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 able to find any reliable information as to whether these ferries run in the winter, so the only option was to head over to the port and find out.
A chilly winter afternoon, petrol tank, food supplies, and our stomachs full, we took the road SH5 out of Shkoder city. Shortly after the village of Lac-Oyrsac, we left the main road and got on the smaller SH25 road (junction coordinates: 42.0117, 19.6553).
The route from there on was scenic beyond description. The views of the Drini River flowing idly through the desolate mountainous grandeur were our constant companion.
Google Maps was outright unwilling to recommend taking this road, but it turned out rather alright for even a 2WD. In our Lada Niva, we managed to drive straight through the innumerable potholes and past the dirt sections at a fairly high speed. Shortly before dusk, we had made it to the village of Koman.
We crossed the small bridge there situated and drove a couple of more kms until the ferry terminal. First, we went past an impressively large dam, and then through a long, narrow, unreinforced tunnel, at the other side of which lay the small port.
A barge and several smaller vessels were docked there. The picture looked pretty positive. We assumed the ferry would go in the morning. We wanted to get to know its timetable, camp somewhere nearby, and return on the next day to catch our ride to Markaj port.
We got out of the car and walked into the little cafe located there by the port, which should also function as the ticket office. There were quite a few folks stationed in there and drinking spirit. We talked with a young man who, to our great disappointment, let us know that, although we could catch a small private boat if we wanted, car-carrying ferries do not operate at all during the winter.
What to do… it was a gamble, to begin with. We sat there for a drink and a snack. Night had fallen heavy by the time we left. And through profound darkness, we drove back all the long way to the beginning of the road SH25. There we went off-road and managed to approach a lovely little spot on the lakeshore, beside the spooky ruins of a house whose owners may have been forced to abandon during the filling of the artificial lake. Next morning, we’d head to Bajram Curri via the normal road.
Rent a car in Albania
If you are intending to go on a similar road trip in Albania, definitely check out the Lada Guys. These Russian machines will get you everywhere. But if you’re looking for a casual, cheaper car to drive on asphalt, you’ll find some good deals on autoeurope.com
Accommodation and Activities in Albania
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