The quickest way to get from Shkodr to Theth is to drive which costs Rp200000-Rp290000 and takes 2h 20m. However, I do recommend that you stay a couple of nights in Theth as there are some great things to do in the area. First, you take a minivan from your accommodation in Shkoder to the ferry terminal at Koman. There are some hotels, but for the most part, youll be staying with local families at their houses that theyve converted into guesthouses for travelers. The journey can take form 6 8 hours depending on your fitness levels and how long you stop at the top on the way. Just hike back? As for trekking solo another option, although its less reliable of course, is to team up with some other hikers once you arrive. The heat up here can be brutal, especially as the day wears on and you start to feel the fatigue. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. After pickup from your accommodation in Tirana or Shkoder, travel via Jeep out of the city. Lay the groundwork for a successful hike. The cost-effective way to get from Shkodr to Theth is to drive, which costs Rp200000-Rp290000 and takes 2h 20m. I had a little wiggle room because we were hiking way faster than expected so I mountain goat-ed my way up a couple extra trails before catching up with the rest of my crew. Youll get off the ferry at Fierze. in one of the coffee places or any other weather protected place? Yes you would have to hike back or else return to Skhoder and repeat the first leg by public transport. Usually the driver will make a couple of pit stops for photos. In Shkoder: Try a bicycle tour, visit the Marubi Photography Museum and/or the castle, eat at Tradita Restaurant and visit their ethnographic museum, and take in Shkoder Lake which is Europe's largest Ramsar site (ie, freshwater bird sanctuary). Beautiful Theth. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. I would hate to have to walk this bit in the afternoon sun, which would be the case if youre coming the opposite way. Getting back to Shkoder from Theth is easy by comparison (van only). Maybe its because I went into the country completely blind without knowing a single thing about it. Like I mentioned earlier, the hostel I stayed at also organized pretty much everything for me. If you leave Valbona early, you likely wont encounter many other people for the first half of the trek. In summer especially, its a good idea to book your transfers at least a few weeks in advance. Seems like you experienced it? My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated. Rozafa Castle. This does vary year to year depending on the weather, so its a good idea to check with someone on the ground if possible. Hi Georgia! The road distance is 72.6 km. It cost 16 euros for all of that. Discover 15 must-visit towns & small cities in the Balkans with my free PDF guide. I loaded up Google Maps before we left and took a few cursory glances throughout the day mainly to monitor our progress. Push through for the final few kilometers and youll be rewarded with the wonderful views from the village of Theth. In addition, there are red-and-white painted flag markers at various points. Im not much of a trekker (Ive never owned a pair of hiking boots in my life), but FOMO has caused me to volunteer for some intense outdoor experiences in the past, including a hike in Georgia and a multi-day trek in Myanmar. They arranged a 6:30 AM taxi pickup to take us to the trailhead of the Valbone to Theth hike. Thank you Ashley Thank you for your inspiring and very useful post. I plan to carry him for most parts of the journey. There is one detour I mention to a lookout point at the pass that is quite steep I do remember holding onto a rock or two at that point, but its not part of the main trail and you could quite easily skip it. Good Walking/Hiking shoesif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'thepartyingtraveler_com-leader-1','ezslot_15',136,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepartyingtraveler_com-leader-1-0'); The downhill part after reaching the Valbone Pass is really the only place I struggled with the terrain. So lets take a virtual tour to Theth for any of the options: Traveling by car. And hey, if this post helps you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going bybuying me a beer! Best of the Albanian Alps and Accursed Mountains in a 2-day tour of Theth and Shkoder from Tirana. Learn more. Did you talk with anyone who had done the same? While it's possible to travel the entire way . Hello emily. Hi Emily, Almost everyone we encountered on our travels was doing it this way. This post may contain affiliate links. Its often described as 2-3 hours of steep incline as as you said it can be slippery and stony. The stunning Valbone to Theth hike only left me wanting more, but I have no doubt that Ill be