The Shepherd's Way Albania

Protecting the future of Malësorë shepherd traditions in the northern Albanian Alps through sustainable, immersive, small-group ecotourism.

The Malësorë shepherds have inhabited the Albanian Alps for millennia.

Situated in northernmost Albania, the mountainous region of Kelmend is home to a proud people named the ‘Malësorë,’ meaning ‘highlanders’. At the turn of summer, from time immemorial, the Malësorë shepherds have led their herds from low to high pastures, through the verdant passes of the Alps. Over generations, the shepherds’ continuous movements have nurtured some of the highest floral biodiversity in Europe, transforming the valleys where the Malësorë continue to live today (only now with some internet and the occasional LED show loudspeakers).

Yet, isolated in the most remote part of the country, sustaining this way of life is becoming more and more unfeasible. Threatened by forces beyond their control, in the near future, Malësorë pastoral traditions may cease to continue.

Stay with us in the Albanian Alps and experience a unique way of life, while helping conserve the cultural heritage of the Malësorë.

Our Tours

Meet your Hosts

Mirëseerdhët ne KELMEND

Meet your Guides

WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

Our Mission

TESTIMONIALS

Takeaways from happy customers

“I was so grateful to spend time with Gazmend and his family. We shared a deep connection based on a common love and respect for the mountains, for nature, and the animals. I’ll never forget those months spent in the mountains with him....”

Nick St. Oegger
Documentary Photographer & Writer

"Meeting the Bikaj family changed my life forever. I had never met such open and welcoming people. With them, you are surrounded by smiles and jokes all the time and find peace in their genuine way of being. I learned so much from them and I am forever grateful."

Franceska Haas
Anthropologist

"The Shepherd's Way Albania is a wonderful and authentic way to experience the local culture. Everybody I met was absolutely amazing! Super kind, welcoming, and helpful. Thanks to Nina and Fonsi, I learned so much and had the most beautiful memories on the journey up the mountain."

Daria Grzegorowski
Female Traveller

"...for someone that loves mountains, Kelmend is an absolutely stunning and still fairly touristically under-explored region of Albania. The pristine mountain ranges and the intertwined life of the shepherds with their animals were something that left a lasting impression on me. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone seeking to immerse themselves in nature and a unique way of living."

Yannic Spreen-Ledebur
Social Traveller & Adventurer

"Absolutely stunning and unique landscapes with a well preserved and rich culture! It's really hard to find places like this so I recommend 100% that if you are in Albania go for this experience. Nina and Fonsi are so welcoming and fun, really made us feel like home😄"

Mercedes Sabels
Female Traveller

“My favorite part of my Albania trip by far was getting to know the shepherds and their children but especially the resilient, hard working and knowledgeable women of this traditional culture... I highly recommend making your way up to the stan, trying traditional Albanian cuisine, playing with the children and admiring the views.”

Natalia Martinez
Solo Female Traveller

"As a "city" person who doesn’t usually opt for outdoor adventures, living in the mountains with the shepherds was an eye-opening & humbling experience. It initially took some getting used to, but it was absolutely worth it. With so much beautiful flora, fauna and people, I got some of the best pictures I have ever taken. I am already planning my next trip back!"

Sawaiz Syed
Hobby Photographer

Stories