Climb to the highest mountain in Albania - Mount Korab

Two-day hike to the highest mountain of Albania - Great Korab

Starting point

A tavern at the end of the village of Radomirë, located at the foot of Mount Korab. The village can be reached from the town of Peshkopi. We took a taxi - 60 EUR. It is possible that there is also a bus to the turn-off to the village, but we didn't have time to find out.
 

Description of the hike

1. day

From Tirana, the capital of Albania, we first took a minibus to Peshkopi. Here a local taxi driver took us in immediately and after a short negotiation transported us to the village of Radomirë. The problem was that there were 5 of us with big backpacks and he only had a classic station wagon. That's why one of the members of our expedition was stuffed into the trunk, in addition to two backpacks. However, the trip went almost without any problems and in about 45 minutes we were standing at a pub in Radomirë. Here we had a light refreshment of beer, made contact with the locals and set off for the mountain with new information.

Just after the village, the road gained altitude and soon we entered the forest. After the forest passage we climbed another few metres into the already mountainous environment. The trees disappeared like a wave of a magic wand and we basically climbed up to the top through beautiful meadows. The trail still passes by a stream, so the fear of running out of water is really not out of place. Eventually we climbed up to a small lake and set up our tents under the massif of Mt. Velky Korab. It wasn't far to the water either, so it was the perfect place for a bivouac. The sunset was a beautiful reward for the arduous journey from Tirana to the mountains.
 

2. day

In the morning clouds were still on the top of the mountain, but it didn't bother anyone. After breakfast we cleaned up our tents, left our packs out of the way and set off lightly towards the summit. The climb was steeper in places, but nothing insurmountable. Still the path continued through vast meadows. About 2 kilometers below the summit, a spring comes out from under a rock, the last water on the trail. We continued to climb up to the saddle, which already lies on the border with Seveni Macedonia.

From this point, the trail basically leads through this country, whose highest mountain is also the Great Korab. Just below the summit, fortune smiled on us and the clouds began to break. A comfortable trail leads to the very top and we were able to start enjoying the views. At the top we had a good rest.

Then we started to return the same way we had climbed. If we had taken the easy route already from the valley, it is possible to return to Radomirë by the northern trail. In this way, we returned to our backpacks and then descended back to the village on the hard way. There we drank the climb properly and at the same time arranged a ride to civilization by a local native.
 

Difficulty

Although it is the highest mountain in Albania, it is not difficult to climb. There is a clear path leading to the top. Able-bodied hikers can easily make the climb in one day. We wanted to enjoy it, so we split the climb into two days. The climb is steep only in a few places, mostly it is more of a gradual climb. The climb is also made easier by the ample water along the way. Along the way we also met a family with children who made the ascent and descent in one day.
 

Water availability

There is quite a lot of water on the route. First the streams. But here it is good to be careful, there are often grazing cows in the meadows. As the altitude increases, the possibility of water contamination by cattle decreases. The last spring is about 2 kilometres walk from the summit - see map.
 

Sleeping options

We spent the night at an altitude of about 1,900 m above sea level near a small lake and stream. Accommodation is available in the village of Radomirë in a house where there is a pub.
 

Mountain peaks

The peak of Mount Korab ( Golem Korab) 2 764 m above sea level is the highest mountain not only in Albania but also in Northern Macedonia. Therefore it is possible to see almost all the main mountains of both countries from the top.
 

Danger

Technically, this is a very simple output. The whole time you walk on the beaten path. Orientation is simple. There are no exposed places on the route. We did not even encounter herding dogs, which can cause slight problems.
 

Food

Unfortunately, the pub in Radomirë only offers drinks. We got local cheese with our beers, but otherwise there is no cooking. Therefore it is necessary to have all the food with you.
 

Attractions

Travelling around Albania is an experience in itself. The cheapest transport is by bus or minibus. This is significantly cheaper than here. But finding a timetable is total sci fi. The only bus departure signs we saw were at the bus station in Tirana.

Unfortunately, some places are impossible to get to except by taxi. This is already a more expensive affair. It cost us 60 Euro to get from Peshkopi to Radomirë. The distance is about 35 kilometres. I should add that the roads in Albania are incredibly winding and a straight stretch of road is almost a miracle.