Theth To Valbona Hike: Essential Tips & Complete Guide 2025
If you love hiking and you’re up for a challenge, you can’t miss the incredible Theth to Valbona hike! After spending a month exploring Albania, I can safely say the Theth to Valbona hike was the absolute highlight of our trip.
Connecting the spectacular Theth National Park to Valbona Valley National Park, this hike will have you twisting and turning up mountain passes, through fragrant alpine meadows, all with the most epic scenery surrounding you.
This is truly one of the most amazing and underrated day hikes in the whole of Europe, and is why we would recommend everyone needs to visit Albania. You simply have to add this hike to your bucketlist!
Hiking Theth To Valbona: Overview
Recommended Itinerary (Quick Summary)
As the route for the Theth to Valbona hike starts and ends in different places, the logistics behind the hike can be quite difficult to work out. In fact, it’s something we spent countless hours researching as it was a bit of a concern for us, especially as we were travelling with a hire car.
To save you the same stress we faced, we’ve included the exact itinerary necessary for your Theth to Valbona hike.
Day 1: Arrive in Shkodër
Whether you’re travelling by bus or by car, you’ll spend the first morning reaching Shkodër before spending the afternoon exploring the beautiful city.
Day 2: Shkodër to Theth
If you’re driving, we’d recommend leaving your hire car in Shkodër. Have a chat with the owner of the hotel you’re staying at and they will more than likely be happy for you to leave your car in their car park for a small fee. Alternatively, there are plenty of car parks around Shkodër for you to leave it.
The best way to get from Shkodër to Theth is to take the public bus. The bus departs promptly at 7am every day and it takes approximately 1hr30-2hrs to reach Theth.
If you get travel sick, make sure you take some medication as the roads are very windy!
Once you arrive in Theth, we’d recommend taking it easy, exploring the village, and heading on a short hike to Grunas Waterfall, before getting an early night’s sleep in your guesthouse.
Day 3: Theth To Valbona Hike
Get up early and head out on your hike by 8am as it’s a long one!
The route is well signposted. Just take it slow, following the detailed instructions we’ve outlined below.
Once you arrive in Valbona, check into your guesthouse and relax for the evening – you’ll have deserved it!
Day 4: Valbona To Shkodër Via Lake Komani
On your final day, arrange to be picked up from your guesthouse at 10.30am which will take you to Fierza, on the edge of Lake Komani. From here, you’ll take a 2hr30 ferry across the stunning lake.
The ferry departs at 1pm every day and costs 1000 leke.
Once you arrive on dry land again, a minibus will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation in Shkodër.
We’d recommend booking the minibus at the same time as your ferry tickets; it costs 800 leke for each leg of the journey, taking your total cost to 2600 leke per person, around £22.
How To Get From Shkodër To Theth
There are multiple ways to reach Theth from Shkodër, each with its own pros and cons. We’ve detailed exactly how to get to Theth with each mode of transport, and the additional things you’ll need to consider.
By Car
Driving to Theth is probably the most enjoyable way to reach the mountain village from Shkodër, and is great if you’ve already hired a car for your trip.
From Shkodër, you’ll want to head northeast towards the town of Koplik. From Koplik, you’ll leave the main road behind as you head down a narrow country lane, just about wide enough for two small cars.
Keep driving east through the Albanian Alps, whilst admiring spectacular views of the mountains and villages. The road will twist and turn to the top of the mountain, where you’ll find a rest stop on the right, approximately halfway into your journey.
We’d recommend getting out here to stretch your legs and admire the incredible views. From there, you’ll twist and turn back down the mountain before reaching Theth in the valley below.
Whilst narrow and winding, the roads to Theth are new and exceptionally well-maintained. However, we would recommend taking it slow on the hairpin turns as it can be tricky to see if cars are coming in the other direction, which may require you to pull over.
Whilst driving to Theth might be more pleasant, bear in mind you will have to catch the bus back to Theth to pick your car up following the hike, adding an extra day to the itinerary.
