Albania

Day 1

Tirana to Kukës
Departing from Tirana to Kukës, we will make a 30-minute stop at the Drin Bridge. Then, we will pass through the old town of Kukës and head towards Shishtavec. The population of this village speaks two languages: Albanian and Nashinksi, a language spoken by the autochthonous Albanian population that was Slavicized during the period of the former Bulgarian Empire (681-1185-1396) in the province of Gora, which was once part of the Sanxhak of Prizren, later the Vilayet of Prizren, and is now within the administrative area of the Kukës Municipality. The area of Shishtavec is located 33 km southeast of the city of Kukës and can be reached via the Gryka Vanave (45 minutes). The village of Shishtavec lies within the protected area of Korab-Koritnik. The plateau of Bjeshke e Shishtavec ranges from 900 to 2130 meters above sea level. Several natural monuments are located in the area, such as Guri i Mangjesit, a birch oak plantation, Ploça e Zifkeve, and the Artificial Lake (also known as the reservoir), among others.

• Morning Stone: This rock-sand massif, located south of Shishtavec, is listed as one of Albania’s Natural Monuments. Rising to the horizon, it has long been a landmark for the roads connecting the early civilizations within the Sharri mountain range. It is called the Morning Stone because the first rays of the sun create a halo of light around and on the stone. Located at an altitude of 1900 meters above sea level, it is a popular destination for visitors climbing Shishtavec mountain. The conical-shaped sandstone is 25 meters long, 13 meters wide, and 11 meters high.
• Plloça e Zhifkeve: A pressed rock (slate) found at the early border between the Shishtavec and Sharri Mountains (Scardius), this stone, resembling a human face from a distance, is another remarkable natural element in Bjeshke e Sharri.

After visiting Shishtavec, we continue our journey to Tropoja. We pass by the cultural monument Kisha e Ancit in the village of Breg-Lumi as soon as we disembark from the Koman Ferry in Fierze. This is the only church in Tropoja, offering visitors insight into the historical, cultural, and archaeological significance of the region. The tour continues to Leka Castle in the village of Selimaj and the town of Rosuja, followed by a visit to the village of Bujan to explore two 200-year-old towers.

• The Tower of Sali Man and The Tower of Mic Sokol each have their own special history and architecture, contributing to the unique story of Tropoja. In the village of Koçanaj, we can visit two houses—those of Adem Demaj and Mehmet Rama—to learn more about the local history and culture. These houses once served as meeting places for the men’s assembly.

We continue our journey a few kilometers further to reach the Mill of Bajram Curri, located at the entrance of the village of Shoshan, along with its castle. The mill is well-known thanks to Fan Noli’s writings dedicated to the figure of Bajram Curri, who died here in 1925. Dragobi’s Cave is another fascinating point to visit for those passionate about hiking and nature exploration. The path to the cave is relatively easy, with a distance of approximately 2.6 kilometers and an elevation drop of 300 meters (from 700 to 1000 meters). The trail offers a combination of natural and cultural value, contributing to the further development of cultural and natural tourism in Tropoja.

• Xhema Lake: Formed by rainfall and snowmelt, Xhema Lake is located about 10-15 minutes from the main road. The lake, surrounded by a small forest, offers a fantastic view, especially in spring and autumn when the water level is at its peak.

Day 2

• Valbona Waterfall: The Valbona Waterfall originates about 5 kilometers west of Rragami, the last inhabited village in the valley. The trek to the waterfall is moderately easy, and it is recommended to visit after the snow melts in spring, as the terrain can be difficult to navigate during colder weather. It’s important to note that the water of Valbona mainly originates from snowmelt, so the flow of the waterfall significantly decreases in the summer months.

We make a brief stop in Gjakovë in the old Qarshi area, where we can purchase handicrafts from local shops.

We then depart from Gjakova to Zerqan, an administrative unit located in the central part of the Bulqizë Municipality. Zerqan has an ancient history, evidenced by archaeological finds in places such as Ura e Citytit, Fushë Gurrë, Qafa e Sofraçani, and Black Lake, among others. The area is also home to the Zabel of Vakëfi natural park, which features chestnut forests, stones, and meadows that offer immeasurable beauty. Spanning 8,000 hectares, this village is located 17 km from the city of Bulqizë and 7 km from the Tirana-Peshkopi National Road. The lake, entirely surrounded by tall pine trees, gives visitors the sense of being in another world. The region is rich in biodiversity and forms an interesting ecosystem of glacial lakes. It has significant geological, hydrological, biological, ecological, and cultural value.

In the evening, we return to Tirana.