VALBONE - THETH CROSSING TOUR The van and the guide will pick you up in front of Rozafa Hotel from 6:45 am and drop you to Komani. It’s about 1h30mins drive. (If you want to start the tour from Tirana, the departure is at 4:50am at Gazheli Petrol Station, Zogu i Zi, you should pay an extra fee of 12 euros for it). The Valbone-Theth Crossing Tour is a popular hiking route in northern Albania, specifically in the Albanian Alps. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, rugged landscapes, and traditional villages. The tour typically takes two to three days to complete, depending on the pace and preferences of the hikers. Here’s an overview of the Valbonë-Theth Crossing Tour: Valbonë Valley The tour usually starts in Valbonë Valley, a picturesque valley surrounded by towering mountains. Hikers can reach Valbonë Valley by bus or car from the nearby town of Shkodër. The valley offers stunning views, lush greenery, and opportunities to explore the local culture. Kukaj From Valbonë Valley, hikers begin their ascent towards the Valbonë Pass, passing through the village of Kukaj. This part of the trail is relatively steep, but the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains make it worthwhile. Valbonë Pass The Valbonë Pass, also known as Qafa e Valbonës, is the highest point of the trek, reaching an altitude of around 1,800 meters (5,900 feet). Hikers are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the Albanian Alps and the Theth Valley on the other side. Theth Valley After crossing the Valbonë Pass, hikers descend into the Theth Valley. Theth is a remote village nestled in the heart of the Accursed Mountains. It is famous for its stone houses, traditional guesthouses, and the well-known Lock-in Tower (Kulla e Ngujimit), which used to serve as a refuge for blood feuds. Blue Eye While in Theth, many hikers take a detour to visit the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a natural spring with crystal-clear, turquoise water. It’s a popular spot for a refreshing swim. Return or Further Exploration After enjoying the beauty of Theth Valley, hikers have the option to return to Valbonë Valley or continue their adventure by exploring more of the Albanian Alps. There are other hiking trails and natural attractions in the area, such as the Grunas Waterfall and the Jezerca Peak. Important notes: * This tour is available two days a week (Monday and Thursday) from May 15th to October 15th. * The guide is included in the tour, from start to finish. ( from Koman terminal to Shala River, Valbona, Theth and Shkoder). *The transport service is offered only from Shkodra, departing from Hotel Rozafa. You must be there before 06:45. If you want to start the tour from Tirana, departure is at 05:00am in front of Gazheli Petrol Station, Zogu i Zi, adding an extra 12 euros. * The Tour Difficulty: In an average from 1 to 10 is estimated at 6. It is recommended for ages 14-60 who like exploring and have a physic that affords long walks.