Every year, the Albanian Alps are visited by tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world in addition to the locals. The whole of this area provides visitors with a blend of untouched natural beauty, including breathtaking mountain peaks, and a cultural and historical legacy that has been meticulously conserved. Nevertheless, in spite of all of these virtues, the influence of humans has resulted in a significant amount of destruction in Valbona. The work that was done to create multiple minor HPPs has ruined the scenery and caused the Valbona River to become polluted. In addition, HPPs will have a negative impact on the surrounding ecosystem and its resources. The people who live in Valbona have voiced their vehement opposition to the hydroelectric projects, and they believe that if the construction work is allowed to continue, it would spell the end of the tourist industry in the whole region.

The Albanian Alps provide a variety of opportunities for ecotourism, including the following:

Agrotourism Activities
Activities that fall under the category of agrotourism center on the cultivation of land for agricultural purposes, the harvesting of crops, the husbandry of animals, and the processing of products from livestock. All of these activities may be readily coupled with farm day events, village treks, trips to mills, rivers, waterfalls, and other monuments that are situated in the locations where organic goods are manufactured and marketed.

Crafting Activities
The way of life in the far mountains had a significant influence on the evolution of the crafts that were created by the local artists. Carving talents allow for the creation of a wide variety of things out of wood, including but not limited to: musical instruments, working tools, beehives, window frames, household goods, and kitchenware. Craftspeople who are skilled in their trade have passed on their expertise to subsequent generations, and they continue to produce ornamental objects and homewares in the traditional manner. Making and selling handiwork may be both fun and lucrative way to spend the colder months.

Farm Activities
Visitors may experience the calm and quiet of nature while staying on a tiny farm nestled between the peaks of the Albanian Alps, and they can also enjoy wonderful, wholesome cuisine that has been harvested directly from the farm. It is possible for tourists to participate in the everyday operations of the farmers. On a rural farm, what activities are available? While you milk the cows and care for the livestock on the pasture, you might start by listening to Baresha, which was composed by Nexhmije Pagarusha. You may also take part in other agricultural or domestic chores, such as the planting of vegetables and the preparation of meals.

Traditional Celebrations
Throughout the course of the year, the Albanian Alps play host to a large number of traditional celebrations. The festivities are attended by farmers, craftsmen, and other members of the community from all around the area, who bring their homemade wares. Festivals not only provide people the opportunity to socialize with one another, but they also provide regional producers with a platform upon which they may display their handmade goods and organic foods, as well as make connections with wholesale distributors.

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According to the findings of archaeological digs, the beginning of the Koman material culture may be placed somewhere in the 7th or 8th century. The earliest signs of this civilization were uncovered in the area now known as Kalaja e Dalmâce, located inside the Koman settlement. The phenomenon was also observed to have extended to 30 other ancient sites in Kosovo and Albania. Archaeological evidence for this civilization is used to explain the link and transition from the Illyrian population to the arboreal one, according to the prevalent narrative in Albanian history. Many scholars from outside the country see this as evidence of a Romanized Illyrian people. Near the Dalmatian Castle in the Puka settlement of Koman in 1898, the French consul Alexander Degrand discovered a vast cemetery.

The consul recalled that he had come across a Pelasgian hamlet when he saw a large number of decorations and weapons in the graveyard. His findings are on exhibit at the Saint Germain des France pavilion dedicated to Koman culture. Afterward, researcher Paul Treger and Austro-Hungarian consul Theodor Ippen took over the excavations. The Berlin museum is home to Trager’s whole collection of findings.

Ugolini, an Italian archaeologist who worked in the region in the 1920s, conducted a thorough study of the artifacts unearthed in Koman, separating those with Celtic, Roman, and Byzantine roots from those from the “throw of peoples” era. Finds associated with the “Koman Culture” have emerged in recent years throughout South Albania and outside the limits of the country, in Montenegro, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Greece. “Koman culture” refers to the heritage of a people whose history spans the transition between the late antique and early medieval epochs, roughly between the years 600 and 800. The “Koman Culture” is linked to the ancient Illyrians who formerly lived in these territories because of the tombs’ typology, orientation, inventory of weapons, labor items, and decorations, and the presence of numerous components of Illyrian symbolism. Components of Illyrian continuity are present in “Koman Culture,” but there are also new elements from the early Byzantine era.

