4-Day Theth & Valbona Trek from Tirana: Alpine Peaks & Koman Lake

Walk the high passes of the Albanian Alps, then drift down Koman Lake by boat.

A 4-day trek from Tirana into Theth National Park and across the Valbona Pass to Valbona Valley, with a final boat descent through Koman Lake. You hike to the Blue Eye spring and Grunas Waterfall, cross a remote 1,050-meter pass between the peaks, and travel by ferry through the heart of the mountains. A professional guide leads the group. Transport, accommodation in traditional guesthouses and all entry fees are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Tirana/Shkoder to Theth National Park

• Pick up from hotel in Tirana or Shkoder
• Drive towards Northern Albania and Theth
• Short break for refreshment
• Hike to Blue Eye spring
• Visit Old Church and Lock-in Tower
• Overnight in Traditional Guest House in Theth

Day 2: Hike to Grunas Waterfall and Explore

• Breakfast at guesthouse
• Hike from Theth to Grunas Waterfall
• Return to Theth village
• Free afternoon to explore National Park
• Overnight in guesthouse in Theth

Day 3: Trek Theth to Valbona Valley

• Breakfast at guesthouse
• Trek from Theth to Valbona Pass
• Enjoy views at Valbona Pass
• Descend to Valbona Valley village
• Overnight in guesthouse in Valbona

Day 4: Valbona to Komani Lake and Return

• Wake up with Albanian Alps view
• Boat ride through Komani Lake
• Local transport from Komani dam
• Drive back to Shkoder or Tirana

The experience

The route starts in Tirana or Shkoder and climbs into the Albanian Alps, passing lavender fields and reaching Qafa e Thores at 1,700 meters before dropping into Theth village. Day one includes a moderate hike to the Blue Eye, a glacial spring fed by snowmelt from the high peaks: the water stays around 5 degrees Celsius year-round. You visit the Old Church and the Lock-in Tower, symbols of Theth's centuries of mountain life, then sleep in a traditional guesthouse.

Day two is a shorter outing to Grunas Waterfall, a natural monument since 2002, where water tumbles down the hillside in a series of cascades. The afternoon is free to explore the national park on foot. The real test comes on day three: a 6- to 8-hour trek across the Valbona Pass at 1,050 meters of elevation gain. The pass opens onto views of both valleys and the Accursed Mountains. You descend into Valbona Valley, another high-altitude village ringed by peaks, carrying your own pack the whole way.

The final day begins with views of the Alps from your guesthouse, then you board a boat at Fierza Dam for the ride down Koman Lake. The ferry winds through narrow gorges past waterfalls, rural villages and wild forest: locals call it an exotic experience. After the boat reaches Komani Dam, a local transport vehicle takes you over rough roads with views of Vau i Dejes Lake, then back to Shkoder or Tirana. A professional English-speaking guide leads throughout. All transport from your hotel, entry tickets, accommodation and the boat ticket are included in the price.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Tirana or Shkoder.
• transport by company vehicle from your hotel to Theth on day one and from Komani Lake back to the city on day four.
• shared accommodation in traditional guesthouses for three nights.
• entry tickets to all sites visited.
• boat ticket from Fierza Dam to Komani Lake.
• local transport over bumpy roads from Valbona to Fierza and from Komani Dam onward.
• tourist taxes and road taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Small Group TourGuide in English · Available from 1 Jun 2027Small group tour; pickup is included

Private TourGuide in English · Available from 1 Jun 2027Private tour lasting 4 days; includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Choose Balkans

Is this one for you?Choose the small group option if you prefer shared costs and the company of other hikers. Pick the private tour if your group wants its own pace and guide. Either way, you need moderate fitness and some hiking experience. The Valbona Pass crossing is the crux, and you carry your pack the whole way, so pack light and be ready for a serious day on day three.

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Top questions

What is the Blue Eye and how long does it take to reach it from Theth?

The Blue Eye is a spring formed by erosion from melting Alpine snow, known for its bright blue and green water. The hike from Theth village is about 3 hours one way (18 km round trip with 700 meters of elevation gain), though you can arrange local transport to shorten it to around 1 hour each way for a small extra fee.

How difficult is the trek across Valbona Pass?

The Valbona Pass crossing is a full day of hiking: 6 to 8 hours with 1,050 meters of elevation gain over remote terrain. It is rated moderate in technical difficulty but requires good physical fitness and hiking experience. You carry your own belongings the entire way.

What happens on the boat ride down Koman Lake?

The boat travels from Fierza Dam through Koman Lake, passing through narrow gorges with views of waterfalls, rural villages and wild forest. After reaching Komani Dam, you travel by local transport over bumpy roads with views of Vau i Dejes Lake before returning to Shkoder or Tirana.

Where do you sleep during the trek?

You stay in traditional guesthouses in Theth for two nights and in Valbona for one night. Rooms are shared and accommodate 2–5 travelers. Private rooms are available for an extra charge of 40 euros per night, subject to availability.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes a professional English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off in Tirana or Shkoder, all transport from day one through day four, accommodation in traditional guesthouses, entry tickets to sites, the boat ticket on Koman Lake, and local transport over rough roads. Meals, drinks and personal spending are not included.