Kërҫini Peak and the village of Kërҫin
East of Maqellare commune is placed in the height of 860 m from the sea level the village of Kërçisht. The village with around 300 inhabitants is one of the biggest ones of the Christian religion in the area. Its two churches of the XI and XIX century are an important cultural and touristic asset of the area.
The peak of Kërçini and its surrounding highlands (Bjeshka of Kërçini) are part of the Korab – Deshat mountainous formation and are a place of pilgrimage for Christian orthodox believers from Albania and Macedonia. This area is also celebrated for the resistance against invading armies. Fighters’ graves accompany the traveler along the all the trail starting from the church in the village up to the peak at 2000m height.
The trail leading to the peak is of above average difficulty and opens up to several plateau that offer perfect locations for resting, enjoying the wonderful scenery and exploring the wide variety of natural life with which the area is blessed.
Taking this path makes possible an insight in the more intimate life of these areas inhabitants. Horse caravans bringing wood from the mountain, shepherds that bring their flocks for the summer in these heights will not waste the occasion to meet and speak with visitors of the place that makes them so proud.
Saint Sofia Curch from the XIth century is one of the wonders that fortunately has survived the raging centuries. Its walls are decorated with frescoes that illustrate the life of Jesus, the story of Christianity and the judgment day.
This church has been declared a national culture monument in 1970 and can be visited at any time with assistance from the villagers.
The other church of the village is the one of Saint Mitri, which is on the way out of the village towards the mountainous path. Built in 1892 with local materials and techniques this church is also decorated with frescoes.
Some instructions for trekkers to the Kërҫinit Peak
· Be aware of your physical condition and the clock (The scenery and the highlands are greedy time consumers)
· Don’t underestimate the weather
· Wear appropriate clothes and shoes (consider the fact that temperature changes with the height)
· Be aware the beauty of the scenery will not subdue hungriness and thirst
· Don’t forget the first aid kit
· In case of needed assistance call:
127 Medical urgency
128 Fire squads
129 Police
If you are travelling alone tell the villagers about your intentions, don’t get far away from the path and take consideration of the others in areas were rocks are unstable. Take care of the nature?
Path: Kërçisht village – Kërçini peak
Difficulty: level 3
8 hours
Peshkopia’s balcony
In the years 537 – 560 the roman emperor Justinian trying to protect his empire from the barbarian invasion built a series of huge fortresses starting in Tuna towards Hellas. In the quarter called Bulke in the village of Dobrova he built one of these big castles that covered a surface of 1.5 hectares. The castle is mentioned from Prokop of Cesare as an Illyrian habitation called Kunor. The dominant position of this hill towards the surrounding and its position at the crossing of the roads that linked Peshkopia region with Prizren in the north and Gostivar in the east gave to this fortress an increased importance.
At Bulke quartier starts the path that leads to the hill of Bugjunec also called the Peshkopia’s balcony. It is called by this name because it makes possible for the visitor to enjoy a view that includes the whole city of Peshkopia and its surrounding villages as well as the Black Drini’ valley, which seems like a quite giant passing through the highs peaks of the area. At the height of 890 meters is built the artificial lake that is used by the inhabitants in time of drought. It is a wonderful resting place after a long walk which can be made by all ages.
Difficulty: level 1
4 hours
Rabdisht peak
Rabdisht peak is a simple and easy walk from the village of Rabdisht, which is located at the height of 1090 meters. This is one of the peaks of the Deshati ridge which includes also Zagrad, Cerjan and Ilnice peaks. The village of Rapdisht with its architectural beauties and the impressive natural setting represents a dignitary destination in itself with its stone paved pathways and the stone rooftops of old stone houses. At the exit of the village begins the path towards the Rabdisht peak. The way goes through fruit plantations and the forests with pine and beech trees.
Less than half an hour away the first plateaus were the first taste of the scenery and nature can be enjoyed. Continuing higher above among the hazel trees and oak trees you will reach the ‘summery post”. A military post that in the communist times was strictly forbidden to visitors. A bit further at the height of 2000 meters from the sea level you will remain speechless from the beauty of the scenery which includes the valley of Black Drin. These images will invade your memory for a long period.
Rabdisht peak is reachable from every age.
2 degree of difficulty
Normal time length 6 hours.
