The Blue Eye of Theth Aug 29, 2020 | Destinations, Destinations in Theth Albania The Blue Eye of Theth The Blue Eye is the most frequented natural attraction in Theth. This amazing attraction is placed in the village of Kaprre, approximately 7 km away from the center of Thethi village. The Blue Eye is the most frequented natural attraction in Theth. This amazing attraction is placed in the village of Kaprre, approximately 7 km away from the center of Thethi village. The Blue Eye of Kaprre, part of Thethi National Park, is a well (Black Well) with a surface of about 100 m2 and about 4-5 m deep, which is formed by the Black River flow that descends from the upper Kaprrea. Located between rocky and green slopes, with its depth this well takes on the colors of blue and emerald depending on the season, forming a fascinating landscape for all visitors. The Black River source in Maja e Zeze and is fed mainly by melting snow and in Nderlysa it joins Shala River to flow into the Drin river/ Komani Lake. To reach this destination you have to calculate it totally by walking (3.5 hours walk one way) or combined with a transfer plus walking, 20 min transfers, and 40 min easy to moderate walking. The first 5 km from Thethi to Nderlysa is rural off-road along the river of Theth, Shala River. From Nderlysa to the Blue Eye it takes 40 minutes of walk, among which only the first half is more difficult to climb while the second part is easy walking in the middle of the beech forest to get surprised then by the blue eye. The path is marked with signs even though they are amortized but the path from Nderlysa is so steep and clear that you can not get lost. In Nderlysa, just cross the bridge and take the road to Kaprre to come out in front of you, one of the most wonderful views formed by the erosion of the rocks by the river, where have been created pink baths and waterfalls, called the Stone Groves in Nderlysa. Book in advance to ensure the availability of a professional guide, primarily. For a more specific request please ask us a quote Call now for the best offer English Speaking Phone 00355 69 60 15 771 FollowFollowFollowFollowFollow Send us an email with your details Reserverations email info@thethi-guide.com
Rivers that rise from the Albanian Alps Jul 25, 2020 | Albanian Alps, Blogs from Albanian AlpsValbona River The river of Valbona, which rises into Rrogami, is one of the most beautiful rivers of Albania characterized by a unique beauty. The Valbona River is one of the rivers of the Albanian Alps, with cold and crystalline water, picturesque waterfalls and canyons that attract tens of thousands of foreign and domestic tourists every year. However, all this tourism industry built on the tradition of hospitality and the beauties of nature in the heart of the Albanian Alps risks to disappear and not only but the income by which the inhabitants of these areas make a living may disappear as well. Gashi River The Valbona River joins the Gashi River, which is a UNESCO-protected property along with the beech forest on both sides. In this river, small groups and adventurers, especially those who love adventure, can go fishing and canoeing. All ancient beech forest natural reserves are fiercely protected in a total of 12 European countries, Albania being among them. UNESCO has included two Albanian natural reserves in its World Heritage List precisely because of the stunning beech forests found within them. These areas are Gashi River, located in the basin of Valbona National Park, and Rrajca. Albania proclaimed the Gashi River a natural reserve back in 1996. The 3000-hectare-reserve is located northeast of the Albanian Alps, in Tropoja, Kukës county, entirely removed from any inhabited areas. Virgin beech forests cover a large part of the city. The geological basin is crossed by the river and is surrounded by swamps and canals, which, for decades, have kept the rich flora and fauna alive and helped it flourish, undisturbed by the human hand. The geology and hydro-geology of the area In the basin of the Gashi River, the rocks of the oldest geological age in Albania can be found. They are represented by igneous, volcano-sedimentary, and slightly metamorphic limestones. The Torkuz granodiorite massif separates the terrigenous and volcanic rocks. Younger deposits are depositions on old river terraces. The river of Cem, along with its canyon, its rare fantastic beauty, and clean water belongs to the group of very attractive and beautiful rivers of Europe, which is visited by lovers all year long and especially during summer. Cem originates in Kelmend, Malësi e Madhe, Albania, and flows through the region of Malësia. The river has two tributaries: Cem of Vukël and Cem of Selcë, which join at the confluence of Tamarë. Cem of Vukël – the more important of the two in terms of water volume – rises at 900 m and flows for 17.9 km. It passes through a narrow canyon, a terrain which widens only near Kozhnja, where deposition has formed a small limestone valley. A creek called Cem of Nikç also contributes to its flow volume except for the summer period when it runs dry. The stream flows into the