From Tirana: 3-Day Komani Lake, Valbona and Thethi Tour

Planning a trip through Albania’s breathtaking mountains? This 3-day tour from Tirana offers a chance to see some of the country’s most dramatic scenery — all with the convenience of organized transport, guided insights, and authentic mountain hospitality. While it’s demanding and involves a fair amount of hiking, the rewards are extraordinary: soaring peaks, shimmering lakes, cascading waterfalls, and charming villages.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines adventure with comfort — you get a taste of the wild Albanian Alps without needing to plan every detail yourself. The boat cruise on Komani Lake is a standout moment, offering a peaceful respite in a landscape that feels truly untouched. Plus, the trip’s emphasis on local guides and simple mountain accommodations helps keep it authentic and immersive.

That said, this tour isn’t for everyone. The hiking can be strenuous — about 6 hours from Valbona to Thethi — and the physical demands mean you’ll want good fitness and proper shoes. Also, winter weather can restrict some activities, especially the hike from Valbona to Thethi, which might be replaced with a visit to Kosovo instead.

This tour suits active travelers who want a deep dive into Albania’s mountain culture, stunning scenery, and outdoor adventures, all packaged into a manageable itinerary.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: You’ll see some of the most beautiful valleys, waterfalls, and mountain views in Albania.
• Authentic mountain experience: Simple accommodations and local guides provide genuine insights and a sense of place.
• Memorable boat ride: The Komani Lake cruise offers a peaceful, scenic highlight.
• Active but manageable hikes: The moderate hikes reveal majestic vistas, but require good energy and suitable footwear.
• Well-organized tour: From pickup to drop-off, the logistics are smooth — group sizes are manageable, and tours run reliably.
• Value for money: Including transportation, guides, boat tickets, and accommodations, the tour offers a comprehensive Albanian Alps experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Albanian Alps: A Deep Dive

Starting Point: Tirana to Komani Lake

Your adventure begins early with a hotel pickup in Tirana, either from the airport or central locations. The journey towards the Albanian Alps is scenic, with a roughly one-hour drive through the surrounding landscapes. This initial leg sets the tone — expect mountain vistas and rural charm.

Arriving at Komani Lake feels like stepping into a postcard. The boat cruise lasts about 2.5 hours, taking you across a dramatic, fjord-like lake carved by ancient glaciers. Travelers rave about this boat ride. One reviewer states, “The lake, the hike, the waterfall, and the Blue Eye are of astonishing beauty.” The boat cruise is peaceful, offering ample time to soak in the towering mountains and reflective waters, a perfect spot for photos or simply enjoying the serenity.

Day Two: From Komani to Valbona with a Major Hike

After the lake, your group heads east towards Valbona Valley. The transfer is comfortable, with some optional local transport from Valbona to Rrogam to cut down a hike (about 2 hours), which is handy if you’re less energetic or have physical constraints.

The core of the trip is the hike from Valbona to Thethi — a 6-hour trek that’s described as moderate but demanding. The trail winds through lush meadows, rocky passes, and forested slopes, offering what many consider the highlight: spectacular mountain views and a sense of being truly in Albania’s wild heart.

One reviewer, Raimund, mentions, “The long hike on the second day from Valbona to Thethi was very beautiful and positively challenging.” That challenge is part of the appeal — it’s an adventure that rewards your effort with unforgettable vistas. Hikers are advised to wear good shoes, carry water, and be prepared for some uneven terrain.

Day Three: Thethi’s Hidden Treasures

In Thethi, the focus shifts to exploring local landmarks. You’ll visit the Church of Thethi, the Grunas Waterfall, and the Blue Eye — a natural spring with striking blue waters. The Blue Eye, in particular, is a favorite among visitors for its vivid color and tranquil setting.

The tour mentions optional local transport from Thethi Village to Ndërlysaj near the Blue Eye, which shortens the walk by about 2.5 hours, making it more accessible for some. The waterfall, Grunas, is another highlight, cascading down in a lush green setting, perfect for photographers and nature lovers.

