Tirana/Shkodra:Valbona to Theth Hike via Shala River (SelfGuided)

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Tirana/Shkodra:Valbona to Theth Hike via Shala River (SelfGuided)

By Co-Travel Albania

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
20h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Multiple languages

Overview

Self-Guided Experience with Transport + Digital Map

Embark on one of Albania’s most iconic adventures — a 2-day journey from the fjord-like waters of Koman Lake to the turquoise beauty of Shala River, followed by a self-guided hike from Valbona to Theth.

Start your day with a scenic boat ride to Shala River, often called the “Thailand of Albania.” After time to swim and relax, continue through Fierza to Valbona. The next morning, begin your self-guided hike across the stunning Valbona Pass, using our digital GPS map to guide your way.

Perfect for hikers and nature lovers who want freedom without the hassle of organising transport.

Trip Info Delivery
You’ll receive everything one day before departure:
✔️ Transport tickets (PDF)
✔️ Digital GPS hiking map
✔️ Full itinerary with pickup points & contacts
Sent via WhatsApp or email.

Activity location

Shala River
- Shkoder County, Albania

Meeting/Redemption Point

Hotel Rozafa
- Rruga Teuta
- 4000, Shkodër, Shkodër County, Albania

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

Check availability

Tirana/Shkodra:Valbona to Theth Hike via Shala River (SelfGuided)

20h
English

Travellers

Languages available

Starting time: 06:30

Price details

£128.87 x 1 Adult£128.87

Paid at activity£10.38

Total

What's included, what's not

Boat ticket from Koman to Shala River
Minibus transfer from Fierza to Valbona
Transport ticket from Shkodra to Koman
Transport ticket from Theth to Shkodra
Boat ticket from Shala River to Fierza
24/7 online support from Co-Travel team
Digital hiking map (Valbona to Theth) with GPS navigation
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Personal expenses
Accommodation in Valbona/Theth
Transport ticket from Tirana to Shkoder
Luggage transfer (hike is with your own backpack)
Tour guide – this is a self-guided experience
Entrance fees (if any apply during your own exploration)

Know before you book

Public transport options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travellers
Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
Travellers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Travel time is included in the total duration!
In accordance with UK consumer law, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

Activity itinerary

Koman (Pass by)

Day 1: Travel from Tirana/Tirana Airport/Shkodra to Valbona Your journey towards the Albanian Alps begins early in the morning, with organised departures from several locations. Departures: 05:30 AM - From Tirana: Meeting point at Rruga Asim Vokshi, at “Gazheli” petrol station. 06:00 AM - From Tirana Airport: Meeting point at the “Alpet” petrol station. 06:45 AM - From Shkodra: Meeting point in the city centre, in front of Hotel Rozafa. From here, you will travel towards Koman Lake, enjoying scenic views of mountains and rural villages along the way. Important Note: Due to high demand, hotel pick-up at your accommodation is not available. Select one of the designated meeting points and confirm your departure city when booking. 08:30 AM – Arrival at Koman Lake and ferry boarding. Enjoy a spectacular journey by boat through Koman Lake, famous for its fjord-like cliffs and emerald waters. You’ll continue along the river to reach the stunning Shala River, often called the “Thailand of Albania.”

Shala River

3h
Admission ticket included

09:00 AM – Boat Ride: From Koman Lake to Shala River. Enjoy a spectacular journey by boat through Koman Lake. 10:30 AM – Arrive at Shala River: Spend time swimming, relaxing, or exploring this remote and beautiful location. The turquoise water, peaceful riverbanks, and surrounding mountains offer the perfect break in nature. 14:00 PM – Departure from Shala River to Fierza: Reboard the same boat for a scenic continuation to Fierza (approx. 2 hours).

Fierzë (Pass by)

14:00 PM – Departure from Shala River to Fierza Reboard the same boat for a scenic continuation to Fierza (approx. 2 hours). Please note: this is a transport transfer, not a guided tour, and food/drinks are not included. 16:00 PM – Arrival in Fierza & Minivan Transfer to Valbona Upon arrival, a shared minivan will be waiting to transfer you to Valbona Valley. Let the driver know your guesthouse name for direct drop-off.

Valbona Valley National Park

1h
Admission ticket included

17:00 PM – Arrival in Valbona Check into your accommodation (not included). Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the hike the following day.

Valbona Pass

8h
Admission ticket included

Day 2 – Self-Guided Hike from Valbona to Theth This day is dedicated to the Valbona–Theth hike, one of the most scenic trails in the Balkans. Start early, ideally no later than 07:00 AM, to allow enough time and avoid midday heat. Many guesthouses offer transport to the trailhead for an extra fee, so confirm this in advance. Once at the trailhead, follow the GPS map provided one day before your trip. Hike details: Distance: ~17 km Duration: 6–8 hours Elevation gain: ~1000 m Trail: Well-marked with panoramic views The route passes through forests, alpine meadows, and mountain passes. Important: This is a challenging mountain hike. We recommend bringing: ✔️ Hiking shoes ✔️ 2–3L of water ✔️ Snacks ✔️ Sun protection ✔️ Layered clothing depending on weather

Theth National Park

4h
Admission ticket included

Arrival in Theth & Return Options You will arrive in Theth in the afternoon. Option 1: Stay overnight (not included) and return the next day at 11:00 AM to Shkodra, then continue to Tirana at 14:00. Option 2: Return the same day if you arrive before 17:00. Return point: Theth village centre (Minimarket Jezerca). Duration to Shkodra: approx. 2 hours.

Shkoder

Return to Shkodra Pick-up Location: Minimarket Jezerca, Theth centre Departure: 5:00 PM (same day) or 11:00 AM (next day) Duration: ~2 hours Drop-off: Shkodra city centre or nearby address upon request

Location

Activity location

Shala River
- Shkoder County, Albania

Meeting/Redemption Point

Hotel Rozafa
- Rruga Teuta
- 4000, Shkodër, Shkodër County, Albania
Gazheli Petrol
- Rruga Asim Vokshi
- Tiranë, Qarku i Tiranës, Albania
Alpet, Rinas
- Ruga Nene Tereza
- Krujë, Qarku i Durrësit, Albania

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