Valbona Pass
Valbona Pass
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Valbona Pass
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
5 within 3 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
23 reviews
Excellent
15
Very good
6
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Yonatan Y
6 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
I agree with most of the reviews here, it is a beautiful trail that can be very enjoyable and a great experience for nature lovers, BUT you must check with the locals the snow levels!
We hiked the trail June 15th 2021 and decided to do it without a guide after reading most of the online reviews and tips. Unfortunately this year the snows have not melted and some locals explained to us that we have to do the winter trail and not the summer trail. The winter trail is not marked and you kinda need to figure it out using a map, which is ok. And in fact, on our way we met people that tried to follow the marks of the summer trail but the path was blocked by snow and unpassable...
Here are my remarks for the inter trail:
1. Must have good boots that are also waterproof since you'll be walking a lot in snow.
2. Must be a good climber since this trail is much more steep and dangerous
3. Use a local guide if you can because it is definitely not easy to find your way there since it is unmarked.
Good luck!
We hiked the trail June 15th 2021 and decided to do it without a guide after reading most of the online reviews and tips. Unfortunately this year the snows have not melted and some locals explained to us that we have to do the winter trail and not the summer trail. The winter trail is not marked and you kinda need to figure it out using a map, which is ok. And in fact, on our way we met people that tried to follow the marks of the summer trail but the path was blocked by snow and unpassable...
Here are my remarks for the inter trail:
1. Must have good boots that are also waterproof since you'll be walking a lot in snow.
2. Must be a good climber since this trail is much more steep and dangerous
3. Use a local guide if you can because it is definitely not easy to find your way there since it is unmarked.
Good luck!
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Globetrotter045
Haacht, Belgium5,401 contributions
Sep 2017 • Solo
I did the hike starting from Valbona. The length of the trail is 9,5 km but it can be extended if you start walking from where the tarmac road stops. My guesthouse in Valbona (Vila Dini) arranged a car to bring his guests to the actual start of the trail. A group had also hired horses to carry their luggage and I could join in, which I was happy to do :-). The trail is well marked and because so many tourists have done the hike, you can follow the path very easy. Even in September a lot of people were doing the hike, you will certainly not be alone. The trail is in good condition but sometimes slippery when there are a lot small stones and rocks on the path. So wear trainers or hiking boots with a good grip. And if you have sticks, take them with you. These will give you extra support when coming down. I was glad I started from the Valbona side. This side is steeper uphill, it takes about 2 hours to the top. But I would have found it more difficult to come down on the Valbona side. On the Theth side it goes more gently, but the walk is much longer, this will take about 4 hours. There are 3 cafés along the way. And they were all good and clean. You can eat a snack or have a drink here. I am not used to walk in the mountains and going uphill a 1000 meter was just my limit. But with stops in the 3 cafés, I finished the hike in 7 hours.
Written September 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zach B
Johannesburg, South Africa109 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
This is a review of the hike from Thethe to Valbona, starting in Shkoder. This is an unbelievable experience, and probably the highlight of my entire balkan trip. Make the effort for these exceptional views and unique experience. If you are relatively fit you should be fine, if you are out of shape or with a heavy pack I recommend starting very early (6/7am)
Any hostel/hotel in Shkoder can set up a morning pick-up van to take you to the river/lake (pictured, highlight of my travels). The van from thethe, the boat ride (3-4 hrs), and the van to thethe on the other side each cost 5 euro - total 15 euro.
The hike can be started from either Thethe or Valbona, I preferred starting in Thethe as this way you hike the harder, more exposed portion in the morning and not in the oppressive sun. I recommend starting no later than 9, as it gets pretty hot - bring a camera/phone, close toed shoes (i wore sneakers, hiking shoes probably better) and 1.5 liter water per person. There is a cafe about a quarter of the way in, and a quarter of the way from the end.
There are plenty of lovely guest houses in Thethe, and all of them cost ~20euro (you get a home-cooked dinner, accommodation, breakfast, and potentially a packed lunch for the hike). Thethe is gorgeous, but there is next to nothing there; it couldn't even truly be called a town. There is the national road and every 100 meters you can find a guest house. At the trail-head there is a HUGE hotel of western standards and proportions. Looks completely out of place and had no clue it was there until I saw it. Ask for where the trail is, you have to walk ~2k on what looks like white chalk (or get driven) to the start of the trail in the woods.
