Self-Guided Hiking Tour: Theth, Valbona & Koman Lake in 3 Days
Overview
Available languages
72 hours
Mobile ticket
Join this 3 day self guided hiking tour and explore the spectacular Alps of Northern Albania; Theth National Park, Valbona Valley and Komani Lake. By choosing our self guided hiking tour you will save time and money while getting to enjoy the freedom of traveling on your own through the wild landscapes. The Choose Balkans Team will be there to assist you prior, during and after the whole tour and will provide you all the details you need for this amazing self-guided tre
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
All participants are responsible for having their own health/travel insurance
The accommodation is based in traditional and simple homestay/guesthouse/lodge- style 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 45 Euros extra charge per night per room based on availability
You will be carrying your belongings with you during the trek so we recommend you pack lightly. For any excess luggage you will need to book excess luggage transportation or pre arrange luggage storage in Tirana/Shkoder. On the second day, luggage transportation from Theth to Valbona might be possible depending on availability for an additional fee of minimum110€ (one person) or €55 per person for groups.
This tour requires some hiking experience and good physical condition.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
Tirana / Shkodra – Theth – Blue Eye – Theth
Accommodations
Overnight in a Traditional Guest House in Theth.
Tirana
This tour departs very early in the morning from Tirana or Shkodra. You will depart towards northern Albania with a shared transportation provided through our partners. Please make sure to arrive at the meeting point on time to catch the local transportation. (Details provided at the time of booking)
Shkoder
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. In Shkodra, we will switch to a different local transport to continue our journey to Theth.
Boge
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 favorable 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.
Blue Eye of Theth
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 from the village is about 3 hours one way, with a hiking distance of 18 km both ways and about 700 m of elevation. (If you choose to book local transportation from Theth Village to Nderlysaj, the hike will take around 1 hour each way. The cost for local transportation is between 5-7 euros per person) Hiking details (approx.): Distance: 18km Elevation gain: 700 m Technical difficulty: Moderate Time: 6h Trail type: Loop
Qender Theth
After the hike 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.
Theth National Park – Valbona Pass – Valbona Valley National Park
Accommodations
Overnight in Valbona.
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Valbona Pass
Get ready for the highlight of this trip. Trekking from Theth to Valbona will be an intense day as the walk takes about 6 to 8 hours (about 1050m elevation) in a remote terrain, nevertheless unquestionably worthy! The Valbona pass offers a spectacular view of the Peaks of the Balkans and “Accursed Mountains”. When reaching the top of the Valbona Pass, you will experience a serious shot of adrenaline. From here you will be able to see at both sides of the valleys. This top viewpoint is perfect for a short break and the possibility to capture amazing pictures of the Albanian Alps. From Valbona Pass, star your decent to the next destination, Valbona Valley, another picturesque village surrounded by high mountains. *You will be carrying all your belongings with you during this trek so we recommend you pack lightly. Hiking details (approx.): Distance: 14 km Elevation gain: 1050m Technical Difficulty: Moderate Time: 6 -8h Trail type: one way
Valbona Valley - Komani Lake – Shkoder or Tirana
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Koman
Waking up with such a magnificent view of the Albanian Alps will make you want to stay longer, however, you will get on a boat that will take us through Komani Lake offering spectacular views of the Albanian Alps, waterfalls, rural villages and wild forests. It is considered by many as an exotic experience combined with the unmatched hospitality of the locals.
Vau i Dejes
Once arriving in the Komani dam you will experience local transport over bumpy roads, however offering spectacular views of Vau i Dejes Lake.
Tirana
Returning back to the modern and dynamic city of Shkoder or Tirana after an unforgettable experience marks the end of this self-guided tour. In Tirana/Shkoder, you'll be dropped off at the bus station; from there, you can make your own way to your hotel by bus or taxi (not included). You will return home full of the wonders of Albania, with a new sense of self-excitement to share with those around you.
