AN INCREDIBLE Experience
In the region of Kelmend, within the great mountain ranges of northern Albania, there are shepherds living a unique lifestyle. We will get you there to spend time with them and experience their authentic life.
Create special memories and support a special cultural heritage with Malësorë shepherds in the heart of the Albanian Alps!
As the eldest son of a well-respected shepherd family from the region, Fonsi knows his mountains like the back of his hand. He loves meeting new people from all over the world and sharing the beauty of his beloved home country with them. Therefore, there is no guide more suited for the job!
She is a documentary photographer from a different world. Still, after spending much time in the mysterious "Accursed" mountains, she now sees herself as half-Malësorë. She may not be a 'true' local, but her "inside/outsider" insight provides a fresh perspective into the lives of the locals.
The shepherds are the primary beneficiaries of these tours, and the funds will make a big difference in improving their lives! They receive 50% of the revenue to provide them with an additional meaningful supplement to their income without influencing them to change their methods for the sake of tourism.
You'll be supporting multi-aspect projects (in collaboration with our partner organisation, Shtëpia e Bariut and other grassroots organisations) designed to improve their lives in sustainable, eco-friendly ways. Your adventure will help us preserve their culture for generations to come.
As travellers, you will have the opportunity to experience the authentic lives of Malësorë shepherds as it exists now. Still, it is also essential to be mindful of the harmful effects that tourism can have on deteriorating communities such as this one. That's why we aim to impact travellers, our hosts, and their lifestyle positively.
Eventually, we also aim to archive content, images and videos created by our guests and hosts to document the lives of the shepherds living this rapidly vanishing lifestyle. We will use this material to conduct local community research, aiding local and international organisations in targeting key areas that need attention within the region.
“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....”
"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."
"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."
"...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."
"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😄"
“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.”
"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!"