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Final Stop: Shkodra and Return to Tirana

On the way back, there’s a quick visit to Shkodra, a historic city with a charming old town and a lakeside setting. It provides a restful break and a chance to stretch before heading back to Tirana in the evening.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour is well-structured, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, simplifying logistics. The itinerary is flexible enough to include optional transport segments, which can be a real help given the physical demands of the hikes.

Transport is provided throughout, with modern vehicles and professional guides. The tour includes boat tickets, taxes, and accommodation, with breakfast provided each morning. You’ll stay in basic but comfortable mountain guesthouses, which many travelers find charming and authentic — a no-frills stay that emphasizes local culture and simplicity. One reviewer pointed out that some rooms under the roof can be hot, so packing light and bringing a fan or extra layers is advised.

What To Bring

Travelers should pack passport or ID, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and appropriate clothes for mountain weather, which can change quickly. The trip involves hiking through moderate terrain but requires good physical condition, especially for the Valbona to Thethi hike.

Things to Keep in Mind

• The winter weather can close the Valbona to Thethi hike, and in that case, the tour might include a visit to Kosovo instead.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with certain health issues like back problems, claustrophobia, or altitude sickness.
• The group size is manageable, and guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

Authentic Experiences and Highlights

The reviews repeatedly highlight the knowledgeable guides, which makes a huge difference when you’re in unfamiliar terrain. Bledi, Endri, and other guides are praised for their friendliness, historical insights, and ability to tailor the experience to the group’s needs.

Many mention the value for money — the combination of transportation, guides, boat rides, and accommodations makes this a comprehensive Albanian Alps adventure. The scenery impresses even seasoned travelers, with one reviewer describing the views as “breathtakingly beautiful.”

The local hospitality shines through in the guesthouses, simple yet cozy, with hosts eager to share stories and home-cooked meals. Although not included in the price, the delicious local food and tapas-like snacks are often praised as part of the trip’s charm.

The Sum Up

This 3-day trip from Tirana to Komani Lake, Valbona, and Thethi offers an authentic, active experience that captures the essence of Albania’s rugged beauty. It’s perfect for travelers who love outdoor adventures, stunning landscapes, and cultural encounters. The combination of boat rides, hikes, waterfalls, and mountain villages provides a well-rounded taste of the Albanian Alps.

While the physical demands are not trivial, the guides’ insights and the breathtaking scenery make every step worthwhile. The simple mountain accommodations and basic logistics keep the experience genuine and immersive.

If you’re seeking a memorable, adventure-filled journey into one of Europe’s lesser-known mountain regions, this tour is a strong choice. It’s especially ideal if you value well-organized trips, knowledgeable guides, and authentic mountain hospitality. Be prepared for some effort, but know that you’ll leave with stories, photos, and a true appreciation for Albania’s wild side.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people with limited hiking experience?
The hike from Valbona to Thethi is about 6 hours long and described as moderate, so good physical condition and proper footwear are recommended. Less experienced hikers might opt for the transport options from Valbona to Rrogam or Thethi to Ndërlysaj to reduce walking time.

What should I pack for this trip?
Bring passport or ID, hiking shoes, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and energy snacks. Layers are advised as mountain weather can change quickly. A backpack for carrying essentials during hikes is helpful.

Are accommodations comfortable?
Accommodations are basic mountain guesthouses, offering a simple but authentic experience. Some rooms under the roof can be hot, so packing a fan or extra layers is wise.

What is the main highlight of the tour?
Many travelers mention the boat cruise on Komani Lake as a standout, along with the hiking through stunning valleys. The waterfalls, Blue Eye, and mountain views are also repeatedly praised.

Is this tour suitable for families?
It is not recommended for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with health or mobility issues, due to the physical nature of the hikes and mountain environment.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility if your plans change.

This trip provides a meaningful peek into Albania’s mountain landscape, balancing adventure, comfort, and cultural authenticity. For those ready to hike, sail, and explore, it’s a trip that promises memories that last long after you leave the peaks behind.

You can check availability for your dates here: