From Valbona to Thethi Valley, 29 September 2012

The mountain pass which separates Thethi from Rrogami is only passable on foot. It is a challenging hike over a poorly marked trail. Parts of the trail are a bit sparse. The hike is spectacular, claimed to be one of the best in the world. The trail is actually a part of a (several?) thousand years old trading route from Kosovo to Shkodra. The trail begins at the very end of the village of Rrogam. The trail is rather light, and seems to disappear at some points. On our way we experienced stunning scenery and grand vistas, a unique and difficult way of life, and traditional Albanian houses and villagers.

In the morning a boy came to the homestay with his mule to carry our luggage

And one more boy with his white horse intended to carry tired Danish consultants

We are on our way to the pass

The Village of Rrogami

Still no use for the white horse

A break in the woods – many breaks were needed

View of the Valbona Valley from a position near the pass

Another break near the pass

View of the Valbona Valley from a position near the pass

After ascending 900 meter we reached the Valbona Pass (1948 m), and started descending towards Thethi (750m).

View of the Valbona Valley at the pass

View of the Thethi Valley at the pass – there are big differences in the vegetation between the two valleys due to the impact on northerly winds in the Valbona Valley. In Thethi Valley the woods are much denser and dominated by deciduous forest while in Valbona the forest is dominated by coniferous trees.

We had our lunch at another nicely situated café - probably without a building permit

Another break

A nice mushroom: The parasol mushroom, Stor Parasolhat (Macrolepiota procera)?

Full moon over Thethi