Trekking the Albanian Alps

Additional Information

Public transport experience
For people who like hiking, but are not capable of doing the ”big 8 hour hike” between Valbona and Thethi, we offer a “public transport experience”.

Instead of hiking to Thethi, we will organize a taxi early in the morning, to be dropped off at the ferry. At the other side of the ferry ride, there will be a taxi waiting, to bring you to Thethi (5 hours drive). Your driver might pick up some locals on the way, so it will be a great experience to meet the local people.

We use a network of trusted taxi drivers, who are experienced with the roads and the our routes. The price of the public transport is not included the price and will need to be paid directly to the locals.

 In case of:
1 person the price is 8000 Lek (66 euro)
2 persons the price is 4000 Lek (33 euro)
3 persons the price is 2700 Lek (23 euro)
Payment should be made in LEK

Hiking test
The 2^nd day of the tour, the “hiking test” will be at the Holy mountain of Kruja. The guide will look at your walking style and your level of hiking. Together with the guide, you decide if you are ready for the big hike to Thethi, or if it is better to take public transport.

Terrain during the hikes
This trail includes many descents and ascents.  The route passes over alpine terrain with steep slopes, mountain river valleys incised on the mounts, rocky peaks, belts of mountain pine. The chosen paths are mostly well trodden underfoot and safe.   

Equipment and clothing
Keep the weight of your clothing and equipment down to a minimum. Your packed backpack should weigh no more than 10-15 kilograms.

Recommended equipment
Breathable light weight waterproof gear(gore-tex, sympatex, etc), fleece/wool pullovers/wind-stopper jackets and gloves, small back-pack with rain coverage, cap, sun-block, mosquito repellent, head-lamp, hiking poles, water bottle, sun glasses/block.    

Weather
Temperatures expected for this period are between + 10 and +35C. Noontime could be quite exhausting for trekking or simple walking over open territories. Rainfalls or short but heavy showers are possible, being a bit prolonged during spring and late autumn.

Luggage transport
The hike from Valbona to Thethi, is accompanied by a mule/horse, which carries the luggage. You will carry your own day backpack. From Thethi to Boga, there will be a vehicle, which will transport the luggage to Boga, from where we drive back to Tirana.

Early rising
As Albania knows high temperatures, you need to be willing to rise early in the mornings, as later in the day it might be too hot for hiking. Especially in the summer months, it can get up to 35 degrees during the day.

Detailed Trip Information

Dates	Sep 29 to Oct 7, 2013 Privately on Request
Duration	9 days
Land Cost	$2,545
Single Supplement	$150
Lodging	- Cozy village guesthouses and 4-star hotels
Grade	II-III
Group Size	4-12

Trip Terms & Conditions

Included in costs: Meals as noted, each night in double occupancy accommodations, land transfers between components, English speaking guides, park or site entry fees, surface transport, equipment other than personal gear, government tax, airport transfer assistance, in-country ticket reconfirmation and check-in assistance (where permitted), complete pre-departure packet, toll-free pre-departure phone assistance.

Not included in costs: Meals not noted as included, gratuities, beverages (except tea or coffee at meals), international or domestic airfare unless specified, airport departure taxes not included with air tickets, visas, itinerary changes after confirmation, any services not included in itinerary, any costs incurred due to canceled or delayed flights, acts of nature or other happenings beyond our control, or other costs as are more fully described in JOURNEYS Terms & Conditions.

Deposit and payment schedule: $500 per person per trip or the applicable amount based on the trip and the proximity of the departure date. A second deposit of $800 per person is due four months prior to departure, and final payment for land arrangements is due 60 days prior to departure.  Any applicable permit fees required in advance are non-refundable as well.  Airlines require full payment when tickets are issued. The deposit may be made by Visa, Master Card, American Express, or check, and the Reservation Form may be submitted by fax, mail, or via our website. Full payment schedule and cancellation penalties are described in our Terms and Conditions as noted in our Global Expedition Catalog, on our website, and elsewhere. Please request these if you do not have them before advancing a deposit.

Air fares: JOURNEYS can make complete air arrangements applicable to your trip as noted in this itinerary. If you wish to redeem frequent flyer mileage or arrange flights directly with the airline, you may do so on your own at no penalty. If you do, please consult with us on exact arrival and departure dates and times before having your tickets issued to avoid errors.

Insurance: When you make your application, we strongly recommend the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance in case of emergency situations. Please contact us for a recommended policy.

Itinerary Change Fee: There will be a $40 fee for changes once an itinerary has been confirmed and approved. Additional cancellation penalties or change fees may apply as per our terms and conditions. The passenger is responsible for such fees.

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