Maja Jezercës and Maja Rosit
near Vusanje (Montenegro)
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Trail photos
Itinerary description
From the Zastan (1322) you first reach the lakes, Buni i Jezercës, located at around 1900 m. At this point, you are already in Albanian territory. Continuing straight, you arrive at a saddle on the main watershed. Here, on the right, starts the climb to Maja Jezercës (Jezerski Vrh), highest summit of the Prokletije. The terrain is rocky, but never problematic, except I guess with bad weather.
The interesting part of this track, however, is where it shows how to traverse from the lakes to the Maja Rosit, which is commonly the target of a wholly different excursion. I guessed the path step after step, on the rocky mountain flank that on an old Jugoslavian map is named Popljuga. Hence, there is no guarantee that what I propose be the best way to proceed. However, at the end it worked, allowing me to reach the Maja Rosit (Rosni Vrh) in a time which was less than the half of what had been predicted me by a shepherd working close to the lakes. Shepherd that I met later, down at the Zastan, where I was hosted for the night, although the Zastan does no longer offer official accommodation.
For the understanding of the Prokletije, which is indeed no "easy" region, I encourage the reader to follow the links provided below the main panoramas - there are also some 360°. These links point to a site where photos can be labelled showing the names of summits. In the labelling I was helped by mail by Ahmet Rekovic, a member of the very active Plav Mountaneering Group. I have to thank him very gratefully!
As for statistics.
The Maja Jezercës, as highest top of the Prokletije, ranks fifth in height among the mountains of the Balkans, after Musala (2925), Olympus (2917), Vihren (2914) and Korab (2751).
The Maja Rosit, at 2525 m, ranks third in height among the mountains of Montenegro, after the Zla Kolata (2534), the Dobra Kolata (2528) and right before the Durmitor (2522).
Waypoints
Zastan, 1332
The start of the trekking. The Zastan does not provide official accommodation, but try and ask...
Vodopad, 990
The waterfall little outside Vusanje. There are also some shelters in the vicinity.
Bunker, 1805
There is a concrete bunker above the lower lakes of Buni Jezercës, which are called Liqeni i Madh. A good alternative to camping...
Maja Jezercës, 2694
Highest summit of the Prokletije, lying entirely in Albanian territory.
Fork to Liqeni i Gjeshtarës
With few minutes walking you can reach a further lake. Track to the lake not recorded due to battery exhaustion!
Karanfili view
From this point one enjoys a very fine view on the whole Karanfili group.Begin of the steep descent to the Zastan.
Qafa i Farumit
Although named after the saddle on the watershed, this waypoint is set somewhat north, at the stone with the red signpost seen in the first photo.
Valbona view
Few metres blow the summit of Maja Rosit there is an excellent panoramic point over Valbona.
Qafa i Valjbons
Saddle on the main Prokletije watershed. Here the view opens on the Majet e Zabores, on the Albanian side.
Popljuga
This is the name that I found on an old Jugoslavian map for this NNW mountain flank between the lakes and the Maja Rosit. The precise waypoint is set at the little hill with burnt trees shown in the first photo.
Above a little valley
This is a section where I believe that my track can be largely improved, remaining somewhat on the right. However, the place is scenic.
Liqeni i Lulashit
This lake remains somewhat hidden while walking from the Zastan to Buni Jezercës. Maybe you discover it from higher up. At this lake begins my pathless traverse to Maja Rosit.
Buni i Jezercës
Theis waypoint is set close to che central ones among the Buni i Jezercës region
Snowfields
Although in late August, I met big snowfields in the upper section of this valley, enclosed among Maja e Kofacit, Maja e Kokervhakes and Maja Jezercës. Little more, and crampons would have been needed!
Saddle 2331
Saddle on the watershed, between Maja Jezercës S and Maja Kokervhakes N. Here the view opens on Maja Popluks. The climb to the highest summit of the Prokletije starts on the right.
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Description on http://www.panorama-photo.net/panorama.php?pid=16712 https://www.wikiloc.com/outdoor-trails/maja-jezerces-and-maja-rosit-5582913#wp-5582915/photo-6003477
Description on http://www.panorama-photo.net/panorama.php?pid=14133
Another described version on http://www.panorama-photo.net/panorama.php?pid=13825
Here there is a further study, showing the real view compared from the rendering through SRTM data. As you see, there are major inconsistencies, especially in the Karanfili section: http://www.panoramio.com/photo/97106385 https://www.wikiloc.com/outdoor-trails/maja-jezerces-and-maja-rosit-5582913#wp-5582917/photo-4840413
Originally on http://www.panoramio.com/photo/97454395
Description on http://www.panorama-photo.net/panorama.php?pid=13946 https://www.wikiloc.com/outdoor-trails/maja-jezerces-and-maja-rosit-5582913#wp-5582917/photo-6003959
Originally on http://www.panoramio.com/photo/95893383 https://www.wikiloc.com/outdoor-trails/maja-jezerces-and-maja-rosit-5582913#wp-9998315/photo-6003567
Originally on http://www.panoramio.com/photo/96182286
Description in http://www.panorama-photo.net/panorama.php?pid=13881 https://www.wikiloc.com/outdoor-trails/maja-jezerces-and-maja-rosit-5582913#wp-9998308/photo-6003715
Thank You!
Of nothing!
Cheers, Alberto.