Trail is well marked once you find it - for the 'normal' trek just make sure you stay on the one with red and white lines rather than the bull's-eye circle. The views are spectacular, especially from the top. When you reach the crest there is a wooden pole about chest high -- make sure you take the extra 5-10 minutes to climb up to the actual summit (the big rock you'll see) as it is a very special 360 panorama.
When you get to Valbona there are plenty of guesthouses to choose from as you walk from the trail into the town. I heard there was even a bar, although I was too tired to go and just had a few pints at the guesthouse..
Take your time and enjoy!
Any hostel/hotel in Shkoder can set up a morning pick-up van to take you to the river/lake (pictured, highlight of my travels). The van from thethe, the boat ride (3-4 hrs), and the van to thethe on the other side each cost 5 euro - total 15 euro.
The hike can be started from either Thethe or Valbona, I preferred starting in Thethe as this way you hike the harder, more exposed portion in the morning and not in the oppressive sun. I recommend starting no later than 9, as it gets pretty hot - bring a camera/phone, close toed shoes (i wore sneakers, hiking shoes probably better) and 1.5 liter water per person. There is a cafe about a quarter of the way in, and a quarter of the way from the end.
There are plenty of lovely guest houses in Thethe, and all of them cost ~20euro (you get a home-cooked dinner, accommodation, breakfast, and potentially a packed lunch for the hike). Thethe is gorgeous, but there is next to nothing there; it couldn't even truly be called a town. There is the national road and every 100 meters you can find a guest house. At the trail-head there is a HUGE hotel of western standards and proportions. Looks completely out of place and had no clue it was there until I saw it. Ask for where the trail is, you have to walk ~2k on what looks like white chalk (or get driven) to the start of the trail in the woods.
Trail is well marked once you find it - for the 'normal' trek just make sure you stay on the one with red and white lines rather than the bull's-eye circle. The views are spectacular, especially from the top. When you reach the crest there is a wooden pole about chest high -- make sure you take the extra 5-10 minutes to climb up to the actual summit (the big rock you'll see) as it is a very special 360 panorama.
When you get to Valbona there are plenty of guesthouses to choose from as you walk from the trail into the town. I heard there was even a bar, although I was too tired to go and just had a few pints at the guesthouse..
Take your time and enjoy!
Written September 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wajo
Scheveningen, The Netherlands276 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
We planned to do the Valbona Theth Trail with our travel agent back home, on June 2nd, and he pre-arranged it with his local contacts in Valbona. We planned to have our luggage transported by horse. But when we arrived in Valbona, it was said the the Pass was still covered in snow. So the horses could not go up the pass. In the end, “they” offered a trip partially with horses and a carrier would then get the luggage to the other side, where other horses would pick us (luggage, we would have to walk some distance through the snow) again for the descent to Theth. At 2 PM rain was predicted. For some reason we lost confidence in this particular local assistance and decided to go back to Shkoder with the ferry again. A pity…because this hike is supposed to be beautiful.
I have seen another review, where a traveller describes taking the winter trail, also partially through the snow.
It is good to know that this trail can still be snowy in May and (beginning of) June. If you plan to do the trail in this period you should be well informed by local experts. We are not the youngest anymore, our walking condition is quite well but we do not have regalur experience with walking in the mountains. Reasons to be extra careful. One could try to travel as light as possible, so that luggage transport would be no issue. In Japan it would be possible to forward your luggage to a next destination , but I do not know if this would be possible in Albania as well. Starting in Shkoder, leaving your main luggage in Shkoder, and returning to Shkoder could be an option?
I have seen another review, where a traveller describes taking the winter trail, also partially through the snow.
It is good to know that this trail can still be snowy in May and (beginning of) June. If you plan to do the trail in this period you should be well informed by local experts. We are not the youngest anymore, our walking condition is quite well but we do not have regalur experience with walking in the mountains. Reasons to be extra careful. One could try to travel as light as possible, so that luggage transport would be no issue. In Japan it would be possible to forward your luggage to a next destination , but I do not know if this would be possible in Albania as well. Starting in Shkoder, leaving your main luggage in Shkoder, and returning to Shkoder could be an option?
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
madch82
Amsterdam, The Netherlands189 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
Check if there is snow! If so do not leave without a guide. (Even in June). Taking the normal summer route is extremely risky. There is a safer “winter route”. Swiss tourist lost his life due to wrong route. Slop and fell down an abyss. Don’t go if you don’t feel comfortable. Not worth risking life
Winter route is also steep but less risky.
