Mali i Gurit

Mali i Gurit has been on our mind for quite some time, as it is a prominent mountain seen from Librazhd. The road from Librazhd to Peshkopi - now being upgraded - leads past its foot at Fushë Studën.

Fushë Studën and Stebleve are central to the Jablanica - Shebenik National Park, though there is not yet much infrastructure. Some cabins have been under construction near Stebleve for the past several years, and Hotel Hasa in Studën has been renovated but is still very basic.

Mali i Gurit may not seem very high when in Fushe Studën, but it still is a respectable mountain. There are some logging roads that lead close to its summit, and there are some defunct military installations. It is possible to follow some roads for very short stretches, but most of the ascent is along narrow trails, sheep trails, or without trail.

We happened upon a very cold but clear day, and views were almost like never had before. One easily could make out the mountains from as far as Kukes (Gjallica Mountain) in the North, and Valamares and Tomorri in the South. And of course views reached from the Macedonia border in the East to Dajti Mountain in the West.

A special bonbon of the trip was our encounter with a horned viper, sometimes considered to be the most venomous snake in Europe. It didn't bother us, and we didn't bother it, and we departed leaving it motionless in the soon-to-be freezing night.

We continued from the summit towards waypoint 12, which is what appears to be summit when seen from Librazhd. This did add about two kilometers to the hike.

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