SELCE – KELMEND Group Tour

Package Includes

• 1 Night Accommodation at a guesthouse in Selce (*shared)
• Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
• 1 Night Accommodation at “Under the Ledge” campground in the wilderness (*shared)
• Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
• Carpool (10E fuel contribution included – funds will be divided between vehicles)
• Certified National & Mountain Guide

Tour dates:   2024 Tour Dates TBA  A minimum of 6 attendees are required for this tour. Please WhatsApp to communicate with Tour Leader.

Kelmend is a picturesque region nestled in the rugged landscapes of northern Albania. Known for its stunning natural beauty, this remote area captivates visitors with its pristine wilderness, towering mountains, and lush green valleys. The Kelmend region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering countless opportunities for hiking, trekking, and exploring the great outdoors. Its charming villages, such as Vermosh and Lepushe, provide a glimpse into Albania’s rich cultural heritage, with traditional stone houses and warm hospitality from the locals. Kelmend is a hidden gem in Albania, a place where nature and tradition coexist in perfect harmony, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic and immersive experience in this Balkan nation.

“Under the Edge” campground immerses visitors in the untamed beauty of Kelmend’s wilderness. Located on land owned by Selce native Anton Pepaj and lovingly developed over time, this site is a testament to the rich history of his family. The meticulously crafted terraces and retaining walls, which have stood for nearly a century, were constructed by Anton’s grandfather. With his certification as a national and mountain guide, Anton has gained recognition within the leading Albanian outdoor agencies. However, his focus is now steadily shifting back to his roots in Kelmend, a region he knows intimately. Joining this tour presents a remarkable opportunity for a truly distinctive mountaineering experience in northern Albania.

We offer an intimate experience of Albania by organizing ONLY small groups and we travel with a leisurely pace! 

Day ONE - FRIDAY

• 15:00 - Depart from Tirana
• 17:30 - Hotel "Tradita" Shkoder - coffee/toilet (30 minutes brief stop)
• 19:30 - Selce Village Guesthouse check in
• 20:00 - Traditional Dinner with local recipes & produce

Day TWO - SATURDAY

•   8:00 - Breakfast (+ picnic lunch take out)
•   9:00 - Hike: Selce->Jasanove->Ostric Canyon->Mreg->Waterfall->"Under the Ledge" Campground.
• 13:00 - Rest - Picnic Lunch in nature (45 minutes)
• 16:30 - Campground "Under the Ledge"
• 19:00 - Dinner

Day TWO - Hike Description: We walk from the village of Selce to Jasanove and to Ostric Canyon. From here we hike to Mreg, a wonderful meadow where we will also have our lunch break. This will be the highest point we reach for the day. From here we hike down to Selca Waterfall and to our final destination, "Under the Ledge" Campground. This hike is considerate moderate in difficulty. We reach 650 m of elevation gain, 400 m of elevation loss within a total distance of 12 km.

Day THREE - Sunday

•   8:00 - Breakfast
•   9:00 - Hike to Tree Line
• 13:00 - Rest - Picnic Lunch in nature
• 16:00 - Return to Selca & Depart for Tirana
• 21:00 - Expected time of arrival in Tirana

Day THREE - Hike Description: We start off from the campground, "Under the Ledge" and walk towards the The next day we leave our base and across the biggest waterfall of Albania we climb into a beautiful forest, crossing some old settlements that were built in impossible terrains. As we climb up we leave behind the campground & the waterfall and the view in front of us opens up as we face the highest mountains between Albania and Montenegro. This hike ends at the tree line, where we encounter endless meadows and some of the deepest villages people still live in. The views are spectacular as we face some the Albanian Alps and their summits. This hike is considered light/medium difficulty as we reach only 400 m of elevation gain and 400 m of elevation loss within a total of 6 km.

Important: Please inspect your hiking gear before departure and make sure it has the necessary endurance. We are going into a very remote area with no access to even shoe laces. You must be an experienced hiker to complete this tour and able to hike from 6-8 hrs/day.

Please have with you:

• Extra Warm layers for the evening
• Wind and Rain gear
• Warm hood / hat / gloves
• Head lights for the campground
• Back pack
• Picnic lunch box
• Water bottles to fill
• Bathing suit for the waterfall

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Meeting Point:                              Sheshi Frederik Shopen (MAP HERE) 

Departure Time:                           15:00 (please arrive 15 minutes prior)