ENVIE D'ALBANIE
Eagle– Albania & Montenegro

8 Days 7 Nights

Group: 4 - 12 People

Albania

9.5 Superb

Description

Standing on the Accursed Mountains, looking around you to see no roads, no habitations but only pastures, peaks, forests and wild nature. You feel like you have stumbled on some secret land, hidden somewhere in middle of National parks where emblematic golden eagles may be caught high on the sky spying you. None of the trails in that region is a cake walk, however the beauty of this still wild nature surroundings each footsteps will reward your efforts and burn unforgotten memories. 

Difficulty

2

Guide

Experienced English-speaking guide

Hikes

5

Treks

4

Cultural Visits

1 (Day 7)

Outdoor activity

No

Luggage

Backpack or equivalent (15 to 20 kg)

Hotel

3☆ or 4☆ Hotels

Departure

Tirana International airport

From

15 April to 31 October

Portage

A small backpack is required for your daily equipment.

Luggage transfer

No

Price Includes
  • 1 Night in a 4 ☆ Hotel

  • 6 Nights in Guesthouses

  • 7 Breakfasts & Dinners

  • 6 Lunches or Picnics (no lunch day 1)

  • Transportation including luggage transfers

  • English-speaking guide

  • Free option: Visit of the ethnographic museum of Theth (Plan between 1 and 2 €)

  • Accommodation in hotel (double room and local standard) or guesthouses (double or shared rooms).

  • Meals (breakfasts, lunches or baskets, dinners) and drinks (table water)

  • All luggage transport (1x backpack or equivalent of 15 kg maximum per person) by horses, vans or 4x4 between stages

Price Excludes
  • All personal expenses

  • Costs related to specific requests or those not mentioned above

  • Food and drinks other than those served during meals

  • Lunch and dinner day 7

  • Tips and gratuities

  • Visit day 7 (if any)

  • The plane ticket

  • Accommodation in single rooms

  • Travel insurance

Gallery

Tour Plan
  • Day 1. Tirana International Airport – Lepushë

    Welcome by an English-speaking guide at the "Mother Theresa" airport in Tirana. Departure by vehicle to Lepushë in the heart of the Kelmend region.  

     

    In the early twentieth century Edith Durham, a young British explorer, was lured towards Malesia e Madhe, the land of the Great Mountain. Despite many difficulties she was carried away by the charm of an ancient culture still alive: the land of the living past. To relive the same emotions of Durhan, the hike starts within the unforgettable landscapes, uncontaminated nature and the discovery of ancient traditions and customs. 

    For those craving twisting and turning roads and dramatic views, the route from Shkodra to Lepushë can be the epitome of adventure trips. Following the Montenegro border, the road will pass by Broje which looks like a fortress hung onto the cliffs, then Tamarë and Selca which is well-known for its natural monuments, historical and cultural sites. 

    Then Lepushë. The hamlet takes its name from a yellow flowering plant that grows in the region. Lepushë, is truly a land of natural beauty surrounded by the high peaks of the cursed mountains, pastures and forests. It is one of the snowiest regions in Albania. The local economy depends on livestock, agriculture, crafts and recently tourism. An important event in the region is the 'Lugu I Bjeshkeve' festival, an annual event that goes back centuries and brings together locals and tourists. Young women from the Kelmend region and the diaspora dressed in traditional clothing and participate in a beauty contest. It is usually held in August and is considered one of the most original traditional Albanian events. 

    Diner and accommodation in a guesthouse. 

  • Day 2. Lepushë – Lepushë
    • Hike: ~ 4: 00 hours. 

      Maximal ascent: ~ 560 m. 

      Maximal descent: ~ 560 m. 

       

      Distance: ~ 9 km 

       

      The Paja hiking (30c). Walk along the hills of Dobkul in the beech forests and alpine pastures to reach the so-called Paja place. Return to Lepushë along the border with Montenegro and descend to the very heart of the Lepushë circus.  

      Dinner and accommodation in a guesthouse. 

  • Day 3. Lepushë - Grebaje

    Hike: ~ 5:30 hours 

    Maximal ascent: ~ 2056 m. 

    Maximal descent: ~ 1150 m.  

    Distance: ~ 9 km 

     

    Lugagge Transfer: Vehicle. 

    Direction the hamlet of Grebaje in Montenegro. The trail does not present any particular difficulties. It goes through beautiful forests and meadow terrains. The itinerary will gently climb the hills following time to time some streams descending from the surrounding mountains and summits, such as the Talijanka peak reaching more than 2000 meters. The path continues along mountain pastures offering beautiful views on the Albanian and Montenegro Alps. After crossing the border, the descent starts towards Grebaje through meadow terrains and forests.  

    For those who which a small evening walk towards the Grebaje valley along the river Crna Dolja will be a must. 

    Dinner and accommodation in a guesthouse. 

  • Day 4. Grebaje – Vusanje
    • Hike: ~ 4:00 hours 

      Maximal ascent: ~ 260 m. 

