Albania Hike: Valbona to Theth from Shkoder

Big & Small traveled to Albania to discover one of the most spectacular hikes in all of Europe-seriously, this is one of the Balkans’ best-kept secrets. Follow our journey as we head into the dramatic terrain of the Accursed Mountains, where we set off to tackle the Theth to Valbona hike, a one-day trek that takes you between these two charming villages. This 3-day adventure was one of our favorite travel experiences so far. We’re so excited to share it! Have you done the hike? Please comment and let us know what you thought of it!
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And on Facebook - / bigsmalltravel
More information at our site: bigandsmalltravel.com/
Opening Music - "Lava Flow" by Gummi Boy

[@canart1975]

The lake is called Komani Lake, it's a artificial lake, with water coming from Drini River, part of the Koman hydroplant build in the 80's.it has the highest dam in Albania.Beautiful video by the way.

[@canart1975]

I meant hydropower plant

[@BigSmallTravel]

Thank you, we really enjoyed seeing Theth and Valbona. The area is stunning and natural, which we appreciated very much. I think the Albanian Alps is as pretty as anything you can see in Italy, Switzerland, or Germany.

[@BigSmallTravel]

I can't believe that Komani Lake is artificial .... Wow! It looks very nice and clean.

[@florjanbasha8150]

..for 3 years now is not the highest dam in Albania, because the highest dam in Albania now is in Gramsh, Mglica DAM = 167 metres high.

[@tarksimmonds9589]

Albania is a vast gold mine waiting to be discovered. I adore the Albanian Alps, it's a treasure in Albania and the world. Hope to get back someday.

[@BigSmallTravel]

Yes, indeed. Albania was very surprising and very peaceful. Thank you for watching.

[@aleksanderberisha777]

**🇦🇱ALBANIA IS SO BEAUTIFUL!!!🇦🇱**

[@BigSmallTravel]

Yes, Albania is stunning. Thanks for watching.

[@illyrianillyrian1049]

Amazing video, thanks for showing the best of Albania 🇦🇱

[@BigSmallTravel]

Thank you! This means so much to us. We really enjoyed the beauty of Albania.

[@SPDavid]

the "other" Alps of Albania are stunning

[@Smithsgold]

Great Hike thanks for taking us along !!!!

[@BigSmallTravel]

Thank you! That hike was awesome and so peaceful.

[@leonorlopez7932]

Who would know 🤔 Albania 🇦🇱 has beautiful places like hiking🙌...awesome 👌 scenery and no words the Mountains are beautiful 😍 ❤ love the Towns peaceful and Relaxing to consider visiting... Great Tour 👍 awesome videos. Greetings from Houston,Texas. USA 🇺🇸

[@BigSmallTravel]

Yes! It was a surprise for us as well. Most people know Western Europe but once you are in the Balkans or Southeastern Europe the hidden beauty is more than you can imagine.

[@BigSmallTravel]

Are you planning on visiting Albania? This hike was stunning and Albania is worth checking out as well.

[@MdIbrahim-ck6ov]

The cute couple 💜💜💜💜💜

[@BigSmallTravel]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video. Where are you from?

[@julian65886]

So beautiful!!! Nice cinematography!

[@BigSmallTravel]

Thank you! We have limited equipment, so the aerial shots are more difficult. It would be much easier with a mini drone. Ti amo!

[@SPDavid]

especially at 8:22

[@FrankSuper1964]

We are glad you enjoyed it and you are more than welcome back anytime you want

[@BigSmallTravel]

Yes, we want to return to Albania for sure. Have you been to Tirana?

[@xianlongchow2574]

It reminds me many souvenirs haha! Great job guys :)

[@BigSmallTravel]

Yes, thank you!

[@klebetabollati3968]

Danke Euch für diese Video ❤️❤️❤️🇨🇭🇦🇱

[@BigSmallTravel]

Thank you! More videos from the Balkans and SE Asia coming soon.

[@rolandgonzales8758]

Great hike beautiful...

[@BigSmallTravel]

Thank you! Albania was incredible. Have you done this hike?

[@maggiemoore5500]

Making plans for my own trip to the Theth and Valbona area. Thanks for this video. It has been very helpful in forming an understanding and expectations of the area!

[@BigSmallTravel]

Maggie, thank you very much. Yes, we try in every video to give an idea of what to expect and of course try to give our viewers/subscribers some tips as well. If you can, please give what you can through Patreon: www.patreon.com/bigsmalltravel Or just subscribe.

