Experience Life Outdoors in the Albanian Alps

Experience Life Outdoors in the Albanian Alps

Thinking 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 Zici – Theth

Bujtina Zici – Theth

Theth Albania

Bujtina Zici

The House of Petrit Zici is located in center of the mountain village of Theth. It is a characteristic two floor house, with six rooms, built with stones and it has a wooden roof. The floors and ceilings are made by woods. It began its activity as a host home in 2018.

Booking & Contakt

Petrit Zici

Lagja Ulaj, Theth

+355 69 674 7478

Room Rates Starting From €35 per night

The house offers accommodation, laundry service, biological and traditional food, camping ,sports activities, traditional games, friendship and a very nice view of the village.It also provides accompaniment for visiting all the attractions of the village.We do not simply business, we share with you our history, our tradition, our life and emotions, and we are really proud for doing it.

General Data

Te guest house is a two floors house + loft (two rooms),
it has a capacity of six rooms,
four bathrooms,
eighteen beds,
everything is made by woods and stones in traditional style.

Drinks

Fruit juices prepared with the fruits of the forest (cornel, strawberry, blackberry)
Mountain tea, coffee
raki (brandy) made of plum, grape etc.
and of course, wine.

Cuisine

Characteristic plates of fresh vegetables (string beans, paprika, eggplants, carrots, pumpkins, tomatoes, potatoes, peas, etc.)
Fresh butter, cheese, eggs and milk
Piglet, calf and lamb meat
Honey produced by the bees of the village
Different kinds of jam (strawberry, blackberry, plum, raspberry)

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

Bujtina Zici Theth Location

Guesthouse Villa Gurra – Theth

Guesthouse Villa Gurra – Theth

Theth Albania

Guesthouse Villa Gurra

Gurra Hotel is nestled at the entrance of Theth. This hotel has 10 years of its exploration and its well-known for the big focus of local and foreign tourists. The hotel is managed by a young couple, who are owners, and they do this work with a lot of satisfaction.

Booking & Contact

Center Theth

Phone: +355 69 44 20 043

Room Rates Starting From €35 per night

To talk about geography hotel is nestled 16 km far from the peak of Thore and surrounded by the beauty of Arapi, Jezerca, Danella, and Peja mountains. This hotel is building totally of wooden and stone, which is typical for this region. It has 13 rooms. The first floor has a Restaurant made by the stone which offers high-quality foods, which are prepared by first-rate cookers. Also, we organized evening parties at the weekend with traditional northern music. But these evenings are also companies with fireplace in the behind area of the hotel. On the second floor, there are six rooms: 2 -double bedrooms and four triple rooms. On the third floor are five rooms: 1 double room and three family rooms and for friends group. While in the last one are placed just two family rooms. Every room has a bathroom. It also has three large terraces. The prices are responsible and depends on the season. In the summer prices go from 25-50 euro, while in other season are cheaper, from 20-40 euro. But also we can’t forget to talk to the front of the hotel which is equipped with seven tables, where you can enjoy and taste the food in front of the Shala River, which is just some steps away from the hotel. So if you want to have an unforgettable full holiday here is the best option.

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

Guesthouse Villa Gurra Theth Location

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

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

Villa Gjecaj Theth Location

Guesthouse Arben Marashi – Theth

Guesthouse Arben Marashi – Theth

Theth Albania

Guesthouse Arben Marashi

We are in the centre of Theth village, next to the clear flowing Shala river. The Guesthouse is simply furnished in the traditional Albanian style.
There are 4 bedrooms with 3 beds, and 2 bathrooms. We also have satellite TV There is ample parking and plenty of space for camping

Booking & Contact

Phone : +355 69 977 2207
Email: klaudia.marashi@yahoo.com

Room Rates Starting From €35 per night

We would love to show you round the area, we can take you to the Blue Eyed Pool, to the Canyon, to the Waterfall, and show you round the village, including the Kula lock-in tower, the Church and the village centre. We can offer you three meals a day, all prepared using fresh ingredients from the area

Please contact us at the address below, or call us anytime. We speak good English, Italian and of course Albanian!

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

Guesthouse Marashi Theth Location