Mali i Sukes in Winter

Mali i Sukes could well be the "houseberg" of Burrel, if the gaze of ambitious mountaineers would not wander off to Mali i Dejes (see separate page). Mali i Sukes is the northern exponent of the wild mountainous area that stretches roughly (in west-east direction) between Tirana and the Macedonian border, and (in north-south direction) between Burrel and Elbasan. The area is sparsely inhabited and rather difficult to access. 

 

Mali i Sukes is high enough to be on the wishlist of any ambitious hiker in Albania. With 1717 Meter, it is higher than Dajti Mountain, and also a close match of Mali i Skenderbeut (near Qafe Shtame). Most importantly, it offers a completely new perspective into the Mat River basin.

 

Mali i Sukes has been subjected to much deforestation, and many logging roads criss-cross the mountain and surrounding area. We do not know whether the logging continues. It makes Mali i Sukes an objective for the winter season, when snow thankfully covers the damage.

 

The indicated hiking time will be considerably shorter without snow cover.

 

To reach the trailhead, a 4WD vehicle is necessary. We parked and started walking before we reached the end of the road, as there has been rockfall and winter damage. If you drive up to the end of the road, it will save you 1.25 kilometers or 30 minute walking. 

 

Minibuses (Furgons) go up to Gurra e Vogel and you can walk from there. This will add another 2.5 kilometer (one way) to the trail, plus another 320 meter elevation gain.

For more information, see:  http://www.palmtreeproduction.com/Hikes%20and%20Climbs/Albania%20Climbs/Sukes/Sukes%20Gallery.html