This walking holiday to the wild north of Albania is probably one of the last great European adventures. You’ll discover the remote Thethi National Park and meet people who live in a world which is refreshingly disconnected from the rest of Europe.
- A remote & challenging Balkan alpine adventure
- Albanian Highlander hospitality
- Magnificent, isolated Thethi National Park
This trip is inspired by Robert Carver’s book ‘The Accursed Mountains’ and even the exploits of Lord Byron. Since we explored this isolated area of Northern Albania, it became one of our best-selling trips – this remote area is not Europe as you know it! Many a comparison can be drawn to more far-flung, exotic destinations including life in the lesser-trekked regions of the Himalayas.
The Accursed Mountains are spectacular, unspoiled and virtually impenetrable, except for a series of high passes that link the few farmsteads of the exceptionally friendly Albanian Highlanders to the outside world.
This is a truly special European trekking adventure, ideal for the discerning traveller and those seeing a destination that is refreshingly different.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Fly to Tirana & transfer to Shkodër
On arrival at Tirana, meet at the airport for your transfer to Shkodër, the oldest and largest city in northern Albania. Visit the ruins of Rozafa Castle, which is perched strategically on top of a hill just outside of Shkodër. Late afternoon is spent exploring the town on foot.
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Day 2: Transfer to Lepushe docks & trek to Vermosh
Drive along the shoreline of Lake Shkoder and climb to the Berdolec Pass to commence the first hike of the trip. Trej towards Vermosh via Mount Trojan in the heart of the Accursed Mountains.
Walking distance: 10 km | Ascent: 490 m | Descent: 790 m
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Day 3: Trek to Vajuska Peak
Short transfer to Lepushe, followed by a dramatic hike to the Montenegro borders with views of the multinational Dinaric range via the Vajusha Ridge.
Walking distance: 10 km | Ascent: 580 m | Descent: 790 m
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Day 4: Trek the Accursed Mountains through the Peja Pass to Thethi
Follow a dramatic trail to make the challenging ascent to the Peja Pass (1,730 metres) beneath the striking Mount Arapit. From the pass there are fine views across the entire Thethi Valley, as well as to the peaks that lie within Montenegro. Descend back to Thethi.
Walking distance: 15 km | Ascent: 845 m | Descent: 600 m
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Day 5: Trek to Nderlysa & visit the Blood Feud Tower
Explore Thethi at the hub of the Albanian Alps and visit the Blood Feud Tower, the waterfalls of Thethi and the natural pools of Nderlysa (550m).
Walking distance: 7 km | Ascent: 745 m | Descent: 510 m
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Day 6: Trek through the Valbona Pass
Walk a dramatic trail over the Valbona Pass (1,840 metres) for fantastic views of the Radohima Mountains and, once again, impressive views of Jezerce massive. Descend across the steeply angled scree slopes to the meadows and beech forests to Thethi (800 metres).
Walking distance: 13 km | Ascent: 980 m | Descent: 770 m
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Day 7: Lake Korman & afternoon drive to Tirana
Take the ferry boat service from Fierza for a stunning journey across Lake Koman, surrounded by steep-sided mountains. From the Koman Dam, take a picturesque drive along the shores of Lake Vau Dejas and ultimately on to Tirana for a celebratory meal in a traditional restaurant.
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Day 8: Fly back to the UK
Depart Tirana at your leisure for your flight back to the UK.
Price and Other Information
- Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 days from £1,369 per person
- Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 8 days from £1,689 per person
- Single room supplement: From £80
- Walking grade: Demanding
- Guiding: Guided Group Private-Guided
- Max alt: 2,000m
- Group size: 4-12
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When to go: View Dates & Prices
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Route map:
View map 
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What’s included
- Hotel x 2 nights, pension / village home x 5 nights
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Arrival airport transfer
- Luggage transfers
Next Steps
| Year | Starts | Ends | Price From (Exc. Flights) | Holiday Status | Options |
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All prices are per person.
All our guided group trips can be taken as a private guided itinerary, tailored to dates within the holiday's ‘when to go’ range. Please contact us to discuss your plans. * Available: this holiday is available to book. ** Guaranteed: this holiday is available to book and is guaranteed to run. *** Fully Booked: if your preferred holiday is full we may be able to offer you a private departure or tailor a holiday to suit your requirements, contact us for more details. |
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| 2026 | 20 Jun | 27 Jun | £1,369 | Available* | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | 26 Sep | 3 Oct | £1,369 | Available* | Book or Enquire |
If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