[@BigSmallTravel]

When are you going to Albania?

[@maggiemoore5500]

@@BigSmallTravel currently scheduled for this coming July but it may be pushed off to summer 2021. Time will tell!

[@klajdimurati7600]

Albania is amazing 😉😉

[@SPDavid]

Yes, but I prefer Turkey. Have you been to Istanbul?

[@klajdimurati7600]

@@SPDavid no never.. But my friend have told me about it.. It's an incredible city ❤. Soon I will visit it

[@BigSmallTravel]

Yes, for sure that is very much overlooked and so beautiful especially the Albanian Alps (Valbona/Theth). Where are you based?

[@klajdimurati7600]

@@BigSmallTravel in riviera .. Ksamil, Saranda, Vlora , Himara ..❤ Alps of Albania also 👌

[@KomaniLake]

🥰 thank you very much for your visit 🤗 and your video is very beautiful! Ferry Berisha 😍

[@BigSmallTravel]

We are very happy to see your comment. We LOVED visiting this part of Albania. Are you working for Ferry Berisha? Keep up the great work.

[@KomaniLake]

@@BigSmallTravel yes 🤗🥰 I'm Eva by Ferry Berisha

[@user-do7ql6ii6h]

Amazing place Theth!

[@BigSmallTravel]

Yes, Theth is amazing. This is such an underrated place. Did you do the hike recently? We loved visiting this part of Albania.

[@user-do7ql6ii6h]

Big Small_Travel yes I was there in august 2019

[@bedribartels578]

Nice Video...

[@BigSmallTravel]

Thank you. This was one of our favorite hikes ever! Have you done this hike?

[@ronactive]

Wir sind vor einer Woche auch von Shkodra, über den Koman Stausee, das Valbona Tal, Kukes, Orikum und zurück gefahren. Das Land sind einfach Traumhaft schön. Schon vor zwei Jahren war ich mit dem Kajak hier unterwegs und es wird nicht unsere letzte Reise sein.

[@BigSmallTravel]

Danke! I translated your message from German to English. Did you drive between Shkodra and Theth? That drive is rough and raw.

[@ronactive]

Yes, we drove from Shkodra to Koman. The road was really very bad and most importantly it had been raining so it was partially flooded. But the roads at Osum Canyon were also very bad, but the scenery is beautiful. If I've sorted all the video footage, I'll cut videos as well.

[@BigSmallTravel]

If you get a chance, please post the video footage at Osum Canyon and anywhere around Koman and especially Theth/Valbona. I will check out your channel now. Check out our latest video hiking in Rila Lakes in Bulgaria here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rH2uqaZthsaLq6M

[@bleroboy3068]

Welcome !! 🇦🇱

[@BigSmallTravel]

Thank you! The Albanian Alps were lovely.

[@farisulejmani5910]

Nice video🇦🇱❤️

[@BigSmallTravel]

Thank you so much! Have you been to this part of Turkey?

[@farisulejmani5910]

@@BigSmallTravel You mean Albania ?

[@corazondelince]

Albania sounds worth visiting. You guys are funny. I liked the Rick Schroder Silver Spoons reference.

[@BigSmallTravel]

Thank you! By the way, you are not too far from Albania when you are in Croatia. If you go to Albania please try and do the Valbona to Theth hike. Glad to see someone picked up on the Silver Spoons reference .... Hope you are well?

[@corazondelince]

@@BigSmallTravel Thanks. I'll be going back to California this Saturday, but I hope I can come back to Croatia next summer.

[@BigSmallTravel]

Where are you based in California? We will be back in California in January for a couple of months. We will be mainly around LA, but in SF for a week or so. Safe travels!

[@corazondelince]

@@BigSmallTravelThanks! I'm in San Francisco.

[@BigSmallTravel]

@@corazondelince Great to hear, we will aim to be in SF for a week or so next year. We should grab a coffee/tea if you are available.

[@qanieking192]

Welcome in Albania 🇦🇱 🇦🇱 your really beautiful couple 👫 have fun in Albania 🇦🇱, and good luck their two

[@BigSmallTravel]

Thank you very much! We are VERY happy you liked our video. Are you from Albania?

[@BigSmallTravel]

Have you been to Valbona and Theth in Albania?