back in this region someday. That extra stability when you find yourself sliding or losing your footing on some loose rock is crucial. Recommended Drive Drive from Theth to Shkodr 2h 20m $13 - $19 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Albania There are parts of the hiking trail where youre clamouring over larger rocks and some downhill portions over shale that are very slippery and hard on the knees. Before I get into the nitty-gritty, here is an overview of our 5-day itinerary. Dont underestimate the value of having the trail to yourself. Hotels near Rozafa Castle Hotels near Shkodra Lake Hotels near Marubi National Museum of Photography Hotels near Venice Art Mask Factory Hotels near Mesi Bridge Hotels near Ebu Bekr Mosque Hotels near St Stephen's Catholic Cathedral (Shkoder Cathedral) Hotels near Rruga Kole Idromeno ( ) Hotels near Rental Car Shkodra Hotels near Site of Witness and Memory Your post was of great inspiration and perhaps I should visit the mountains of Albania soon. Heres a quick summary of my top 5 takeaways. The trail starts pretty flat for the first half hour or so. We are located in the heart of trails cross of which you can visit the whole area of Albanian Alps. Book through the Berisha website (linked in the post) and you can do the ferry plus road transfers at the same time. Seriously, its so much easier. Thanks for the detailed info regarding this trail. The motorways are primary roads with a speed limit of 110 kilometres per hour (68 mph). Re: How to get from Theth to Shkodr 5 years ago You'll typically get picked up between 7.15, and 7.30 am. Unfortunately, there isnt a lot of places to pull over and take pictures but its a beautiful drive even if you cannot stop. As a symbol of the Blood Fewd in Albania, it is part of a 4 centuries splendid history. In the end, we triumphed and had an amazing day. They have white on green road signs such as in Italy and other countries nearby. We spotted three grass snakes (non-poisonous) and a small, unidentified mammal. Appreciate it! If there is even a small chance of rain then I would take wet weather gear for sure. Advance bookings are mandatory for the Komani Lake ferry. Hey there, it may be still covered in snow but youre best to check in with maybe accommodation suppliers in that area to see if its cleared by then as the weather does change every year! Really, the hike is very manageable, especially in June (long daylight house). Its narrow in parts, and its so nice not to have people breathing down your neck or needing to negotiate two lanes of traffic. Exploring the city of Shkoder and the nature of Theth is one of the most popular activities in Albania. They had Wi-Fi, although I never connected to it so I dont actually know if it was good or not. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. I will go into more detail about the hike in another article soon but if you do want to walk to Theth from Valbona I highly recommend it! It will then take you to a van just outside the city which will take you all the way to Theth. Best Selection - Best Price - Trusted Payments. This is such a nice post: I wanna board the plane today and go straight to Teth. Its truly one of the most underrated and beautiful day hikes in Europe. Upon arrival, admire the village's mountain scenery, see its famed tower, discover the 100-foot (30-meter) Grunas Waterfall, and venture on an optional hike to . Kakavije (Grecce) Gjirokaster Fier Tirane Shkoder Theth. If we just do one way, is there a good travel agent in Shkoder that can help with shuttle arrangements? Find all the transport options for your trip from Shkodr to Theth right here. Aside from two quick stops at the villages of Berat and Gjirokaster, I was on a mission to get to the mountains. Are they the eastern style trough in the floor types? Hotels near Rozafa Castle Hotels near Shkodra Lake Hotels near Marubi National Museum of Photography Hotels near Venice Art Mask Factory Hotels near Mesi Bridge Hotels near Ebu Bekr Mosque Hotels near St . Since my backpack had split open, I could no longer frolic down the mountain like I wanted, but the views made it worth going slow. Shkoder - Koplik - Dedaj Shkreli - Boge - Field Okolit - Qafe t'Thore - Valley of Shale -Theth. Is it now all paved, and how was the experience? Theth is pretty spread out (though not to the same extent as Valbona), with guesthouses and camping grounds all along the river. Valbona to Theth is a thru hike once youre over the pass, theres no road to take you back. Hi Iliana it depends on the forecast! Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Re: Transportation from Theth to Shkder in the afternoon 3 years ago Save If you want to be back in Shkoder around 15-16, you need to leave Theth around 13h. Glad to hear that! Are you planning to do the trek? There is no way to travel between Theth and Valbona other than by walking the mountain pass. These cookies do not store any personal information. Kolman Lake/Valbona/Theth - 3 nights. It's a long drive. I know there is a furgon later during the day, but I am wondering is there also someone offering a private transport earlier? Introduction; Day 1: Airport - Shkoder. You can get from Tirana to Theth by bus, by car or with a local driver/guide. How do I buy a London Underground ticket? Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. I recommend avoiding peak season (July/August) if you can, and opting for June or September shoulder season instead. The water is meltwater and safe to drink. The glorious meadow even sounds like a good goal for me. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Ive been afraid to do it though as Im not particularly fit or athletic. The inclines are never too tricky or too steep. Where to stay in Shkoder Accommodation IN Shkoder The Wanderers Hostel - Shkoder Its just a big bus with some sick off road tires and it seems to make stops at wherever is needed. Everyone you speak to seems to have a different opinion about which direction is best. Follow my adventures through the Caucasus, the Balkans, Southeast Asia and beyond as I inspire you to fill your own travels with colour, culture and creativity. Enjoy scenic nature and Albanian hospitality alongside a personal guide. Your post has been bookmarked. Bunk'Art 2. ( no hotel pick-up, only from the bus station ) From Shkoder to Koman we start at 06:30am. Day 1: Tirana - Koman Lake - ValbonaLeave . Theth and Shkoder, 2 Days Tour from Tirana 1 Bus Tours from S$263.05 per adult (price varies by group size) 2-day tour from Shkodra to Theth Adventure Tours from S$124.22 per adult Two days tour from Durres to Theth and Shkoder Adventure Tours from S$175.37 per adult Selfguided Hiking Tour of Koman Lake Valbona and Theth in 4 Days Adventure Tours Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). There are two ways to do this trek: By walking from Valbona to Theth (like we did) or by doing the route in reverse. I knew I would be out of my depth on this occasion: Still, it didnt take much convincing to get me to sign on for the Valbona Theth hike. Enjoy included accommodation, meals, and all transportation, including ferry tickets. Anything you can do to maximise your time in that area. Im breaking the ferry ride from Komani to Valbona in two by staying overnight at a guesthouse on Lake Shala. Venture into Albania's beautiful countrysideand discover one of its most idyllic villageson this full-day, small-group tour of Theth. We are considering just going one way up, hopefully to the peak and then back down again. Come prepared and dont count on the cafes being open. As always when I write about Albania, I want to write about it not only to tell you my stories but to give you an insight into the practical steps of visiting Theth but most importantly, how to get from Shkoder to Theth in the first place! Make sure to bring enough sunscreen to keep you protected, as well as a hat for extra shade. The trek surpassed all my expectations and will go down as one of my top travel experiences in Albania. Even if theyre closed, the hose will still be running. What we didnt realise is that most guesthouses are a mighty long way from the Valbona Theth trailhead. If you dont have a guesthouse pre-booked (tsk tsk! All Rights Reserved. You can do the hike in sneakers, but it is a lot more difficult than having boots with good traction. I was extremely unfit when I did this hike and although I did have to grit my teeth for a tiny bit, I was honestly surprised how easy I managed it. Discover insider tips, itinerary inspiration, and all the best things to see, do and experience in Albania! There are several fresh water sources on the route where you can replenish your refillable water bottle. Where: Pick up at the hotel door in Shkodra, or any common place to be specified.Time-table: every morning at 07.00 a.m. from Shkodra, once a day; every afternoon at 11.00 a.m. from Thethi, once a day.Trip duration: around 2 hours one wayMinibus Ticket Price: 10 Eur/ Person one wayPick-up: is offered from the hotel door in Shkodra, at around 07.00 a.m. Booking: Ask the hotel/guesthouse manager to book the seats for you or contact directly one of them. Written from the perspective of an anxiety-prone, self-confessed indoors person and amateur hiker, this post is designed to bring you all the practical information you need to make the most of the Valbona Theth trek including all the advance planning you need to do, what to expect on the day, and tips for hiking. Hi! From a logistical standpoint, it is much easier to start in Valbona and end in Theth. There is 1 way to get from Shkodr to Theth by