North of Valbonë lies the lesser-known Kukaj Valley, a hanging glacial valley framed by dramatic limestone peaks and forested slopes. It opens gradually into an alpine meadow with a shepherd’s hut used during the summer grazing season. The area is peaceful and undeveloped, offering a quiet alternative to more trafficked trails in the region. While this path is not technically difficult, it rewards hikers with sweeping views of the surrounding ridgelines, forests, and the highlands of the Valbonë Valley National Park.

The hike begins just north of Valbonë and gently climbs through open meadows before entering the forest. The initial section follows a visible trail that rises gradually, passing a few small farmhouses and private accommodations along the valley’s edge.

As you continue, the path enters a denser beech forest, providing shade and occasional clearings with views back toward the valley.
Eventually, the path opens onto a wide alpine meadow at the upper end of the valley. A small shepherd’s hut stands near the edge of the clearing, often uninhabited outside of summer months. This is a good place to take a break and enjoy the views over the surrounding highlands.
The descent follows the same scenic route, retracing your steps back to Valbona.

• Hike’s difficulty: 2/5
• Total ascent: 750 m
• Total descent 750 m
• Distance: 11 km
• Time of the hike: 5 hours (Hiking time without breaks)

This trail starts and ends in the village of Valbona in the Albanian Alps.