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WTE-4
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4 Stars Hotels
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Bus, Airlines
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5,416 metres
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Kathmandu
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Feb, Mar, Apr & May
Overview
Welcome to Albania! Look forward to a journey through the “Land of the Eagle”. Huge mountain ridges, rugged rock faces, romantic forests and lush green meadows – the diverse landscape of Albania is waiting for you!
Highlights
- Exciting minivan tour through the Albanian Alps
- Visit to the youngest European country: Kosovo
- Trip on the Koman reservoir through the meter-high rock walls and the narrow Drin gorge
- "Slow food" lunch on a local farm
Itinerary
Day 1 :
ARRIVAL - TIRANA - KRUJA (APPROX. 20 KM)
Flight to Tirana and reception by your German tour guide. You will receive a small snack. Transfer to Kruja to your hotel.
Day 2 :
KRUJA - FISHTA - SHKODRA (APPROX. 95 KM)
Today you start your adventure with a visit to the city of Kruja, following in the footsteps of the famous national hero. You can see the huge walls of the medieval fortress from afar and marvel at their incredible splendor. Here you can visit the Bektashi Temple and learn more about this part of the unique religion. In the ethnographic museum you get an insight into traditional life from the past. A narrow staircase takes you into the interior of the old house. In the living rooms you can marvel at the former furnishings, such as beds, pots, clothing and tools of the former residents. The oriental influence of the Ottomans can still be felt in the bazaar today. There are some vivid souvenirs here - shiny copperware, hand-carved wooden toys, colorful robes or woven carpets - you are sure to find the perfect one! Afterwards you will visit a family-run workshop that produces the national clothing. All products are handmade and only with natural materials. Your next destination is the small and tranquil town of Fishta. Here you will visit a local farm and look forward to a "slow food" lunch, with excellent local food and the best wine in Albania, Kallmet. After your lunch you will drive to Shkodra, where you will visit the fortress of Rozafa, with its outstanding location. Here three rivers meet the largest lake in the Balkans, Lake Skadar. This is only a few kilometers from the Albanian Alps. You continue to the village of Shiroka, where you have an incredible view of the lake before heading to the center. Here you have time for yourself and can shop or explore the city as you wish. Overnight in a very special traditional museum hotel.
Day 3 :
SHKODRA - THETH - SHKODRA (APPROX. 155 KM)
After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, you will set off for Theth in minivans. During the journey, you will enjoy the breathtaking view of the Albanian Alps, the origin of Albania. The charming village of Theth lies in the middle of rugged two-thousand-meter peaks. With a height of around 1,795 m, the Valbona Pass leads to a mountain path in the west that separates the pass from the national park. Like most of the Albanian Alps, the park is dominated by limestone and dolomite rocks and features significant karst formations such as the Grunas Gorge and the south face of Mount Arapis, which is considered the highest rock face in the Balkans. You can enjoy your lunch in local restaurants or taverns before meeting the local tour guide. Afterwards, you will walk to the nearby waterfalls (hiking time approx. 3 hours/approx. 4 km, elevation gain and loss approx. 70 m, difficulty level: easy). We continue to the local springs of Nderlysa. The crystal clear water invites you to take a refreshing dip. So don't forget your swimming gear! After you have enjoyed the wonderful nature up close, you will travel back to Shkodra by minivan. Dinner and overnight stay in your hotel in Shkodra.
Please note that all sightseeing in Thethi is done on foot. You walk about 4 km to the sights with an elevation gain of about 70 meters (duration about 3 hours). If you do not want to take part in the walk, you can explore the place on your own.
Day 4 :
SHKODRA - KOMAN - FIERZE - BAJRAM CURR - VALBONA (APPROX. 125 KM)
Early in the morning, you will travel by minivan to the Koman reservoir, where you will start your breathtaking excursion on the lake together (approx. 3 hours). The lake lies quietly between jagged rock walls and glitters in the sun. The mirror of the water surface is only stirred up by the waves that hit the bow of your ferry boat. The Koman reservoir is an artificial reservoir. It was created when the hydroelectric power station was built on the Drin River in the 1980s with the 115 m high dam on one side near the village of Komani. The emerald green water, which is so clear that it looks unrealistic, meanders for over 70 km through the mountains; at the narrowest point, surrounded by vertical rock walls, the width is only about 50 m. Enjoy these unforgettable moments and views of the Albanian fjords. After your arrival in Fierze, you will be taken via Bajram Curr to Valbona, where you will have dinner and overnight. Please note that you must load your luggage onto the bus the evening before, as it will travel to Fierze in the early morning hours to pick you up after the boat trip.
Day 5 :
VALBONA
After a hearty breakfast, your next hike begins (approx. 5 km, approx. 4 hours, difficulty level: easy). The Valbona Valley National Park is located in the middle of the Albanian Alps. The park covers an area of approx. 80 km², includes the Valbona River and its surroundings with mountainous terrain, alpine landscapes, glacial springs, depressions, various rock formations, waterfalls and the Valbona Valley with its dense coniferous and deciduous forest. It is characterized by its very remote areas, which have a large preserved ecosystem, which is primarily untouched and of impeccable quality. This huge ecosystem is the heart of what is called the Albanian Wonder of the Alps. Today you will go to the headwaters of the Valbona River with your local guide. The afternoon is at your leisure. Dinner in a small local guesthouse, where traditional dishes are cooked and you get to know the family members. Overnight at the hotel.
If you do not want to take part in the hike, you have the option of taking a minivan to the river for about €5 per person or exploring Valbona on your own.
