I knew Theth National Park looked nice from the picture I saw online, but our time in the Albanian Alps blew me away. There is a long-held local tradition of Catholicism, even though some people say that it only dates back to 300 - 350 years ago when the population that originated from Ded Nika (according to legend) had traveled to Theth. In National Park Theth, you can see three different habitats: deciduous woods, sub-alpine scrubland, and meadows. The last 24 km (77 mi) are unpaved. Drop off: at the guesthouse door in Thethi. This trail is ideal for those who want to see Valbona Valley National Park and Thethi National Park. Feel the experience of the Albanian welcoming in person, with an accommodation in traditional guesthouses called Kulla; have dinner with local homemade and organic food, explore the lifestyle and create a unique experience to take with you back at home. Theth is one of the most beautiful places Ive ever been to and I really cant recommend it enough for hikers, nature lovers, and off-the-beaten-path adventurers alike. Entry/Admission - Theth National Park. It is filled with herbal plants and a few bushes such as junipers and osiers. The first mention of Theth is from 1485. Both a sprawling village along the valley floor amid an amphitheatre of slate-grey mountains, and a national park containing stunning landscapes and excellent hiking routes, Theth is now well on its way to being Albania's next big thing. I think I had converted them to Euros for another piece I was writing and used that info here as well. Click here to book your stay at Guesthouse Pashko! No Theth guide is complete without explaining how to get from Shkoder to Theth. With amazing views and incredible rock fountains, this place is a great destination for anyone planning to visit Albania's beautiful Alps. The first 7.5km of the hike is along a road, which you can also drive along if you own a 44. The trail is very good as it's a popular route among hikers. The first stop of this day tour will be close to the canyon and start the hiking toward the canyon and to the waterfall of 1.5 hours in a round way. All I can do is try my best to convince you that Albania, and Theth National Park, shouldnt be missed. The two most popular hikes are the trek from Theth to Valbona Peak and to the hike to the Blue Eye of Theth, a pristine swimming hole in the mountains. Established in 1966, the park covers 2,630ha (26.3km2) and is centred on the Albanian Alps, encompassing the larger portion of Shala Valley. 7 Blue Eye of Theth. Theth National Park 5 88 reviews #1 of 8 things to do in Theth National Parks Nature & Wildlife Areas Open now 12:00 AM - 10:00 PM Write a review About On the date of 11.21.1966 (Nr.96), the cabinet credited the area of Theth, with a surface of 2630 ha: from which 1680 ha are forest along the sea-line and the other part is gas-plot and grust. The lesser kestrel and the golden eagle are two of the more exciting sightings from the 50 species of birds nesting or migrating through the park. The forests are dense, and there are numerous rock formations and faces as well. Use this step-by-step guide to hike to Valbona Peak when you go! Click here for the latest prices and availability. Grunas Waterfall lies on the western slope of Thethi Valley. Night Hawk Lake is the largest lake within . When you reach the sign Bar & Restaurant Samuel, turn left and continue to follow the road. The mobile app features higher precision models worldwide, more topographic details, and works offline. The park covers an area of only 10.15 square miles (26.3 sq km) creating another small park within the country packed with astounding natural wonders. Read more onHow to Get to Theth National Park and 5 Things to Know Before You Visit Albania. It would be wise to find others to share the trip with if you choose this rather expensive option. This hiking route goes through Montenegro, Kosovo, and Albania and is now definitely on my bucket list! Theth, Albania is an underrated vacation destination. This itinerary involves a hike from Thethi (716 m) over the Valbona Pass (1 759 m) to Valbona (995 m). Theth Lock In Tower Theth Understand [ edit] It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Valbona is a lot more geared for tourism and more developed than Theth is. Its the best place to relax and unwind with waterfalls, swimming holes, mountain peaks, and really slow wifi. It was first mentioned in historical records from the second century, and it was then known as Shkodra. National parks often have strict rules for foraging. I hope you found these 