Mountaineering in Albanian Alps

Climbing the peaks in winter in Valbona valleys is a great achievement for local and regional people. Anyone who reaches the peak should feel proud of the achievement, but even if the peak is not reached, the experience we get in this adventure teaches us how to climb and enjoy an unforgettable adventure in the mountains experiences. Those amazing views give us the pleasure and the will to have a good life.

Learn your winter climbing skills with our alpine guide on this extraordinary 3 days adventure.

Towering above 2000 meters above sea level where the peaks in Albanian Alps are covered in snow. The White Steep Mountains of Balkan.

Day 1 Dragobi - Valbone

Distance 7 km

Uphill 350 m

Downhill 80 m

Technical difficulty easy

Max elevation – 900

Min elevation – 600 meters

Moving time 2

Time 3 hours

Our journey takes us from Dragobia to Valbona village. Warming up the muscles, moving the bones and preparing our body for the next days

The walk follows a crystal clear river through ancient beech forests.

The jagged peaks around, the beautiful river along the way and ancient forest will accompany us for three hours. This trail was used from 2 villages in the past as a way of

communication, marriages between them. When the Roman came in this region They called all the valley Vala bouna(Valbona)(beautiful valleys).

Some small “up and downs” along the river we see that some small bridges or Vig called by locals, hand made and very nice to pass in the other side of the streams. In the afternoon, we can have a workshop for equipment (what equipment we need for a classic climbing, how to use them, what to bring  in a  backpack, how ti pack it and layers system.

Tonight you enjoy a delicious dinner and a well earned rest after this impression packed introduction to the Accursed Mountains.

Day 2 Valbone - Bregu I rrethit te bardhe

Distance - 10 km

Uphill – 660 meters

Downhill- 660

Technical difficulty-Moderate

Max elevation – 1565 meters

Min elevation – 930 meters

Moving time – 4 hours

Time - 5 hours 30 minutes

The trail continues to the elementary school of Valbone in the direction of the place called “Bregu I rrethit te bardhe”.If we look at this trail on a map, it’s shape is like a half moon which continues and ends in Valbone. So we can start from any side we want. After we continue walking for about 30 minutes, we reach the Kukaj neighborhood of Valbone, where we can also fill up bottles of water in one of the guesthouses located there or filling from the streams.2 liters of water are needed as it is considered as one path moderate in terms of physical difficulty. At the upper in, the path inclines from the side to the right where there is a memorial of a climber who lost his life in 1985 while they were climbing “Dry peak”.

On this day we will spend a day brushing up on basic mountaineering skills in practice for equipment.So the main sentences will be practice, repeat, practices

Our local guide experienced in mountaineering will explain and teach us crampons techniques, tips for snow and ice travel, ice axe use, self-arrest and navigation, helmets and gaiters.

Day 3  Valbone-Peak-Valbone

Might be Jezerca peak,Rosi Peak,Boshi peak,Kollata’s Peaks,Iron Peak,Ali peak ecc

Distance  more 20km

Uphill above 1500m

Downhill same uphill

Technical difficulty Difficult

Max elevation – above 2500m

Min elevation – 1000 meters

Time 10-11 hours

On sunny days, we enjoy crisp views of the surrounding mountains, an unforgettable experience. Climbing to the top of the Albanian Alps is considered a difficult climb in terms of physical and psychological preparation but in the adventuring mind, there are no difficulties when it is the right team and the right equipment. This day we are going to try to climb one of the top of the Albanian Alps.2500 meters above sea level we have 360 degrees view and the majestic feeling of an unforgettable climb and a good story to tell will make us a very beautiful trip.

Safety first..depends on the weather and conditions of the peaks if we can reach the top.

After the trip, we will have a game called ''Camping stories'' where we can share more about ourselves.

This trip is rated difficult. Participants should be capable of hiking up to 18 km (uphill and downhill) in a day (up to 11 hours) each day without major discomfort while carrying a day pack that weighs 10 kg. Mountaineering is suitable for people who have experience, which is recommended. Terrain may include some steep grades, several hundred uneven stone steps, and areas of exposure to heights. The highest point of the trip is the top (above 2500 meters).

We suggest taking with you:

-Backpack 30 liter, pack rain cover

-Mountain boots

-Winter layers (Insulated jacket, down jacket, fleece, base layers)

-Winter gloves, hat, or hood

-Winter hiking socks

-Sunglasses

-Snack

-Personal medications

-Travel documents