Moraca River, which together supplies Shkodra Lake with water. During summer, Cemi transforms into an attractive environment for different vacationers who prefer the wonders of this river, where one should point out Tergaj, which has become a place for bathing and resting for the Highlanders. The Kiri valley in Shkodra is one of the most beautiful areas in the north of the country, is only a few kilometers away from the center of Shkodra. This area has been “discovered” for four years by the people of Shkodra who tremendously visit it during the weekend. The crystalline water of the Kiri is named after the village of Kire of Dukagjini. The valley through which it passes is a breathtaking and navigable canyon for adventurers who want to swim in the canyon. This river, during its lineage into the truck, creates exceptional pools on the stones of this river. There is a canyon in the river Kiri, one of the most beautiful in Albania, and the cleanliness, calm and fresh air of the surrounding mountains is what the valley of Kiri has to offer from where it flows. Every weekend when the weather is warm, the citizens of Shkodra, foreign tourists, and village dwellers frequent these beaches for sunbathing in freshwater, as well as for water sports. Kiri is a village in the Administrative Unit of Shkodra Municipality were in ancient times, there was a castle that today has only a few ruins and nothing more, but even today this place is called the “Town of Kir” or “Castle of Kaur.” The name of this village is also named after the river, which originates from the slopes of Biga, Intercontinental, and Neck of Bkkas and flows into the Drin near Shkodra Fortress. The river got its name from the village and not vice versa the river name, because in earlier times this river was named Clusala. Above this stands the Middle Bridge built during the Ottoman rule. Today, the canyons of this river in its rocky flow have become an attraction for nature tourists, river beaches, water sports, etc. that continue even in these warm September days. Life happens on the banks of Shala Shala River is a miracle that can be enjoyed in the beauties of where it was born in Theth until it flows into Koman Lake. Looking at this oasis, where Shala embraces Drini, now Koman Lake is a real wonder. Recently, this river has become the most frequented place in northern Albania. The site where it has today received an extraordinary name is also called, because the headman of Dukagjin, Leka, passed his last years here. The Shala Valley is a virgin river in area that has only recently been incorporated into tourist agency guides, attracting particular attention due to its untouched nature and numerous opportunities that offer.
Experience Life Outdoors in the Albanian Alps Jul 18, 2020 | Albanian AlpsThinking of making a trip to the Albanian Alps? You’ll want to make sure that you’re well prepared. Known as the accursed mountains, this is one of the most beautiful destinations out there in the world, and is a fantastic untapped playground for those that are seeking adventure. If you’re planning to head to the Albanian Alps, it’s imperative that you travel light so that you can easily hike from one valley to the other within a day. You’ll be able to make the most of your hiking trip and won’t need to camp and have any tent equipment with you. You can hike within Vuthai and Theth within a day or Cerem and Doberdol. During your hiking trip, don’t forget to stay at the pasture cottages to get a little insight into shepherds going about their daily life or have a coffee in people’s local houses. Even if you want to visit Thethi National Park, you don’t need to bring along equipment with you as there is plenty of equipment available for rent around the valleys for climbing and even winter sports. Not sure how to pack light? No worries, we’ve got you covered. Below are some tips we have on packing lightly for your hiking adventures. Pack for the weather Even if you’ve checked the weather and it says it’s going to be warm and sunny all day, you should pack for the season and for the expected weather patterns – never assume. It’s best to pack lighter fabrics that you can easily layer, polyester is a good one as it dries faster than other materials. Avoid bringing fancy technology Whilst it might be tempting to bring the latest camera along with various lenses to capture the beauty of the Albanian Alps, it’s not ideal if you’re going to be hiking for an extended period of time. It’s going to add additional weight you don’t want to be carrying around, and you can always use your phone to snapshots. Needless to say, you should also not be bringing other technological devices such as a tablet or laptop. You’re embarking on this hike to immerse yourself in nature and take in the views, so leave all the technological disruptions at home. Bring a wind shirt Instead of packing numerous shirts and outfits, a wind shirt on its own is more than sufficient. Not only is it lightweight, but it’ll also protect you from the elements, and can reduce your overall weight load. It’s also comfortable and provides a significant amount