Grezhdan-Herebel-Popinare
This itinerary can start with a visit at the antic city of Uscane which today is also known as the castle of Grezhdan. Built in IV century before our era the castle of Grezhdan has been one of the most important fortifications in the Balkan provinces. It has a surface of 34 hectares and a surrounding wall long 2760 meters with a thickness that reaches 2.8 meters and height 4.5 meters. It had three main entrances and was protected by 40 towers. Excavations show only part of the ruins of the wall as the area is being used by the villagers for agriculture and is used every year. To create an idea of the length of the wall it is recommended a walk above its ruins. Remains of the fortified towers along it can also be recognized. Very near of the automobilist road can be seen the remains of a basilica. Archeological excavations are expected to show more from this important ancient center.
Above the road is the village of Grazhdan built on Deshati Mountains. Passing through the village paths you can take the walk towards the artificial lake were starts the old path towards the Herbel village. The walk is simple and lasts 45 minutes.
At Herbel village the visitor can find the old Church of Disfigurement. A legend that has survived the years says that every 18th August something like red flames descends from the church of Kërçini peak and halts at the Church of Disfigurement. This is a day of pilgrimage. The church is closed but inhabitants can find you the key.
From the exit of the Herbel village at 700 meters above sea starts the path that links it with the village of Popinare. The hills to climb are not difficult. In an hour walk the height reaches 934 meters and the path becomes more difficult. Along the walk, several locations are suitable for resting and enjoyment of the nature. At the entrance of Popinare the height reaches 1000 meters. The village has about 40 houses where kindness and hospitality are at home. At the way out from the village a small plateau offers a nice natural balcony from where you can enjoy the scenery with the villages of Popinare, Grezhdan and Herbel. The way back from Popinare to Grezhdan is pleasant and last about 30 minutes. The path is easy and old chest-nut trees adorn it.
Grezhdan castel and Allajbeg mosque
Archeological findings at the center and periphery of the Peshkopia city show for an ancient presence of city life that dates back to third and second century of the previous era. The castle of Grazhdan whose building dates in the IV century of the previous era is supposed to has been one of the most important fortifications in the Balkan provinces. It has a surface of 34 hectares and a surrounding wall long 2760 meters with a thickness that reaches 2.8 meters and height 4.5 meters. It had three main entrances and was protected by 40 towers. Excavations show only part of the ruins of the wall as the area is being used by the villagers for agriculture and is used every year. To create an idea of the length of the wall it is recommended a walk above its ruins. Remains of the fortified towers along it can also be recognized. Very near of the automobilist road can be seen the remains of a basilica. Archeological excavations are expected to show more from this important ancient center.
Allajbegs Mosque is east of the Burim Village in the commune of Maqellare. The mosque is built in 1585. Its cupola in cubic form and its minaret tell about traditional building techniques. It has been declared a monument of culture protected by the state in 1970.
Time length 4 hours
Poceste waterfall and the peak
Poceste waterfall is located southeast of Peshkopia city. To reach it you need to go at the village of Poceste and start the walk from there. Hazel trees, cornelian trees and other fruits can be encountered and enjoyed if you are lucky enough to travel in the right period of the year.
Along the path it is usual to meet inhabitants of the area and shepherds with the flocks. Two little rivers flow on the mountains side. The walk becomes more difficult at the height of 950 meters when the vegetation and presence of water increases. A pine forest and very steep descending will make the scenery interesting. At 1200 meters you can enjoy the view of the waterfall and of the Drini valley. Higher on the path becomes narrower and more difficult (Level 3), so it is recommended to relax a bit at the before starting the second part of it. The water fall is at the height of 1456 meters from the sea level. The path towards the peak can bring you at the height of 1800 meters, but for enthusiasts the walk can continue up to 2000 meters.
• Be aware of your physical condition and the clock (The scenery and the highlands are greedy time consumers)
• Don’t underestimate the weather
• Wear appropriate clothes and shoes (consider the fact that temperature changes with the height)
• Be aware the beauty of the scenery will not subdue hungriness and thirst
• Don’t forget the first aid kit
• In case of needed assistance call:
127 Medical urgency
128 Fire department
129 Police
Time length: to the waterfall 6 hours; to the Poceste Peaks 8 hours
Difficulty of 2nd and 3rd leve
East of Maqellare commune is placed in the height of 860 m from the sea level the village of Kërçisht. The village with around 300 inhabitants is one of the biggest ones of the Christian religion in the area. Its two churches of the XI and XIX century are an important cultural and touristic asset of the area.
