Tour Details

Shala River & Koman Lake Day Trip from Tirana

Shala River is a touristic destination and is described by many visitors as the most beautiful pearl of Koman’s lake, or the Thailand of Albania . The hazy color of water and it’s crystal clean water is characteristic of this river. The steep huge rocks, worn by trees and green plants, seem to rise to the sky to protect this beauty that so generously mother nature has offered to our eyes and hearts.

Shala River & Koman Lake Day Trip from Tirana

Departure & Return Location

Sport Palace “Asllan Rusi”, Tirana

Departure Time

Wednesday & Saturday, Time: 06.00

Price Includes

Shared Transport in Minibus
Returned Boat Trip from Koman
Tour Guide
Photo Stop in Koman lake

Price Excludes

Lunch in Shala
Any Private Expenses

Complementaries

1 Bottle of water in the bus

Shala River & Koman Lake, Day Trip from Tirana

Shala River & Koman Lake Day Trip from Tirana.

Early morning we will start our drive towards the lake of Koman arriving at the boat station which will ride us through the magnificent Albanian Alps where because we will enjoy breathtaking views of the so called “The Fjords” of Albania, known as the Shala river.

We will have 4-5 hours free time to enjoy the nature or jump into the cold water. Lunch can be consumed in one of the restaurants by the river and about 15.00 boats will ride us back to the Koman Lake Station. Our Car will will be waiting there to drive us back to Tirana.

Essential Tips

Bring Cash: The Shala River canyon is completely off-grid. There are no ATMs, and riverside restaurants do not accept credit or debit cards—bring plenty of Albanian Lek (ALL) cash.
Pack Accordingly: Bring a swimsuit, a quick-dry towel, plenty of sunscreen, and a light jacket, as the early morning boat ride through the mountain shadows can be quite chilly

Shared Tour
Photo stop near the Koman Lake
One hour Speed Boat Trip from Koman to Shala River
Enjoy the magnificient view and nature in the valley of the river

Itinerary

Day 1Tirana - Koman - Shala River - Tirana

Shala River & Koman Lake Day Trip from Tirana.

We will start our Tour from Tirana at 06:00 . After the coffee/breakfast on the way the first attraction is Komani lake . It was formed when the rugged Drini valley was dammed in the early 1970s, allowing Albania to quickly develop its own industrial base and become an energy exporter.

We start the boat trip , who passes between 1000-1500m-high mountains and through a series of deep gorgeous and interconnected lakes, with hardly any signs of human activities on the shores .

The way to Shala river is around 1 hour by boat and the same time back .
We get back on the boat to Komani Damn at around 15:30 pm. From here we drive back to Tirana after a long but unforgettable experience.

Highlights: The best part of this tour is arriving at the Shala River mouth (Blini Park), where the narrow canyon opens up to reveal exceptionally clear, turquoise alpine water surrounded by towering mountain peaks. Often nicknamed “The Thailand of Albania,” this hidden valley is only accessible by boat, making the arrival feel like you have discovered a secret paradise.

Other major highlights include:

The boat ride through Lake Koman: Winding through massive vertical canyon walls that draw frequent comparisons to the Norwegian fjords.
The Shala River Viewpoint Hike: A short, steep 20-minute trail above the riverbanks that offers a panoramic, postcard-perfect view of the entire valley.
Authentic Riverside Dining: Eating freshly caught trout and traditional Albanian baked cheese right on the water’s edge at a rustic, off-grid guesthouse.