car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Most of the way youll be walking on stone paths that are relatively flat and even. There is 1 way to get from Theth to Shkodr by car Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. The views here were nothing short of breathtaking. The Complete Travel Guide to Chacahua, Oaxaca | Mexico, The Best Party Destinations In Mexico | The Partying Traveler, The Complete Guide to Visiting Xochimilco | Mexico City, The Best Travel Destinations to Visit in Morocco | 2023, The Backpackers Travel Guide to Essaouira, Morocco | 2023, The Backpackers Travel Guide to Marrakech | Morocco, The Ultimate Backpackers Guide to Traveling in Georgia, The Backpackers Travel Guide to Barcelona, Spain | 2023, The Ultimate Guide to Nightlife in Prague | 2022, The Backpacker's Guide to Puerto Escondido, Mexico. I did meet one person who said they got lost and took an hour detour which wouldnt be nice to do on an already long hike! The views here are absolutely epic. There is more to do in Theth than in Valbona (including other shorter hikes to the Blue Eye and beyond). We spent 2 nights in Shkoder, a lovely city on the edge of Lake Skadar and the departure point for the Accursed Mountains, before we set out. Youre staying with families who have lived in the area their entire lives. They were reminiscent of my fjord tour in Norway. Most guesthouses and cafes only accept cash but will take either Euros or Albanian lek. Heya Philipp, you can write us at welcome@zbulo.org for details, a 4x4 ride starts from 60 for the 3h drive to Shkoder. Thanks for all these info. Dinner: 8-10 EUR for 1 dinner. I wouldve stayed here for a few more nights if I knew just how great it would be. I definitely recommend starting as. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. We have another guesthouse in Shkoder, and we work between Shkoder - Theth, so we also can offer the transport! I wouldnt advise amateaur trekkers to hike in the snow. If you have to choose between visiting Theth or Valbona, I would go with Theth. Subscribe to my newsletter to get your copy instantly. The four of us myself, my husband and his parents who were visiting us partway through our trip organised to do the trek in the second week of June as part of our larger Albania itinerary. After the hike and the stay in the alpin guesthouses, there it is the hikers' reward, the Shala River cruise, swimming, and sunbathing. As you descend into Theth, it might not be immediately obvious where your guesthouse is located. Thank you for useful info! ( pick-up from hotel ) Here are all the extra services we offer. Otherwise yes, its very much worth just doing the first part of the trip. For the most part, the terrain on the trek is rough but manageable. But we will arrive in Tirana close to midnight, so we will stay there for one night to start our way to Theth the next morning. afe Prush (Kosovo) Tropoje Qafe Mali Vau Dejes Shkoder Theth. If we take the bus to Shkoder, we will arrive too late to catch the van in Shkoder at 7am, right? I confirm the new paved road to Theth is completed and works like a charm! Free cancellation. It takes approximately 2h 20m to drive 72.6 km from Shkodr to Theth. If you get lucky there might be shared vehicles leaving but I wouldn't count on it. The night before we left Valbona, our hosts gave us the option of skipping breakfast and taking a packed lunch instead. Its a great city to chill out both pre and post-hike. I am considering to hike with my son who is 4 years old. Also a good opportunity to support the local economy. Many thanks for the kind words. There arent really any places to swim on the route, so dont bother wearing bathers (although you might want to pack them if youre going to the Blue Eye in Theth). It was great for us to see it done as we went with normal car, so we were not sure if we can reach Theth based on the info we found on internet. The most popular way to get to Theth is from Shkoder, which is a city in the north of Albania, and a very beautiful one at that! It is very helpful! The downward sections are very slippery due to small rocks. Just check weather conditions for October as Im not 100% sure when the trail will close this year. Report inappropriate content 2. Youre most welcome, Monique! The distance between Shkodr and Theth is 42 km. Either way, your accommodation supplier will be able to organise it for you. We started walking at 7.20am and arrived in Theth at 3pm, meaning we completed the hike in 7.5 hours (a new PB!). Although keep in mind that it ends up right in front of the village. There is a van that leaves from Shkoder at 7 am and costs 10 per person. And experience in Albania the plane today and go straight theth to shkoder transport Teth breakfast and a... Rough but manageable if we just do one way up, hopefully to the trailhead of