[@qanieking192]

Yes, I come from Fier Albania 🇦🇱. And now I love 🇩🇪 in Germany. Greeting from Bremen

[@marojekralj3332]

ALBANIAN 👍👍👍👍👍

[@BigSmallTravel]

Thank you for watching! Albania is very beautiful.

[@eastwestworld6648]

😃 😄

[@spsallidas]

Thanks for an excellent video. Can you please advise 'roughly' how much of the 9km distance from Valbone to Theth is 'decent' tracks (like 4WD tracks, say) and how much is narrow/rocky footpath only? Thanks for any tips.

[@BigSmallTravel]

Thanks for watching! The trail is only good for hiking (no 4WD!) and quite a bit of it is very rocky. You'll see the really rocky part around the 10-minute mark of our video - it was almost the whole way down to Theth from the peak. Be sure to wear a good pair of hiking shoes as it can be hard on the knees and feet! The path only gets narrow as you reach the peak, otherwise it's a comfortable width. Overall, the whole trail is very well marked. This is one of our favorite hikes ever, so we highly recommend it! Do you plan on going to Albania this year?

[@spsallidas]

@@BigSmallTravel Yes quite possibly! My problem is that I like cycle touring but I don't want to use a 'wide tyred' mountain bike as it makes it hard doing a big circuit round the Balkans. So if I ride up to Valbone, I won't be able to ride over the pass. So how do I get my 'touring' bike from Valbone to Theth?? I could push it but it sounds like that would be a real hassle. I wonder if I could hire a donkey to carry it!!

[@BigSmallTravel]

@@spsallidas Oh, wow! Very cool. It would be difficult to get your bike between the two towns, unfortunately. The donkeys are tough but I'm not sure they could do it! It may require some more investigating. There are other trails in the Albanian alps that may be better for cycling, but we're not sure. Good luck and let us know if you make it to Albania!

[@nielsp9751]

Awesome video! How long did it take to go back from Theth to Skhoder, and was it hard to find transportation?

[@BigSmallTravel]

Great, thank you! We had to hire a private driver, as of last November/2018, it was still a dirt road down to the mountain from Theth to the main road to Skhoder. We warn you the road is very rocky, but overall the journey to Skhoder took about 2-2.5 hours.

[@BigSmallTravel]

In terms of finding transportation, it was tricky. There are usually guys who hang around the hotels or few cafes offering rides, but we carpooled with another family and saved money to hire a private truck with 3 other people. You can also get buses, which run less frequently from Theth to Skhoder.

[@nielsp9751]

Thanks for your quick reply! Okay I see, I am travelling with 3 other friends so that is convenient for finding a private driver. From skhoder we need to go to Podgorica the same day, and the only bus that goes is at 13.20 (not sure if minivans go later), is it possible to take a taxi early morning?

[@michellelee5221]

thanks ... :-) What level of hiker should you be for this hike?

[@Albert369]

ZELDA - the warrior princess !!!

[@thomashooper9098]

what time of year did you guys do the hike?

[@BigSmallTravel]

We visited Albania at the end of the season in October, so the temperature and weather was perfect for us. The hike can be steep at times, so we prefer cooler weather. When do you plan to visit Albania?

[@uhddghleggera1510]

Whats Pindus mountain? In South Albania???..never heard it..🙄min 0.59

[@BigSmallTravel]

This is a map that we used for the purpose of showing our hike from Valbona to Theth. The Pindus Mountains are unfamiliar to us as well. Where are you from?

[@uhddghleggera1510]

@@BigSmallTravel im Albanian..maybe pindus are in grek language.that mountain are: trebeshine,dhembel,nemerçke Lunxheri,shendelli,bureto.2 lines paralel of mountains ....however enjoy your trip.

[@pitadavis]

What was your transport from Theth to Shkoder

[@BigSmallTravel]

Thank you for watching. Great question, this was tricky and for the sake of time the Theth to Shkoder transportation was not covered in this video. We had to share a ride with several other people to get to Shkoder because the buses and shuttles were infrequent when we went in October. Therefore, we shared a private car to the main bus drop off of Shkoder.

[@BigSmallTravel]

When do you plan to go to Albania to do this hike? What month?

[@pitadavis]

@@BigSmallTravel I'm doing the through hike on October 28th. I may be able to arrange a ride with the folks picking me up in Shkoder.

