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Hike the Albanian Alps





Uncover the beauty of the Albanian Alps on foot
Explore the remote Albanian Alps on this eight-day hiking adventure, where each trail rewards you with raw beauty and cultural immersion. Hike the Volusnica ridge for views of Karanfili peak, cross borders from Prokletije to Theth to tackle the legendary Theth to Valbone trail (accessible only on foot), then challenge yourself with the ascent to Rosni Peak. Every step leads to village stays where you can connect with the locals and tuck into farm-fresh lunches and traditional barbecue dinners. Covering up to 18 km per day, this is a challenging but rewarding hike through Albania that features scenery and culture.
Start: Tirana, Albania
End: Tirana, Albania
- Duration
- 8 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Walking & trekking
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Explore the Albanian Alps and challenge yourself with some of the best guided hikes in the region.
- Scale the famous Rosni Peak – one of Albania’s most iconic alpine landscapes – for a rewarding challenge that offers sweeping panoramic views and crisp mountain air.
- Hike from the local mountain villages of Theth to Valbone. Expect rugged beauty, dramatic peaks and a journey rich in local charm.
- Take a boat ride across Komani Lake, where turquoise waters cut through towering cliffs.
- Immerse yourself in authentic local culture through Albania’s flavours and people. Enjoy local cuisine with a lunch at the scenic farm, Mrizi & Zanave in Fishte.
Itinerary
Pershendetje! Welcome to the Albanian Alps. Your adventures starts in Tirana – the capital of Albania known for its bustling mosque, citadels and Ottoman architecture. You’ll kick off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll get to know your new travel companions and local leader. If you arrive early, maybe explore Skanderbeg Square, ride the Dajti Ekspres cable car, or visit the Bunk’Art museum – an underground Cold War bunker turned art and history exhibit. Later his evening, maybe walk through the colourful Pazari i Ri (New Bazaar) for local food and find a place to eat dinner with your group.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you're going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Today, you’ll leave Tirana and begin your journey north through the Albanian countryside. Your first stop is the beautiful Mrizi & Zanave Agrotourism farm, where you’ll sit down for a delicious Albanian-style brunch. Everything you’ll taste is organic and either produced right on the farm or sourced from the surrounding area. After lunch, continue your drive toward Montenegro, taking in scenic views as the landscape shifts from rolling hills to dramatic mountain ranges. You’ll arrive at your accommodation in Gusinje in the afternoon, where the rest of your evening is yours to enjoy. Maybe take time to explore the property or simply unwind in the fresh mountain air as you settle into the peaceful surroundings.
- Bungalows (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Fishte - Mrizi&Zanave Agrotourism visit with brunch
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Start your morning with a guided hike through the breathtaking landscapes of Prokletije National Park. You’ll follow the Volusnica trail, – a scenic route along the ridge of the Talijanka and Popadija peaks, with views of Karanfili peak. After a day on the trails, head back to your accommodation in Gusinje where a traditional evening barbecue awaits. It’s the perfect chance to relax, enjoy local flavours and reflect on the day’s adventure surrounded by nature.
- Bungalows (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Gusinje - Evening traditional barbecue
- Gusinje - Volušnica guided hike
Your hiking time today will be approximately 7 hours or 12 km, with an elevation gain of 900 m.
This morning, set out on a scenic hike from Prokletije to Theth, crossing the border from Montenegro into Albania on foot. The trail takes you through alpine landscapes, with rugged peaks and open meadows. This cross-border hike offers an opportunity to walk between two countries while fully immersed in nature. Your luggage will be transferred separately to your accommodation. After a full day on the trail, settle into your accommodation in the local village of Theth.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Theth - Prokletije to Theth guided hike
Your trekking time today will be approximately 7 hours or 14 km, with an elevation gain of 1200 m.
Embark on the most famous hike in the Albanian Alps. This guided hike will take you from Theth to Valbona through the heart of the Accursed Mountains, crossing two national parks and offering some of the most authentic landscapes in northern Albania. What makes this hike so special is its remoteness. The only way to travel between Theth and Valbona is on foot, as no road connects the two villages. Along the way, you’ll pass alpine meadows, rugged peaks and a high mountain pass with sweeping views in every direction. Mules will carry your luggage to your accommodation. Tonight, you’ll stay in the mountain village of Valbona.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Valbone - Theth to Valbone guided hike
Your hiking time today will be approximately 7 hours or 10 km, with an elevation gain of 850 m.
Today your main luggage will be carried by mules and transported to your accommodation in Valbona.
Today, you’ll set out on a guided hike to Rosni Peak – one of the most challenging yet rewarding hikes of the journey. The trail begins by passing scattered mountain houses and quiet campsites, eventually leading into the cool, shaded paths of a dense forest. As you gain elevation, sweeping views open beneath your feet. This path is scenic and has a mixture of everything the alps have to offer – flora, fauna, woodland and meadows. The final push to the summit is steep but well worth the effort, offering spectacular panoramic views that stretch across the Albanian Alps. You will spend the night in Valbone.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Valbone - Rosni Peak guided hike
Your trekking time today will be approximately 10 hours or 18 km, with an elevation gain of 1700 m.