The peak of Kërçini and its surrounding highlands (Bjeshka of Kërçini) are part of the Korab – Deshat mountainous formation and are a place of pilgrimage for Christian orthodox believers from Albania and Macedonia. This area is also celebrated for the resistance against invading armies. Fighters’ graves accompany the traveler along the all the trail starting from the church in the village up to the peak at 2000m height.
The trail leading to the peak is of above average difficulty and opens up to several plateau that offer perfect locations for resting, enjoying the wonderful scenery and exploring the wide variety of natural life with which the area is blessed.
Taking this path makes possible an insight in the more intimate life of these areas inhabitants. Horse caravans bringing wood from the mountain, shepherds that bring their flocks for the summer in these heights will not waste the occasion to meet and speak with visitors of the place that makes them so proud.
Saint Sofia Curch from the XIth century is one of the wonders that fortunately has survived the raging centuries. Its walls are decorated with frescoes that illustrate the life of Jesus, the story of Christianity and the judgment day.
This church has been declared a national culture monument in 1970 and can be visited at any time with assistance from the villagers.
The other church of the village is the one of Saint Mitri, which is on the way out of the village towards the mountainous path. Built in 1892 with local materials and techniques this church is also decorated with frescoes.
Some instructions for trekkers to the Kërҫinit Peak
· Be aware of your physical condition and the clock (The scenery and the highlands are greedy time consumers)
· Don’t underestimate the weather
· Wear appropriate clothes and shoes (consider the fact that temperature changes with the height)
· Be aware the beauty of the scenery will not subdue hungriness and thirst
· Don’t forget the first aid kit
· In case of needed assistance call:
127 Medical urgency
128 Fire squads
129 Police
If you are travelling alone tell the villagers about your intentions, don’t get far away from the path and take consideration of the others in areas were rocks are unstable. Take care of the nature?
Path: Kërçisht village – Kërçini peak
Difficulty: level 3
8 hours
Peshkopia’s balcony
In the years 537 – 560 the roman emperor Justinian trying to protect his empire from the barbarian invasion built a series of huge fortresses starting in Tuna towards Hellas. In the quarter called Bulke in the village of Dobrova he built one of these big castles that covered a surface of 1.5 hectares. The castle is mentioned from Prokop of Cesare as an Illyrian habitation called Kunor. The dominant position of this hill towards the surrounding and its position at the crossing of the roads that linked Peshkopia region with Prizren in the north and Gostivar in the east gave to this fortress an increased importance.
At Bulke quartier starts the path that leads to the hill of Bugjunec also called the Peshkopia’s balcony. It is called by this name because it makes possible for the visitor to enjoy a view that includes the whole city of Peshkopia and its surrounding villages as well as the Black Drini’ valley, which seems like a quite giant passing through the highs peaks of the area. At the height of 890 meters is built the artificial lake that is used by the inhabitants in time of drought. It is a wonderful resting place after a long walk which can be made by all ages.
Difficulty: level 1
4 hours
Rabdisht peak
Rabdisht peak is a simple and easy walk from the village of Rabdisht, which is located at the height of 1090 meters. This is one of the peaks of the Deshati ridge which includes also Zagrad, Cerjan and Ilnice peaks. The village of Rapdisht with its architectural beauties and the impressive natural setting represents a dignitary destination in itself with its stone paved pathways and the stone rooftops of old stone houses. At the exit of the village begins the path towards the Rabdisht peak. The way goes through fruit plantations and the forests with pine and beech trees.
Less than half an hour away the first plateaus were the first taste of the scenery and nature can be enjoyed. Continuing higher above among the hazel trees and oak trees you will reach the ‘summery post”. A military post that in the communist times was strictly forbidden to visitors. A bit further at the height of 2000 meters from the sea level you will remain speechless from the beauty of the scenery which includes the valley of Black Drin. These images will invade your memory for a long period.
Rabdisht peak is reachable from every age.
2 degree of difficulty
Normal time length 6 hours.
