Hiking Adventure at Valbona - Theth Hiking Trail, Northern Albania

I absolutely loved this hike! The views are SPECTACULAR and the trail is well marked and enjoyable

Got food poisoning here, was sick for 2 days. Views were amazing I think but couldn’t really see through the tears in my eyes

A beautiful, but quite strenuous and even dangerous hike depending on the weather conditions. Crossing the pass from Valbona to Theth Luggage: 15 kg Duration: approx. 7-8 hours (with a break) Time: Mid-May Conditions: Snow from 1,500 m, approx. 5-8 degrees Celsius We started at 7:15 a.m. on the trail in Valbona and arrived in Theth at 3:00 p.m. (with a longer break at a mountain hut). We each had 15 kg of luggage, and there was a lot of snow from about 1,500 m, so we had to walk slowly and carefully. I definitely recommend the ascent from Valbona, because the descent here is steeper and more dangerous than on the Theth side. In mid-May, despite the moderate conditions, there were already quite a few people out there. Due to the early start, however, we didn't really meet many people until we descended. I would therefore recommend not starting late, otherwise you might cross paths at the pass or in the section below, which can be unpleasant due to the narrow paths and steep cliffs. The cafes on the ascent from Valbona weren't open yet, but there was a water point about halfway up. On the Theth side, there's a mountain hut with drinks and food about an hour below the pass. General information: Please wear hiking boots, wear several layers of clothing, and bring plenty of food. This is a mountain hike, and conditions can change quickly. Running shoes and a T-shirt are not sufficient. Enjoy the breathtaking views!

Valbona to Theth. The path is pleasant on the Valbona side up to the peak. A nice climb and many viewpoints. There's a bar 2 hours away for refreshments. Then from the peak to Theth, it was a lot of forest, and I found it quite long and difficult. There were a lot of negative elevation changes and gravel. There were two bars, 2 hours from the peak, where we could eat and drink. The second one was an hour from the end for drinks, but we didn't stop there. We took it easy and took 9 hours with a 1.5-hour break. Our hiking level is basic. There are restrooms at the two points where we stopped.

Did this hike in June. Can be easily done on regular shoes. The hike up from Theth took us 2h 10min. The hike down to Theth took 1h 50min. The hike down to Valbona took 2h 45min.