By Bus
Whilst public buses in Albania can be a little unreliable in general, the same cannot be said for the Shkodër to Theth bus.
The bus is a 15-seater minivan and departs Shkodër promptly at 7am every morning. You will be picked up directly from your accommodation, making it super hassle-free. Be aware, there is only one bus per day so make sure you don’t miss it!
You need to book the bus in advance to confirm your seat, which can either be done through your accommodation, or you can book it online.
Tickets cost 1000 Leke per person
This is by far the easiest way to reach Theth, as you can just sit back and enjoy the incredible view whilst someone else does all the work! Plus, it’s super convenient as there are no logistical challenges, such as getting back to Theth following the hike.
It is also by far the most affordable mode of transport, setting you back less than £10.
Step-By-Step Theth To Valbona Hike Route
Stage 1: Theth to the Alpine Meadows
Start your day as early as possible. Have a hearty breakfast before leaving your guesthouse by 8am at the latest. We actually left ours at 7am and had no regrets. It gave us a couple of cooler hours before the sun hit, plus we had the trail mostly to ourselves the majority of the way.
Depending on where you’re staying in Theth will depend how long it will take you to get to the trail head. You can see our recommendations below. Regardless, head to the north end of the village and you’ll see signs pointing to the right uphill, towards a small café.
From the café, follow the signpost pointing right. It’s clearly marked so you won’t get lost. This is where the fun really starts!
After the café, follow the path which will lead you towards the river. After you’ve crossed the river, you’ll start to zig-zag up a fairly steep gravel path towards a guesthouse on the corner.
When you reach the guesthouse, turn left. The path will become pretty steep as you head into a magical forest, where you’ll be surrounded by dappled sunlight and a cool breeze sweeping through the leaves.
Around halfway through the forest is a small refreshment stop serving cold drinks, with fresh water straight from the mountain where you can fill your bottle up if needed.
Just a little bit further on from here, the trees will start to thin, and you’ll step out into the most stunning alpine meadow with views over the whole mountain range.
The views from here really are spectacular, so spend a little bit of time here catching your breath, hydrating and refueling before continuing. It only gets better.
Stage 2: The Climb To Valbona Peak
As you leave the alpine meadow to continue on the Theth to Valbona hike, bear right and you’ll head back into the forest. Whilst you don’t get epic views inside the forest, the shade from the trees is very much welcome on a hot summer’s day!
Continue along a gentle uphill path through the forest, and when you exit, you’ll find yourself arriving at a small stream. This is the perfect place for a refreshing paddle to cool off and refill your water bottle. The water is straight off the mountain and we were assured by locals that it is safe to drink.
After you cross the river, you’ll quickly arrive at a beautiful wooden café on the left with amazing mountain views. The path will then return into the forest where you will continue your ascent.
After a while, the trees will open up to reveal a small clearing with the most insane views across the mountains and valley – you can even see your starting point in Theth from here. Once you reach this point, you don’t have far left to the peak!
The final stretch up to Valbona Peak will take around 30 minutes from this point. It is quite rocky with uneven ground and large boulders to climb over in places.
Just when it feels like you’ll never reach the top, you’ll round the corner to reveal Valbona Peak right ahead of you. The last 10 metres or so to the peak are optional, but we highly recommend making the quick detour. Please be really careful on this path as it is very steep and narrow, and made up of loose gravel which makes it quite slippery.
The views from Valbona Peak are truly insane. We’d recommend finding a little picnic spot here for some lunch, where you can sit and take in the amazing view and be proud of how far you’ve come.
Stage 3: The Descent To Valbona
Valbona Peak marks the halfway point of the Theth to Valbona hike, though from here onwards it’s mostly downhill. Don’t be fooled though, as this can be just as hard. Take it slow to not lose your footing on the gravel paths, and to make it slightly easier on your knees.
From Valbona Peak, follow the path to the left, where it will quickly turn into loose scree. Follow the path downwards for around an hour, before coming to yet another café where you can grab a cold drink and fill your water bottle back up.
