vehicle. Traditions remain strong and authentic. Overnight in Lepushe. The wild face popularly gave it another name: the Accursed Mountains. I follow the path to the descent to Grbaje and turn around one last time. The pass becomes possible to cross on foot from the end of May, when the snow melts enough to let people and animals through. ), Casual Clothing for Travel and Town Wear (Lightweight, Easily Washable), Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags), All land transport required by the itinerary, Airport transfers other than group transfers, United States Consulate, Podgorica: +382 20 410 500, Canadian Embassy, Belgrade, Serbia (also responsible for Montenegro): +381 11 306 3000, Australian Embassy, Belgrade, Serbia (also responsible for Montenegro): +381 11 330 3400, British Consulate, Podgorica: +382 81 205 460, Podgorica International Airport: +382 0 20 444 244, Embassy of United States: +355 4 224 7285, Consulate of Canada to the Republic of Albania, Tirana: +355 4 225 7274, Tirana International Airport: +355 42 381 800, Pristina International Airport: +383 38 501 502 12 14. The selected paths are mostly well trod underfoot and safe (rarely exposed). Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps), Albania I Best world walks, I show them photos of the Netherlands on my phone, green and flat. Rooms are fitted with central heating, quality windows and modern bathrooms though space and furniture is limited in some. The elegant, white building overlooks the town and provides a very comfortable stay with a bit of local personality. Albania Breakfasts included. The OA tours are Land Only; the prices do not include flights, nor transport* to and from the airport to the hotel (*unless requested separately). into pure alpine terrain of great beauty. The area covers parts of Shkodr and Tropoja districts in Northern Albania. Albania After a coffee break in Theth, we drive to Shkoder. They are passionate, friendly, knowledgeable and with connections to almost every pocket of this diverse country. Open the window. Theres no better place to stop for a picnic lunch and a rest surrounded by some of natures best, before slowly making our way back down into the valley, stopping along the way in the quaint little hamlet of Kukaj where we can sample some local herbal tea before enjoying another evening surrounded by natures finest in the valley. frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check An amazing night to spend at the Buni i Jezerces. Meet and greet with the guide in Tirana International Airport, followed by a transfer to Shkodra, one of the oldest inhabited cities in Albania with a 2500-year-old history. We asked mountain expert and writer Stuart Butler to give us a four-day itinerary in Albania's Accursed Mountains. Ive been a travel writer, guidebook author and photographer since before the internet was invented. (Yes, there once was a time when people used mailboxes instead of WhatsApp.) Total distance 13kms. Persistent heavy rains force me to leave Valbona early. Albanian Trip has proudly shown off Albania to thousands of travelers, and yes, they also offer trips to the Accursed Mountains. An emerging destination is Razm village. The Accursed Mountains travel - Lonely Planet | Albania, Europe Caravan Horse Riding Albania wants you to discover other mountain ranges in Albania less cursed but equally spectacular. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport Transfers: Weinclude complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flightsBeverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs. Leave Greabaje on foot (between 08:00-08:30hrs) and walk on a fine beech forest trail, climbing through the meadows toward the panoramic spot of Volusnica to the ridge that leads to the peak of Taljanka, from where you can gaze at Albaniass wildest alpine landscape: The Massive of the Accursed Mountains. Albanian topographic maps are hard to find. Illegal indeed, but with a bit of luck there wont be any border police and itll save me hours of detour.With my heart beating in my throat I drive into the valley. In general the walks last between six to eight hours a day. We feel that its worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) The wooden and stone structure is built to a high standard and rooms are found within the main building or as separate log cabins. The team that started Xplore Albania wondered why and how it is possible that the nature and sites of their country were still so unknown. Accursed Mountains Highlights. Hiking the Accursed Mountains - Albania - A Little Off Track This is where threatened families withdrew until the dispute was resolved to everyones satisfaction. I visited the heart of the Pyrenees searching for wilderness and it came pretty close, but I was convinced that Europe must still have even wilder spots. So be sure you make everything clear when you arrive. Just when it gets a bit uncomfortable, the chief of police appears. To reach Kelmend you leave Shkodra by following the highway North to the border crossing with Montenegro, called Hani i Hotit. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office. See them scramble down the steep rocks. Albanias natural beauty will take your breath away - and youll have far more of it to yourself than neighboring Greece. That space could win it a spot on our Best in Travel list to unwind, but when you hiking through its mountains you'll no doubt have more time to connect with the people who live there along the way. Located close to the border with Montenegro, Shkodr stands as a gateway to Albanias stunning northern landscapes, with impressive views of the Drin River to the east, the Adriatic Sea to the west and the majestic Albanian Alps to the northeast. The Albanian Alps or Accursed Mountains featurean array of sun-kissed peaks that watch over the wooded patches as they come into their own. A pocket of uninterrupted peace, the micro mountain village of Theth holds the Tower of Nikoll Koeku and sublime mountain views. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. You will have to carry just your own backpack. The four-hour crossing with a creaky, pounding old ferry is like a dream cruise: emerald green water, a gorge that opens and closes, eagles float through the grey sky.It rains softly and there is a cutting wind. The areas around Thethi and Valbona constitute two separate Albanian National Parks: the Thethi National Park and Valbona Valley National Park respectively. Theth Valley: melting pot for most of the treks to the highest peaks and passes of the Albanian Alps and beyond. The trail is rather light, and seems to disappear at some points. Having maps, GPS, and of course a guide with you, would be very much easy to organize the rest of the trip. Day 5: Walk overlooking the spectacular of Karanfili's massif. The trail is quite challenging as it goes in a very remote part of the Albanian Alps. The spectacular boat ride through gorgeous landscape that will follow from there is a not-to-miss highlight of Northern Albania! The path zigzags steeply up through a fairytale forest until it finally opens on a plateau. The neatly maintained paths, the duration marked route signs, the theme walks, panoramic terraces, mountain huts with e-bike charging points. It is a challenging hike over a poorly marked trail. 850m above sea level), stopping along the way for another charming picnic lunch, and arriving mid-late afternoon. The greater region along the border of Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo is where the Balkan Peace Park may one day exist. The Accursed Mountain trail leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. In 2009 the American Catherine Bohne went on holiday to Valbona for 11 days, met the Albanian Alfred on the ferry and never left. During the hikes, you should carry your small rucksack, while the main luggage gets transported by vehicle and/or horse. As we continue our ascent, and weather permitting, we reach the Bori Pass, which marks the border with Montenegro. We start early in the morning from the guesthouse towards Stani i Rames, where we stop for coffee, tea and cold drinks. The trails are a continuum of steady ascends and descends. During our walking we Cycle the Backroads of Albania Walk amongst the Accursed Mountains, home to isolated mountain villages and forest trails, Take a magical boat ride along Lake Koman and through the spectacular Drin River canyons, Enjoy wonderful local hospitality and delicious food in rural village guesthouses, Visit Shkodr, one of the oldest and most historic cities in all of the Balkans, Take the challenging hike up to Valbon Pass for rewarding views, Discover the beauty of the Thethi village, a protected historic centre in Theth National Park, The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate, All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary, Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip, Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects, A contribution to renewable energy projects, The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury, Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience, Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience, No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places, Walking in Northern Albania - Into The Accursed Mountains. Take the wild cherry, plum and apple orchards, where the bears like to come. The first of the only two alpine resorts in the Albanian Alps in Albania is located here, equipped from saunas and indoor swimming pools to ski courses! Following a simple shepherds path up through beech and pine forests and lush green meadows we can enjoy dramatic views of the rocky domes of Maja Jezerc (2695m) and Mount Rosi (2560m) as we further explore the depths of this remote region. Overnight in Kukaj hamlet. Blessed by a Mediterranean climate, with approximately three hundred days of sun, Albania is one of the most naturally diverse countries. I passed through the range on an unexpected detour on my journey to Continue reading For the most part, our walks follow good shepherd trails yet the terrain can be very rocky in parts, winding through high alpine mountains. The tour ends after breakfast. The last part of the trail passes across the ridge before the final ascent, Taljanka Peak, 2056m. Hike those amazing mountains! If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Hand over passport and drivers license. If you can, talk to people. This mountain hamlet lies in one of the most spectacular WebAfter 2,5 hrs we arrive at the boarder between Montenegro and Albania. If travelling to/from the start/finish of the tour from another European country you might also want to consider reducing your carbon footprint by travelling at least part of the way there by train. You are more a friend that is part of, and a contributor to, the Albanian community. Only on the first day, we will sleep in a guesthouse in Theth, the starting point of the trek. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. For further details please see our Life is tough, but beautiful.. