Two for One and Zhllima

This is a long trail of almost 16 kilometer, requiring good orientation, river crossings (in winter), and other obstacles. But then, you will be rewarded with many experiences and some good (in)sights into what must be the most remote area west of Tirana.

Our original route-finding experience extended to 18.3 kilometer and more than 1100 meter cumulative altitude gain, and finished while trying to negotiate extraordinarily muddy trails and to cross several swollen rivers (including Zhllima e Madhe) over doubtful makeshift bridges in pouring rain and approaching darkness.

The trail straddles the border between Tirana and Elbasan region, climbing the worthy peak of ShenMarie, and the higher - but perhaps less worthy - Kodra e Luncit with its antennas. Specifically, the hiker will venture into the communes of Baldushk (Tirana Region), Gracen (Elbasan Region) and Berzhite (Tirana Region). Interestingly, dirt roads to the villages close to the these mountains only connect to their districts and their respective district capitals, with few paths connecting the communities across the district boundaries.

Expectedly, views into all directions abound. It should be possible, without much difficulty, to climb the two mountains separately, on shorter hikes - though then you don't get Two for One. Combining the two is certainly a good training exercise!

For more information, visit: http://www.palmtreeproduction.com/Hikes%20and%20Climbs/Albania%20Climbs/luncit/Luncit-gallery.html    http://www.palmtreeproduction.com/Hikes%20and%20Climbs/Albania%20Climbs/luncit/Luncit-gallery.html