ONE JOURNEY · MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN SCENERY · SCENIC BOAT TRIP ON KOMAN LAKE · LOCAL HOSPITALITY & CUISINE

More a life experience than a hike

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Albanian Alps on this 7-day private guided tour, offering a personalized journey through one of Europe’s most stunning trekking destinations: the Peaks of the Balkans.

Explore classic trails and hidden paths connecting Albania and Montenegro, with stops in charming villages like Lepusha, Vuthaj, Theth, and Valbona. Enjoy a peaceful boat trip on Koman Lake, surrounded by impressive cliffs and calm waters. With your own dedicated guide, enjoy moderate hikes, cultural insights, and the comfort of premium mountain accommodations, all tailored to your pace and preferences. The journey also might includes visits to Tirana and Shkodra, where you’ll experience a blend of local hospitality and culinary delights, making this adventure as enriching as it is scenic.

Map

Itineraries Expand all

Day 1: Arrival – Shkodër – Lepushë

Arrive at the airport, where our guide/driver will warmly welcome you. After introductions, set off toward North village of Lepusha. On the road we will stop for a visit and lunch at Mrizi i Zanave, a celebrated agrotourism restaurant that champions fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional dishes with a gourmet touch.
After lunch you will continue your journey into the heart of the Albanian Alps, leaving the lowlands behind for the rugged beauty of Lepushë, a remote village nestled at the foot of towering peaks. As you arrive, take in the tranquil alpine setting, where rolling meadows and pristine air greet you. Check into your guesthouse and enjoy a hearty dinner, before settling in for the night.

Optional: Based on your arrival time, we can organize visits to historical attractions such as the Castle of Kruja, Castle of Rozafa, Mesi Bridge, or arrange a guided tour in the city of Shkodra.

Meals included: N/A
Overnight: Guesthouse in Lepushë
Drive time: 3.5 hours
Day 2: Hiking from Lepushë to Vuthaj/Vusanje (Montenegro)

Start the day with a robust breakfast, fueling up for the first big hike of the journey. The trail begins with a visit to Lepusha Waterfall, a serene spot to refresh and enjoy the sound of cascading water. Crossing the Albania-Montenegro border, you ascend to the Peak of Vajusha/Talijanka (2056m) and continue to a narrow valley nestled between the karst tower of Karanfili. Here, you’ll marvel at the dramatic grey mountains of the Accursed Mountains massive, where the dramatic vistas will leave you in awe. Pause to soak in the beauty of the rugged terrain before descending toward the quaint Gerbaje village. After crossing the border into Montenegro, a short drive brings you to the charming village of Vuthaj, where you’ll check into your accommodations, relax, and savor a delicious dinner.

Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking distance: 12 km (7.5 mi); 6-7 hours; Elevation gain: +700 m (2297 ft); Elevation Loss: -1000 m (3281 ft); Highest altitude: 2056 m (6745 ft)

Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Overnight: Guesthouse at Vuthaj
Drive time: 0.5 hours
Day 3: Hiking from Vuthaj to Theth (through Peja Pass)

Today’s hike is both challenging and rewarding as you make your way back into Albania. After breakfast, set off through the lush forests and rocky terrain toward the Peja Pass, a crossing point between Montenegro and Albania. Along the way, discover the stunning Grlja Waterfall, a hidden gem where crystal-clear waters tumble into a tranquil pool, and the Eye of the Grasshopper, a shimmering lake fed by rich underground springs.
The trail continues with a steep but enjoyable ascent through an old forest to the meadow of Runica, where colorful mountain flowers bloom. Along the way, if possible you can visit a friendly Albanian shepherd in his secluded shack, adding a unique touch to the journey.

Crossing Runica, the trail ascends into valleys, creating a stunning staircase with the backdrop of Arapi Mount Peak. At the base, the Theth Valley unfolds, offering breathtaking views. The descent through the Qafa of Peja brings us to the village of Theth, the most iconic village in the Albanian Alps, where you’ll be greeted by a picturesque setting of traditional stone houses surrounded by towering peaks.

Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous
Hiking distance: 16 km (10 mi); approx. 7-8 hours; Elevation gain: +700 m (2297 ft); Elevation Loss: -900 m (2653 ft); Highest altitude: 1742 m (5715 ft)

Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Overnight: Guesthouse at Theth
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Day 4: Discovering Theth

Begin the day with breakfast and prepare for a more relaxed hike through Theth’s natural and cultural treasures. Visit the Grunasi Waterfall, where water tumbles dramatically over a sheer rock face, and the nearby Grunasi Canyon, a narrow gorge carved over millennia. Pause at the Stone Baths, an ancient natural spa where you’ll enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by tranquility.

In the afternoon, head to the Blue Eye of Theth, a mesmerizing turquoise spring nestled amidst lush greenery. End the day with a visit to the Lock-in Tower, an emblem of the region’s historical customs and the legendary Kanun of Lekë Dukagjini. Return to the guesthouse for dinner and an evening of relaxation.

Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Overnight: Guesthouse at Theth
Drive time: 0.5 hour
Day 5: Theth to Valbona: A hike to remember

Get ready for the highlight of your trip! Trekking from Theth to Valbona is an exhilarating experience, taking about 6 to 8 hours through remote terrain with an elevation gain of approximately 1,050 meters. The Valbona Pass rewards your efforts with stunning views of the Peaks of the Balkans and the “Accursed Mountains.” At the top, you’ll feel a rush of adrenaline as you take in the panoramic vistas, perfect for capturing incredible photos of the Albanian Alps. After enjoying the view, we’ll descend into Valbona Valley, a picturesque village surrounded by towering mountains. Once in the village, we’ll walk to our traditional guesthouse, where you’ll spend the night, reflecting on the day’s adventures in the beautiful Albanian wilderness.

Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous
Hiking distance: 15 km (9.3 mi); approx. 8 hours; Elevation gain: +1223 m (4012 ft); Elevation Loss: -1218 m (3996 ft); Highest altitude: 1796 m (5891 ft)

Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Overnight: Guesthouse/hotel in Valbona
Drive time: 0.5 hours
Day 6: From Valbona’s Peaks to the Serenity of Lake Koman

After breakfast at the guesthouse in Valbona, we’ll set off on a journey through the stunning landscapes of the Valbona Valley. We’ll take one last look at the majestic mountains as we drive towards Lake Koman. Once at the lake, we’ll board a boat for a scenic trip across the Koman Lake, often compared to the Norwegian fjords due to its dramatic cliffs and deep blue waters. As we glide through narrow gorges and past remote villages, we’ll have time to relax and soak in the breathtaking views. Upon reaching the other side of Lake Koman, we’ll continue by road, traveling south until we arrive in Tirana by late afternoon. After checking into our accommodation, we’ll come together for a special farewell dinner, celebrating the unforgettable experiences we’ve shared on this journey.

Meals included: Breakfast, packed lunch
Overnight: Hotel in Tirana
Drive time: 4 hours
Day 7 Exploring Tirana’s Highlights & Departure

Before leaving, take advantage of a free morning. Depending on your departure time take a guided city walk across Tirana and discover its rich history and culture, stopping at famous locations like Bunk’Art, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and Skanderbeg Square. You can also visit the Tirana Castle, where you can relax at cafes and bars while enjoying the ambiance. If time permits, consider shopping at nearby centers for souvenirs and local products. Take the spirit of Albania with you, vowing to come back for more laughs, adventures, and treasured memories.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight: N/A
Drive time: 40 min.

