Southern Albania Trekking Tour across Zagoria Valley

Group transfer from Tirana to Peshtan:

• 14:00 departure from Tirana City Center
• 15:00 departure from Tirana Airport

The trek starts at the entrance of the valley, shielded by the Dhembeli, Nemercka, Lunxheria, and Bureto mountain ranges, keeping Zagoria hidden from view.

A nearly forgotten caravan route is the only passage into this secluded place. The path ascends through open woodland to a pass, offering a breathtaking view of the entire valley and the surrounding mountains.

After passing through terraced fields, the trail leads to the nearly abandoned village of Kala, inhabited by only three people, before descending to the river. Crossing the river via one of Ali Pasha’s remarkable Ottoman stone bridges, the path ascends to Limar, where remnants of the cobbled caravan route can still be seen.

The distinctive Mt Strakavec, the remote atmosphere, and the traditional stone architecture of Limar are truly a sight to behold. Exploring the village allows visitors to gain insight into life here from their hosts.

Overnight accommodation is provided in the teacher's house, where the teacher cares for the two remaining students, who continue their education despite the seclusion.

The villages are connected only by footpaths as you journey towards the next overnight stop, where your luggage is transported by horse.

Pass through several hamlets, interact with locals, and admire the majestic mountains above and the Zagoria River below, where we'll find the Doshnica Waterfall. Depending on the river level, you can either continue along the stream or backtrack into the village and traverse grassy meadows before the final ascent to Hoshteve.

Animal husbandry, beekeeping, and the gathering of medicinal herbs have been the primary sources of modest income, leading to significant emigration to Greece. The hosts themselves lived and worked in Greece for 17 years before returning to their home village to enjoy their retirement years and establish a B&B. They serve as a prime example of the returning diaspora, equipped with new skills and savings for investment.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Church of the Holy Apostles, a remarkable display of Orthodox heritage and one of the best-preserved in the country.

Today's route offers a shorter and easier walk with captivating views of Mt. Cajupi, allowing for a more relaxed yet fulfilling day of walking. The villages of Vithuq, Koncka, Nivan, and Sheper are connected by roads, which made it possible to construct newer buildings that are used as weekend and retirement residences.

Nivan, once the hub of the commune, displays remnants of military installations and storage depots, with its central square dedicated to William Tilman. Known as "the 20th Century's last true explorer," Tilman was a renowned British mountaineer and sailor who, during World War II, fought with the resistance against German occupation based out of Zagoria.

The trail descends to the river once more, passing by the old monastery and, on an optional detour, the last of Ali Pasha’s stone bridges. After a shortcut across meadows, we'll arrive at Sheper, where many ex-nomadic Aromanian shepherds were compelled to settle during communism.

Here, you can choose to spend time with the local family or explore the village, including a museum and buildings adorned with weathered quotes from Marx and Lenin. This will be the final village for overnight accommodation.

The crossing of the Dhembel-Nemercke Range marks the final leg of the trek through the secluded valley, returning you to the outside world.

The challenging route, which takes almost as long to drive around as it does to walk across, is still regularly used by locals. Enver Hoxha's bunkers continue to guard the entrance to a ravine that ascends with breathtaking views of Mt. Cajupi to the mountaintop.

Shepherds travel from as far as Konispol, the southernmost point of Albania, to reach these summer pastures, with some flocks journeying for up to two weeks to reach the fertile meadows. The alpine valley is devoid of trees and is bordered by steep slopes, culminating at the Dhembel Pass, providing stunning views of the Eastern Mountains, extending across into Greece and down to the city of Permet far below.

The lengthy rocky descent demands attention and leads into Leuse, another stone village featuring an impressive church adorned with frescoes – possibly the most exquisite in Southern Albania. From here, it's just a brief stroll to the centrally located hotel.

After a challenging day, you can rest your weary legs and anticipate the city’s culinary delights, wines, and raki.

The breathtaking scenery alone justifies the 45-minute drive to today's trailhead. Below, the turquoise waters of Vjosa have dug deep into the rock, while the rugged Mt. Nemercka looms over the river.

From a distance, the sheer 650-meter-high wall of Southern Albania's second-highest summit appears impressive, but it's only when walking along the water channels towards the Sopot Waterfall at the base of the wall that its full splendor is revealed.

Upon returning from the hike, another natural wonder awaits at the nearby entrance of the Langarica Canyon. The warm thermal pools of Benje are known to have healing properties for various ailments, providing a welcome respite after days of hiking. You can unwind and rejuvenate in the sulfuric waters or explore the river canyon on foot.

It takes approximately 90 minutes to transfer to Gjirokaster from here, where you'll be accommodated in one of the traditional mansions featuring Ottoman architecture in the old town.

Take the opportunity to wander through the streets of the "City of Stone," explore the interiors of the Ottoman mansions, or simply soak in the ambiance at one of the quaint cafés. There will be ample time for further exploration in town tomorrow as well.

Gjirokaster is renowned not just for its fortress-like Ottoman mansions, but also as the birthplace of dictator Enver Hoxha and Albania's most influential, Nobel-nominated writer Ismail Kadare, whose book "Chronicles in Stone" comes highly recommended.

This town, protected by the designation of a "museum town," managed to withstand socialist modernization campaigns and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Following a visit to the castle that looms over the old town, you can opt to join your guide for a brief hike through the upper quarters or navigate the labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets by yourself.

There is no lunch provided today, so you we recommend you to either bring a picnic for the walk or pick one of the many lively taverns in the old town.

Later, we'll regroup for the 3.5-hour journey to Tirana, the modern capital that exudes a vibe distinct from traditional Albanian culture. Here, you can explore Skanderbeg Square and the trendy "Blloku" district, where the city comes alive at night. Not ready to return to Tirana? We are delighted to arrange your transfer for an extended stay at the Albanian Riviera as well.