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip. experiencing the warm hospitality and honest curiosity about tourists of villagers in Kelmend; hiking in the unreal karst vastness of the central massif; Finding the perfect spot for a picnic lunch, we take time to soak in all of the beauty of this special spot. As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This tour is physically challenging, and demands you to be in excellent physical shape. I sleep badly that night, plagued by images of cable cars, wellness hotels and self-service mountain restaurants. The rapids near Dragobia seem to be a popular place. With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. Extending across vistas liberally scattered with deep river valleys, alpine lakes and national parks, the towering limestone gorges of the Accursed Mountains, or Albanian Alps, provide the perfect backdrop to one of Europes last great adventures. This is a sparsely-inhabited area and the trails are not marked and signage is sparse. I hold my breath as the 44 inches carefully along chasms and ravines. Cycle the high mountain passes and rolling hills of rural Albania - eyes peeled for lynx The trail winds beside the rocky dome of Harapit Peak, which dominates the valley end and continues sided by the spectacular massive of Langoj-Karanfil peaks on the right and Jezerca the highest summit of the Albanian Alps on the left. flights): 8 days from 1,169; Walking grade: Demanding; Guiding: Guided Group Private-Guided At the bottom of the valley. It's generally not advisable to undertake this journey on your own without a high clearance vehicle, in bad weather conditions 4wd can be handy. You will be picked up at the guesthouse between 07:30-08:00hrs for a short transfer (30min) to the beginning of the trail in Grebaje village. Our trek starts out with a gradual uphill passing through the forest and ultimately arriving at Vallushnica Peak, the first peak for today's hike. Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events. There is only the distant sound of a flute. Illegal indeed, but with a bit of luck there wont be any border police and itll save me hours of detour. More details The average trek every day would be something between 17-23 Km with a cumulative elevation of 1300m maximum. Responsible and sustainable tourism, for both the people and the environment, is a philosophy inherent to Albanian Trip. But dont abuse their generosity, it could cost you dearly. Albania has a variety of climatic conditions, being situated in the transition zone between the typical Mediterranean climate in the west and the moderate continental in the east. Central Shkoder, to be specified at booking confirmation, Drop-off location Everyone knows the story and also perhaps those involved, but if asked, no one answers. Here we will be met by our minibus and transferred along a wonderfully scenic route to Kruj, passing through the Boga Valley. Open the window. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. Hiking the Accursed Mountains - Albania - A Little Off Track Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. Drive to Thethi National Park. Bjeshka guesthouse does boast Wi-Fi on the grounds. The Accursed Mountains, also known as Prokletije or the Albanian Alps, are the Western Balkan's most mystical mountain range, spanning across Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Apart from the hotels in nearby cities like Bajram Curri and Shkoder, there are a number of traditional village guesthouses that are becoming increasingly popular with international tourists. WebSmall groups looking for a trekking adventure in the wild nature of the Accused Mountains/Albanian Alps. Depending on where you are, the range is called Prokletije, Alpet Shqiptare or Albanian Alps. The road is in good condition (2011). A spectacular viewpoint into the Cemi Canyon awaits you on top of the plateau from where you descend on an newly paved road that snakes down to the bottom of the canyon. 9/1, Sh.2, Ap.4, Tirana, Albania, The Best of Via Dinarica: An 8-Day Hiking Adventure, Journey in to the Accursed Mountains (8 Days), Hiking in scenic Southern Albania (8 Days), Self Guided Local Village House Trek (5 days), Into the heart of the Accursed Mountains/, Self Guided Majestic Mountain Trek from Valbona to Thethi (3 Days), Sea-kayaking at the Albanian riviera (4 Days), Sea-kayaking along the beautiful Ionian coast (7 Days), Hike to the village and cave of Pellumbas (Day Trip), Majestic Mountain Trek from Valbona to Thethi (3 Days). Since 2015, a good asphalt road leads from Fierz to Valbona , which has made the valley more accessible and also more vulnerable. A good itinerary would include the Fierz-Komani ferry on lake Komani. To the right the plateau below, left the mountain spectacle. Approx. Operating in Albania and the Balkans, Sondor Travel offers travel packages, day tours and activities tailored for everyone. Drive: 3hrs; Accommodation in a guesthouse. Central Shkoder, to be specified at booking confirmation. Peaks of Balkan and Accursed Mountains Tour. Oh no! As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. WebWhy visit Theth National Park? Breathable lightweight waterproof jacket and pants , fleece/wool pullovers/wind-stopper jackets and gloves, small back-pack with rain coverage, hat, mosquito repellent, head-lamp, hiking poles, water bottle, sunglasses/block. I love the Alps, but the increasing amount of ready-made tourism bothers me there. Lunches and dinner we can include upon your request. THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER | EXPLORE & CONSERVE. Forget about mass tourism, it does not exist in Albania, but think authenticity and true discoveries. Catherina, dressed in black, hangs up the laundry at one of the very old farms: I was born here. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except at the guesthouses in Thethi and Nderlysaj, where you will be required to share with others of the same sex due to the limited number of rooms available. Youll discover the By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high No more time to quickly put ten euros in my passport. A self discovery trek through the region of Kelmend, rustic valleys of Montenegro and the Valley of Theth. Hike info: Distance/Duration: 12km / 5 6 hrs / +900m / 1020m / Highest point: 2054m, We have over 25 years of experience in creating authentic travel experiences in and around Albania. Zbulo isnt just a made-up word, it actually means discover or explore in Shqip (Albanian). We will be accompanied by horses which will carry our luggage as we tackle this challenging but hugely rewarding hike. To view images fullscreen please turn device. Another way to reach Theth by road is via Kiri Valley. If youre still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Note: Buying Lek is possible only in Albania. Take an extra day or so to explore the countrys quirky capital. Don't get lost in the mountains. Over coffee I get into conversation with locals who tell me that there is a shortcut that bypasses the closed border crossing there is discussion about the right location with Montenegro. Take an extra day or so to explore the countrys quirky capital. We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. We will stop at Qafe Thore the diagonal Pass, to enjoy the spectacular mountainous landscape unfolding in front of us. The unit of currency in Kosovo and Montenegro is the Euro. Price (exc. Summarize this article for a 10 years old, The Accursed Mountains (Albanian: Bjeshkt e Nmuna; Serbo-Croatian: , Prokletije, pronounced[prkltij]; both translated as "Cursed Mountains"), also known as the Albanian Alps (Albanian: Alpet Shqiptare), are a mountain group in the western part of the Balkans. Ecotour Albania want to help you discover them all. We climb up to a pass then a dramatic trail to the lakes. Glowing red in the evening haze from the castle in Shkodr the previous night, the "Accursed Mountains" (part of the Dinaric Alps) seemed almost lunar. Rooms are spacious, simple and modern, equipped with air-conditioning and other mod-cons. With an ideal central location, independent exploration is easy and great views across Shkoder can be seen from the higher floors. Total distance 9kms, highest point 1800m), Today we will enjoy a leisurely day of exploring Thethi and the surrounding area. Accursed Mountains ZalaZ After lunch, well descent down to Lepushe. The founding group of Albanian Trip consists of travel enthusiasts born and bred in Tirana, the capital of Albania. As a visitor you are more than welcome. All our tours have a fitness rating as a guideline but you should check the day-by-day itinerary carefully. melting pot for most of the treks to the highest peaks and passes of the Albanian Alps and beyond. Theth. That is not what I need in an area torn apart by many border conflicts after the Yugoslavia war. Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. Check out our Southern Albania itinerary which often connects perfectly with our Northern Albania dates and will give you an incredible insight into the souths stunning landscapes. Continue your walk on old mountain trails, meet the first shepards and discover the first bunkers, which are spread in big number all across Albania. Their main focus is to provide travel services while always keeping in mind that Albania and the Balkans (just like the rest of the world) need to be preserved for future generations. Shepherdess Ardita and her two sons. While Albania as a whole was virtually sealed until 1991, this area was isolated to an even greater extend because of the condition of access roads. There you have it, its your own fault if only I had just turned around. If you do decide to camp, be sure to employ proper bear bag techniques or bears might follow the scent of that dry sausage hidden under your pillow. Accursed Mountains It has just a bed and a wood stove. After passing under the railway bridge turn off right and head for the village of Rapsh. A few years ago, a hotelier, a newcomer from Tirana, threatened some locals with a gun. There are spectacular mountain views here of the Karanfil mountains and at the top of the Peja Pass, there is the dramatic col with Maja e Jezerce and the Accursed Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. Web25 to 40 liters backpack, 1.5 litres water gear, towel and swimwear (optional) This tour discovers one of the most hidden and pristine mountain ranges in Europe. .mw-parser-output .oo-ui-icon-unesco{background-image:url("https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b1/WorldHeritageBlanc.svg")}.mw-parser-output .oo-ui-icon-star{background-image:url("https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e7/Cscr-featured.svg")}.mw-parser-output .oo-ui-icon-ftt{background-image:url("https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Writing_Circle.svg/25px-Writing_Circle.svg.png")}.mw-parser-output .oo-ui-icon-dotm{background-image:url("https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/Yes_Check_Circle.svg/25px-Yes_Check_Circle.svg.png")}.mw-parser-output .oo-ui-icon-otbp{background-image:url("https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/Right_turn_icon_blue.svg/25px-Right_turn_icon_blue.svg.png")} Registered in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Republic of Kosovo. It means that the aim of the company is to create meaningful relationships between travelers and local communities while benefitting the people and places you visit. You leave Shkodra in direction of the Mesi Bridge following the asphalt road until you reach the village Prekal, from here one continues on an rough unpaved route through the Kiri Valley, crosses the pass (Qafa e Mali i Shoshit on above 1200m and reaches 42.23819.753 Nicaj-Shosh. The Accursed Mountains (Albanian: Bjeshkt e Nmuna; Serbo-Croatian: , Prokletije, pronounced [prkltij]; both translated as "Cursed Mountains"), also known as the Albanian One of the best ways to get to know a country is travelling the back-roads, through nature on horseback. That makes it a country for people who really would like to discover something genuine and would like to do it in a sustainable way.