The Blue Eye of Theth

The Blue Eye of Theth

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.

Blue EyeThe 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

Send us an email with your details
Reserverations email
info@thethi-guide.com

Rivers that rise from the Albanian Alps

Rivers that rise from the Albanian Alps

Valbona 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

Lumi i GashitThe 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 river

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.

Villa Gjeçaj Theth

Villa Gjeçaj Theth

Theth Albania

Villa Gjeçaj

Villa Gjeçaj is a gem located in the heart of Thethi National Park, famous for its beauty, only 250 meters from the village center. It is not like in the Swiss Alps but modestly said it’s the best accommodation in all Thethi Valley.

Booking & Contact

Email:      info@villagjecaj.com

Website:  https://villagjecaj.com

Room Rates Starting From €35 per night

Among the peace and tranquility of the surroundings, the fresh air and pristine beauty where nature reveals its stunning beauty, you have the chance to enjoy a traditional kitchen with homemade food, cooked by the Lady of the House, Mrs. Lula Gjeçaj. Villa Gjeçaj architecture prevails, with respect to the traditional building, bringing the best of stone and wood carving, crafts characteristics of the Shala region. Thank that traditional craftsman Villa Gjeçaj elegantly combines the old techniques with modern style, all can be seen on the details in each rooms’ design, on the restaurant area and the exterior walls, doors, and windows of the Villa. The complex is made out of two buildings, the Guesthouse which preserves Gjeçaj’s family experience of changes for over ninety years and the Residence built-in 2013, always based on the traditional building that Shala region righteously takes pride on.

The Tower & the Residence

The traditional stone building was constructed in 1922 with wood floors and ceilings, fireplace and family’s kitchen. Since 2007 it is slowly transformed into a guesthouse for tourists, with minor and big reconstructions, always maintaining the traditional while adding comfort and raising standards for better and more efficient service accommodating the guests. Right now is composed of 15 bedrooms, with a total capacity of 33 guests. The old guesthouse did undergo a new reconstructed from 2016 and now all rooms have the same standard and comfort. Each room has the bathroom inside, white linen, lamp, liquid soap and bedroom slippers. All rooms are combined with a mix of traditional and modern style which came as a response to the demands of our customers for rooms with high standards but at the same time wanted to experience the uniqueness of an Albanian household atmosphere, its authentic flavor. The Residence is the other building which is composed of five rooms. Three of those rooms have balconies, overlooking the fantastic view of the entire Thethi’s Valley. The Residence also has a double room, a triple or a family room with balcony, bathrooms and showers included.

The common areas

The restaurant area is placed on the first floor of the Guesthouse, with an area of 55 square meters, newly refurbished with a new modern design to give it lighter and a welcoming atmosphere, with a fireplace at both ends and seating capacity of 36 – 44 people. Besides that, there is the outside area with eight dining tables where people can enjoy a meal at every time. The kitchen offers a daily fixed menu but flexible to guests’ requests, with a self-service breakfast, lunch box offer and snacks or full meal at almost every time of the day. Children menu and vegetarian-friendly menu upon request. In our peaceful garden people can enjoy a family stays with children playing in the front yard or backyard, some others just relaxing reading a book amidst the natural tranquility and the river of Shala sounds coming from the inflow.

Outside there is the barbecue area, ready to cook grilled meat or vegetables, and the fire oven where we prepare most of the main dishes from our traditional cooking like the Albanian pie or mamma’s cake. Parking is never a problem, spacious parking, free and safe parking is at our entrance that can take more than 15 cars. For those interested in knowing what the Albanian countryside life is, our garden, greenhouse, and cows hut offers a great experience. Those who want to show their children the animals like the cows, the pig, the chicken or the guarding dog By next year, for 2018, we will add the playground space for children.