27 questions and answers helpful to prepare for the Theth Valbona hike (also known as the Valbona pass). On the way back we did it in 2.5 hours. Established in 1966, the park is centered on Albania's Alps mountain range. The Shala Valley is home to the Shale River meandering within the Albanian Alps. Butrint National Park, Sarand 7. Then after a suspended "bar" at km 2 Valbona to Theth (Valbona Theth) is one of the most beautiful and popular hikes in the Accursed mountains (Prokletije). Additionally, it ensures that a large number of cultural features are preserved as well. The alpine terrain at even higher elevations features junipers, shrubs, and alpine bluegrass. We stopped a lot because of two reasons, our fitness level was poor and to take pictures and videos with the drone. Just start your hikes early (8 am or even before) and drink lots of fresh spring water and youll be fine. River Shala has carved huge terraces on either side of the valley over millennia. for our local operator to organize pick-up arrangements. Our trip out was super slow with many stops and took us 4.5 hours. Here are the 5 things I recommend you take for the Theth Valbona hike: Although I did this hike with my boyfriend, I would 100% recommend this hike, even if you are a solo female. The valley and initial slopes of the mountains overlooking the valley are thick with forest and vegetation. The landscapes are the pinnacle attraction in the park and hiking amongst them is a special treat. Mount Dajti National Park, Tirana 2. All Rights Reserved. The lower sector is less steep than the upper, and it has a different view compared to the rocky profile of the hillside. Still, there have been some cases where illegal cutting and unexpected fires have greatly damaged the habitat. Aditional Info. First, and most importantly, you need to pack snacks! Hiking trail in Theth National Park, northern Albania, to one of the most beautiful spots of the country: the Blue Eye of the north (Syri i Kalter). Spring and fall are still popular and the temperatures are still great for outdoor activities. The local tribes that lived here were the Illyrians, soon conquered by the Romans. Hiking Theth to Valbona trail is one of the best known hiking trails most people like to do when in Northern Albania. Theres very little light pollution because the town is so remote, so make sure you take a few minutes to get outside your guesthouse and enjoy the heavenly view while youre there. This hike is similar to the "Wandervorschlag 1" fuer Thethi, as suggested by the GTZ/GIZ guidebook (which is credited for the suggestion). The people are kind, the cost of living is low, and they have some of the most beautiful hiking in the world! In terms of difficulty, I feel like starting in Valbona may be easier as starting from Theth it is a constant uphill. Posted by Di Minardi | Last updated Nov 6, 2022. Visit a few mills, play with kids close to the river, or just take a relaxing time on the banks of the river. Theti National Park contains a variety of ecosystems and has been created to preserve them. This trail will lead you through the villages of Theth, through the forests and pastures of the National Park to the golf of Valbona pass at 1750 mt. Ohh enjoy! There are usually small huts selling food and drink for you to enjoy. There is only only one road in and out Theth and it leaves from Shkoder. This can vary though depending on where you are staying in both Theth and Valbona. Things to Do and See in Albania There is also a nice, smaller hike to Theth waterfall which is stunning also. The stargazing in Theth is also beautiful. So, to answer this question, I dont know, and I would say dont think about it too much. 17. A nice idea for a short and relaxing walk the day after you come from Valbona. This unique mountain village easily has the most dramatic setting in Albania. At the end of October it was freezing cold. Well market and easy to be done on your own. Fir of Hotova National Park, Permet 8. An improved though still incomplete asphalt road from Shkodra has made access to this once virtually unknown village far easier in recent years, bringing with it the familiar problem of overdevelopment. 