of warmth whilst still allowing you to wear lighter base layers. Pack light snacks or food If you’re embarking on a longer hike, you’ll most likely be carrying snacks and food. You shouldn’t be carrying anything that’s overly heavy. Instead, bring some snack bars with you – they’re not only healthy and nutritious, but they’ll also provide you with energy up the hike and don’t take up too much space or weight at all. Bring only what you need This echoes everything that has been mentioned so far, but you should only be bringing what you need. If you’re packing toiletries, keep it to a minimum and have it organized properly to protect everything else in your bag. For clothes, you should focus on quality clothing as opposed to quantity. Instead of picking out heavy sweaters and jackets, opt for base layers that’ll help with temperature regulation and moisture management. Lightweight packing tubes are great options to also help you with both organizing and compressing your clothing. Other things that you should consider bringing when hiking the Albanian Alps include light mountain shoes, sunscreen, a hat, hiking stick, and some long and short trousers. A 10-liter backpack should also be more than sufficient for three to four days of traveling in the alps. Spend a little more on lighter equipment If you’re heading on a longer hike, be willing to invest in the equipment you bring with you – it makes a whole lot of difference. While it’s tempting to want to stick to a certain budget, the gear that you have is crucial for your safety or in completing a hike successfully. You wouldn’t want to take any shortcuts and should prepare your checklist of items way in advance before you even begin packing. Look for lightweight equipment such as an ultra-light packing cube that has a clean and dirty section. That way you’ll be able to separate your clean and dirty stuff while adding almost zero weight to your backpack. Pick travel-friendly versions If you’re going to be hiking for a longer period of time, food can add the most weight to your backpack. Hence, it’s best to pick either dehydrated alternatives or lighter foods. Some examples of food that you can pack include instant hot cereal, powdered milk, dried fruits, and of course protein bars. Other meals that you can look into include freeze-dried meals and dehydrated eggs. Aside from food, carry smaller or lighter alternatives of necessities. Instead of a bulky fluffy towel, for example, opt for an absorbent and light towel instead. At night, you can also use a light inflatable pillow that takes up minimal space. Toiletry swaps are also possible, you can use a paper soap instead of a bar, or go with baby wipes instead. Share the load If you’re traveling with a friend, sharing the load is a great way to limit weight and pack lightly. Before heading off on your hiking trip, discuss who’s going to what and how many sets of each item you require – it’s most likely that you’ll only need one. Then, you can divide the pieces among your packs accordingly. There you have it, some of the hiking tips we have when it comes to packing lightly. By following these tips above, you’ll be able to enjoy your hike while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Albanian Alps. After your hike, why not continue your trip by heading to Shengjin, Albania? Famous for its sandy beaches, you can unwind and relax with your hike. If you’re not sure where to stay, here are some Airbnb vacation rentals in Shengjin, Albania to get you started.
Bujtina Peraj Vermosh May 15, 2020 | Accommodation in Kelmend, Thethi-Hotels Vermosh Albania Bujtina Peraj Vermosh Guesthouse Peraj is set in Vermosh. Among the various facilities of this property are barbecue, garden, and the mountains. Booking & Contact Phone: +355676669022 Email: GuestHouseperaj@yahoo.com Room rates starting from 25€ / person bed and breakfast Featuring free WiFi and a barbecue, Peraj Guesthouse offers accommodation in Vermosh, 15 km from Gusinje. The bed and breakfast have a children’s playground and views of the mountain, and guests can enjoy all the products of Vermosh , everything that we serve is homemade. The guesthouse offers a continental or vegetarian breakfast… A variety of popular activities are available in the area around the property, including skiing and hiking… Free private parking is available on site. There is a shared lounge at the property. You can engage in various activities, such as skiing and horse riding. Podgorica is 89 km from Peraj Guesthouse, while Kolašin is 91 km from the property. Tirana can be reached in 200 km, while Shkodra is 98 km away. Shower Room Facilities Balcony Room Facilities Desk Room Facilities Bathroom Room Facilities Standart rates in the Alps Average 25 – 35 € night No matter if you want to visit and stay in Vermosh, Lepushe Theth, Valbone, Komani Lake, Shala River, we can find accommodation for you. Call now for the best offer English Speaking Phone 00355 69 60 15 771 Send us an email with your details Reserverations email info@thethi-guide.com FollowFollowFollowFollowFollow Guesthouse Peraj Vermosh Location
