Balkan Trail

From Tirana to the magic of Theth:

Your adventure begins in Tirana. Our shuttle leaves from the Marinaj Hotel, then stops at Tirana Airport to pick up participants arriving by plane before continuing to Theth, the starting point of the trek and our base camp.

The journey takes around five hours, with a lunch break, and is an adventure in itself: a spectacular immersion in the Albanian Alps.

Theth is known for its traditional way of life. You’ll be welcomed by Alvaro and Ana’s family. The food is delicious, and in the evening you can gather around the campfire or gaze at the stars.

Good to know: shuttle times depend on your departure day (see Shuttle times). Making your own way there? Join us at Theth base camp for the first briefing at 17:00

The famous Valbona Pass:

Today, you’ll hike one of the most famous routes in the “Peaks of the Balkans”. If you booked the luggage transfer option, our local partners will transport your belongings, so you can hike light.

Before starting the beautiful ascent, take some time to admire Theth’s iconic church and its “lock-in tower” (Kulla), where men once sought refuge when threatened by a blood feud.

This exceptionally varied trail takes you above 1,800 metres. The scenery is the very essence of this trek: rugged mountains, majestic peaks, permanent snowfields and sweeping panoramic views.

Reaching Valbona Pass is the ultimate reward. The view is simply phenomenal. On one side, the Valbona Valley unfolds before you. On the other, you can look back at the route from Theth, dominated by impressive peaks such as Maja e Jezerces (2,694 m).

Our tip: From the pass, walk a few metres further for a unique view of the hidden valley of Curraj i Epërm.

After a beautiful descent, a local van will be waiting to take you to your accommodation in Valbona.

Dobërdol, where time stands still.

After a hearty breakfast, a traditional van takes you to Ceremi, the starting point of your hike. From there, you continue on foot to Dobërdol. These two hamlets are authentic shepherd villages, inhabited only in summer, where the snow can reach 4 metres deep in winter.

Nearby, the Gashi River Valley (“Lumi i Gashit”) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its primeval forests. In the lush valley of Dobërdol, all you’ll see are meadows where sheep and horses graze freely.

The local people still live in harmony with nature, just as they did decades ago. Along the way, you’ll taste wild berries and admire Mount Kolata (2,534 m).

Dobërdol is a unique place: inaccessible by car, it can only be reached via narrow trails or steep roads, just below the point where the borders of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro meet.

In the evening, Bashkimi and his family will give you a warm welcome. They’ll prepare a delicious meal for you.

The three-border point and Lake Plav:

The day starts with a great challenge: a beautiful climb from Dobërdol to the symbolic three-border point (Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro).

Your effort is rewarded straight away. You’ll follow a stunning ridge for several kilometres, with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks.

You’ll then head downhill through the forest to a beautiful lake, the perfect spot for a refreshing swim! The hike continues through the forest to the village of Babino Polje, where you can enjoy a well-deserved drink while waiting for the shuttle.

The shuttle will take you to your evening destination, Plav. The ultimate reward awaits you there: your guesthouse beside another large, beautiful lake, where you’ll pitch your tent for the night. It’s the perfect way to recharge before a delicious dinner and a convivial evening around the campfire.

The “Accursed Mountains” and Grlja Waterfall:

Today, after a hearty breakfast, you leave Lake Plav behind. A short 30-minute transfer takes you to the trailhead, where a beautiful climb awaits.

At the top, you're rewarded with spectacular views. On one side, you can admire Lake Plav behind you. On the other, you face the impressive “Accursed Mountains” (Bjeshket e Nemuna in Albanian).

After lunch with incredible views, you begin the descent to Vusanje. The highlight of the day is your campsite: tonight, you'll pitch your tent right next to the powerful, magical Grlja Waterfall.

The final day: returning to Theth

For your final day on the trail, you complete the loop from Vusanje to Theth base camp. The path takes you through the wildest and most rugged part of the “Accursed Mountains”, a region that was a “forbidden zone” during the communist era.

You make your way through the Ropojana Valley before crossing the border back into Albania. Once illegal, this crossing is now a unique experience (don’t worry, your guides will take care of the permits).

The highlight is Qafa e Pejës Pass, the former main route to Pejë. From there, you begin a steep but spectacular descent to Theth, often described as one of the most beautiful sections of the entire “Peaks of the Balkans” trail. Your hiking poles will be your best allies here!

When you arrive, a van will be waiting to take you back to the comfort of base camp for one last memorable evening.

Back to Tirana, feeling refreshed:

After one last night at base camp and a good breakfast, it’s time to leave Theth.

Our shuttle takes you back to Tirana. It stops first at Tirana Airport at 1.00pm, then drops you off at the Marinaj Hotel in the city centre if you’re staying an extra night in Albania.

Book an optional night at the Marinaj Hotel. You’ll find the exact return times under Shuttle times.