Throughout the depths of the Albanian territories, Byzantine influences and goods traveled via Durres, the most significant base of the Byzantine Empire in the west. These may be seen as belt buckles, gilded brooches, earrings, and other jewelry combinations. Above all else, however, the Byzantine legacy is felt in Christian symbols and aesthetics. Earrings featuring Christian prayers and formulae, peacock themes, and Eucharistic sceneries are all examples. Many of the ornaments unearthed from “Koman Culture” gravesites demonstrate the persistence of pagan themes, but the inclusion of Christian symbols demonstrates that the people who carried the “Koman Culture” had adopted, or was embracing, Christianity. The “Koman Culture” emerged in the rural interior of the country about the sixth and eighth centuries CE when Christianity expanded from metropolitan places like Durres, Shkodra, Ohrid, etc.It is only in the Middle Ages that the distinctive features of “Koman Culture,” including remnants of old Illyrian civilization, innovations from the early Byzantine era, and the unmistakable marks of the Christian religion, come into plain focus. Bearing this flag is a certain way to tell Albanians apart from their Slavic and Greek neighbors, both new and ancient.

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Why is known as “Blini I Gurit t’Lekës”?

The Shala River, otherwise known as the Albanian Hidden Paradise or the Thailand of Albania, has a special story behind its name.
It is stated that the name “Shala” was formed from the horse’s saddle, which is a lovely legend, according to the popular tongue of today’s people, who say that the name “Shala” was derived from the horse’s saddle. They are the descendants of three brothers who resided in Shirok, Shkodra, and their names are Shala, Shoshi, and Mirdita. The brothers were united when Shiroka was struck by the disease, but they were forced to flee the city. At the time that they decided to end their marriage, the only tangible assets that they had were a horse saddle, a sieve of flour, and a loaf of bread. Shale was the name of the person who stole the saddle off the horse, Shosh was the name of the person who stole the bag, and Mirdita was the name of the person who stole the loaf of bread.

It is a wonder to be able to visit Shale, this natural oasis that is also known as “Blini I Guri t’Lekës” because it was the location where the leader of Dukagjin, Leka, spent the last years of his life. Legend has it that Prince Lek Dukagjini, the second most important leader of the Albanians after the hero Gjergj Kastriot Sknderbeu, spent the last years of his life in this region. In this region, you can find names of his own, such as “Guri I Lek,” a strategic point where you can see the valley. It was believed that Dukagjini protected the country from the arrival of the Turks from this vantage point. Dukagjini is famous across all of Albania for being the prince who compiled and penned the ancient rules that governed the Albanian people. They are now often referred to as “The Canon of Lek Dukagjini.” His principality, which included the highlands of Mirdita, was ruled over by the ferocious warrior and monarch Dukagjini. Throughout the journey, you will come across rocks and caverns that bear his name. It is claimed that he spent the remainder of his life guarding his domain by traveling over the highlands through this river. The history of Albanian resistance may be thought of as flowing through the Shala river like blood through a vein. The saddle river is one of the most fascinating sites to visit in Albania because of its natural beauty, clear water, and kind and welcoming people. It is said that the Shala River has the most potential out of all the rivers in Albania, thus the boat ride down the river is an amazing experience. This voyage is still one of the most beautiful experiences you can have, even though there are still faults in the infrastructure, which start with the national road that you will have to pass before boarding the boat.

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The primary objective is for the Albanian Alps to start a new cycle of tourist growth, with a more balanced approach to development and usage of what nature has provided for this area.
The Albanian Alps take your breath away with its beauty and beautiful blend of mountains, valleys, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and other natural treasures. Many international visitors consider them to be among the most beautiful in the world.

The northern region of Albania has attracted an increasing number of visitors in recent years, but this risks promoting unplanned and unplanned development, as occurred on the coast years ago, ruining this natural treasure.

The Albanian Government and the Albanian Development Fund have begun a Master Plan and Feasibility Study for infrastructure projects in the Alps region to allow sustainable development and tourism that responds to the “height” of the Alps themselves. The Western Balkans Investment Framework provided financial assistance for this initiative.

This initiative will be followed by a capital investment program, which will be co-financed by the Albanian government and the Council of Europe’s Development Bank.
This master plan will carry out an in-depth analysis of the prospects for further boosting tourism in the Alps region, as well as planning sustainable development and investments in public infrastructure enhancement in collaboration with businesses and local communities.

How will the sustainable development of tourism be enabled through this master plan?

The Albanian Alps need to enter a new cycle of tourist development to achieve the primary objective, which is to have a more balanced approach to the development and use of what nature has provided to this area. This will allow for the achievement of the primary objective. Simply expressed, on the one hand, we have a wealthy territory from a natural, historical, and cultural point of view, and this may provide large money for the local and national economies. On the other hand, we have a region that is rich in terms of the natural resources it contains.

