Kërçisht – Hinoske Pasture Trail
🌍 Distance: 15.7 km
⏳ Duration: 6-7 hours (one way)
⚡ Difficulty Level: Moderate
This scenic trail begins in Kërçisht Village and leads to the breathtaking Hinoske Pasture, passing through centuries-old landmarks and offering spectacular mountain views.
Along the way, stop to see the 250-year-old tree in Kërçisht and visit the ancient Eastern Orthodox churches of St. Demetrius and the Holy Church of Sotir. As the trail ascends Mount Kërçin (2300m), hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Drini Valley on one side and Mavrovo National Park in North Macedonia on the other. The trail ends at Hinoske Pasture, a peaceful alpine landscape surrounded by towering peaks, with Mount Velivar (2375m) dominating the horizon.
🛶 What to Expect:
- Historic churches and a centuries-old tree
- Panoramic views of the Drini Valley and Mavrovo National Park
- A high-altitude pasture, perfect for relaxation and photography
Maqellarë – Popinarë – Mount Velivar Trail
🌍 Distance: 15 km
⏳ Duration: 5-6 hours (one way)
⚡ Difficulty Level: Moderate
Starting in Maqellarë, this route winds through Popinarë Village before ascending to the peak of Mount Velivar (2375m).
The trail features fascinating historical and natural landmarks, including Turku Tower, a historic fortification, and Erebara Stone, a massive rock formation overlooking the valley. As you reach Mount Velivar, the highest point of the Korab-Deshati range, the views of the surrounding mountains and Black Drin River are simply breathtaking.
🛶 What to Expect:
- Historic sites, including Turku Tower and Erebara Stone
- A rewarding climb to one of Albania’s highest peaks
- Spectacular views of the Black Drin River and surrounding mountains
Melan – Hinoske Pasture Trail
🌍 Distance: 9.4 km
⏳ Duration: 3-4 hours (one way)
⚡ Difficulty Level: Easy
This gentle and scenic trail starts in Melan Village and leads to Hinoske Pasture, making it a perfect choice for hikers seeking a less strenuous experience.
Along the way, you’ll pass traditional Albanian villages, a historic watermill, and the village of Ilnicë. The trail is particularly stunning during early summer, when the wildflowers are in full bloom, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape.
🛶 What to Expect:
- A relaxing, easy hike through picturesque villages
- A historic watermill and lush alpine meadows
- Stunning wildflower landscapes in early summer
Poçest – Waterfall – Turku Tower Trail
🌍 Distance: 11 km
⏳ Duration: 4-5 hours (one way)
⚡ Difficulty Level: Moderate
This scenic trail begins in Poçest Village and leads to the Poçest Waterfall, a breathtaking 13-meter-high cascade that flows over a limestone rock face.
After passing the waterfall, the trail continues to Turku Tower, a small historic ruin that once served as a strategic viewing point for the region. Along the way, enjoy a beautiful meadow, perfect for resting and capturing stunning photos.
🛶 What to Expect:
- A picturesque 13m waterfall surrounded by limestone cliffs
- A scenic meadow for relaxation and photography
- Historic ruins with panoramic valley views
