SNOWSHOEING IN ALBANIA
Snowshoeing in White Albania
DAY 1
AIRPORT “MOTHER TERESA”- BERAT CITY
Albania Adventure guides will wait for you at Tirana International Airport to continue our journey toward the city of Berat, one of the main cultural centers of Albania, located in the south of the country. It is surrounded by mountains and hills, including Tomorri Mountain on the east that was declared a National Park.
Berat, designated a UNESCO World Heritage, comprises a unique style of architecture with influences from several civilizations that have managed to coexist for centuries throughout the history. Like many cities in Albania, Berat comprises an old fortified city filled with churches and mosques painted with grandiose wealth of visible murals and frescos. Accommodation in a friendly hotel.
DAY 2
SNOWSHOEING IN TOMORRI MOUNTAIN
After breakfast we start driving for around 1h 15 m in direction of Holy mountain of Tomorri. As soon as we arrive we do the check-in in the hotel located near Ujanik village and get ready to start our adventure.
The ascent of this day is from northeast side part of the mountain.
Starting the ascent from 1350 m up to 2390 m.
Tomorr is a holy mountain for Albanian, and it is a site where annual pilgrimages take place during the second half of August. Mount Tomorr is the most frequented sacred place in Albania and is associated with Baba Tomor. Baba Tomor means “Father Tomor” in Albanian, and is related to the cult practiced on this mountain.
Distance: 11 km
Elevation gain: 1040 m
Elevation loss: 1040 m
DAY 3
SNOWSHOEING IN TOMORRI MOUNTAIN – TYRBJA E ABAZ ALIUT
On this day with 4×4 vehicles we drive up to 1500 m, at the Abaz Ali Teqe where we will start the snowshoeing adventure.
Starting from 1500 m to ascent 2390 m altitude. Distance 17 km
Elevation gain: 1200 m
Elevation loss: 1200 m
Accommodation in the same hotel.
DAY 4
PERMET TOWN
We leave the Tomorr area to go in in direction of Permet town.
We will be travelling across villages and cities with a small density population. In this part of not well-developed Albania time seems to go slowly. This is obviously noticed from the old road infrastructure which date back in the communism era. As we pass through mountains and hills in southern Albania we will achieve inexperienced inner peace. The famous Permet’s thermal baths will be visited. They are located in Benje region, part of Permet city. The sulfur based waters spring from six sources at the massive rocks ground, on both sides of Langarice River. Four from these sources are distinguished for their curative effects of chronic rheumatism, stomach and on related diseases. Benje’s thermal waters reach a temperature of 26 -32°C.
Accommodation in Permet.
DAY 5
SNOWSHOEING IN DHEMBELI MOUNTAIN
On this day we will go for snowshoeing in Dhembeli Mountain 2064 m, situated on the border between Gjirokastër and Përmet. We will climb up with 4×4 up to 1300 m for just 10 km driving. This is one of the most suitable mountains of Albania for snowshoeing. On the road to the top we will visit some huts which are used only during the summer from the local shepherds. At the top we can admire the stunning view of the Zagori valley.
Accommodation in Permet.
DAY 6
Snowshoeing in Gramos Mountain– Cukapeci peak
Departing with 4×4 in direction of Starje village.
Staring from 1460 m to 2523 m altitude.
Part of the larger northern Pindus mountain range, its highest peak, Maja e Çukapeçit, rises at an elevation of 2,523 m
Distance: 11 km
Elevation gain: 1063 m
Elevation loss: 1063 m
After our snowshoeing adventure we will go in direction of Korca town, where we will be accommodate. At 850 meters above the sea, surrounded by the Morava Mountains, it is located. Called City of Serenades, City of Love, City of Arts, City of the first Albanian language school, City of Beer, Little Paris.
All this is Korça, considered the cradle of Albania’s literary and artistic identity. Historical documents date the city back to the early middle Ages – the first half of the 15th century – when the province of Korça was under the control of the feudal Muzakaj family.
DAY 7
VISIT TIRANA CITY
The broad boulevards, the monumental mosaic that decorates the National Museum walls, the glory of Albanian Independence. A small deviation toward the Block zone, referred to the previous nomenclature of the communist regime in Albania, and a visit in the house of the ex-dictator Enver Hoxha. This is the most vibrant area in the city, with many bars, clubs, restaurants, etc. Accommodation in a nice hotel in very good location.
DAY 8
AIRPORT “MOTHER TEREZA”
Depending on your flight schedule will be depart to the airport “Mother Tereza”