Theth-Valbona Pass

Highlights

• ✓An alpine pass at 1,807 metres with sweeping views
• ✓An old mule track through beech forest and alpine meadow
• ✓Golden eagles and chamois sometimes visible on the ridges
• ✓Stage 1 of the Peaks of the Balkans long-distance route

Before you go

• •Start early; a sunrise departure gives the most margin
• •Snow lingers into June; check conditions before going earlier
• •A seasonal bar near the pass operates in summer only
• •White/red/white trail markers run the whole way

Nearby trails

• moderateTheth · viewpoint

  Blue Eye of Theth

  Syri i Kaltër i Thethit

  18 km↑ 500 m7–8 h

  Albania's best-known mountain pool, fed by snowmelt and set deep in the Accursed Mountains, with views across the national park on the way in.

  Best: May to October

  Trail guideGet driven →
• easyTheth · waterfall

  Grunas Waterfall

  Ujëvara e Grunasit

  5 km↑ 200 m1–2 h

  A short, rewarding walk through beech and pine forest to a spectacular cascade in a narrow canyon, with a cool pool to swim in below.

  Best: May to October

  Trail guideGet driven →
• easyTheth · heritage walk

  Lock-in Tower & Church Loop

  Kulla e Ngujimit

  2.5 km↑ 30 m1–1.5 h

  A short look at a living piece of the Kanun of Lekë Dukagjini, the traditional code under which this tower sheltered men from blood revenge.

  Best: May to October

  Trail guideGet driven →

Questions

How long does the Theth-Valbona Pass take?

About 6–9 h for 15 km one way.

How hard is the Theth-Valbona Pass?

Hard, with about 1125 m of climbing.

When is the best time to visit Theth-Valbona Pass?

June to September

How do I get to Theth-Valbona Pass?

A car cannot drive this pass. Our driver can drop you in Theth and collect you in Valbona (or the other way round) by road, but you walk the pass itself on foot. The walk starts at Theth village.

Sources

Compiled from these public sources. Conditions change: check locally before you set off.

• Peaks of the Balkans: Theth - Valbonë, Stage 1
• Theth-Valbona Pass on AllTrails