The final stretch from the Saddle of Farumi to the summit of Rosni Peak offers a rewarding but challenging ascent. For your safety and enjoyment, the tour leader will assess conditions on the day to determine whether the group will continue to the summit. This decision will take into account the group’s abilities, weather conditions, and the time of arrival at the Saddle of Farumi, ensuring the best possible experience for all participants.
Start the day with a transfer to Fierza, where you’ll board a boat and ride across the Komani Lake towards Koman. Along the journey, stop at lakeside restaurant for a traditional Albanian lunch. This family-run farm is known for its warm hospitality and locally sourced, home-cooked meals that showcase the flavors of the north. After lunch, continue your journey with a private transfer from Koman back to Tirana where you’ll spend the night.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Komani Lake - lakeside restaurant lunch
- Tirana - Komani lake boat ride
Your total travel time today will be approximately 6.5 hours.
With no activities planned after breakfast, you’re free to leave at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay in Tirana, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
- Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
Meals
7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Transport
Private vehicle, Ferry
Accommodation
Hotel (4 nights), Guesthouse (1 night), Bungalows (2 nights)
Included activities
- Fishte - Mrizi&Zanave Agrotourism visit with brunch
- Gusinje - Evening traditional barbecue
- Gusinje - Volušnica guided hike
- Theth - Prokletije to Theth guided hike
- Valbone - Theth to Valbone guided hike
- Valbone - Rosni Peak guided hike
- Komani Lake - lakeside restaurant lunch
- Tirana - Komani lake boat ride
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Before you book you should know
- This is a hiking trip, so a good level of fitness is essential. Expect long days (up to 8-9 hours) and hikes of up to 18 kms a day, with over 1700 m of elevation gain. Be prepared for remote mountain regions and unpredictable weather.
- Some hikes are point-to-point with no shortcuts, or possibility to turn back. Review the descriptions carefully to ensure you’re comfortable with the time, distance and terrain.
- The final stretch from the Saddle of Farumi to the summit of Rosni Peak (Day 6) offers a rewarding but challenging ascent. For your safety and enjoyment, the tour leader will assess conditions on the day to determine whether the group will continue to the summit. This decision will take into account the group’s abilities, weather conditions, and the time of arrival at the Saddle of Farumi, ensuring the best possible experience for all participants.
- Pack lightly as you’ll need to carry your own bag. Although you won’t walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), aim to keep it under 15 kg / 33 lb. Bringing a soft duffel bag or a backpack is essential as on certain hikes we will use mules to transport it to our next overnight stop. You’ll also need a daypack/small bag for water and personal items during daytrips.
Capital Tirana Hotel
Rruga Qemal Stafa, 1016 Tirana, Albania
Tirana
ALBANIA
Phone: +355 42258575
Alternate joining point
For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.
13 Jun 2026 (WBXA260613), 27 Jun 2026 (WBXA260627), 11 Jul 2026 (WBXA260711), 22 Aug 2026 (WBXA260822), 12 Sep 2026 (WBXA260912), 26 Sep 2026 (WBXA260926), 12 Jun 2027 (WBXA270612), 26 Jun 2027 (WBXA270626), 10 Jul 2027 (WBXA270710), 24 Jul 2027 (WBXA270724), 07 Aug 2027 (WBXA270807), 21 Aug 2027 (WBXA270821), 11 Sep 2027 (WBXA270911), 25 Sep 2027 (WBXA270925)
Golden City Hotel & Spa
Rruga Him Kolli 45/4, Tirana, Albania
Tirana
ALBANIA
Phone: +355 689090546
Description
Golden City Hotel is just a short walk from Skanderbeg Square, the beating heart of Tirana. Offering comfortable air-conditioned rooms, a relaxing spa and free Wi-Fi, it provides a perfect base to enjoy the city’s cultural landmarks, vibrant cafés and lively atmosphere. Its central location makes it easy to discover Tirana’s rich history and vibrant nightlife all within walking distance.
Instructions
At Tirana International Airport taxis are readily available. The drive into the city is about 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Agree on a price before getting in.
Alternatively, airport bus operates an hourly bus service between the airport and Tirana central station next to Skanderbeg Square. From there it takes about 15 minutes walk to the hotel. Head west along Rruga Ludovik Shllaku and continue along Kavaja st. Turn left at Rruga Islam Alla and the hotel be on your right after second crossing.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Due to unpredictable weather in shoulder seasons (early to mid-June and early to mid-September) some hikes may need to be adjusted or even replaced. We will always aim to provide equally interesting and picturesque hikes of similar difficulty.
Essential Trip Information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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