On the other side, some communities are living in an economic position that is not commensurate with the riches that they are surrounded by. The overall goal of the master plan is to accomplish precisely this: the development of the tourism potential of the entire region and its use in a sustainable manner and harmony with nature to generate long-term economic growth for the residents of the area and why not for the national economy as well. The formulation of long-term plans and strategies, as well as the implementation of infrastructure interventions, must work hand in hand with the creation of a variety of tourism goods and offers, as well as with the promotion and expansion of human capabilities. To do this, it is necessary to coordinate the activities of all of the relevant players and solicit the involvement of the community in working toward a shared goal. Interventions of a piecemeal nature are incapable of leading to growth. Only by elevating the development goal to the level of regions would it be feasible for Albania to compete on an even playing field with other nations that already have a well-established heritage of mountain tourism.

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There is no question that one of the Northern Alps of Albania locations with the greatest number of visitors is the Shala River. You will find information about the season, opening and closing dates, the method to go, transportation, contacts, accommodations, location, and more.
It is sometimes referred to as the Thailand of Albania or the Pearl of the Balkans and is frequented by hundreds of visitors from both Albania and other countries throughout each season. In the next paragraphs, you can find comprehensive information on the Shala River.

Geographical position and location of the Shala River:

The Shala river is a crystal river that has attracted visitors from Albania as well as tourists from other countries in recent years. People who wish to experience the Albanian Alps are the ones who visit the Shala river the most. Although it is considered to be a part of the municipality of Vaut Deja, the physical tract that contains the river Shala is located in the region known as Theth. You will need to take a bus, van, taxi, or a private automobile to go to Koman first before you can continue to the Shala River. This route comes from the direction of Vau Deja. After that, you will continue to Blini Park, which is the last destination, by boarding the boat. Your time spent in this location will fly by as you take in breathtaking views of the surrounding enchanted landscape and crystal clear water.

Season, opening, and closing dates:

Because of its seasonal nature, the Shala River is not accessible year-round. The only way that is recommended for visitors to use is by boat from Koman. This is because the Shales River is placed inside the Albanian Alps. During the winter season, there are numerous times when the water levels are very high or low, or the region is often obstructed by snowfall. Both of these occurrences are common. As a result, the best time to visit Shale River is between May 1 and September 30 of each year. We do not recommend that you visit this location during the other time, which runs from October 1 to April 30.

The road to go to the Shala River:

The most common option for visitors to travel along the Shala River is to first drive to Koman, where they may get a ferry over the river, and then continue their journey down the Shala River. The route from Tirana to Koman is around 135 kilometres long and takes approximately 3.5 hours to travel, but the road from Gardenland Resort to Koman is just 50 kilometres long. Even though the distance is just 35 kilometres, the route from Vau Deja to Koman takes more than an hour to travel. Off-road SUVs, which are a part of this market sector, are not paved, get minimal maintenance, and have the potential to be hazardous. It is recommended that you travel with vehicles that are in very excellent shape since the road has a beautiful panorama. When you have arrived to Lake Koman, you will park your vehicle and then proceed to take the ferry to the Shala River.

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Lake Koman is a place that will help you find inner serenity due to its view of the Scandinavian fjords as well as its temperature. It is located in the northern area of the country, amid the rolling hills that are covered with vegetation, and it has a strategic location. For many years, the northern region of Albania has reaped numerous benefits from both international and domestic tourism. And little by little, this lake is making its way into the best lists of places to visit and explore. The name Lake Koman has been added to the list of locations included in several fairytales, such as Thethi, Valbona, and the Shala River. There is a reservoir known as Lake Koman located on the Drin River, which receives water from the Shala and Valbona rivers. It spans a distance of 34 kilometers, going from the village of Koman to the village of Fierze. This body of water is home to 13 distinct species of fish and amphibians. The mountains of Shkodra and Kuks may be found on each side of Lake Komani. A reservoir was constructed in 1978 close to the community of Koman, and as a consequence, the area around the reservoir now boasts a stunning natural beauty.

The legend of Koman

In addition to its location, which places Lake Koman near a number of well-known tourist destinations, the beauty of this location also lies in the legacy that has been passed down from generation to generation. The mythology of Koman, also known as the legend of the Dragon Rock, is well known in the areas of northern Albania. In Albanian mythology and folklore, the term “Kucedra” refers to water, storm, fire, and chthonic monster. It is said that six Kucedra lived in the valley of the Drin, which had blocked the canyon of Merturit. Many years later, a dragon is born, and it goes on to battle against the Kucedra and ends up killing 5 of them. On the dragon’s rock, the location where it is said that the dragon’s blood poured, the last Kucedra was able to kill the injured dragon. 

Nikaj-Mertur is a single province that is located in the western portion of the Tropoja Region, in the southeastern section of the Albanian Alps, and on the border with the Dukagjin district. It is characterized by a mountainous environment with severe winters, abundant snowfall, and comparatively mild summers.

Important historical fact:

It was in this region that the Illyrians eventually evolved into the Albanian people.
It is believed that the Illyrian people gave way to the Albanians at the village of Koman, which was the location of the changeover. This community experiences a shift that is also known as the Koman Culture. It is believed that it took place during the sixth and eighth centuries after the birth of Christ. The characteristics of the tombs in this region point to a unified civilization that persisted here until the ninth century.

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When it comes to the growth of tourism in the Albanian Alps, Lake Koman is an important location to consider. He has been a significant contributor to the growth of these areas, both economically and in terms of their physical infrastructure. In addition to this, it has set new benchmarks for the growth of the winter tourism industry in Albanian territories.

There is nowhere else in Albania where you can visit such a small region and yet have the chance to observe and explore a vertical terrain that ranges from 170 to 1800-2400 meters in elevation. In addition to the breathtaking scenery, the locals come to the lake to cast their lines and try their luck at catching some fish. The use of ferries and boats for the transportation of both people and commodities along the inland waterways is also being developed. In addition to the two ports that are located on opposite sides of the lake, Fierza and Koman, many additional spots around the lake are interesting enough to warrant a trip there.

Among them, it is important to mention the Shala River, the Daica River, the Berisha River, the Gomina River, the Shala Cave, the Kaurri Cave, the Peace Island, the Gjaku Stream, as well as the communities of Svin, Berbull, Zhub, Berish, Nanbli, Temal, Toplane, Brise, Salce, Palc, and others. In addition, the Shala Cave and the Kaurri Cave are both worth mentioning. Thethi, Valbona, Shala River, Nikaj-Mërturi, Gashi River, Puka, etc. are appreciated considerably better via Lake Koman. The trail that the Drin river had excavated one million years ago to build the bed for the lake that is now known as Lake Koman has been covered by Lake Koman for about forty decades already.

The Drin River is formed when its two branches, the White Drin, which begins in the region of Peja in Kosovo, and the Black Drin, which begins in Lake Ohrid in Macedonia and flows into the region of Kukes in Albania, join together. The Drin River then continues as a single entity through the mountainous region of Tropoje and Shkodra. The Drin River serves as a geographical border between the enormous block of the Albanian Alps and the southern region of the country. In the town of Fierza, the Drini river meets up with the enchanting Valbona river. Further on, the river of Nikaj-Mrturi (Tropoj), and further still to the west, the very lovely river of Shala.

The extended shape of the lake’s surface was generated by the valleys in which it was formed, and this shape follows the valley contours. Because of Lake Koman, the beauty of all of Albania’s other magnificent rivers has been absorbed into the Drin, which in turn has diminished the beauty of all of Albania’s other magnificent rivers. During our day excursion on the lake, we will make a stop at the Saddle River, which is widely considered to be among the top Lake Koman attractions. One of the most popular tourist destinations over the last several years due to the remarkable natural features that can be found there.

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Beginning at the Vau I Dejs Lake, the route then takes you straight into the countryside, giving you a taste of what is ahead. This tour introduces you to the foliage and the perspective of the mountains as you progressively rise to roughly 400m at the Koman dam, even though the valley is considerably larger here than it is on the lake itself. Once you’ve made it through the lengthy tunnel, you’ll find a modest landing pad with few frills. Regular boat service was implemented as soon as the project was finished since it was a cheaper and more environmentally friendly means of transportation and the lake was created after the hydroelectric power facility at Koman on the Drini River was finished in 1986.

It’s no big deal that the inhabitants take their beautiful setting for granted. After all, people need only glance out their windows to be awed by the majesty of the mountains, some of which climb to an altitude of 1700 m. But this is a very tiny man-made lake, and the channel of the original river can still be seen as the boat winds and turns toward almost impassable rock cliffs on its sluggish and unrelenting journey from one makeshift landing platform to another.

The last stop, the Shala River, is a very memorable one. Near Komani Lake, about 1 hour by boat from the Koman embankment, lies the beautiful Shala River, a popular tourist destination. In its last kilometers, when the Shala River meets Komani Lake, it provides some breathtaking beaches that rival anything in Thailand.

The water for the Shala River comes from a variety of springs and brooks near the settlements in the Shala and Shoshi valleys, which feed into it from their respective mountainous regions.

Shala River’s last kilometers before it empties into Komani Lake provide spectacular coastlines in stark contrast to Tayland’s landscape. It has become one of the most popular tourist spots in the Albanian Alps due to its beautiful river. Shala River is one of the most beautiful places in Albania, and it is located in a remote area surrounded by towering hills. The fast movement of the river’s water, which is crystal clear, gives travelers a view that has been compared to the scenery in Thailand. A boat trip down the Shala River seems like an amazing experience to me.

The Shala River tour is an extraordinary boat trip program that offers tourists the best of Albania’s untouched natural landscapes, an thrilling trip through the heart of the Albanian Alps, and a one-of-a-kind look into the culture and traditions of the local people.

Paddling about on the Shala River, going to one of the region’s numerous peaks that provide spectacular panoramas, bathing in the river, or pitching a tent are all possible activities for tourists to engage in during your stay on the river. The relief and climatic conditions make the saddle river a suitable place to visit at any time of the year.

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The mural known as “Zoja e Lurdit” was installed in the cave of Koman, Shkoder, during the unrest that took place in Albania in March of 1997. Believers from Koman and the surrounding regions make a pilgrimage once a year to the site known as “Zoja e Lurdit” to offer their prayers and ask for the saint’s intervention.

The installation of the statue known as “Our Lady of Lourdes” is commemorated annually by the devout citizens of the surrounding region. The festivities begin with prayers, and then everyone makes their way to the cave that houses the statue of “Zoja e Lurdit.” The Holy Mass is attended by a great number of well-known priests from the surrounding region. The devout begin their journey to the liturgy on the boat.

After that, they boarded a boat that would take them to an island that would later be known as the “Island of Peace.” Once there, they would see hundreds of doves, which are a sign of peace, touching the blue sky.

The Cave of Zoje is quickly becoming a popular stop for vacationers who are in the area to see Lake Koman. It is only possible to enter the cave using a private boat. It would be a stroke of good luck for you to stumble across the yearly ceremony that marks the importance of religion to the Albanian people’s culture and identity.

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Tourism to Albania has increased in recent years. For the time being, it remains a hidden treasure, but we don’t expect it to last forever. Independent since the fall of the Ottoman Empire in 1912, Albania is nevertheless sometimes grouped in with other Balkan countries despite its status as a sovereign nation. Before booking your next vacation to Albania, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the country. We’ll go over all there is to know about Albania before you arrive. There are some cultural facts, some fun facts, and everything in between to share about Albania with the younger set.

1. If you are having a conversation with a local Albanian and they begin nodding or shaking their head, you may find yourself perplexed. That’s because, in Albania, you shake your head to indicate a positive response and nod to indicate a negative one. Considered one of the most important pieces of information on Albanian culture.
2. Even though Muslims make up over 60% of the population, Christians and Jews also call Albania home.
3. Third, don’t freak out if you come across a large number of scarecrows; they’re not omens of impending doom. One of the most intriguing aspects of life in Albania is the widespread belief that erecting a scarecrow on the property’s grounds while construction is underway would discourage envious looks from neighbours. This custom has religious and magical connotations.
4. It is often believed that Albanians are among of the worst drivers in the world. Without wanting to generalise, we may say that until 1991 or so, there were very few vehicles in the nation. Perhaps avoid driving in Albania and use extreme caution while crossing streets.
5. There are now more Albanians residing outside of Albania than there are in the country itself.
6. A geleshes is a traditional Albanian cap, especially common in the countryside. This cap is brimless.
7. There are almost 750,000 underground shelters. As a precaution against invasion, they were constructed under the reign of Enver Hoxta. Perhaps paranoid, given that most of them were never put to good use and are now either eyesores or cool museums.
8. You can expect to see people dressed in traditional Albanian garb during major events. Embroidered into silk, wool, or cotton, the Albanian eagle is a common motif on traditional garments.
9. Be wary of accepting a glass of raki if it is given to you. Raki, the national drink of Albania, is a very strong alcoholic beverage. You’re probably safe to drink it from a bar, but if you try the homemade kind sold in neighbouring villages, one smell is all it takes to knock you out cold.
10. You should expect to get slapped on the neck after getting your hair chopped. The stylist may say “me shndet,” which translates to “it’s not personal,” but you shouldn’t take it to heart. You should take this as a gift since it implies “on your health.”

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