Maja e Kendërvicës
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 3.04 mi
- Elevation gain
- 36 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation loss
- 3,648 ft
- Max elevation
- 6,955 ft
- TrailRank
-
42
5
- Min elevation
- 3,348 ft
- Trail type
- One Way
- Time
- 3 hours 7 minutes
- Coordinates
- 454
- Uploaded
- June 4, 2012
- Recorded
- June 2012
near Elez, Gjirokastër (Albania)
Viewed 6053 times, downloaded 104 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
Kendërvicës is the highest point of the Mali i Gribës range, which dominates the view when driving from Fier to Tepelene. The shortest hike to the summit requires a long drive from Tepelene to Nivice, about 2 hours - see separate trail.
Kendërvicës itself only becomes visible from the high plateau of Lekdushk, Progonat, Gusmar and Nivice. The trail climbs the south-west face, which from the distance (and certainly in google earth) looks very steep.
The biggest hazard on the route, however, are the sheep dogs. Kendërvicës has many shepherds'dens, including on its broad and expansive summit. We therefore suggest to make suitable arrangements with some local herdsmen before attempting the hike. We made for a very early start (when the flocks were still in their pens). It also might be a good idea to do the hike early or very late in the year (when the sheep are in the valleys).
It is possible to find a trail for most of the way, though it can easily become a "grass-whack". We found that at the waypoint "right", the path to the right leading up a ridge is easier the going left through a valley. At the waypoint "indistinct" the path becomes invisible. Keeping the general direction will eventually lead back to a more visible trail.
From much of the hike you only see the edge of the summit plateau (and the trailhead). Once on the summit plateau, another 100 Meter in elevation lead to the summit marked by a large cairn.
Fromm the summit, it is possible to see Cika and Qorres, Nemercke, Ostrovice, Tomorri and many more peaks in all directions.
Kendërvicës is one of the remarkable mountains in Albania, in that you have to descend very low (1666 Meter) to ascend a mountain that is higher than Kendërvicës itself.
Kendërvicës itself only becomes visible from the high plateau of Lekdushk, Progonat, Gusmar and Nivice. The trail climbs the south-west face, which from the distance (and certainly in google earth) looks very steep.
The biggest hazard on the route, however, are the sheep dogs. Kendërvicës has many shepherds'dens, including on its broad and expansive summit. We therefore suggest to make suitable arrangements with some local herdsmen before attempting the hike. We made for a very early start (when the flocks were still in their pens). It also might be a good idea to do the hike early or very late in the year (when the sheep are in the valleys).
It is possible to find a trail for most of the way, though it can easily become a "grass-whack". We found that at the waypoint "right", the path to the right leading up a ridge is easier the going left through a valley. At the waypoint "indistinct" the path becomes invisible. Keeping the general direction will eventually lead back to a more visible trail.
From much of the hike you only see the edge of the summit plateau (and the trailhead). Once on the summit plateau, another 100 Meter in elevation lead to the summit marked by a large cairn.
Fromm the summit, it is possible to see Cika and Qorres, Nemercke, Ostrovice, Tomorri and many more peaks in all directions.
Kendërvicës is one of the remarkable mountains in Albania, in that you have to descend very low (1666 Meter) to ascend a mountain that is higher than Kendërvicës itself.
Waypoints
Waypoint
5,499 ft
Indistinct
03-JUN-12 13:04:21
Intersection
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Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Moderate
Camping below Kendervice makes it possible to see the steep "wall" in a friendlier evening light that lures the hiker with an almost easy-looking experience. On the slope though it is indeed only the edge of the plateau that keeps towering above the hiker, especially in the area without a clear path. The good thing is, however, that there is no false summit. Once on the high plateau, you have an easy walk to the highest place.
Some people may value this restful summit experience for a longer break - weather permitting. Then again, the shepherds' corrals may get busy with their herds in season and bring an end to such peace.