[@hamdanshaikh9067]

Albania is less population less crowded city tirana how to get visa n which person we can meet for my paper work in Albania please give me reply thanking you

[@BigSmallTravel]

Wow, thanks for writing. So, my first question is quite simple. Are you in Tirana now? We can give you a few suggestions.

[@hamdanshaikh9067]

@@BigSmallTravel no sir I am from India I want to settle down over but I don't have any idea I saw u video clip that why I ask you

[@hamdanshaikh9067]

@@BigSmallTravel I want less crowded city less traffic less population

[@hamdanshaikh9067]

@@BigSmallTravel how's is life over job buss is good n how to get visa n which person we can meet thanking you pls gave me reply

[@BigSmallTravel]

@@hamdanshaikh9067 Are you looking to work or go to school in Albania? Have you thought about Bosnia?

[@petteripunakuono6674]

😎😎😁🤣🤣🤣😁😎😎

[@BigSmallTravel]

🤣😁😎

[@imeldasilaen3576]

so difficulty go there no embassy in here im indonesian

[@BigSmallTravel]

Thanks for watching. What is going on? Are you in Albania now?

[@imeldasilaen3576]

i cant go to albania.no acces from my country.so hard to have visa

[@BigSmallTravel]

@@imeldasilaen3576 I hate to hear this. Indonesia in particular Bali is wonderful. I hope Indonesians can come to visit not only Albania but many other countries. Where are you in Indonesia? We will make a video for Bali soon, so please watch.

[@Giandoni123]

Imelda Silaen i can take u to Albania come to USA first than ill take you there im sure Albania is the place that beyond belief the nature is raw for centuries you can smell the nature thats how clean nature it is its a place that very hard to find n the world this dayes write me back we can talk n Facebook if u have

[@uneqejam]

Shkodra is the heart of Catholicism in Albania, why on earth tourists only focus in the mosques when they go there (and everywhere else in Albania for that matter)???!!!!!! I understand it looks exotic for a place to be muslim in Europe, still, it is so offputting to the albanian Christians and to the whole country in general..........

[@BigSmallTravel]

Une, thanks for your comment and information. We really appreciate it. First and foremost, we loved visiting Albania especially doing the Valbona-Theth hike and visiting Skhoder. We stayed near the large mosque in the center of Skhoder, so this is why it is in our video. We do include a church photo from Theth as well. And again, we really enjoyed the Albanians as well because they were helpful and patient. Faleminderit!

[@uneqejam]

@@BigSmallTravel In truth Shkodra is divided in two parts, but it identifies mostly with its Catholic part, because with its contribution it makes it the cradle of culture and civilisation in Albania. There are quite a few of us Albanians who want to see our country back to its Christian roots, hence my reaction to you. So, forgive me for having sounded too harsh to you maybe, I hope you enjoyed your time in Albania, we appreciate your choice of visiting it.

[@BigSmallTravel]

We want to return to Albania for sure in the future. We are mainly based in Northern Italy, so visiting Albania is flexible. Again, thank you for your input.

[@indiemusicvinyl]

@Klar Kennt Do Albanian Muslims and Catholics have a bad relationship in Albania?

[@dondan2695]

Why somone like you will ruin My day. I was enjoying watching this video. Then I have to read your stupid comments, complaining to them why did they video the mosque. Grow up dude

[@visitalbania6770]

🇦🇱🇺🇸🇽🇰🇺🇸🇦🇱🇽🇰

[@BigSmallTravel]

Glad you enjoyed the video! The Albanian Alps were amazing.

[@visitalbania6770]

@@BigSmallTravel 👍😘

[@florjanbasha8150]

@Big Small Travel Thank you for this video! If you ever decide to come back in Albania in 1 city [ *GRAMSH CITY* ] you can hike the 2nd highest mountain of our country called mount Tomorri, you can see Sotira's Waterfall, 4 natural lakes and 2 artificial lakes [which are Dam's] one of them is 14km long, about 2km wide and the other is highest dam in Albania which is 167m height [ is not Koman which is 115m height ], and 2 canyons. All these are close to the city and longest place in about 2 hour drive.

[@BigSmallTravel]

Thank you for the offer. We hope to return to Albania. Where are you based in Albania? Big and Small Travel are now based in Tuscany in Italy, so we will travel to other parts of Europe. Thanks for watching!

[@florjanbasha8150]

@@BigSmallTravel i live here, in Albania.