Grezhdan-Herebel-Popinare
This itinerary can start with a visit at the antic city of Uscane which today is also known as the castle of Grezhdan. Built in IV century before our era the castle of Grezhdan has been one of the most important fortifications in the Balkan provinces. It has a surface of 34 hectares and a surrounding wall long 2760 meters with a thickness that reaches 2.8 meters and height 4.5 meters. It had three main entrances and was protected by 40 towers. Excavations show only part of the ruins of the wall as the area is being used by the villagers for agriculture and is used every year. To create an idea of the length of the wall it is recommended a walk above its ruins. Remains of the fortified towers along it can also be recognized. Very near of the automobilist road can be seen the remains of a basilica. Archeological excavations are expected to show more from this important ancient center.
Above the road is the village of Grazhdan built on Deshati Mountains. Passing through the village paths you can take the walk towards the artificial lake were starts the old path towards the Herbel village. The walk is simple and lasts 45 minutes.
At Herbel village the visitor can find the old Church of Disfigurement. A legend that has survived the years says that every 18th August something like red flames descends from the church of Kërçini peak and halts at the Church of Disfigurement. This is a day of pilgrimage. The church is closed but inhabitants can find you the key.
From the exit of the Herbel village at 700 meters above sea starts the path that links it with the village of Popinare. The hills to climb are not difficult. In an hour walk the height reaches 934 meters and the path becomes more difficult. Along the walk, several locations are suitable for resting and enjoyment of the nature. At the entrance of Popinare the height reaches 1000 meters. The village has about 40 houses where kindness and hospitality are at home. At the way out from the village a small plateau offers a nice natural balcony from where you can enjoy the scenery with the villages of Popinare, Grezhdan and Herbel. The way back from Popinare to Grezhdan is pleasant and last about 30 minutes. The path is easy and old chest-nut trees adorn it.
Grezhdan castel and Allajbeg mosque
Archeological findings at the center and periphery of the Peshkopia city show for an ancient presence of city life that dates back to third and second century of the previous era. The castle of Grazhdan whose building dates in the IV century of the previous era is supposed to has been one of the most important fortifications in the Balkan provinces. It has a surface of 34 hectares and a surrounding wall long 2760 meters with a thickness that reaches 2.8 meters and height 4.5 meters. It had three main entrances and was protected by 40 towers. Excavations show only part of the ruins of the wall as the area is being used by the villagers for agriculture and is used every year. To create an idea of the length of the wall it is recommended a walk above its ruins. Remains of the fortified towers along it can also be recognized. Very near of the automobilist road can be seen the remains of a basilica. Archeological excavations are expected to show more from this important ancient center.
Allajbegs Mosque is east of the Burim Village in the commune of Maqellare. The mosque is built in 1585. Its cupola in cubic form and its minaret tell about traditional building techniques. It has been declared a monument of culture protected by the state in 1970.
Time length 4 hours
Poceste waterfall and the peak
Poceste waterfall is located southeast of Peshkopia city. To reach it you need to go at the village of Poceste and start the walk from there. Hazel trees, cornelian trees and other fruits can be encountered and enjoyed if you are lucky enough to travel in the right period of the year.
Along the path it is usual to meet inhabitants of the area and shepherds with the flocks. Two little rivers flow on the mountains side. The walk becomes more difficult at the height of 950 meters when the vegetation and presence of water increases. A pine forest and very steep descending will make the scenery interesting. At 1200 meters you can enjoy the view of the waterfall and of the Drini valley. Higher on the path becomes narrower and more difficult (Level 3), so it is recommended to relax a bit at the before starting the second part of it. The water fall is at the height of 1456 meters from the sea level. The path towards the peak can bring you at the height of 1800 meters, but for enthusiasts the walk can continue up to 2000 meters.
• Be aware of your physical condition and the clock (The scenery and the highlands are greedy time consumers)
• Don’t underestimate the weather
• Wear appropriate clothes and shoes (consider the fact that temperature changes with the height)
• Be aware the beauty of the scenery will not subdue hungriness and thirst
• Don’t forget the first aid kit
• In case of needed assistance call:
127 Medical urgency
128 Fire department
129 Police
Time length: to the waterfall 6 hours; to the Poceste Peaks 8 hours
Difficulty of 2nd and 3rd leve