Walking in the Accursed Mountains
Walking in the Accursed Mountains
Walking in the Accursed Mountains
6 Days Starting in Shkodra, Albania and ending in Tirana, Albania
Visiting: Shkodër, Valbona National Park, Valbonë, Valbona Pass
Tour operator:
Tour code:
47
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 8
Age range:
12-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This short, self-guided holiday walking in the Accursed Mountains over six days is a very exciting way to delve deeply into the awe-inspiring and untouched landscapes of the Albanian Alps. Also available for solo travellers, this is a natural adventure that takes you into Theth National Park, over the iconic Valbona Pass (1,811m) on the Via Dinarica, and to the icy waters of Blue Eye natural springs. Staying at a wonderful mix of hotels and mountain guesthouses, this is a trip into Albania at its most authentic
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Albania/Shkodra
Location: Shkodër
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: boutique hotel in Ottoman Villa
You are met at Tirana airport in Albania or Podgorica in Montenegro and transferred to your accommodation in Shkodra. In Shkodra, enjoy cafe life, elegant architecture, the buzz of the bazaar and myriad museums and galleries. We also offer bikes free of charge. Complimentary transfer from Tirana or Podgorica airport to Shkodra (90mins) Check-in at a boutique hotel in Ottoman Villa, bicycles available free of charge City tour with notes and maps Accomodation in Shkodra
Day 2 : Koman Lake To Accursed Mountains 7Km
Location: Valbona National Park
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Kukaj
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early start today as you are transferred to Koman Lake which is often compared to a Norwegian fjord because of the way it cuts into the sheer rock of the mountains. Take a 3h ferry trip across the lake to Fierze. After lunch, travel by minibus past traditional villages into Valbona National Park. On a first warm-up walk, you follow a crystal-clear stream and through the forest to Xhemes Lake, perfect for a swimming break. The walk ends at your cosy accommodation in a small hamlet.
Day 3 : Valbona – Queen Of The Mountains 12Km
Location: Valbonë
Accommodation Name: Accommodation nearby Valbona Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your hike to the isolated hamlet of Kukaj. The windy path takes you over lush meadows ablaze with the colours of various spring flowers to a shepherd’s hut at 1,650 m. In the communist period, this was a no-go area and the building was used as a military barracks. Continue on up to an old crossing at the Montenegrin border at 2,040m, marked by a weathered border pyramid, with panoramic views over the Montenegrin Prokletije. You can see Mount Jezerca (2,694m) as you descend on a different path to your accommodation.
Day 4 : The Grand Crossing: Valbona To Theth 15Km
Location: Valbona Pass
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Theth
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accompanied by a local guide and a horse that carries your luggage, today’s the day to hike across Valbona Pass (1,811m), after a short transfer to the trailhead – another highlight and the highest point of your journey. After passing the village of Rragam, a few steep segments need to be tackled. There are plenty of places to rest by natural springs or in flower-filled meadows with panoramic views. Reaching the Pass, you are rewarded with sweeping valley views, perfect for a lunch stop. Start your descent to Theth, walking through shady beech forests, taking in views of Mount Arapi (2,217m) all the way to your next charming guesthouse.
Day 5 : The Blue Eye – Tirana Or Shkodra 9Km
Location: Shkodër
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Tirana or Shkodra
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The hike through the canyon leads to a karst spring called Blue Eye. Water lovers can take a dip in the icy waters while butterflies swirl all around this true oasis. After a meal at the guesthouse the minibus takes you to the Edith Durham Memorial, over a scenic pass to Boga Valley and Shkodra. Depending on the time of your flights (and the selected airport) you can choose to spend the last evening of your trip in either Shkodra or Tirana. If you’d like to spend the evening in Tirana: You change cars in Shkodra and continue for another 90mins. In the capital, there are myriad museums, galleries and the you can visit museums, admire historic buildings and Blloku District is always a favourite.
Day 6 : Departure
Location: Shkodër
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depending on departure time possibility to further explore the capital. Complimentary transfer Tirana to Tirana airport or Shkodra to Podgorica airport (1.5h – 2h).
What's Included
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Pre-departure Information Pack
A detailed pre-departure holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions and road notes; maps with daily routes and optional hikes marked.
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Accommodation
Accommodation for 5 nights in hand-picked 2 to 4-star hotels or family-run guesthouses in Albania as listed in the itinerary.
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Ground and Baggage Transfers
All ground transfers and baggage transfers as listed in the itinerary.
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Daily Luggage Transport
Daily luggage transport to the next hotel of 1 bag of up to 15 kg per person.
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24/7 Assistance
24/7 assistance by phone.
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Meals
All breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights are not included in the tour package.
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Meals on Specific Days
Lunches and dinners on Days 1 and 5, drinks & snacks on all days are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
, are not included. -
Unmentioned Items
Any items not explicitly mentioned in the program are not included.
Optional Extras
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Solo traveller supplement (mandatory if travelling alone)
This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms wherever possible)
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Single room
A room for 1 person. Due to limited availability in the mountains, single room accommodation on this tour is possible only on the first and the last nights of the tour.
Mode of Transport
Travel seamlessly with all ground transfers and baggage transfers included, featuring a scenic ferry ride on Lake Koman and convenient minibus transfers. Enjoy the ease of daily luggage transport to your next hotel, allowing you to focus on the breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay in hand-picked 2 to 4-star hotels or family-run guesthouses in Albania, offering a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities. Experience the warmth of local hospitality in cozy accommodations, ensuring a restful retreat after each day's adventure.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in hand-picked 2 to 4-star hotels or family-run guesthouses in Albania, which offer a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities. These accommodations provide a cozy and comfortable retreat after each day's adventure.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes all breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners. However, lunches and dinners on Days 1 and 5, as well as drinks and snacks on all days, are not included.
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How is luggage handled during the tour?
Daily luggage transport is provided to the next hotel, allowing you to focus on the hiking experience. Each person is allowed one bag of up to 15 kg.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
You will have 24/7 assistance available by phone throughout the tour.
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What is the transportation arrangement for the tour?
The tour includes all ground transfers and baggage transfers as listed in the itinerary. This features a scenic ferry ride on Lake Koman and convenient minibus transfers.
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Is there any guidance provided for the hikes?
Yes, a detailed pre-departure holiday information pack is provided, which includes GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions and road notes, as well as maps with daily routes and optional hikes marked.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Oct 08, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.