Winter route is also steep but less risky.
Written May 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick R
Windsor and Maidenhead, UK9 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
A very special hike, we went valbone to theth getting an 8euro lift to the end of the tarmac road, saving 3km of road walk. Steepness and length are moderate, decent hiking shoes/boots ***really*** wise and given that it's mountain terrain do check the forecast take waterproofs, poles, torch etc blah, blah...we met one couple who didn't get down till 9pm,.with no torch they'd have been in trouble as the descent both sides is steep. There are a couple short stretches on the pass itself which are close to very steep drops and one short 6m part is very narrow (60cm). However I don't have a good head for heights but still managed, you just have to go for it. All in all a truly excellent walk with spectacular scenery and easily enough challenge to make you feel you've earned the beer at the bottom.
( We started 8.30am and finished 3pm with 60mins breaks at the 2.cafes. 57yrs old but fit)
( We started 8.30am and finished 3pm with 60mins breaks at the 2.cafes. 57yrs old but fit)
Written September 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrikSh
Barcelona, Spain312 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
Hiking from Valbona to Theth was one of the best experiences ever. We were there last year with choose balkans and wer really enjoyed. Wild nature and amazing paths.
Written April 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CLMH_13
Amsterdam, The Netherlands101 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
We did the the hike on May 16th after knowing for sure it was safe enough. We pre-arranged everything with our guesthouse owner Linda from Margjeka Hotel which is at the start of the trail in Valbona. On the Lake Koman Ferry we met 4 other young hikers that wanted to join us as we already had a guide. In total we were 6.
We did the winter trail - NOT the summer trail as that one is extremely dangerous with snow. As there is a lot of snow still today, the winter trail is the only option if you want to pass to Theth. But it's not marked so a guide is really a necessity. The winter trail does not let you walk the small narrow path you see on many pictures online. This is the spot were accidents happened the last few weeks.
The route is very similar to the summer route for the most part. The part that is different is the final bit of the ascent up to the pass. This takes you up a steep but walkable snowy slope of the mountain.This is not marked at all, and looking back at it, we did really need our guide to show the way here. The snow is slippery so focus is really needed. And good (waterproof) shoes too of course!
Our guide was David and is a local of Valbona. Even if he didn't speak a word of English, he was super careful with our group. He took good care of us, helped us were needed and looked back to us all the time to wait if necessary.
The end part of the ascent is full of steep rocks. The views from there are splendid. Then, you reach the top. Our guide David left us there to go back to Valbona and we could start the descent to Theth by ourselves as that side of the mountain is already snowless and well marked.
We left at 8.00 AM and it took us 7 hours to arrive in Theth, including small breaks. The winter trail is 17 km, and we walked up about 1000 meters (700 to 1780 m altitude).
Our conclusion is that the winter trail was 100% worth the effort.
A few tips:
- only go if the weather is clear & sunny
- only go with a local guide
- only go with good hiking shoes
- if you go, make sure to let both guesthouses (in Valbona and Theth) know when you leave and when you have arrived
We did the winter trail - NOT the summer trail as that one is extremely dangerous with snow. As there is a lot of snow still today, the winter trail is the only option if you want to pass to Theth. But it's not marked so a guide is really a necessity. The winter trail does not let you walk the small narrow path you see on many pictures online. This is the spot were accidents happened the last few weeks.
The route is very similar to the summer route for the most part. The part that is different is the final bit of the ascent up to the pass. This takes you up a steep but walkable snowy slope of the mountain.This is not marked at all, and looking back at it, we did really need our guide to show the way here. The snow is slippery so focus is really needed. And good (waterproof) shoes too of course!
Our guide was David and is a local of Valbona. Even if he didn't speak a word of English, he was super careful with our group. He took good care of us, helped us were needed and looked back to us all the time to wait if necessary.
The end part of the ascent is full of steep rocks. The views from there are splendid. Then, you reach the top. Our guide David left us there to go back to Valbona and we could start the descent to Theth by ourselves as that side of the mountain is already snowless and well marked.
We left at 8.00 AM and it took us 7 hours to arrive in Theth, including small breaks. The winter trail is 17 km, and we walked up about 1000 meters (700 to 1780 m altitude).
Our conclusion is that the winter trail was 100% worth the effort.
