Albanian waterfall

Deep in the Accursed mountains of Albania (how about that name for a mountain range!), I found the most peaceful part of my country; I found a reality completely different than what I've seen in the rest of Albania and been familiar with; I found beautiful, virgin, isolated territories that have been forgotten; I found gentle people that, due to the isolation, have not been corrupted yet by greed and power; people that live off the land and a land that is so beautiful, dramatic and full of surprises.

This is Grunas Waterfall in Thethi National Park. The reflection of the sun rays creates the most beautiful rainbow across. The water is ice cold running from the heart of the mountains, but there is no stopping from going in. This park is full of caves, natural pools, phenomenal hiking trails (with bears!) and an incredible hospitality from home-stays with local families (no hotels in the area). I can only hope that Thethi river and its national park remain protected and this pristine for a long time.

If you love the great outdoors, I highly recommend trekking or biking the Balkan Peaks trail, which goes around the Alps of Montenegro, Kosovo and Albania:
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/europe/travel-tips-and-articles/peaks-of-the-balkans-how-to-plan-a-cross-border-trek/

If you are curious to learn more about adventures in Thethi National Park in the Accursed mountains of Albania, feel free to check out my blog:
http://www.yogainmilan.com/travelblog/category/thethi-national-park