23. Heres a full guide on how to get from Theth to Shkoder. We didnt get a ride to the trailhead and left around 8.20 am from our hotel Bujtina Polia in Theth and arrived at our hotel in Valbona (Hotel Margjeka) around 4.45 pm so it took us just over 8 hours to complete. How to get from Shkoder to Theth, Albania (Thethi), 26 Incredible Things to do in Tirana, Albania, Travel Bloggers & Influencers Share Their Favorite Hike of 2019 - NATE MEETS WORLD. THE MOST HAUNTED PLACES TO VISIT AROUND THE WORLD, How to Visit the Magical & Mesmerizing Chapel of Jimmy Ray, How to Spend an Enchanting Christmas in Berlin, The 16 Best Instagram Spots Around Budapest, The Perfect Itinerary For Your Day Trip to Boulder, Colorado, 2020 Year in Review: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, Best Places to Go Hiking in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Why You NEED to Celebrate Small Christmas in 2020, 7 Best Restaurants in West Hollywood (From a Local), The Complete Guide to Craft Beer in Las Cruces, Timberland Women's White Ledge Hiking Boot, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion SPF 100+, Osprey Packs Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack with Detachable Day Pack, Bonus: Theth, Albania travel tips + tidbits. The winters here serve a harsh environment, so there are few reptiles or amphibians. Destinations Tirana, Koman, Valbona Valley National Park, Theth Age Range 12 to 90 year olds Travel Style Hiking & Trekking +4 more Operated in English Operator Choose Balkans -15% Tour length 3 days Price per day $154 From $543 US $462 You save: $81 Download Brochure View tour View Map Hiking & Trekking Blue Eye National Park, Sarand 4. . The room has a beautiful view and they had superb heating which was essential for October. Important to know:Dont try to drive into Theth on your own. More amazing views from Theth National Park. If you dont have enough time heres what you can do (from Shkoder): Day 1: Leave from Shkoder to Koman and catch the Koman ferry (3 hours and named one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world) to Fierza, then catch the shuttle to Valbona. Once you reach the town of Nderlysaj, the rest of the path is only accessible by foot and takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour of mainly uphill hiking. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. We visited the only mini-market in Theth just before our hike and found that there was no fresh food available apart from some mouldy peaches. There are panoramic views along the way of this picturesque region of the park. Be a superhero of outdoor navigation with state-of-the-art 3D maps and mountain identification in the palm of your hand! Lunch was usually sheep sausages, pickled veggies, fresh bread, tomato and pepper salad, an Albanian spinach and filo pastry called byrek, and fresh cheese. This hike is the one must-do hike in the Albanian alps! This goes for both natural sights and man-made. Kavanagh, Justin, Complete National Parks of Europe, National Geographic Partners, Washington DC, 2019. One of the most valuable attributes of this region is that it has one of the last populations of Taxus baccata trees. An improved - though still incomplete - asphalt road from Shkodra has made access to this once virtually . Peja is a city in Kosovo, located in the northwest of the country. There are a few more walks within Theth that you can do. Nestled amongst the Albanian Alps, Theth National Park covers a vast and sprawling area of 26.3km2. This article is part of the Alluring Albania series. Finally, dinner was lamb or pork, more bread, cheese, vegetable spread, soup or stuffed peppers, and french fries. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the park as Category II. Time: 3 hours. You can reach it via road, rail, and air, and you could stay in hotels and hostels here. All Rights Reserved. The road is closed at certain times during this construction so please check the times above to see when you can drive the road. Lucky for you, Ive got detailed guides to help you do each one! Also, there will be other people on the hike too so its not like you would be doing it on your own. Do not miss the blue eye source and Valbona pass during these three days around Thethi valley and National Park. You can hike the mountains, go kayaking down the picturesque Shala River, or venture through thick forests and find striking rock formations. Tour customization is always open, on request. View of the valley on our drive into Theth National Park. View trail Maja e Arapit 2218 M Save to a List Hiking Florian Sini with Distance . There are no specific laws prohibiting you from camping for a night. However, national parks are often more restrictive than other areas. The first 7.5km of the hike is along a road, which you can also drive along if you own a 44. The alpine pasture habitat is located at 1,900 - 2,300 m (6,233 - 7,545 ft). The old quarter of Peja is dominated by