What‘s Included
Local transport provided by the company from meeting point in Tirana or Shkodra to Theth on day 1
Local transport for bumpy road from Valbona to Fierza
Choose Balkans Assistance
Local transport for bumpy road from Komani Lake to Shkoder or Tirana bus terminal
Tourist taxes
Shared accommodation for 2 nights in traditional homestay/guesthouse with basic bathroom amenities
All needed instructions and coordination about this tour
Boat ticket Fierza Dam to Komani Lake
Lunch, Drinks & Snacks, One meal cost about 12-18 euros
Private rooms are possible on 45 Euros extra charge per night per room based on availability
Local transportation from Theth Village to Nderlysaj (or back)
Transfer from hotel to the meeting point on the first day
Transfer from drop off point to your hotel on the last day
Other local transfers not mentioned in the included section
Tour Guide
Souvenirs; Personal spending
Everything that is not mentioned in the included
Options
Self-Guided Hiking Tour: Theth, Valbona & Koman Lake in 3 Days
Reviews
26 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful mountains :)
ninabL6496TD,,Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything has been wonderful! Brikena has been the most helpful and friendly organiser/contact person, and we have enjoyed everything - the incredible mountain views are worth the bumpy mountain roads.
Excellent Self Guided Theth/Blue Eye/Valbones Pass/Komani Lake trip
Rob7815,,Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very well organised self-guided trip to Theth, Blue Eye, Valbones Pass and Komani Lake from Tirana. All the local transport and accomodation were great. Communication was excellent and Brikena was fantastic organising and making sure we were ok along the way. Highly recommend.
Top three days with a top organization!
KatherineHeylen,,Aug 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic three-day trek! Booking the trip and contact in advance went very smoothly. We were well informed and communication was always very smooth. We would like to thank Brekina personally for the excellent Service. If we had any questions, we immediately received an answer and this well outside of office hours!
Amazing few days in Northern Albania
695effiev,,Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour is amazing! Self guided is very easy with the provisies assistance bij choose Balkans! Brikena was very helpful and friendly! Everything was arranged so we could enjoy fully
Choose “Choose Balkans!”
Sara S,,Jul 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the three day trip to Valbone. Everything went very smoothly, communication was perfect. Brikena checked in on us multiple times. We received the info and all tickets on time. We had smooth transport and a great guesthouse to spend the night. We would definitely recommend Choose Balkans with incredibly helpful Brikena!
Self-guided family trek over the Valbone Pass
TIM A,,Oct 31, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had about 3.5 days of free time and wanted to do some hiking in the Albanian Alps. I have a fair amount of hiking/backpacking experience and didn’t feel the need to have a guide with us. This package was the perfect setup for me with my wife and our 16 year old daughter. All the transport and accommodation bookings were clearly communicated and well-suited to balance planning and freedom to set our own timeline. The pass trail is nicely marked, yet it was a comfort to still have the mapping app suggested by CB to ensure we didn’t stray off course. Regular check-ins by Brikena and the CB team expressed their concern with our experience and available support, if needed, at all the correct times. The steady climb from Theth was a beautiful challenge. We met many interesting travelers along the way. Water was abundant on the Theth side, and we filtered, probably not necessary, and topped off a few times. The foliage was in full autumn colors and breathtaking with the high peaks as the backdrop. I highly recommend this experience to anyone with at least moderate fitness. When you arrive on the other side of the pass, be prepared for many congrats from other hikers who are trekking without crossing over.
great organised hike and beautifull nature.
jankH2145IS,,Oct 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very well organised tour. Our contact Brikena was excellent and kept in touch whenever we needed. The guesthouse was great and the hike was also really great! would recommend!
Highly recommended!
drmaddie,,Oct 12, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a beautiful trek, the communication was excellent and the guest houses were lovely. Transportation worked smoothly.
Highly recommended experience from Choose Balkans
stevenpY3997VF,,Sep 21, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brikena met with us the day before our tour to walk us through all the details, and answer any questions we had to help prepare for our self guided tour. Unfortunately we had horrible weather on the day we were meant to hike from Theth to Valbone... Brikena liaised with our guest houses, drivers and ferry to help us extend our stay for an extra day so we wouldn't miss out on anything. Overall it was a great experience, thank you Brikena for ensuring we were always taken care of, from start to finish! Would highly recommend Brikena and the Choose Balkans team 👏
Amazing experience
mariatrinidadd2019,,Sep 19, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My assistant Brikena was very kind to help me in everything I needed and answered all my questions. The tour itself is a gem, stunning views of the Albanian alps and a hard hike but worth 1000% the effort. Theth is very nice and Valbona also has something special. The ferry on Lake Komani seemed quiet and with nice views. Without a doubt the highlight is the hiking through the Valbona Pass, if you come to Albania you MUST.
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