What do I need to bring before my trip?
When you book with us, we will provide you with a detailed list of instructions on things to bring and suggestions of rules to follow when staying with us. Good hiking shoes & socks (even many of the local cafes and restaurants don't always have a reliable supply of toilet paper)
Where are the Malësorë shepherds located?
The term "Malësorë" actually refers to all mountain highlanders throughout Albania and parts of Montenegro. However, you will meet the shepherds throughout Kelmend, northern Albania, and spend time with them in their summer encampments throughout Lëpushë, Kopprisht, Budace and Vermosh.
There are different ways to reach us.Qafe Perdolec , located on the SH20 road, which takes you from the Vermosh/Guci border crossing in the north of the country, all the way south past Tamarë towards the other Montenegro border crossing of Hani i Hotit/Bozhaj or Shkodër.
Is there cell phone reception when I am with the shepherds?
Sometimes yes, but not always. Due to the remote location of the shepherd families, reception is spotty at best. Although there are some locations we can bring you with Wifi, they are only sometimes reliable, so it's best to assume that you will have minimal access to the internet during your time with us.
Can we choose the shepherd family we wish to stay with?
We will be willing to accommodate your preferences. However, when some families are unavailable some days, we will find an alternative that best suits your needs. But this will, of course, be discussed with you beforehand :)
Can my whole family stay with the shepherds?
Although we encourage people to travel with us in small groups (it's also better price-wise for you), we typically limit the number of people to approximately 4. If your family is larger, or you would like to travel with a group of friends, you can request to book our custom package, and we will coordinate with the shepherds on how best to host you all.
I’ve never hiked before! Can I still experience life with the shepherds?
Although living in the high pastures with the shepherds requires a certain level of physical fitness, generally, if you can walk, you can experience life with the Malësorë shepherds! However, if you are still deciding, even if you opt for our "Meet & Greet Day Hike" package, you can let us know about your general hiking experience. We can find you a suitable route that is less strenuous if needed.
Is there a threat of wild animals if we camp overnight?
The Kelmend region has some bears, wolves, and snakes, but they rarely venture near the encampments of the shepherds. We have never had issues with wild animals coming near tourists when camping at night. Still, the shepherds always keep their dogs nearby to alert them of any unwelcome visitors nearby and keep their families, animals, and guests safe throughout the night.
What if I don’t like the shepherds' food?
The Albanian way of serving dinner usually involves cooking a variety of separate dishes and ingredients to provide a balanced meal at the table, so it is okay to take what you like and leave the rest if there's something you don't like. We understand that getting used to unfamiliar foods can be difficult for everyone, so as much as we try to stick to the shepherds' diet while we're with them, we can also provide some other canned foods/snacks that can resemble the food you eat at home.
How can I thoroughly enjoy the experience for an extended period if I can't shower or use a civilised toilet?
This a valid fear, but we must remind ourselves that not showering, albeit uncomfortable, is not fatal. This experience is to show us how the shepherds live, with all their hardships and challenges. When staying with the shepherds, they can prepare you a bucket of hot water to "shower" or wash your hair with (as they do) if needed. However we recommend that you bring plenty of toilet/tissue paper, wet wipes, and changes of clothes as a backup to keep you covered.
