Kodra, Kalasës, Rosavere and hiking around Krrabe

Rosavere is a somewhat fabled village near Krrabe, which is only available by foot. (We saw an old Mercedes Benz parked in the village, and there might be times in the year when a vehicle can ford the river and reach the village. It is unlikely, however, that driving to Rosaveres would be faster than walking from Krrabe). Rosavere, and the gorge it overlooks is rumored to have been the place where Enver Hoxha used to stash away huge amounts of gold coins and foreign currency reserves. After the transition, people started looking for the treasures, which however were never found.

While you are unlikely to discover gold, the trails are almost as much. We have been to Rosaveres on different paths, and different seasons, and every time it makes for a very beautiful outing. Almost all trails shown run, at least for short sections, along steep cliffs, making for wonderful views.
 
Kodra e Malit (the hill of the mountain) and Maja e Kalasës are the two highest points on the plateau east of Krrabe. While the "hills" of Kodra and Kalasës stand above the plateau for only a 100 meter or so, they offer good views, as do the trails. The final ascents to Kodra and Kalasës require some mild bushwhacking.

Mix and match the trails to your taste. Consider elevation gains and losses as per the map, before starting out.
 
Notes:
 
(i) the shortcut from the road near the radiotowers above Krrabe back to the trailhead requires good orientation, and we suggest to keep as close to the coordinates as possible.
 
(ii) The return trail from Rosaveres to Krrabe (going through waypoint 'caution) is a somewhat exposed. We met a shepherd along the way, who suggested that this trail might be suitable for men, but not for women. We can confirm that both women and men can manage the trail.  Near the waypoint caution,  many trails leading to the edge of the cliff. They look quite worn, but be Nottempted to follow them. These paths are used by people from Krrabe who cut wood on the mountain, and take them on their mules to the cliff. There, they throw the wood down the cliff, to be collected later. Don't become a piece of firewood and stay left (close to the mountain) as long as you can, until the terrain becomes easier and you can follow a well visible path down to Krrabe.  

For more info, visit:  http://www.palmtreeproduction.com/Hikes%20and%20Climbs/Albania%20Climbs/Rosaveres/Rosaveres%20gallery.html 

http://www.palmtreeproduction.com/Hikes%20and%20Climbs/Albania%20Climbs/Rosavere21/Rosaveres%2021%20gallery.html 

http://www.palmtreeproduction.com/Hikes%20and%20Climbs/Albania%20Climbs/Kodra%20and%20Kalases/Kodra%20and%20Kalases%20gallery.html 
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