Trip Infos

Language English/Italian/German
Guiding method Guided
Best season June to September
Difficulty Level 3.5/5
Duration 7 days · 6 nights
Group size Privat Group

Trip Includes & Excludes

Licensed English-speaking hiking guide for all hiking days
Accommodation for all nights
Airport transfers and all necessary transfers as per itinerary
Luggage transfer (1 piece up to 15kg in soft bags, no hard cases)
All meals (excluding lunches on arrival and departure days, and the dinner on Day 7)
Cross-border permits (pre-arranged)
24-hour support and organization
All activities listed in the itinerary

International flights
Drinks and meals not specified
Travel insurance (ensure it covers high-altitude activities)
Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs, bar drinks)
Unavoidable event costs (e.g. flight cancellations, illness)
Gratuities
Services not mentioned in inclusions

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION Expand all

ACTIVITY LEVEL
This is an intensive tour that is more suitable for people in good physical condition. The majority of the trails are easily navigable and well-maintained, yet there are sections with narrow and steep descents. To fully appreciate this trip, a reasonable level of hiking experience and fitness is essential.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
This tour can be done anytime between June and September. The best time for walking with fewer tourist at the popular locations is June and September. July and August are also suitable, but it’s important to note the possibility of high temperatures on some days.
WHERE WE STAY
Accommodations: 2 nights in 3-4 stars hotels in Shkodra and/or Tirana. 4 nights with dinner and breakfast in mountain guesthouses: from these 1 night in rooms with 3-4 beds per room, which means you might share the room with other travellers. Depending on the season and availability of rooms in a few remote villages, shared bathrooms may be available in few cases. 1 night in shepherd hut, in shared rooms and toilet outside.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
• This is a private group guided tour, meaning the number of people is composed by the number of your group. • The tour prices change based on the group size. Check at the Availability/Booking section for more info on prices. • Alternatively, we organize small, shared groups of a maximum of 12 to 15 participants. If you choose to join this tour as part of a shared group, Up Albania reserves the right to add other participants to the tour program. If you are interested in a shared group guided tour, please contact us for a quotation. • For those who prefer more flexibility, we also offer self-guided options. If you're interested in these alternatives, please contact us for a personalized quote. • Please note that arrivals at Tirana International Airport on Day 1 should be scheduled no later than 4 PM. To avoid so, we recommend considering traveling to Albania a day (or a few days) earlier. In this case, you would need to cover the costs of accommodation and meals for the additional night/s on your own. • Suitable for age 12+. • 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. • If you arrive or depart from an airport other than Tirana, we can advise you on the best transportation options available. Airports in neighboring cities, such as those in Kosovo (Pristina), Montenegro (Podgorica), Greece (Corfu, Preveza, Ioannina, Thessaloniki), and North Macedonia (Skopje, Ohrid), can also be considered for your travel. • On request this tour may also depart from other cities of Albania or neighbouring countries such as Kosovo, Montenegro, Greece or N. Macedonia. Please contact us for more information on the extra costs. • All clients must accept the authority of the tour leader and respect his/her decisions. The tour leader will not be held responsible for incidents or accidents which may occur as a result of unwise personal initiative, incompetence or other unexpected circumstances.
PAYMENT AND CANCELATION POLICY
PAYMENT AND CANCELATION POLICY Payments: A 20% deposit is required at the time of booking to confirm your reservation. The remaining 80% balance is due 45 days before the tour departure. For shorter trips (3 days or less), the balance is due 20 days before the tour departure. Cancellations & Refunds: 70 days or more before departure: 100% refund of the deposit amount paid. 69–45 days before departure: Loss of the 20% deposit. 30–44 days before departure: Loss of 30% of the total tour price. 15–29 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the total tour price. 8–14 days before departure: Loss of 75% of the total tour price. 7 days or less before departure: Loss of 100% of the total tour price (no refund). Postponements: If you wish to postpone instead of cancel, you can do so free of charge up to 45 days prior to departure, and all payments will be credited toward future travel. Note: Paying with a credit or debit card is not possible at the moment. We accept payments in Euros and the best payment method is via bank transfer or cash. This cancellation policy is valid for individual bookings and private groups of up to 8 travelers. For bigger groups please contact us and we will do our best to suit your wishes. We still recommend purchasing reliable travel insurance. If you have any doubts, questions, concerns, or need to soften our cancellation policy for whatever reason, don’t hesitate to contact us we will be glad to help and find a solution that suits everyone. Our first and most important concern is the safety and good vibes with our travelers. For more details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.