Stand Up Paddle at Skadar lake and Hiking from Valbona to Theth in 4 Days

We will leave Tirana at 5:00 starting this epic trip to the North of Albania. Our first destination, “Lake Koman ”  has been the second most resourceful electricity-producing damn in all the country. From 1985 this lake has also been the main way of how the locals travel. We will catch our ferry at 9:00 for a 2:30 hours magical sailing on Lake Koman. 

In addition, from the station of Fierza, we will have a local-style ride to the National Park of Valbona. Accommodation and lunch at a guesthouse in Valbona. 

Furthermore, after a short rest, it will be time for a warm-up hike to explore the area around the Valbona Valley.

On our second day, also called the big day of the tour, we set off on the thrilling hike from Valbona to Theth following the ancient path. Back in the days, it was only possible to travel from Valbona to Shkoder on foot taking two full days of walking! Walking on this path we will pass through the oldest part of the village where people are still living in their more than 100-year-old stone houses that are remarkable remnants of the past.
The 20-km trek offers spectacular views of long rocky valleys and lush green forests. We stop for lunch at one of the traditional cafés along the way but do stock up on snacks just in case. After trekking for about 7-8 hours we arrive in Theth which will for sure amaze us with its unique nature, history, and traditions including the village’s symbol, the Lock-In Tower.
Overnight and dinner at the guesthouse.

After breakfast at the guesthouse, we’ll visit the beautiful Gurnas Waterfall, located a 45 minute walk away. On the way back we will be introduced to the fascinating rules and history of the blood feuds, an important part of Albanian history. For a better understanding have a look at Ismail Kadare’s novel “Broken April“. The tower and its history are also highly involved with the phenomenon of “Burrnesha” or “Sworn Virgin”.

Return to Shkoder for overnight accommodation at the hotel. Short city tour of the city and free time. 

Stand up paddling at Lake Shkodra, a restricted Ramsar and IBA (Important Bird Area) area of Lilly flowers for birdwatching. We will see the nesting habitat of Whiskered tern (Chlidonias hybrida) and the Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus Crispus). In addition, we’ll have a short coffee and toilet break at Bar Restaurant Arbri. 

Furthermore, the tour continues with a refreshing Mojito cocktail served at the Buna Bridge with a magic view of the Rozafa Castle. 

We’ll also stop at a comfortable place on the shores of Buna River, where a traditional pastry lunch will be served. Furthermore, there will be free time for sunbathing and swimming. 

After lunch, we’ll continue paddling to our next stop, a cultural heritage monument of the XIII century. The Church of Shirq is a well-known place where the country’s princesses used to get married.

Around 5:00 the active part of the tour ends at the village of  Obot. From there you can optionally take your own car that we bring there or we arrange the transportation back to the starting point.

You can also choose to continue the trip privately to Montenegro.