SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 3 - THE HIDDEN VALLEY TREK - ALBANIA

Backabush is heading back to the Balkans for a pioneering trek in Southern Albania's Zagoria Valley!

Nights - 7. - Cost £899. Maximum group size - 13.

Join us to discover the beauty of the hidden Zagoria Valley where we will trek between secluded stone villages, meet friendly hosts, enjoy home cooked meals and hike to the mighty north face of Nemercka. There will also be the chance to swim in thermal waters of Benje and visit the UNESCO city of Gjirokaster.

Trekking here is a very special adventure as we journey into remote mountains which have escaped much of the rapid development occurring in other parts of Albania. Here we can experience the honest hospitality of the rural people and gain authentic insights into local village life while staying in homestays.

This is a trip for people who enjoy discovering places untouched by mass tourism and who are happy to embrace experiencing rural life where accommodation can be basic but is always comfortable. We will sleep in homestays where rooms are shared with others in our group.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

☆ Trek through little visited villages of the hidden Zagoria Valley.
☆ Enjoy views of snow capped mountains and the sweet harvest season in the valley.
☆ Feel warm hospitality and taste home cooked meals in authentic homestays.
☆ Visit the UNESCO listed stone city of Gjirokaster.

This 8 day trip includes four nights in simple, clean and welcoming homestays with shared rooms and limited facilities in the Zagoria Valley followed by three centrally located hotel ensuite private rooms overnights in Permet, Gjirokaster and Tirana.

We recommend this trip for reasonably fit hikers, preferably with some previous trekking experience as our route involves three moderate walks of 4-6 hours in the lower mountain ranges culminating in a fourth longer day when we cross the Dhembel Pass. There are two optional shorter walks to the Sopot Waterfall and in Gjirokaster at the end. Autumn weather is generally mild and we hike in altitudes from 400 to 1450 meters. Most of our hiking is inside the protected valley where the weather is rarely harsh.

TRIP OUTLINE:

DAY 1. The group transfer departs Tirana for Southern Albania on a picturesque 3.5 hours drive to a quaint village nearby the trailhead where we're accommodated at a family-run guesthouse surrounded by nature. (-/-/D)

DAY 2. Our 5-day trek begins at the edge of the Zagoria River Valley, a pristine tributary within Europe's first Wild River National Park. This secluded landscape is shielded by four imposing mountains ranges, creating a hidden world preserved from modern influence. Village homestay. Hike 11km - 750m ascent - 425m descent. (B/LP/D)

DAY 3. This route follows foothpaths with views of towering mountains above and the Zagoria River winding below. The trail links the remote villages of Leskaj and Doshnica and Hoshteve. Village homestay. Hike 14.5km - 725m ascent - 575m descent. (B/LP/D)

DAY 4. Today’s shorter and easier route invites a more relaxed walking experience, dominated by views of Mt. Cajupi (2.145 m). We'll traverse the hamets Vithuq, Koncka, Nivan, to reach Sheper. Simple guesthouse. Hike 12.5km - 600m ascent - 550m descent. (B/LP/D)

DAY 5. The crossing of the Dhembel-Nemercke Range over the 1450 pass marks the longest and most demanding stage and leads us out of the valley and back into the modern world. Our luggage is transported by horse and route remains vital for locals to this day. Hotel accommodation. Hike 13km - 625m ascent - 1250m descent. (B/LP/D)

DAY 6. A short lift alongside the turquoise waters of the Vjosa takes us into the countryside. We then hike the Lengarica Gorge, Benja Thermal Springs and Gjirokaster. Today is our chance to soak in the warm thermal springs, believed to have a healing properties for many ailments. Hotel accommodation. Hike 12km - 675m ascent - 650m descent. (B/LP/D)

DAY 7. Gjirokaster is renowned not only known for its fortress-like Ottoman mansions but also as the birthplace of former dictator Enver Hoxha. Designated as a "museum town", Gjirokaster survived socialist modernization campaigns, earning its place on UNESCO's world heritage list. After exploring the extensive castle that towers over the oldtown, you can join your guide for a short semi-urban walk through the upper quarters and visit a final Ottoman bridge, or you may choose to wander the maze of narrow, cobbled streets on your own. In the afternoon, we'll regroup for a four hour drive to Tirana, the vibrant modern capital that strives to embrace a contemporary European identity. Hotel accommodation. Hike 6km - 250m ascent - 250m descent. (B/-/D)

DAY 8. Tirana - Tirana Airport. Farewell Albania! (B/-/-)

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• 7 nights accommodation. This varies with 3 nights in hotels but also 4 nights in local guesthouses/homestays.
• All breakfasts, 5 lunch packs and 7 dinners.
• An itinerary of 6 days of guided trekking.
• Transfers as foreseen by the itinerary including airport pick-up/drop-off.
• A Backabush trip leader and a local English-speaking Albanian hiking guide.
• Luggage transport: one piece up to 15 kg in soft bags only (duffel or rucksack, hard cases not suitable).
• Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Any meals not specified
• Flights
• Travel Insurance

RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS:

The meeting point is at Tirana Airport. Flights are not yet available. We will keep you updated when they are scheduled.

HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:

To confirm your place on this trip use internet banking. Only payment secures your place. Please use HVT your payment reference.

The account details are:

Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622

Please email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com as soon as you send payment. Thanks. :)

VISA: Please check with the Albanian embassy if you need a visa to travel to Albania. Albania is not a part of the Schengen Zone or the European Union, but if you have a valid Schengen visa you can enter Albania visa-free for 90 days.