The path continues downwards before entering a forest, which is where you will spend the final 2-3 hours of your hike. At this point, it’s relatively flat, though you’ll be walking along a dried-up riverbed with lots of rocks, so be careful not to twist an ankle!
As you continue along the path, you’ll slowly find guesthouses popping up at intervals either side of you. Take a deep breath because you’ve made it to Valbona.
How To Get From Valbona To Shkodër
Getting from Valbona to Shkodër may be one of the most beautiful journeys in Europe, as you’ll be crossing the stunning Lake Komani.
We would recommend organising your transport in advance, though your guesthouse should be able to assist you otherwise.
Book a mini-bus to pick you up from your guesthouse in Valbona. You’ll likely share this with other travellers who’ve just completed the hike – who knows, you may have been hiking with them the whole way!
You’ll be collected from your guesthouse at 10.30am, giving you enough time for a bit of a lie-in – we can assure you, you’ll be pretty tired from the hike the day before!
You’ll be taken to the ferry port in Fierza, on the edge of Lake Komani, where you’ll board the boat. The boat is simple, and may not have enough seats for everyone, with the upper deck acting as a viewing platform. At the point of writing, it’s not really set up for tourists in the same way as you would expect, rather being a way for locals to cross the lake.
The ferry journey is 2hr30 of pure bliss. Lake Komani is completely secluded and surrounded by nature. Listen to the gentle sound of birds tweeting as you meander along the emerald waters, surrounded by the towering canyon walls.
Once you arrive back on dry land at Koman, hop into another van which will take you along a bumpy road back to Shkodër.
Where To Stay In Theth
We would recommend staying in Qender-Theth, as close to the trailhead as possible. Whilst Theth is only a small village, it is spread out throughout the valley. Staying at the wrong end of the village can add more than a mile to the total distance of the hike, (we made this mistake ourselves). Here’s our top recommendations of where to stay in Theth:
Gurra Family Guesthouse
Located close to the trailhead for the Theth to Valbona hike, offering comfortable and stylish rooms, Gurra Family Guesthouse offers a delicious breakfast to fuel your hike. The owners are very friendly and will be more than willing to help you with any last-minute arrangements.
Kompleksi Zorgji
Kompleksi Zorgji is very traditional in style and exactly what you would picture a mountain lodge to be! The rooms are simple, but comfortable, and have everything you need. The owners are lovely, and the breakfast is plentiful. Plus, as with anywhere in Theth, the views are spectacular.
Thethi Villas
If you’re after a piece of luxury in the most beautiful surrounds, look no further than Thethi Villas. Each guest receives their own pod, complete with twinkling fairy lights and a bonfire in the evening. You can have wine or champagne, chocolate or cookies, delivered right to your pod, one of which even has a jacuzzi. This is the perfect place to relax in style before your long hike.
Where To Stay In Valbona
Similar to Theth, we’d recommend staying as close to the trailhead as possible. Trust us when we say that you won’t want to add another mile trekking through the village after already walking more than ten miles!
Guesthouse Mehmeti
Guesthouse Mehmeti is a beautiful garden and comfortable rooms, perfect for resting after a long day! A delicious breakfast is included in the cost, and towels are provided, meaning there’s one less thing to carry!
Guesthouse Demushi
Boasting a beautiful garden area complete with picnic benches, Guesthouse Demushi is one of the best places to stay after you’ve completed the Theth to Valbona hike. The rooms are so comfortable and the views are epic. Plus, there’s an onsite restaurant, so you won’t have to walk far for a delicious meal either!
Oda N’Bjeshke
If you’re after something a little more fancy, whilst still being super traditional and affordable, look no further than Oda N’Bjeshke. With a beautiful terrace overlooking the mountains, and a comfortable restaurant area, you’ll have everything you need to relax after a long day.
What To Bring On The Theth To Valbona Hike
Our top tip would be to pack as light as possible! Remember, you’ve got a long old way to hike, so don’t pack anything that isn’t absolutely necessary. Here’s our recommended packing list:
Theth To Valbona Hike FAQ’s
How Difficult Is The Theth To Valbona Hike, Really?
