8-day guided Hidden Valley Trek

The five-day trek begins at the edge of the Zagoria River Valley, a pristine tributary within Europe’s first Wild River National Park. Shielded by four mountain ranges, the valley forms a secluded landscape entered along an ancient caravan route lined with Ottoman bridges and Orthodox churches.

Climb through open woodland to a pass where the valley unfolds below, then descend through terraced fields to the tiny hamlet of Kala, home to only three residents. An Ottoman stone bridge beside the stream provides a possible swimming stop.

Follow the cobbled caravan route towards Limar, with views of Mount Strakavec (1,958 m) and the village’s distinctive stone houses. Your guide provides context on the valley’s history before the group spends the night in a local home, where dinner is prepared with regional produce.

Follow footpaths above the Zagoria River through Leskaj and Doshnica towards Hoshteve. The villages retain livelihoods connected to livestock, beekeeping and the collection of herbs, while the route alternates between cultivated land, woodland and open valley views.

At Doshnica Waterfall, the pool above the falls provides a possible place to cool your feet. Depending on the water level, your guide chooses whether to continue beside the stream or return through the village before the final ascent.

In Hoshteve, visit the Church of the Holy Apostles, known for its frescoes and carved woodwork. The night is spent with a local family who returned after years abroad to establish a guesthouse.

A shorter stage crosses the hamlets of Vithuq and Koncka on the way to Nivan and Sheper, with views towards Mount Cajupi (2,145 m). The improving but still unmade roads show how access between the villages is changing.

Nivan contains remains of military installations and a memorial to British mountaineer and sailor Bill Tilman, who fought with the valley’s resistance against German occupation during the Second World War. Continue through oak forest to the river, passing a monastery and an optional detour to another of Ali Pasha’s stone bridges.

In Sheper, many formerly nomadic Aromanian shepherds were forcibly settled after the border with neighbouring Greece closed in the late 1940s. The ruined museum and faded quotations from Marx and Lenin remain visible reminders of Albania’s communist past. The group stays at a family-run guesthouse.

The final and most demanding mountain crossing leaves the Zagoria Valley over the Dhembel–Nemercka range. As the road journey around the mountains is almost as long as the walk, luggage is transported by horse and the route remains vital to local people.

Enver Hoxha-era bunkers still guard the entrance to the narrow cleft that climbs towards the treeless alpine valley. Shepherds have crossed these mountains for centuries, travelling from as far as Albania’s southernmost regions to reach the fertile summer pastures, a journey that can take two weeks with their flocks.

Dhembel Pass (1,450 m) provides views towards Greece and down to Përmet and the Vjosa Valley. The long, rocky descent requires care and leads into the old quarter of Përmet, where the group stays in a centrally located hotel.

A short transfer follows the turquoise Vjosa into the countryside. Walk through maquis and upland villages with views towards Mount Nemercka before descending to Lengarica Canyon.

The route ends near an Ottoman stone bridge and the warm thermal pools of Benja, traditionally believed to have healing properties. You can soak in the sulphur-rich water or explore part of the river canyon on foot, depending on water conditions.

Continue by road to Gjirokastër, around 1 hr 30 min away. The group stays in a traditional house in the old town, with time for an initial walk through the City of Stone.

Explore Gjirokastër’s steep cobbled streets, Ottoman-era houses and castle above the Drino Valley. The old town is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and reflects several periods of the city’s history.

Join your guide for a walk through the upper neighbourhoods and a visit to the castle, or use part of the day to explore independently. Lunch is not included and can be taken in the old town.

In the afternoon, the group transfers to Tirana, around four hours away. An evening walk through the centre and Blloku district completes the final full day.

Depending on your departure time, there may be an opportunity for a final walk through central Tirana or a museum visit. The journey ends with the planned transfer to Tirana Airport.