Trail
Edith Durham
Kosovo – Montenegro- North Albania
In the early twentieth century Edith Durham, a young British explorer, anthropologist, artist and writer, was lured toward Malësia e Madhe, the land of the Great Mountain. Despite many difficulties she was carried away by the charm of the ancient culture still alive: the land of the living past.
To relive the same emotions of Durham, we offer to the travelers to-day the discovery of Kelmend, one of the most remote and isolated areas of the Northern Albania.
The adventure will expose them to unforgettable landscapes, uncontaminated nature and the discovery of ancient traditions and customs.
The unspoilt villages have many treasures to explore and a culture to inspire and move. Peace and tranquility will be the outcome of exposure to many family life. Family – run traditional guesthouses provide a warm welcome for guest with authentic cuisine for gourmets, uncontaminated nature for naturalist and mountains for the adventurous lovers of arduous climbing. Proficient and capable guides will lead you through awe-inspiring terrain.
All the above is embellished by the wit and hilarity of Kelmendas people making hospitality a sacred law, unchanged over the years, the same that at the beginning of the last century led the young lady to fall in the love with the Northen Albania.
Schedule for 2020
June 14 – June 19
June 28 – July 3
July 19 – July 24
July 26 – July 31
August 9 – August 14
August 13 – August 28
September 13 – September 18
September 27 –October 2
October 11 – October 16
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PRICE: From 600 Euro
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ITINERARY:
DAY 1.
Welcome to Kosovo. Arrival in Peja.
In Peja and we will have e cultural trail visiting Tahir Bey Old Traditional House where the Ethnological Museum is located – represents the most beautiful type of old houses in the city of Peja. The house is a cultural monument built by Albanian masters in 1800, continuing, than through the old Bazzar we will stop at Bajrakli Mosque, known as “Bazaars Mosque” built in 1471. The Cultural path continues with the visit of Catholic Church “Saint Catherine”, built on the foundations of an old church of Albanian Catholic confection in 1928. As the parish church “St. Catherine ” exists from the Arbers First Council (year 1703 led by Pope Clement). Church is a three-nave basilica type. We will close the cultural path with the visit of Orthodox Church, known as “Patriarchate of Peja”, built in the early XIII century, which is located at the entrance of the Rugova Gorge. In the evening we will have a relaxing dinner.
Day 2:
Kuqishtë ( Kosovo ) – Babino Polje ( Montenegro).
Today’s trek starts with an early breakfast before we head off on our first full day of trekking. This is a relatively long hike which passes the border between Kosovo and Montenegro. It goes through beautiful mountain areas with many water sources, glacial lakes, and mountain passes featuring breathtaking views. After passing… the lakes we go gradually up to Lugu i Shkodrёs for a very beautiful landscape. “Shkodra Pass” is called because it used to be the pass of an ancient path connecting this area with the city of Shkodra in Albania. After refueling with some lunch and returning to the trailhead, we continue walking to a borderland, then descent to a hidden village of Montenegro, Babino Polje.
Trek: 15.8 Km, 6-7 hours; elevation gain: 1150m, elevation loss: 1100m.
Day 3: Head to Albania via Talijanka Peak with stunning views of the Karanfili Massif.
After breakfast and coffee, short drive to Grbaja Valley. Our trek starts out with a gradual uphill passing through the forest and ultimately arriving at Vallushnica Peak, the first peak for today’s hike. The views here are fantastic! The last part of the trail passes across the ridge before the final ascent, Taljanka Peak, 2056m. Finding the perfect spot for a picnic lunch, we take time to soak in all of the beauty of this special spot. After lunch, we’ll descent down to the very beautiful village of Lepushe, Albania.
Trek: 10.2 Km, 5-6 hours; elevation gain: 880m, elevation loss: 580m.
Day 4: Hike to Vermosh, the north most village in Albania.
This morning we enjoy a leisurely half-day ascent to Vermosh. This gentle hike leads along a scenic contour, gradually walking up as we approach Mount Greben, 1840m, from where we can enjoy great views of the Mount Trojan, the hamlet of Lepushe and point out of the Accursed Mountains in the horizon. After lunch and a bit of rest, we continue descending to Vermosh, the northmost village of Albania, situated among small traditional homes and fields.
We are certain to enjoy this very special place where we spend two nights. After the hike, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to rest, journal, read, enjoy the views or soak in your surroundings. All meals included.
Trek: 9 Km, 4-5 hours; elevation gain: 870m, elevation loss: 580m.
Day 5: Trek to Nikç through spectacular ridge of Berizhdol.
This morning we make our way on foot towards Bordolec Pass and through beech woods while trekking about three hours to the ridge of Berizhdol, one of the most spectacular ridge walks of Kelemdi region. Magnificent views of the north-western face of the Accursed Mountains range (Bjeshkët e Namuna) are always in our sights. Our lunch stop will be one of many places that offer incredible views. We spend time in this special place before taking a forest trail that will bring us to the bottom of the Nikç valley. The afternoon is left open to rest and explore this unique village. Overnight at a local house in the Village. In the evening we’ll enjoy a farewell celebration dinner together.
Trek: 13 Km, 5-6 hours; elevation gain: 710m, elevation loss: 1000m.
Day 6: Depart for home.
After breakfast, our adventure ends with a private transfer to the airport, ending our exciting trek in the heart of the Balkans.
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WHATS’S INCLUDED AND NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR
INCLUDED:
- 5 nights accommodation on twin room share basis or, shared accommodation in guesthouses;
- 4 x dinner, 5 x lunch, 5 x breakfast;
- Transfer during the tour ( minibus / 4×4 / taxi);
- English speaking professional guide throughout the tour;
- National parks fee;
- Cultural attraction entrance;
- Permit for non-official border crossing and arrangement fees
NOT INCLUDED:
- Airport transfers ;
- Flights;
- Soft /Alcoholic drinks/Snacks;
- Insurance;
- Guide tips
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GENERAL CONDITIONS:
Clients need to be in good health and physically fit. Hiking takes place on varied terrain and sometimes paths are old, in bad condition and overgrown.
Please ensure you have:
- comfortable, closed hiking shoes with ankle support recommended
- minimum 2 liters water and snacks
- daypack for carrying water and gear
- waterproof jacket
- sunscreen & sunhat
- camera
- small personal first aid kit / personal medication (your guide will carry a full first aid kit)
For hiking during the spring and autumn months please carry a warm layer of clothing and long trousers / gaiters are recommended. For each multi-day hiking tour you will be provided with a recommended kit list.
We can be flexible with the itinerary, depends of the schedule and request of the group interested for this tour package.
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