narrow streets and small houses built from stone, wood, and mud brick. The brown bear is the largest and for many the most exciting. Theth National Park is a national park in northern Albania. It may not be as well-known as its Blue Eye sibling in the south of Albania, but we found it to be a much more enjoyable experience. However, I also found it to be more beautiful. I know this is kind of covered in the accommodation guide but I just wanted to dive a little deeper into the food you can expect while youre in Theth. Kayaking and Hiking at Koman Lake, Valbona and Theth in 4 Days Tour from Tirana. Albania is not a huge country and the drive to all national parks is fairly short. Now, based in the Balkans she gives you the best advice on the region through this website. They create striking landscapes. Theth, Albania is an underrated vacation destination. This is something you should definitely check before booking accommodation! Although there are nowhere near as many bugs compared to the tropics, its worth taking insect repellent if you plan to be hiking at dusk. Just for experienced hikers. Thethi is a village surrounded by Thethi National Park, up on Albanian Alps, in Northeastern Albania, in Shkodra District. All the time following the path and well marked everywhere. Language: EnglishEn Currency: USD (US$) Wishlist Cart Help Log in Sign up We stayed in Shkoder for two nights to explore the lakeside town, but you can take a bus from Tirana to Shkoder (two hours) and then hop on a minibus to Theth in the same day if you dont want to stay overnight. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Sazan National Marine Park, Vlore 10. 10. Attention to the intense sun! Located in Albania, the Albanian Alps, the park covers parts of the North of Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro. It's popular to visit during summer and this is when you will meet the most visitors. The village is inaccessible during the winter months, as the rocky roads are layered with snow and ice. Expect a walking trail of approximately 10 hours and 20 km (13 mi) in length. From this point, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the valleys of Valbona and Thethi. Heres the number of a shuttle if your accommodation doesnt know (0682473011). Due to temperature changes, the local terrain was blessed with differing geological formations and views. The park is comprised of a diverse ecosystem that changes with elevation transitioning from the oak-dominated lower elevations moving into the beech forests as the elevations change. Can only find one that goes at 7am and was hoping to get from Tirana to a Theth in one day Autumn is safer as there can still be snow until late May sometimes. The trek to the Blue Eye covers about 12 miles and takes about 6 hours. Day 3: Catch a shuttle from Theth to Shkoder. Are we able to do this trip in early May? Return to the guesthouse around the afternoon. The oak habitat lies at an altitude of 600 - 800 m (1,968 - 2,624 ft) and lies along the hilly area of Theth and Gjelaj. This is a difficult trail that covers 13.5 miles (21.73 km) while ascending 4,334 feet (1,321 m). Maja e Harapit is only 2,218m/ 7,276 ft high, while the surrounding ones are higher. Private local transfer in Nderlysa, close to Blue eye source by 4WD round trip. Unsplash License ViolaCiv - CC BY-SA 4.0 Peter Chovanec - CC BY 2.0. The trail from Theth center to Gropat e Bukura, the typical base for climbing Maja Jezerce or Maja e Popluks. There are cafes (about 4 of them) along the trail. Can the Blue Eye hike be done in a day (ie. The trail meanders through the forest and up to the valley with several scenic views along the way. Plus, her cooking was phenomenal, especially the freshly baked bread. I love Theth because its totally untouched. There are over 1,500 species of plants in this park, half of Albanias total floral species count. Use this step-by-step guide to hike to the Blue Eye of Theth when you go! We went to the top and back through the same path. Make sure you do it the day before you want to go to Theth. They also have the main house which has some great rooms with amazing views. 