Shebenik: the long slog to a remote mountain

Mali i Shebenikut (Shebenik) is the highest mountain in the chain south of Korab along the border to Macedonia. It gave the Shebenik-Jabllanice cross-border national park its name. We are not sure how actively the idea of the park is still pursued. Shebenik may not be more remote than many other mountains in Albania, but it certainly feels so. Our return trip clocked 21 kilometers, including occasionally getting lost. The trail runs partly on disused and overgrown forest roads, on poorly marked trails, or just across grassy slopes. On the lower slopes, we had to bushwhack through secondary growth. Perhaps it might be useful to get a local guide, though we are not sure where from. 

This is a rather long hike. Take plenty of water (there is some water in the upper reaches, and at the lakes near the summit). The hike follows mainly the summit ridges. Shebenik consists of three peaks, with the marked peak being the highest (the other two are 10 and 50 meters lower, respectively). Some white and red markings appear from time to time, but do not seem to be reliable for a summit attempt.  

The "longer version" of the trail follows a road. the "shorter version"is a bushwhack. Take your pick.

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