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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
  • Magnificent, isolated Thethi National Park
  • Albanian Highlander hospitality

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

  1. 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 will be spent exploring the town on foot.

  2. Day 2: Lake Korman & trek through Valbona

    Take the ferry boat service from Fierza for a stunning journey across Lake Koman, surrounded by steep-sided mountains. Afternoon walk through woods to the meadows of Grykat e Hapta and enjoy the stunning views of Valbona’s jagged peaks.

    Walking distance: 8 km | Ascent: 473 m | Descent: 459 m

  3. Day 3: Trek across the eastern Albanian Alps

    A dramatic hike across the eastern Albanian Alps. Follow the sheep trails from Valbona to Kukaj (1,150 metres), and an optional walk up to the border of Montenegro (2,000 metres).

    Walking distance: 10 km | Ascent: 763 m | Descent: 763 m

  4. Day 4: Trek to Thethi across 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: 14 km | Ascent: 1,000 m | Descent: 1,260 m

  5. Day 5: Trek the Accursed Mountains to Peja Pass

    Remain in the Theth National Park and follow a 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: 14 km | Ascent: 1,025 m | Descent: 1,025 m

  6. Day 6: Trek to Nderlysa & visit the Blood Feud Tower

    Trek to the hamlet of Nderlysa (550 metres) and visit the Blood Feud Tower. Comtinue to the waterfall at Thethi and follow the trail along the River Shala to reach our destination – Nderlysa.

    Walking distance: 8 km | Ascent: 254 m | Descent: 500 m

  7. Day 7: Diagonal Pass & Thore Pass; afternoon drive to Tirana

    Today starts with a long steady ascent to the stunning Diagonal Pass and then a hike to Thore Pass. In the afternoon drive to Tirana, one of the most dynamic cities in the Balkans, and enjoy a celebratory meal in a traditional restaurant.

    Walking distance: 8 km | Ascent: 1,365 m | Descent: 207 m

  8. 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 £1,179 per person
  • Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 8 days from £1,499 per person
  • Single room supplement: From £90
  • Walking grade: Demanding
  • Guiding: Guided Group Private-Guided
  • Max alt: 2,000m
  • Group size: 4-12
  • When to go: View Dates & Prices
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  • Route 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

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Guided Group Dates and Prices
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All prices are per person. All our guided group trips have the option to be taken as a private guided itinerary. * 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, please contact us for more details.
2024 23 Jun 30 Jun £1,179 Guaranteed** Book or Enquire
2024 7 Jul 14 Jul £1,179 Available* Book or Enquire
2024 21 Jul 28 Jul £1,179 Available* Book or Enquire
2024 15 Sep 22 Sep £1,179 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.