      Maximal descent: ~ 120 m.  

      Distance: ~  12 km  

      Porting: Yes. 

      Lugagge Transfer: Yes 

      The hike up to Vusanje starts at the tourist information center of the Nationat Park of Prokletije. The itinerary passes by one of the natural wonders in Montenegro, the Ali Pasha Spring. The river that is formed directly by the outbreak from the soil, from the many small springs, is something that will for sure amaze the visitor very much. 

      Ali Pasha Springs are very spectacular and unique, and water is so clean and transparent clear that many people drink that water directly from this place.  

      In Vusanje, for those who wish, discover the canyon of Gërla, the blue eye of the grasshopper and the waterfall of Kusije. About 2 hours maximum of quiet walk. 

      Free time and dinner and accommodation in a guesthouse. 

  • Day 5. Vusanje – Zastan Koliba - Valbona
    • Trek: ~ 8:00 hours 

      Maximal ascent: ~ 2050 m. 

      Maximal descent: ~ 900 m.  

      Distance: ~ 18 km 

      Porting: Yes 

      Lugagge Transfer: No 

      The itinerary starts by the Gërla canyon and its waterfall. The Trekk follows a shepherd's path whose origin certainly dates back to antiquity. It made it possible to join the Vusanje Valley in Montenegro to the Valbona Valley in Albania. The route is certainly long, but does not present any particular difficulty. The path climbs gently up the mountainsides, crossing an alpine forest, then pastures and finally reaches the Rohsit pass at an altitude of 2050 meters, before diving into the Valbona valley. About 5 km from the arrival, a stopover will be made at the Rama sheepfold to have either a coffee or a refreshment and a rest. This unknown and misjudged route offers over its entire length such surprising and magnificent views of the valleys, the Karanfiles Mountains, the Maja and Thate, the Maja and Roshit and all the surrounding peaks that it makes you forget the famous Theth to Valbona pass.  

      This might seems to be a long trail, certainly, but it's magical. 

      Dinner and accommodation in a guesthouse. 

      Note: Hikers shall carry their luggage up to Valbona. There is luggage transfer by vehicle or horse organized. 

  • Day 6. Valbona – Valbona
    • Hike: ~ 4:00 hours 

      Maximal ascent: ~ 250 m. 

      Maximal descent: ~ 250 m.  

      Distance: ~ 5 km 

       

      Lugagge Transfer: No. 

       

      Hike to Rrogam from where it will be possible to see the famous pass (1759m) of Valbona to Theth. From Rrogam, the path will climb up to the waterfall. It is an easy hike which goes alongside the river bed and through a beech forest allowing to enjoy the benefit of a diversify and green nature.  

      Free time in the afternoon. 

      Dinner and accommodation in a guesthouse. 

  • Day 7. Valbona – Koman Lake – Tirana

    Transfer from Valbona to Fierze by public transport. 

    Travel by ferry to Koman. This navigation of about 2h30 to 3h00 allows you to discover unique landscapes resulting from the erosion of the Albanian Alps by the Drin River, it is simply an incredible experience. 

    Visit of Tirana center. 

    Dinner in a traditional restaurant and overnight at the hotel. 

  • Day 8. Kruja – Tirana International Airport

    Transfer to Tirana International Airport and departure. 

Strengths
  • A discovery trek for a unique experience.

  • On the paths of the Peaks of Balkans.

  • Climbing the most famous peaks.

  • Meeting with a warm population.

  • See exceptional places.

  • Private and public transfers.

Passport:

A valid passport (at least 6 months from the start of the stay) is required. A copy of each participant's passport will be requested at least one month before the departure date of the trek in order to obtain the border crossing authorizations from the competent authorities.

Insurance:

International travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover the consequences of incidents that may occur while traveling, traveling, and staying abroad. It is the traveler's responsibility to check with his travel agent or insurer before departure.

Notes:
  • For safety reasons and in case of force majeure, the guide has full authority to adapt or even cancel an itinerary. This is all the more valid depending on the evolution of the weather or for medical reasons.
  • As the guide is responsible for all the people in his care and for the cohesion of the group, he can at any time adapt the pace of the walk, the effort, the itinerary... in order to avoid the isolation of one or more participants.
  • The guide has a duty to ensure that the environment in which the group operates is respected.
  • In order to respect the rules and laws in force in the countries crossed, Envie d’Albanie can call on the support of local partners licensed in these countries (guides, transport, equipment, logistics, etc.). We have ensured that these companies share the same values as those established by Envie d’Albanie.
  • The distances and walking times are given as an indication.
  •  
Good to know:
  1. This discovery trek includes walks over long distances in the wild. It is not recommended for children under 15 years of age.
  2. It is advisable to be in good health and physical condition.
  3. Avoid drinking tap water or spring water, unless your guide allows it.
  4. Respect the environment in which you operate. He'll give it back to you.