Rooms at villa gjecaj theth

Shower

Room Facilities

Balcony

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Desk

Room Facilities

Free toiletries

Room Facilities

toilet

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Bathroom

Room Facilities

Carpeted

Room Facilities

Hardwood/Parquet

Room Facilities
Standart rates in Alps

Average €35/night

No matter if you want to visit and stay in Theth, Valbone, Komani Lake, Shala River, Lepushe or Curraj we can find an 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

Villa Gjecaj Theth Location

The Albanian Alps

The Albanian Alps

Albanian Alps represent a valuable and unique gem in Albania

With a mountainous landscape with multiple contrasts, traversed by river valleys with crystal waters, gorges and mountain saddles that invite to continue to further explore the nature, and with a rich vegetation, the Albanian Alps represent a valuable and unique gem in Albania and even in the world. The Alps resemble a dome with the highest peak of Jezerca 2694 m, from which appear in the form of rays the mountain ranges with sharp peaks and steep slopes. It is impossible for visitors not to be attracted by the multiple karst, glacial and fluvial forms.
With its mystical beauty nature has made a compromise with itself and with men. The mountain peaks in this area seem to reach heaven. Their stunning beauty is reflected in the sobering waters of the rivers Shala, Valbona, Curraj, Cemi, Moracha, etc. as well as in the glacial lakes such those of Pech, Jezerca, Doberdol, Sylbica etc. which provide a fabulous peace and adrenaline level at any moment you contemplate the many attractions of this area.

Mountains such as Radohima, the Peak of Hekurave, Harapi, Shkëlzen, etc. serve as points of triangulation, offering a different view which tempts the spirit of adventure of every visitor to explore the amazing beauty around them.

The cultural wealth and the hospitality of local residents

This incredibly rich natural offer which can be used for tourism purposes is added to the diversity of flora and fauna. The four floors of vegetation and the specific weather conditions in this space have caused the existence of a number of endemic plants and animals which enrich the decoration of this space and may also motivate an interesting study tour. Numerous natural monuments as the canyons of Shoshaj, Valbona and Cemi, the Dragobia Cave, the peak of Harapi, the caves of Rrathëve, the Ice Cave, the Cave of Haxhia, the Wet People Cave, the source of Shoshan, Valbona, Okol, Shtrazë, Kir, Koprisht, Vukli, the waterfalls of Theth, Grunas, etc. as well as the numerous bio-monuments, as the beech forest and the Fountainhead of Hasan Gashi, the Whitebark Pine of the Ponarëve Lake, the fir forest of Rragam, the Flag Pine of the saddle of Pech, the Habitat of the Salamander, the plane of Toplana are a significant indicator of the great natural richness of this tourist area. To this can be added the existence of protected areas like the National Park of Thethi and the National Park of Valbona, which are a guarantee for the longevity of these natural beauties not only in the present but also in the future.

Another important asset of the Albanian Alps is the cultural wealth and the hospitality and generosity of local residents. Some of the most popular tourist areas of the Alps are Theth, Razma, Valbona, Vermosh etc.

Here should be added the Drin valley with its epic beauty, where a ferry ride from Koman to Fierza will leave unforgettable impressions even to the most indifferent visitors.

Hotel Margjeka Valbone

Hotel Margjeka Valbone

Valbona Valley

Hotel Margjeka

In the heart of Valbona, 1050 meters above sea level is built Hotel Margjeka.
For our clients we have an Albanian kitchen, modern, traditional, local, bio and fresh food with homemade brandy and international wine.
We wish you to enjoy good food and accommodation here and throughout Valbona.

Booking & Contact

Tel: +355 67 3382 162
Website: http://www.hotelmargjeka.al

Room Rates Starting From €35 per night

Valbona Valley National Park is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Albania. Located 25 km from Bajram Curri, the park features impressive scenery comprised of high alpine ridges and the Valbona Valley. Diverse plants and animal species invite recreation, sightseeing, and scientific study. It’s also called the “Albanian miracle of the Alps”, is a part of the Prokletije mountain range.

Shower

Room Facilities

Balcony

Room Facilities

Desk

Room Facilities

Free toiletries

Room Facilities

toilet

Room Facilities

Bathroom

Room Facilities

Carpeted

Room Facilities

Hardwood/Parquet

Room Facilities
Standart rates in Alps

Average €35/night

No matter if you want to visit and stay in Theth, Valbone, Komani Lake, Shala River, Lepushe or Curraj we can find an 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

Hotel Margjeka Valbone Location