ENVIE D'ALBANIE
Never Satisfied-Albania

8 Days 7 Nights

Group: 4 - 12 People

Albania

9.5 Superb

Description

The Kelmend region is home to some of the most impressive landscapes in the Albanian Alps. 8 days in the footsteps of Mary Edith Durham or Baron Franz Nopcsa or more recently the historian and journalist Indro Montanelli. To relive the same emotions of these explorers, adventure lovers are invited to discover unforgettable landscapes, uncontaminated nature and the exploration of ancient traditions and customs. 

The unspoiled villages have many treasures to explore. Peace and tranquility will be the outcome of exposure to family life. The journey is embellished by the wit and hilarity of Kelmendas people making hospitality a sacred law, unchanged over the years, the same that at the beginning of last century led Mary Edith to fall in love with Northern Albania. 

Hikers will never be satisfied from this mystic region and will always ask for more. 

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 & Guesthouses

Departure

Tirana International airport

Calendar

mid of May to October/Noveber

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

4
5
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7
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3
Tour Plan
  • Day 1. Tirana International Airport – Lepushë

    Reception by an English-speaking member of the Envie d’Albanie team at TIA airport. Direction Lepushë. 

    At the beginning of the 20th century, Edith Durham, a young British explorer, was attracted to Malesia e Madhe, the land of the Great Mountain. Despite many difficulties, she was swept away by the charm of an ancient culture that is still alive: the land of the living past. To relive the same emotions as Durhan, the hike goes through unforgettable landscapes, unspoilt nature and the discovery of ancient traditions and customs. 

    For those who thirst for winding roads and spectacular views, the road from Shkodra to Lepushë can be the very embodiment of adventure travel. Following the Montenegro border, the road will pass through Broje, which looks like a fortress attached to the cliffs, then Tamarë and Selca, which is famous 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. 

    Dinner and accommodation in a guesthouse. 

  • Day 2. Lepushë – Vermosh – Lepushë

    Hike: ~ 5:00 hours 

    Maximal ascent: ~ 597 m. 

    Maximal descent: ~ 239 m.  

    Distance: ~ 10 km 

     

    On the way to the so-called "Italian" hike (11a). A comfortable route that passes only a few kilometers from the border with Montenegro and runs along the Ljpusa River. The path winds along the curves of the hills and mountains offering an unobstructed view of the valley below and the opposite slopes. It crosses forests and pastures where it is not uncommon to meet shepherds and herds. 

    Return to Lepushë by vehicle. 

    Dinner and accommodation in a guesthouse. 

     

  • Day 3. 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 4. Lepushë – Lepushë

    • Hike: ~ 3: 30 hours 

      Maximal ascent: ~ 500 m. 

      Maximal descent: ~ 500 m.  

      Distance: ~ 8 km 

       

      Short hike of the day on the Dopku route (14). At the beginning, the route will take the Paja hiking trail to branch off and penetrate the Gropa e Ujit woods. It will then follow the hills of Pulli i Dobkut to finish its journey in the heart of the Lepushë circus.  

      Free time in the afternoon. 

      Dinner and accommodation in a guesthouse. 

  • Day 5. Lepushë – Lepushë

    • Hike: ~ 5: 00 hours 

      Maximal ascent: ~ 900 m. 

      Maximal descent: ~ 900 m.  

      Distance: ~ 10 km 

       

      Hiking of Qafa e Trojanit (16a). The itinerary begins by sinking into the heart of the Lepushë circus to reach the foot of the Korkule mountain, which culminates at nearly 1900 metres. Then head north inside the border with Montenegro to reach the famous Trojan peaks. Quiet descent into the woods to reach Lepushë. 

      Dinner and accommodation in a guesthouse. 

  • Day 6. Lepushë – Lepushë

    • Hike: ~ 5: 30 hours 

      Maximal ascent: ~ 700 m. 

      Maximal descent: ~ 700 m.  

      Distance: ~ 12.2 km 

       

      Maja e Berizhdolit hike (15). Once again a dive into the heart of the Kelmend. The path will descend into the forests of Kuprisht poshtëm and Kuprisht sipem to climb to the top of Mount Berizhdolit at an altitude of nearly 2000 metres before descending to the Berizhdolit hills. Return to Lepushë via the Paja hiking trail. 

      Dinner and accommodation in a guesthouse. 

  • Day 7. Lepushë – Kruja

    Direction Kruja and free visit of the Bazaar and the castle. 

    Dinner and overnight in a hotel. 

  • Day 8. Kruja – Tirana International Airport

    Free time up to departure to the airport. 

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.

From 850€