The hike itself is not too challenging. We’d highly recommend you have a base level of fitness as the uphill parts are quite strenuous. I will fully admit there were times when we struggled, despite being incredibly physically fit. However, if you take it slowly, and take lots of breaks, I should think most people will manage the hike quite well.
If you’re concerned about your fitness level, consider hiking just to the first alpine meadow and see how you feel. This is one of the steepest parts of the hike, so if you make it there then you should be okay for the rest of the hike.
What If I Don’t Want To Do A One-Way Hike? What If I’ve Left My Car In Theth?
Unpopular opinion, but you absolutely don’t have to hike the whole thing!! Lots of people hike to Valbona Peak, at approximately the halfway point, before turning round and hiking back down the mountain to Theth. This is a really great option to give you more time to explore Theth itself and some of the other hikes in the area.
Do I need any special gear?
Nope! Whilst you’ll see lots of people with hiking poles and all the latest gadgets, you don’t need any special gear. In fact, we completed the hike in our old, worn-out trainers.
That being said, with many of the paths being made up of loose gravel and scree, we would recommend wearing comfortable hiking shoes. Hiking poles may also offer some support and make you less likely to slip.
When Is The Best Time To Do The Theth To Valbona Hike?
We’d recommend completing the hike between May and September. The weather at this time of year is generally much more pleasant, and the long days mean you won’t be quite as rushed.
During winter, the trail is inaccessible due to snow. Even in May you may encounter a little bit of snow left along the sides of the trail, though it should mostly have melted by then.
How Much Does It Cost To Do The Theth To Valbona Hike?
Whilst the hike itself is free, there are other costs to think about, including transport either end of the hike, accommodation, and food.
If you follow the guide above, transport costs will set you back 3600 Leke. Accommodation costs vary, so we’d recommend booking in advance so you know how much it will be. Remember it will likely be paid on arrival, so factor this in when withdrawing cash.
Food costs in Theth and Valbona are a little more expensive than in other parts of Albania, due to the sheer remoteness of the area. We’d recommend budgeting a minimum of 1000 Leke for a vegetarian meal, or twice this for a meat meal.
Remember to withdraw plenty of cash in advance to cover the whole of your trip. There are no cashpoints in Theth or Valbona, and card is rarely accepted. Credins Bank offer free withdrawals.
Which Direction Is Better: Theth To Valbona, Or Valbona To Theth?
In our opinion, hiking from Theth to Valbona is the best option for a variety of reasons.
Firstly, the first section of the hike is most scenic, so rather than leave it for when you’re already tired and weary, we think it’s best to enjoy it on the way up, when you’re still feeling fresh. Plus, it’s extra motivation to keep on going up the steep climb.
Secondly, if you’re hiking from Valbona to Theth, you’ll start by hiking up a steep scree path which will be absolutely exhausting – no thank you!
Thirdly, we think finishing with the Lake Komani ferry journey is just perfect, allowing you to relax in nature and rest your tired legs. It’s almost like a little reward to congratulate yourself for completing the hike.
A lot of travellers hike from Valbona to Theth, which also means the ferry tends to be quieter from Fierza to Koman, allowing you to enjoy the experience even more.
Do I Need A Guide To Complete The Theth To Valbona Hike?
Absolutely not! The route is well-marked, and if you’re ever in doubt, just follow the red and white stripes dotted along the way. You can’t really go wrong. Plus, the Theth to Valbona hike sees enough footfall that you’re never on your own for more than ten minutes anyway.
However, if you prefer to hike in the company of a guide, there are plenty of tours available.
Wrap Up: Theth To Valbona Hike
Completing the Theth to Valbona hike is undoubtedly one of my favourite travel memories to date. The route is incredibly beautiful, the alpine meadows are stunning, and the mountains engulfing you every step of the way are simply jaw-dropping.
The sense of achievement you get from completing this hike is more than worth the effort you’ll put in. It might seem daunting initially, but we know you will love it. I cannot just describe how beautiful the route is; you have to see it for yourself.
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