Having just failed to acquire a Covid test to be allowed into Kosovo, we left Kukes destined for Mount Korab. This is the highest mountain of both Albania and North Macedonia, reaching an elevation of 2,764 m. The plan was to drive to the Albanian village of Radomire by the mountain's western foot, sleep for a few hours, and set off before dawn for a day trek towards Mount … [Read more...]
Two Days in Kukes And The Albania-Kosovo Border
When we woke up on that beautiful natural terrace overlooking the Valley of Valbona and the plains of Bajram Curri, we had a clear plan: head to Kosovo. The idea was to extend our road trip from Albania into Kosovo, and among other places in this new country, go for some snowboarding in Brezovica Ski Resort.Sure, crossing borders these days was far from straightforward. It was … [Read more...]
A Winter Trip To Bajram Curri and Valbona Valley National Park
We woke up almost deafened by the night-long, boisterous descent of the torrent beside our camping spot. The rain was having a morning break and we got to enjoy the serenity of the deep gorge that hosted us. We had ended up there after a long drive from Shkoder on the previous day. We packed lazily and got ready to resume our way through the eastern portion of the Albanian … [Read more...]
From Shkoder To Bajram Curri In The Winter
This morning found us on a lovely spot on the shore of Komani Lake, a few kilometers from the city of Shkoder. On the previous day, we had failed to catch a ferry across the lake, so today we had to make it to Bajram Curri overland.We got on the road SH5 and began on our long way eastwards. We were gaining altitude steadily. The rain soon stopped for snowfall to take its place. … [Read more...]
Vukel & Nikc: In A Secluded Valley Of The Albanian Alps
We had spent most of the day trapped between two snowslides on the remote, narrow mountain road coming out from the Valley of Vermosh in the Albanian Alps. It was late, dark, freezing night when we finally got unstuck and made it to Tamare village. After a quick meal, we headed straight for our next destination: the secluded valley of Vukel and Nikc.Driving to Vukel ValleyThe … [Read more...]
A Winter Trip To The Remote Vermosh Valley, Albanian Alps
Upon getting out of the tent, we witnessed winter in all its harsh potency. A bleak, damp, dismal morning had dawned over Shkodra Lake in northern Albania. We packed lazily and nestled in the warmth of the car. We were ready to depart for where the winter would only be harsher. On this second day of our road trip, we would head to the majestic Albanian Alps, and particularly, … [Read more...]
A Trip to Shkoder and Shkodra Lake in Albania
A sunny winter morning, backpacks shouldered, we were walking along the busy streets of the Albanian capital city. We were headed for the office of The Lada Guys: a company renting Russian-made Lada Niva 4x4 cars. We got ours and named it Lad. It was going to be our transport means – as well as our home, basically – for the next couple of weeks we'd spend exploring the … [Read more...]
3 Winter Days in Gjirokaster: Travel Guide
Overwhelmed with awe we regarded our new surroundings as we ambled through the timeworn city of Gjirokaster. We had just arrived there after a 2-day hike from Delvina over Mount Gjere. It was one of the last days of 2020. We had planned to settle and welcome the first days of the 3rd decade of the 21st with due comfort. The epical images of human effort harmonized with majestic … [Read more...]
A Winter Hike in Albania: From Delvina to Gjirokaster over Mount Gjere
The day after our hike in Butrint National Park, we found ourselves in the town of Delvina. We spent leisurely hours, strolling along the town's cobbled streets and around its picturesque neighborhoods. We were in bed early. It would be an early one tomorrow. The program held a 30-km hike over the ridge of Mount Gjere and on to Gjirokaster.The darkness was strict and ubiquitous … [Read more...]
A Winter Trip Along The Komani Lake In Albania
Having spent a few days exploring the western portion of the Albanian Alps, it was now time to head over to the eastern one. Instead of taking the main road, we decided to try to make it from Shkoder to Bajram Curri along the Drini River. The success of this attempt was far from certain as, apart from driving, it also required catching a ferry along the Komani Lake. We weren't … [Read more...]
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