Maja e Kollates 2556m Winter Hike

Hiking to Kollata peak is one of the most beautiful and challenging hikes in the Accursed Mountains. The peak is located in the border between Montenegro and Albania and it is part of Kolata massif. The elevation of this peak is 2’556 m/alt. There are several paths to go to Kollata peak, but this time we did from Valbona National Park.
After crossing the bridge of the Valbona River, which is the last water source for this hike, you will follow the path to a small Valley. On the left side, you will see Maja e Thatë peak (2’406 m/alt), one of the most difficult mountain peaks to climb .
You follow the path in the right which leads you to a rocky hill, in this period covered by snow, where you need to use ice axe and crampons to climb. After this you have to turn right to continued in a transverse 50-70 m, this is the most difficult part because it is very exposed. Here you need also rope to be more secure. However, after this, you will continue to the neck of the mountain between Zla Kolata, Good Kollata and Kollata Peak. There you can climb the Maja e Kollatës peak (2’556 m/alt),
After you reach the Maja e Kollatës peak, you can continue straight to a part called the Balcony. Surely the most beautiful part of the trail, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the Valbona Valley. I think there is the best view of this valley comparatively to all other peaks. The terrain is rocky and, in some places, slippery, for this reason, this peak is usually climbed during the summer. It is climbed very rarely during the winter.
During the descent we cut for short but do not use this part to ascent because this part is very steep and in early morning this part is icy.