Driving from Shkoder / Shkodra to Theth via Boga Valley: Journey into the heart of the Albanian Alps

he driving distance between Shkodra and Theth is 75km (2/3 paved), afterwards a high clearance vehicle is highly recommend. In early spring and late autumn your vehicle should have 4wd. Plan to spend more than 3h on the road if you stop to take pictures or have a coffee.

Starting from the center of Shkodra, Sheshi Demokracia (the roundabout with the fountain), you head north and pass the fresh produce market on you right (best opportunity for shopping), keep going ahead and pass "Rus" (the place where the furgon/minibus for Theth leaves from) out of town and until the road improves.
The new highway is in sweet condition and leads to the border crossing with Montenegro at Hani Hotit. It bypasses all the villages and shortens the driving time greatly. It's less than 20km until you reach the turn-off for Boga Valley near Koplik, at the roundabout Razma, Dedaj and Boga are signposted - the Thethi sign is gone...
Onwards the road narrows and becomes uneven so you want to slow down when other cars approach. 30km in you reach Dedaj, you may stop for a coffee here and drop by the tourist information of Shkrel (the area known as Boga Valley).
The road stays paved until you arrive at the church of Boga (kilometer 50), nearby accommodation is available and you can still decide to leave your car and head to Theth by furgon (minibus) or jeep. Don't be fooled by overprized offers!

(2013 is an election year in Albania and just before one is required to cast his vote, new roads pop out of nowhere here and there. Rumors have it that the road up to the top of the pass will be paved or at least improved, shortening your travel time to a fair extent and saving some nerves)

The track is usually rougher on the Boga side due to erosion and becomes smoother after passing Qafa e Thores. On your way you pass several trailheads and will enjoy breath-taking views. This ride itself is worth a trip to Theth.
You will pass the upmost houses in the Gjecaj quarter, the Campegio (used as a hotel for communist party members) until you pass a waterfall and shortly afterwards enter the center (Qender) of Theth by crossing the car bridge. Most guesthouses are located between here and the church. You can find more information regarding accommodation on our website.

For people without their own four wheels or a suitable car a minibus connection exists, it leaves from "Rusi" on the outbound road from Shkodra to Koplik and costs 1000 Lek (8€), the ride takes around 3h. During the peak season there is a couple of minibuses a day, usually they leave early in the morning 7:30ish, ask you host to call the driver to make sure you get on it.

Please note that the pass is often closed from December up to May. Just before and after these dates the "road" is usually in a very bad condition and driving it takes up to 90min longer. Please inquire with locals or contact us for up to date information.
An alternative connection exists but is almost completely unpaved, see separate Shkoder - Kiri - Shala - Theth track: Your only choice during winter.