6 Lock-in Tower. To give you a better insight into the hike I have decided to jot down 26 questions that are being asked online and from people in my Travelling Albania Facebook group. Copyright 2019-2023 Global Alliance of National Parks. This park has many remarkable features, such as the Grunas Canyon and the southern wall of Arapi (below the peak of Maja e Harapit (2,218m/ 7,276 ft)), which is considered the highest rock face in the Balkans. The shuttle leaves at 7 am from Shkoder to Theth and cost 10 euro per person. But the 14- to 16-mile round . I highly recommend doing the hike to the blue eye which is 3 hours each way. Ready to wake up to views like the one above? The best time to travel for this tour is from May to October included. If you find it useful please consider supporting the PeakVisor app. Also do you walk along any cliff (even less stark ones) with not much vegetation on the open side? This trail originates at the Theth Center and covers a distance of 8.22 miles (13.22 km) while ascending 3,783 feet (1,153 m). Hiking from Theth to Valbona is a very popular expedition that a lot of tourists go to, even those without inexperienced in hiking. Distance: 8 miles (12.9 km) round trip ; Total Hiking Time: Approximately 3 hours ; Related: 10 Tips For Hiking In Banff National Park For The First Time The hike takes around 6-8 hours. The park covers an area of only 10.15 square miles (26.3 sq km) creating another small park within the country packed with astounding natural wonders. Butler Gulch is the epic wildflower hike you likely don't know about. First and foremost, the park protects biodiversity and differing ecosystems. This means that its traditional buildings are protected by law. During this hike, you will enjoy the view of the Valbona Valley and then Theth Valley. Arapit is one of the most prominent mountains seen from the Theth Valley. It is a part of the commune (region) Shal in the area of Dukagjin. It has an area of only 10 sq. The Upper Hawksbill Trail in Shenandoah National Park is the easiest route to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain. Tourists fueled Theth's tourist sector with the arrival of the first road in 1936. Start here to learn more about our mission and how to get the most out of the site! The valley of Theth is frequently visited by all local and foreign tourists. Elevation Gain: 152 meters. Prices are all in Euros, did you pay in eur or Lek? In fact, the Appalachians are quite popular for hiking during the summer. The best way by far is doing the Shkoder-Koman-Fierze-Valbona route. Whether you decide to take the bus from Shkoder to Theth or take the ferry from Shkoder to Valbona and hike to Theth, at the end of your trip youll need to travel from Theth to Shkoder to get out of the park and continue your trip through Albania. for information about Thethi National Park, we are now offering information and tours all around the Albanian Alps,. All of the booking can be done on their website here. As researchers state, the tradition of blood feuds was once prevalent in other parts of the Albanian highlands and was not common here. Luckily, its easy to get from Theth to Shkoder! The blue eye is beautiful and well worth the walk! Distance: 3.4 km. Do you have accommodation in Theth yet? The company will pick you up from your hotel in Shkoder and drive to the ferry port of Koman which takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. One of Valbonas more manageable trails, the Valbona Trail is family-friendly and flat. This is the most famous hiking trail in Albanian Alps and the most trafficked one during the season. The National Park Service has put together a list of 10 essentials, including sun protection, first aid and water. Still, there are three of the most common habitats divided into levels: These habitats provide a home to numerous wildlife species, including the brown bear, which is the largest and most exciting. Nature lovers will love the various regions that are just a short hike away from one another. All in all, it was cozy, comfortable, and a really relaxing stay with a family that clearly cares about every guest that comes through their doors. Theth village is found in the upper Shala Valley and is surrounded on all sides by high mountains. Generally speaking, the park represents the characteristics of a high terrain landscape with sharp steep mountains. Hotel/ Airport pick up and after around 4-4.5 hours of drive from Tirana, you will reach Thethi valley, guesthouse door. From theth to peje peak the ascend is quite hard. It was Download trails from Wikiloc directly to your Garmin, Apple Watch or Suunto. After this first hiking part, the tour will . The biggest is the beech habitat, found at altitudes of 700 - 1900 m (2,296 - 6,233 ft), maintaining appropriate climate and land conditions for beech trees and whitethorn here. Theti National Park, also called Theth National Park or Parku Kombtar i Thethit in Albanian, lies in the north of Albania and the heart of the Albanian