Conquer the Peaks: Accursed Mountains Group Hiking Tour in Albania
An In-Depth Look at Our Accursed Mountains Group Hiking Tour
If you are a mountain lover and enjoy hiking, while being amazed at every corner you turn and discovering secrets of untouched Albanian culture and the Accursed Mountains, then the Walking in Northern Albania: Into The Accursed Mountains tour is for you!
In this blog, dig a bit deeper into the types of walks you will engage in during this tour and what to expect from them, from the type of terrain, what to take with you and a taste of the views you can get.
You don’t have to be super fit (although some level of good fitness and regular walking are highly recommended), but you should be prepared to engage with many hours of walking (generally between 3-4 to a maximum of 7-8 hours per day) on some tricky terrain and some uncovered areas. These, however, are concerns that are quickly forgotten as you are rewarded with breathtaking views, but more than anything, you have the help and guidance of expert mountain guides. Besi (pictured below, pointing at the towers of Karanfil), was on our trip and not only he was helpful and friendly with all of us, but was also very knowledgeable and attentive to every detail on the hikes.
Day-by-Day Hiking Itinerary: Northern Albania's Accursed Mountains
DAY 2: SUMMITING GREBEN PEAK (1840M)
The first walk, starting from the Berdolec Pass, allows us to reach our first peak (Greben Peak, at 1840 m). This hike is mostly a gentle, steady uphill, going from dirt roads, crossing meadows and reaching the top for our first picnic. The second part heading down, especially closer to the end, requires more focus as it’s a rocky path with lots of rubble and stones. Most of this walk is not covered, so a hat and sun cream are paramount to avoid getting burned (I’ve learned my lesson on the first day). Beyond sturdy hiking boots with excellent grip, walking poles are invaluable. They not only provide stability on uneven ground but also offer crucial support for your knees and legs on descents, allowing you to leverage your upper body strength.
DAY 3: CROSS INTO MONTENEGRO & KARANFIL TOWERS
After the first day of walking the muscles will hurt a bit, but this is totally normal and by the end of the second walk they will have already got used to the rhythm. Our second walk has the most impressive views, comparable to the Dolomites and many other imposing mountains. After walking up a gentle hill and as we cross into Montenegro, we get closer to the top. Before reaching this there is a bit of a steep and narrow path, which offers incredible views of both sides. Reaching the top (just over 2000m) you are amazed by the impressive towers of Karanfil. We then head down, which still involves narrow paths and some unsteady terrain, so focus is very important.
DAY 4: ROPOJANA VALLEY & THETH VALLEY DESCENT
This is another fascinating walk, showcasing diverse terrains and surroundings. Starting in the flat and green area of the Ropojana Valley, we then reach a very rocky and steep path where we can stop for a brief water break and appreciate the views behind us. After a picnic stop at the top, we start our way down. This is a zigzag descent, where going slow with the aid of walking sticks is fundamental. While it’s easy to get distracted with the beauty and vastity of the Theth valley, we need to be looking at our feet, as there is a lot of rubble and sheer drops on the side. This hike simply requires a bit more concentration, but by setting your own comfortable pace, it remains highly rewarding and fascinating.
DAY 5: RELAXED EXPLORATION OF THETH & NDERLYSAJ POOLS
This is a more relaxed day. We get to explore a bit of Theth and we then head on a narrow path with easy terrain with the river on our right side. After a couple of hours, and in time for lunch, we reach the area of Nderlysaj where we can take a swim in the turquoise waters.
DAY 6: CONQUERING VALBONE PASS (LONGEST HIKE!)
This is the final stretch, with this being the longest walk of the trip. However, the reward of reaching the top of the Valbone Pass, alongside the other views, will be absolutely worth it. Starting on a dirt road, the walk starts with a gentle hill, and then it soon becomes steeper. This section is mostly covered by trees, so the direct sun is not an issue here. We will also be accompanied by horses that will carry our luggage for us. After a quick break, we continue walking on slightly more uneven terrain with a narrow, rocky and steep path, which means we are getting closer to the top. The views are spectacular and made even more dramatic by the big Albanian flag on the summit. Heading down, we follow a narrow rocky path with lots of rubble and sheer drops on our side, so again, focusing on our steps is very important. We finish our walk crossing alpine meadows and enjoy a drink at the bar at the bottom of the valley.
Essential Tips for Your Albanian Hiking Adventure
I hope this is a useful guide if you have any questions or want to find out more about the walks. They are all very enjoyable, especially as within a group there is that collective spirit of achieving the summits and celebrating it with a beer all together at the end of the walk. Just ensure you have the right hiking equipment – sturdy boots, walking poles, appropriate clothing, and sun protection and you will be guaranteed spectacular views that not many people have witnessed.
