Trek: 9 km, 4-5 hours, elevation gain: 850m; elevation loss: 460m. If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? 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. travelling with peace of mind page, We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. Public transport leaves from Shkodra in the morning, during the main season several minibuses a day, the trip takes around 3 hr. Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps), Albania I Best world walks, 8 Day (s) 7 Night (s) Trip Enquiry. 2019 Outdoor Albania All Rights Reserved. There you have it, its your own fault if only I had just turned around. Breakfasts included. 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. 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. From Shkodr this morning we will drive for a couple of hours to Lake Koman to begin our spectacular journey towards the Albanian Alps. Blessed by a Mediterranean climate, with approximately three hundred days of sun, Albania is one of the most naturally diverse countries. One of the southernmost glacial masses in Europe was discovered in the Albanian part of the range in 2009. Accursed Mountains are nothing less than Day 5: Walk overlooking the spectacular of Karanfili's massif. 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. To view images fullscreen please turn device. . 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. The Accursed Mountains travel - Lonely Planet | Albania, Europe There is only the distant sound of a flute. Dining at the hotel has a rustic yet stylish appeal, with quaintly carved wooden doors and furniture, exposed brick support pillars and wonderful local dishes. The pass becomes possible to cross on foot from the end of May, when the snow melts enough to let people and animals through. They also do not include breaks for picnics, photos and the like. The interiors are designed in a grand fashion with a luxury stay in mind; dcor typically features shades of gold, cream and burgundy upholstery and bedding; gold-framed pictures hanging from the walls and marble bathrooms. Price (exc. Near the canyon are found stonewalled terraces dating from the late bronze era, revealed only in 2007. Approx. Webstandard Accursed Mountains Highlights experiencing the warm hospitality and honest curiosity about tourists of villagers in Kelmend hiking in the unreal karst vastness of the central massif enjoying the relaxed village life and a refreshing swim in Theth spectacular views of the entire Valbona valley from Kollata massif For an hour, nothing is visible, nothing at all that indicates the presence of people. The range also includes the mountain Gjeravica, which, at 2,656m (8,714ft), is the second tallest mountain in Kosovo. Go fishing in the Valbon river. 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. He was later found dead, the hotel burned down. In addition to homestays, there are also a number of hostels and guesthouses in the villages of Albanian Alps. Trek: 10 km, 5-6 hours, elevation gain: 1040m; elevation loss: 660m. 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.) Rruga Gjin Bue Shpata Nr. 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. Rooms are spacious, simple and modern, equipped with air-conditioning and other mod-cons. Previous trekking experience is an advantage, but not a must for those who are reasonably fit and comfortable in their hiking shoes. Stop. Also at the beginning and end of the season the road is in a rough condition. It's a short drive from here to Nderlysa and Theth. 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 If you can, talk to people. Without making all the same mistakes as in the Alps, where unique scenery was ruined forever. Here the people are used to do things their own way. Most passengers are in the warm galley, but I head to the top deck to miss as little of the trip as possible. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions. Showing the Albanian lifestyle to every traveler: thats been the goal of Off Limits Albania since 2013. Traveling on a small public ferry, this idyllic ride will take us along the Drin River, which over the centuries has carved its way through the mountains to create some magnificent canyons and narrow passageways that are reminiscent of the celebrated Norwegian fjords. Rooms are fitted with central heating, quality windows and modern bathrooms though space and furniture is limited in some. The neatly maintained paths, the duration marked route signs, the theme walks, panoramic terraces, mountain huts with e-bike charging points. After passing under the railway bridge turn off right and head for the village of Rapsh. You will have to carry just your own backpack. 2-3hrs walking (555m ascent, 347m descent. With an ideal central location, independent exploration is easy and great views across Shkoder can be seen from the higher floors. Traditions remain strong and authentic. Accommodation in guesthouses and tents, meals as written in the daily itinerary; group airport transfer and other transports required by the itinerary; all entrance fees; skilled tour leader. The drive back will initially follow the taller mountains of the Valleys ofKelmend as the road winds through remote glacier valley debris of limestone until the shores of Lake Shkodra. Somewhere in this mountain world a shepherd plays a melancholy song. It is difficult to get there and difficult to get out. The Accursed Mountain trail leads through one of the most remote and wild mountainous regions of the Western Balkans. 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. Blood feuds, loneliness, legendary hospitality, an illegal border crossing and one of the most spectacular rock formations in Europe. Reachable on foot via the nearly 1,800 meter high Valbonapass or by road and water from Koman Lake. Take the wild cherry, plum and apple orchards, where the bears like to come. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. To the right the plateau below, left the mountain spectacle. However, having a very experienced mountain guide with you, should not concern you. Living his dream as an adventure guide, he enjoys hiking and having the opportunity to share the knowledge about mountains, history, 99s Kosovo war, his life as a shepherd, and his love of this region with guests. As we venture out of the village, we will follow the River Shala, through the beautiful Grunasi Canyon towards the picturesque hamlet of Nderlysaj where well be able to soak up the peace and tranquility of this very special mountain setting. There are Wi-Fi and electrical plugs. I continue on to the mysterious tunes. The Peaks of the Balkans or The Albanian Alps are a hikers paradise. The selected paths are mostly well trod underfoot and safe (rarely exposed). Although it is a National Park, there are plans for a large cable car and work on a hydro power plant is already underway. WebMaja Jezerc The Queen of the Accursed Mountains 2694 m/alt, Albania. with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. Some of the area's specialties are being internationally recognized for being locally grown by the Slow Food Foundation [1][dead link]. Walking in Northern Albania - Into The Accursed Mountains Group Tour View gallery Overview Map & Itinerary Dates & Prices 8 Days From 1,295 Make an Enquiry Book Now Home TREK. 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? If you prefer not to pay a single supplement well pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. 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). Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects. We climb up to a pass then a dramatic trail to the lakes. They scream and make gestures: Flat, flat, flat! After weve said goodbye I watch them walk down the slope with playful ease and climb the other side of the mountain to herd their sheep together. Drive to Shkoder. It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. Responsible and sustainable tourism, for both the people and the environment, is a philosophy inherent to Albanian Trip. 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. Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight), Personal First Aid Kit/Medications (Lightweight), (Water is provided, but very often this is from local wells or mountain streams and is not chlorinated. The isolated valley forbidden for visitors during the communist era is of incredible beauty. 6hrs walking (800m ascent, 800m descent. Only on the first day, we will sleep in a guesthouse in Theth, the starting point of the trek. He looks at me kindly and smiles: No problem. What To Do In Theth Accursed Mountains Day 4: From the lakes towards Vuthaj Village. You will rethink what you believe to be right and learn new ways of doing things. A border military post, some bunkers, and the border crossing pyramid sign still remains by the crossing. 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. After enjoying the mountains of Montenegro so much; I specifically booked into a hostel in Shkoder which helps travelers book trips to the mountains in Northern Albania. Theth Valley: melting pot for most of the treks to the highest peaks and passes of the Albanian Alps and beyond. THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER | EXPLORE & CONSERVE. See our description, photos and practical information for Prokletije or (Albanian: Alpet Shqiptare or Bjeshkt e Nemuna), sometimes called the Albanian Alps or the Accursed Mountains are a range in Northeastern Albania and northwestern Kosovo. Open the window. The Southern Dinaric Alps / The Accursed Mountains: a spectacular massif that connects naturally Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo. Zbulo isnt just a made-up word, it actually means discover or explore in Shqip (Albanian). All camping gears and food will transfer by a horse. See them scramble down the steep rocks. If walking on foot does not sound appealing, a horse or donkey can likely be arranged with one of the villagers for an appropriate fee (5,000 lek). I follow a mountain stream up through a landscape of boulders and pools with crystal clear water. People possess little more than their pride and legendary hospitality. Breakfast, walking shoes, backpack on and out the door. Feel free to give us a call at 00383-49-601-007 if you have any questions regarding the gear list. Even the Ottoman pasha, who controlled half of the Balkans until 1912, quickly understood that this valley was too remote to be suppressed with a hard hand. It has just a bed and a wood stove. Check out the many different, unique tours, ranging from relaxing cultural holidays to invigorating snowshoeing in the Albanian Alps. If you are on a tight schedule, a guide is recommended. You might get locally made cheese such as Kelmend-based Mishavin, Velecik, delicious home-baked bread, pickles, wild pomegranates, cranberries, blueberries, grape jam and various composts, natural honey, chestnuts, mountain tea, local plums, apples, and Kallmet Wine. Accursed Mountains | Zbulo! Discover 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. I show them photos of the Netherlands on my phone, green and flat. By using shepherd paths and footways, the trail winds through high alpine mountains up to 2300m above sea level. For the next couple of hours, the trail climbs slightly more steeply towards higher ground and we walk over Valbona Pass. frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check He wants to take a selfie with me and the other agents and then wishes me a safe journey. This mountain hamlet lies in one of the most spectacular The wild face popularly gave it another name: the Accursed Mountains. Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. Hiking route changes Day 3: Spectacular hike from Kukaj to the Jezerca Lakes, This is an amazing trek. Allow 1- 2 days. WebAlbania , Montenegro. As part of a major hydroelectric project dating back to the 1980s, Lake Koman was created by a dam, and the result is quite breathtaking. The wooden and stone structure is built to a high standard and rooms are found within the main building or as separate log cabins. Topographic maps in scales 1:25,000, 1:50,000 or smaller are published by Institutin Topografik t Ushtris (ITU) and for sale from East View Geospatial, omnimap, or chartsandmaps.com. Depending on timings well either explore the imposing citadel later this afternoon or tomorrow morning.Approx. 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.
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