Alps. The sides of these mountains descend down and meet in a valley, providing an incredible view. From there you walk uphill and keep left at the two forks in the road. It is one of the last untouched parks where you can experience true wilderness. An alternative is to drive from Podgorica in Montenegro. Calcareous rocks changed from massive dolomite to more soluble karst limestone. Climate influence has led to these features. The range is named Prokletije but also referred to as the Accursed Mountains. "Probably the most dangerous thing that I've experienced on our hikes was . Totes lost on our trek to the Grunas Waterfall. There were friendly cats, small pigs running around, and lots of happy kids playing outside. It's a reasonably leveled and easy trail that takes you through dense forests and meadows full of flowers. At the end of the stay, her husband gave us a ride back to Shkoder. The park was established to protect various ecosystems and biodiversity and the cultural and historical heritage of the region. Wild camping is generally legal in Albania. It is excellent for chilling your beverages in, but if you havent brought your own there are locals selling chilled drinks and food on site. You must make an advanced booking; it cannot be made on the day. This section will list any popular sights in nature. Our meals were super heavy. 10 Bridal Wreath Falls Trail. Also, the water is freezing so dont bother bringing a suit unless youre very brave. Itinerary. Other tips for visiting the Blue Eye of Theth. A packed sandwich for a hike was 3 euros per person and we had a few beers and glasses of wine for 1.5 euros each as well. Check out some of my favorite hiking gear below and add it to your Amazon cart if you dont have it yet! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Our entire hiking distance is around 8km, or longer, depending on . Along with the mountains of the Alps and the Shala Valley, the area is characterized by thick forests, meandering rivers, beautiful waterfalls, and striking rock formations. But having a guide is not necessary at all. My recommendation is to always keep to the track and if you hear something, make a lot of noise. After breakfast in the guesthouse, starting at 09:00 AM, you can proceed to Grunasi Waterfall and to Grunasi Canyon. There are also lynx and wild goats. there and back to Theth?). 1. I am a third-generation hiker and outdoor lover, with a Mountain Rescue Professional and scuba diving diploma under my belt. . Yep! Yes, it is advised too, especially in the summer months as accommodation can be booked. Note: Tour starting/finish from/in Shkodrawill have 20% discount. But it depends on your fitness level and if you have done hiking before. We did it at the beginning of October and it was incredible with the autumnal colours and the weather was still amazing. There are several trail opportunities for exploring the rugged terrain. If I'm not somewhere camping or running a river, you can find me playing with my dog. This hike is relatively easy, with an elevation gain of around 200 m (656 ft). Continue right at the next fork. I would say medium difficulty. The national parks of Quebec are protected areas created by the provincial government of Quebec Most of them are administered by the Socit des tablissements de plein air du Qubec (Spaq) with the exception of four parks administered by Nunavik Parks, and one park jointly administered by Parks Canada and Spaq. It can be tricky over the pass, there are still parts of slippery snow on this trail too, and the al Roundtrip from Theth along the Grunas Waterfall, towards Nderlysa and continue to the Blue Eye. and especially in Theth, Valbona, and Komani Lake as the most frequented destinations. Smiling at the last stop before our descent into Theth Valley! Hiking destination Theth . According to a 2019 Tripadvisor forum the road opens at the beginning of April. award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert Theth also has beautiful sites like the Catholic Church, Thethi Blue Eye, Lock-in Tower and a lot more. I really enjoyed Theth as it had more of a village vibe and was quieter than Valbona (although both are very quiet!). Arapit is the most prominent mountain that can be seen from Theth. Thanks . Summer is when its the most popular, but it can be very hot and crowded. the bus ride itself was amazing, what a scenic route to get to Theth national park. All rights reserved. If youre worried about totally melting on your hikes in the summer, dont fret.
Nemesis Aftermath Turrets,
Pigeon Forge News Today,
Articles T