Day 6 :
VALBONA - PRIZREN - KUNË-VAIN - TIRANA (APPROX. 355 KM)
After a leisurely breakfast, you will set off for Prizren. Welcome to the youngest country in Europe: Kosovo. The second most populous city and municipality in Kosovo and the seat of the municipality and district of the same name. It is located on the banks of the Lumbardha River between the foothills of the Sharr Mountains in the south of Kosovo. Prizren is also known as the historical capital of the country. As soon as you arrive, you will visit the historical part of the city center, the mosque and the castle (optional, no entrance fee). After the tour, you will visit a local family who have lived there for centuries. You will be served Turkish coffee and the traditional homemade rose juice. At lunchtime, you will have free time to explore Prizren on your own. Your journey continues to Patok, which is part of the Kunë-Vain National Reserve. The nature park forms the Drin River Delta and is located on the Adriatic Sea in northern Albania. The area is the first protected area established in Albania as a hunting reserve in July 1940. The current nature reserve was established in 2010 and includes the island of Kunë, the Kunë-Vain lagoon, the forests and several ecosystems. Walk through one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Albania. Afterwards, transfer to Dajti National Park by cable car. Dinner and overnight in your hotel, which is located in the heart of the national park, with an incredible panoramic view of Tirana.
Day 7 :
TIRANA - DAJTI MOUNTAIN - KORÇA - VOSKOPOJA (APPROX. 210 KM)
After breakfast, you will go hiking on the Dajti Mountain Trail (approx. 9 km, approx. 3.5 hours, elevation gain approx. 400 m, difficulty level: medium). Enjoy the fantastic view once again before taking the cable car to the city of Tirana. The wonderful journey continues to the southeast of Albania, the region of Lake Ohrid and Korça. On this day, you will jump from one national park to the other. You will stop for lunch at a restaurant on your way before visiting the "Korça Birra" beer factory and tasting afterwards. You will then visit the city center of Korça and the city park. You will continue along the old streets, all decorated with stone, to the tower, the Orthodox cathedral and the bazaar before being taken to Voskopoja. Dinner and overnight stay in a family-run guesthouse.
If you don't want to take part in the hike, you can explore the area on flat terrain or enjoy a cold beer in the restaurant with a fantastic view.
Day 8 :
VOSKOPOJA
After a leisurely breakfast, you will visit the village of Voskopoja, which lies between mountain pastures and forests. It is hard to believe that there are five churches here. St. Athanasius and St. Nicolas are two particularly beautiful examples. Inside the churches there are richly decorated domes that cannot be seen from the outside. In earlier times, visible domes were only reserved for mosques. This meant that the domes of Orthodox churches were not allowed to be seen from the outside. In this small village, you will experience the religious diversity of an entire country and get to know the local farms. You will gather in one of the guesthouses to prepare your lunch together. The locals will show you how the traditional Albanian cake is made. It is unique in all of Albania. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight stay in the hotel in Voskopoja.
Day 9 :
VOSKOPOJA - OHRID - ELBASAN (APPROX. 185 KM)
You cross the border into North Macedonia. Your journey will take you near Lake Ohrid to the Sveti Naum Monastery, which you will visit. The interior of the monastery is decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from the life of modern-day Naum. It is without a doubt one of the most attractive North Macedonian destinations. With a peaceful environment, picturesque landscape and a religious history, Sevti Naum Monastery sets the predominant archetype that runs through the entire country. North Macedonia is a country where natural wonders perfectly combine with some fascinating monuments of religion. You will then continue to Ohrid, where you will have free time. You will then be taken to Elbasan, where you will first visit the center, the basilica and the main entrance to the Elbasan Castle. This castle is one of the last castles inhabited by locals. Admire the Royal Mosque and St. Mary's Church from the outside. Afterwards, you will visit a family where you can taste Turkish coffee and rakia, which is made locally, and learn more about life in Albania. Dinner today will be in a Romanesque castle. This experience will be an unforgettable moment for you. Elbasan is known for its delicious dishes, which you will try here. Overnight at the hotel in Elbasan.
Day 10 :
DEPARTURE
After breakfast, you will be taken to the capital of Albania. During your journey to Tirana, you will see Skanderbeg Square and the main boulevard. Afterwards, you will have free time before being transferred to the airport and flying back to Germany.
The itinerary is subject to change. We recommend that you bring a backpack with enough water for the hikes and wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- LOCAL EXPERIENCES
- Visit to Kruja Fortress and Rozafa Castle (Day 2)
- Trip on the Koman Dam (Day 4)
- Hikes in Valbona National Park (day 5) and Dajti National Park (day 7)
- City tours in Kruja (day 2), Shkodra (day 2), Thethi (day 3), Prizren (day 6), Korça (day 7), Voskopoja (day 8), Elbasan (day 9) and Tirana (day 10)
- TRANSPORT
- Scheduled flight possibly with stopover with Lufthansa (or equivalent) to Tirana and back in Economy Class
- Transfers and round trip in an air-conditioned coach, minivan or off-road vehicle according to the itinerary including entrance fees
- ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
- 9 nights in 3-/4-star hotels or guesthouses
- Accommodation in a double room
- 9 x half board (consisting of 9 x breakfast, 2 x lunch, 6 x dinner)
- 1 x snack upon arrival at the airport
- OTHER INCLUDED SERVICES
- 1 travel guide per room (eBook)
- German-speaking tour guide
The Cost Excludes
- Flight
- Drinks in hotels and restaurants
- Tips
- Other personal expenses
- Citytax / 1,50 EUR / person / night
FAQs
How fit do I need to be to do this trek?
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
What about internet access?
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
How much do guides and porters cost?
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
