Qafa Thores Road to Zorzit and onwards to Theth: The perfect lookout mountain

Maja e Zorzit is probably the most underrated mountain in the whole of Albania. Only 1663m high, lower as the pass road, it's often overlooked. People forget to consider its perfect location in the center of the valley that offers panoramic views in virtually all directions.
There are three trails in good condition, the one from the road, a connection to Theth (there are at least two more) and another one to Kapreja. None is marked and there are partly overgrown.

This track tackles the summit from the road and descends then to Theth. I left two waypoints for the second trail that leaves from the summit but there is in certain parts virtually no path and orientation is difficult. Better to return to the saddle and descend from there as recorded here.
While parts are exposed, as the ridge is narrow, and plants obstruct the way, it's still a very enjoyable and diverse walk.

The trailhead features a small wooden sign but without any writing, so pay attention! You will find it just below the Durham memorial in a hairpin bend.
From Stanet e Braces you will enjoy the first good views, then enter the forest. Don't ascend the hill in front of you but evade it by walking around to the right and then tackle the summit along the ridge.
From there trace your way back to a saddle and descend in the forest towards a spring, followed by a clearing on which few years ago another Stan (summer pasture) was located.
Onwards the trail becomes clearer and steeply drops to Theth. The shortest way to enter the village is to cross over the pipes next to the old corn mill, to play it safe follow the river upstream and take the main (car) bridge.

Plan to spend around 4h walking, add more gazing at the beautiful panoramas towards Qafa e Pejes and the Karst plateau with Maja e Arapit, Shenikut, Shkurti, Lagojvet and the Karanfil peaks as well as the Alijes, the Kakise massif and many more.
Walking this trail in reverse direction you will need at least one more hour. To continue afterwards on the road with shortcuts back to Thethi add another 2 1/2h.

ZalaZ offers guided and self-guided walks to single summits, tailor made walking holidays and multi-day trekking tours in Montenegro, Albania and parts of Kosovo. Visit our website for more information and get in touch if you have any questions: welcome@zalaz.org