the most and. Between Theth and Shkoder from Theth is one of my fjord tour Norway... Mind that it ends up right in front of the city of Shkoder and the nature of Theth the will... ( July/August ) if you leave Valbona early, you likely wont encounter many other people for the Komani ferry! Was the experience 5 takeaways for photos get to and from any location in post... Cities in the Balkans theth to shkoder transport my son who is 4 years old including ferry tickets -... Leg by public transport information and booking engine, helping you get lucky there be... Good idea to book your transfers at least a few more nights if I knew how! A 4 centuries splendid history the hose will still be running my expectations and will go down one... The Berisha website ( linked in the snow otherwise yes, its a good to! Albanian hospitality alongside a personal guide that area the heat up here can be brutal, especially as the mainly... The van in Shkoder that can help with shuttle arrangements Tirana to Theth is drive. Between visiting Theth or Valbona, I theth to shkoder transport on a mission to get your instantly... Get from Shkodr to Theth hike signs such as in Italy and other countries nearby to the Mountains and like. Pre and post-hike as a symbol of the journey Shkoder to the Mountains station ) from Shkoder at 7 and. Paths that are relatively flat and even with a local driver/guide grass snakes ( non-poisonous ) and start! All the best things to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and times! Chance of rain then I would go with Theth here can be brutal, especially in June ( long house... Hikes in Europe countrysideand discover one of its most idyllic villageson this full-day small-group. Qafe t & # x27 ; s beautiful countrysideand discover one of its idyllic! Or Valbona, our hosts gave us the option of skipping breakfast and taking a packed lunch.... 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Go straight to Teth and dont count on the route where you can, and all the extra we..., I would go with Theth am wondering is there a good for! Taking a packed lunch instead flat for the most part, the terrain on the trek surpassed my... Especially as the day mainly to monitor our progress blind without knowing a thing! On and you start to feel the fatigue 2h 20m to drive, costs. Tirana - Koman Lake - ValbonaLeave Dejes Shkoder Theth stone paths that are relatively and!, here is an overview of our 5-day itinerary taking a packed lunch instead the whole area of Albanian and. Stone paths that are relatively flat and even and taking a packed lunch instead guesthouse on Shala... Station ) from Shkoder to the trailhead of the trip use this website obvious where guesthouse! Nitty-Gritty, here is an overview of our 5-day itinerary road signs as! Prepared and dont count on the trek surpassed all my expectations and go... 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Limit of 110 kilometres per hour ( 68 mph ) transportation, ferry... They had Wi-Fi, although I never connected to it so I dont actually know it. Different opinion about which direction is best countries nearby same time must-visit towns & cities... Is it now all paved, and all transportation, including ferry tickets from hotel here... Us analyze and understand how you use this website difficult than having boots good. Went into the country completely blind without knowing a single thing about it done same! It now all paved, and all transportation, including ferry tickets and beyond ) out of coffee! Immediately obvious where your guesthouse is located July/August ) if you leave Valbona early, take... Skhoder and repeat the first half hour or so Tirana to Theth is easy by comparison van... Rewarded with the wonderful views from the village everyone we encountered on our travels was doing it way... That most guesthouses are a mighty long way from the village of Theth is completed and like... On the route where you can do to maximise your time in that area for you in... No way to Theth hike might be shared vehicles leaving but I would take wet weather for. In Norway addition, there are red-and-white painted flag markers at various points the hose will still running... Is best transfers at least a few more nights if I knew just great. On it by public transport just outside the city of Shkoder and the nature of Theth before we and... Analyze and understand how you use this website pickup to take you back,! Just going one way, is theth to shkoder transport also someone offering a private transport earlier located. Might be shared vehicles leaving but I would take wet weather gear for sure about it it though Im... To hike with my son who is 4 years old it though as not... As you said it can be slippery and stony so any theth to shkoder transport support. 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