Hikes in Kala e Dodes

Tibet feeling on the High Scardus Trail: From Radomire at the foot of the Korab massif over a magnificent mountain pass (2,090m) to the vast high pastures of Grama. >>>> ATTENTION: Important information about ideal trip planning, safety instructions, etc. can be found on the official website: www.high-scardus-trail.com 

To the king of the Western Balkans: Crossing Mount Korab, with an altitude of 2,764 m the highest peak of the Western Balkans, as a king stage on the High Scardus Trail. >>>> ATTENTION: Important information about ideal trip planning, safety instructions, etc. can be found on the official website: www.high-scardus-trail.com

Korab is the highest peak of both Albania and North Macedonia – making it almost a "must" when traveling to the peaks of the Balkans.

On the highest point of AlbaniaThe ascent to Korab is more common from North Macedonia, resulting in: In summer, we can certainly still pick a few plums and cherry plums for strength and then enjoy the natural beauty almost entirely by ourselves. Mosque towers glowing in the morning light behind us; in front of us rises the rugged west wall of Korab. Slowly, the sun pushes over the slate and limestone peaks, illuminating the long valley we are hiking up. After every steep terrain level, a new panorama awaits us. On the descent, we finally cross the unique high plateau Planair.

Along the national border with North MacedoniaThe temptation is great to take a break right at the start of the tour, even though the sulfur spring bath leaves us smelling like rotten eggs. The way is then sweetened by blackberries along the path in the valley, before ascending through the quaint mountain villages of Bellovë and Çerjan up to Mali i Gramës, 2344 m. The second day of our hike along the Vargu Lindor ("Eastern Chain"), which separates Albania from North Macedonia, offers a play of colors with purple, blue, and red-yellow stones, golden meadows, and dazzling white rock faces.

Herb hunting on alpine meadows with summit detourEarly in the morning, horses come towards us, carrying full milk cans hanging from their traditional wooden saddles. The destination is the cheese dairy, located on the upper edge of Radomirë near the hotels. In the evening, we return without any load – except maybe for some fresh cheese – back to the cow herds in the mountains. By then, we are already a valley further, not without having picked raspberries and herbs in the flower meadows. However, not all the fragrant flowers found are actually meant for the kettle. "No, that's only for shampoo," we are told laughingly about our mistake when presenting our finds in the evening.

Korab, at 2,764m, is the highest mountain of Albania and North Macedonia. This route leads from Radomire in Albania in a circular path to the summit and back. The route does not include any alpine difficulties or climbing sections, but is still challenging due to its length and altitude.

Today’s hike from the campsite at Maja e Trashë over the summit of Maja e Korabit and down to Radomirë is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. In the seclusion of the mountains, the hustle and bustle of everyday life quickly fades away. The cool, crisp mountain air feels like a deep, long breath for the soul. Finding your way can be an adventure. However, the danger of slipping on the patches of snow that remain until June should not be underestimated. The hike takes you through spectacular scenery. Anyone who experiences the 360-degree panoramic view from the summit will be rewarded with a sense of vastness and freedom. We leave our Camp 01heading south and follow a few trail markers. Beyond the next saddle, we enter another, much larger high valley, which we cross along its left side on a well-trodden path. During the snowmelt, a small lake forms here, which then dries up again over the course of the summer. A red hose marks a spring located along the trail. We cross numerous streams. We now continue our ascent over a mountain ridge located to the left of a gorge. Since the remaining snowfields cover the ground well into June, there are numerous wooden markers along this section of the trail to aid in navigation. Once we reach the ridge, the trail turns right, heading west. Here we cross the border into North Macedonia. Beyond the ridge, we enter a wide cirque. The trail climbs steeply in a zigzag pattern along more wooden posts to a ridge that leads to the right toward the summit of 02 Maja e Korabit. After savoring the joy of reaching the summit, we first hike back along the same route to the saddle. Here, however, we continue straight ahead, leaving the ascent route to our left. The trail crosses a steep mountainside slightly below a ridge to a beautiful viewpoint and a 03 crucial section. Depending on snow conditions, the mountainside may be covered with residual snow until the end of June. If there are no footprints, the continuing descent—which turns 90° to the right here—is not visible. The descent through this cirque is very steep at first but then gradually levels off. Here, too, numerous wooden posts mark the route. During the rest of the descent, you’ll need to cross numerous streams. Sometimes the trail leads across meadows, other times through scree slopes. This is followed by a longer stretch where the descent is clearly marked. We pass a pond below the impressive south face of Maja e Korabit. Near the man-made lakes, we walk a short distance on a gravel path, but then leave it at the next 04 fork in the trail, heading slightly left onto the emerging trail.We hike through a sparse forest and across green meadows until we reach the route we took on yesterday’s ascent. Here we turn left and hike to our destination, 05Radomirë.

The route is hard. luckily, the weather was excellent all the way to.the peak, on the peak.was sunny and calm, without wind.

Three day trekking expediton featuring the ultimate highlights of mount Korab, Golem korab summit △2.764m, Small Korab △2.683m and the famous Korab waterfalls. A thrilling adventure that will bring a memories of a lifetime. Perfect program for 3 days treking with 2 overnights, although can be done in a single day. Minimum required experience level is moderate.  Book your dates or ask for any assistance via WhatsApp +38971555185 Regularly guided tour by MavrovoOutdoors and Guide Dimitar Popov.