A few tips:
- only go if the weather is clear & sunny
- only go with a local guide
- only go with good hiking shoes
- if you go, make sure to let both guesthouses (in Valbona and Theth) know when you leave and when you have arrived
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia B
London, UK21 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
This is a high mountain pass between Thethi and Valbona in Northern Albania. It is very beautiful. From the Thethi side you pass through alpine meadows full of flowers and surrounded by snow capped mountains. You pass through wooded areas and climb some steep sections. The pass itself is very narrow, the path is slippery scree and it slopes downs. There are steep drops. The path is eroding and has changed greatly since last year. If you are unsure of your walking ability get advice before you go. Definitely take walking poles. Some people do not find it frightening, but I did. It is very easy to slip on scree. The walk is 17 km long. Some holiday companies are offering this walk as part of a tour, be sure you have an experienced guide leading you if you are not an experienced trekker. It is lovely, but there is danger.
Written July 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brennagrey
Raleigh, NC139 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
I lived in Bajram Curri (the small town that everyone doing this loop by-passes from Valbona to catch the ferry) for three years and did this hike from Valbona to Thethi then. This year, I returned back to Albania and did the hike in the opposite direction.
It was incredible to see how much more infrastructure and accommodations the village of Thethi has for visitors. I was shocked to see upwards of 20 guesthouses, when just 5 years ago there were maybe 2 or 3 guesthouses. We stayed at GuestHouse Pashko, and booked on Booking.com. The family that owns it are extremely accommodating and have a beautiful view of the mountains and church from your room.
The rest-stops strategically placed on the trail were helpful for us to dry off and have a coffee, as when we started the hike this year it rained for the first 3 hours up the mountain. There is even a small market in Thethi for snacks/water to stock up on before going on your trek.
My friends and I are in relatively good shape, 30 years old, all women, and we finished in about 9 hours. We stopped for about an hour and a half to wait out a storm and were slowed down some by the weather.
We arranged a furgon from our hostel in Shkoder that left at 7:00am and we arrived in Thethi before lunchtime. There are plenty of places to stay in Thethi and in Valbona, as well as Bajram Curri (I recommend Hotel Vllaznimi) if you want to be closer to the ferry back to Shkoder.
Thoughtful tip: Try to not leave any trash behind in Thethi because it is extremely hard to get the rubbish out of the village and there's not a sound infrastructure for the number of people in and out of there now.
It was incredible to see how much more infrastructure and accommodations the village of Thethi has for visitors. I was shocked to see upwards of 20 guesthouses, when just 5 years ago there were maybe 2 or 3 guesthouses. We stayed at GuestHouse Pashko, and booked on Booking.com. The family that owns it are extremely accommodating and have a beautiful view of the mountains and church from your room.
The rest-stops strategically placed on the trail were helpful for us to dry off and have a coffee, as when we started the hike this year it rained for the first 3 hours up the mountain. There is even a small market in Thethi for snacks/water to stock up on before going on your trek.
My friends and I are in relatively good shape, 30 years old, all women, and we finished in about 9 hours. We stopped for about an hour and a half to wait out a storm and were slowed down some by the weather.
We arranged a furgon from our hostel in Shkoder that left at 7:00am and we arrived in Thethi before lunchtime. There are plenty of places to stay in Thethi and in Valbona, as well as Bajram Curri (I recommend Hotel Vllaznimi) if you want to be closer to the ferry back to Shkoder.
Thoughtful tip: Try to not leave any trash behind in Thethi because it is extremely hard to get the rubbish out of the village and there's not a sound infrastructure for the number of people in and out of there now.
Written June 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Not so far a question, but a renewed warning from Wajo: a few days ago, a woman from Belgium unfortunately died while hiking in this area. We do not know what happened, but I would like to recount again our experience from last year (beginning of June). Then, we planned to go up the pass, from Valbonë to Theth, with a guide, but when confronted with the fact that people died on the pass just a few weeks earlier, the fact that - after the guide started enquiring about the conditions - it turned out to be quite icy and partially covered with snow, and with no good hiking plan by the Albanian guides, we decided not to go up the pass.
So please ensure yourself of the condition of the hiking trails on the pass, enquire about the present weather conditions, and consider the assistance of a reliable guide.
Written May 10, 2023
Does this refer to the hike from Valbona to Theth, or another hike?
Written August 24, 2016
Showing results 1-2 of 2
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing