Three Czech tourists got stuck on the mountainous hike between Theth and Valbona in northern Albania over the weekend. They had to be rescued via helicopter, the latest of several incidents on this stretch of trail.
The Theth-Valbona hiking trail is growing in popularity with tourists, but it poses several perils to those that attempt it without experience or local guide.
The tourists encountered difficulty on the border between Theth and Valbona and alerted authorities. Police tried to access the scene but could not because of the steep and challenging terrain. As it was not possible to get to them on foot or with a car, a helicopter was requested.
However, fog and the topology of the location also made it difficult for the helicopter to get to them.
“The police said that the helicopter could not operate in the area due to fog and steep terrain. Guards and rescuers eventually reached the tourists on foot, leading them to a place where the helicopter could land. They are in good health,” the police said.
The route which stretches over 17k and is estimated to take between six and eight hours. Many travel sites state that a guide is not needed for the journey and that it is of medium difficulty. There are, in fact, numerous dangerous parts of the route with no handrails and sheer drops punctuated by loose rocks.
Snow and ice can be found along parts of the route even as late as early June, making the route even more complicated to navigate.
At the end of May 2022, a Swiss tourist fell and died while travelling on the route.