The trend of tourism growth in the Albanian Alps Jan 20, 2020 | Blogs from Albanian AlpsSome current trends in tourism in the Albanian Alps The Alps are now one of Europe’s main tourist attractions for major industrial centers. Tourism has, for some areas, represented a fundamental economic activity that can prevent the complete depopulation of the mountain areas, ensuring employment opportunities and income. European Alps Every year the European Alps receive approximately 12% of the world tourists (World Tourism Organization). In 2001 alone, more than 80 million tourists visited the Alps. It’s impossible to overstate the importance of ski-related tourism in the Alps. In Italy alone alpine areas are crisscrossed by a network of 4693 km of ski-runs, 60% of which are serviced with artificial snow. Cross-country ski tracks amount to 2981 km, 304 of which make use of snow cannons. The situation is similar across the Alps. The spectacular increase in tourism in the Alps in recent decades has been founded mainly on the boom in skiing, resulting in both strong real estate development and an increasing array of infrastructures and ski runs. Today the ski market seems to have virtually reached saturation point and the winter sports sector has begun to diversify its offer through innovation. The uncertainty and the crisis in European mountain tourism are both caused by climate and geo-cultural change. This is why, for many observers, the kind of tourism established during the second half of the 20th century appears to be a “worn-out” model, and should be reorganized thoroughly. This will involve drastic adaptation measures. According to the International Scientific Committee on Alpine Research (ISCAR) such new watching grids will be required to understand and monitor the way out of “all ski”, “all snow” and even “all tourism”. Tourism industry has a key role to play in confronting the challenges of climate change. Climate change poses a serious challenge to social and economic development in all countries. While international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are essential, adaptation to the impacts of climate change must also be integrated into sectoral and economic policies worldwide. For many alpine areas in Switzerland, winter tourism is the most important source of income, and snow-reliability is one of the key elements of the offers made by tourism in the Alps. 85% of Switzerland’s current ski resorts can be designated as snow-reliable. Winter tourism and skiing If climate change occurs, the level of snow-reliability will rise from 1200 m up to 1800 m over the next few decades. Only 44% of the ski resorts would then still be snow-reliable. While some regions may be able to maintain their winter tourism with suitable adaptation strategies, others would lose winter tourism due to a diminishing snow pack. Climate change must be viewed as a catalyst that is reinforcing and accelerating the pace of structural changes in tourism. Today, adaptation strategies are predominant in tourism (e.g. artificial snow production). As an industry that will be severely affected by climate change, however, tourism will increasingly have to focus on mitigation strategies (e.g. less greenhouse gas emissions by tourism traffic). The snow tourism in recent years is going through a phase of evolution, in particular the demand side: the tourists who frequent the ski resorts today are very different from those of the past in profile, behavior and needs. For a long time, talking about winter tourism and skiing has meant essentially the same deal. The winter holiday coincided for the majority of people with “white week”, a period during which concentrate almost exclusively to skiing. There were, of course, the so-called “non-skiers as a result” (often mothers, grandparents or people on vacation with the family “sports people”), but these were almost “sentenced” to an inevitable boredom, made up of repetitive walks in the center of the country or waiting for days in shelters at high altitude that members of the family came back from the “battlefield”. Today Today it is no longer the case. First, the ski holiday is no longer the only possible (or better, available for many) during the winter season: until a few years ago, going to sea in winter was a luxury for the few. Today a holiday “in the heat”, perhaps in a Caribbean beach paradise, is within the reach of many people, with similar prices or even lower than those of a ski vacation (without taking into account the not indifferent cost to the necessary equipment for skiing). Secondly, the skiers are always less energetic and more vacationers looking for fun, while the people below are always more numerous and demanding the opportunity to take a more active and enjoyable time on their own. For these reasons, the alpine winter resorts must commit to offer something more than the services and infrastructure necessary for the practice of winter sports (which, however, remain a largely predominant activity), in order to create a more complete and varied offer to meet the different needs of different groups of tourists or rather, the various market segments.
