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6,376 ft
2,387 ft
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3.4
6.8
13.5 mi
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near Theth, Shkodër (Albania)
Arapit is one of the most prominent mountains seen from the Theth Valley. The mountain is "merely 2217m high (while most surrounding it are 200m higher) but its impressive 800m south wall (considered the highest in the Balkans) plunges in one go down to the bottom of the valley, making it to one of the prime landmarks and destinations of many hikers.
At the foot of the mountain many caves are located, including Albania's longest horizontal cave. Bulgarians explored it to a lenght of 2585m (while rising 346m) and the western trail passes their camp.
See the summitpost entry if you're interested in climbing Arapit.
The track was recorded when guiding a group around Arapit, starting from the Roza Rupa guesthouse. The trail can be shortened by staying at the closest guesthouse (Mirash Kometa) or camping near the trailhead which is a fresh water spring (see waypoints). One can also approach the starting point by car, thus saving more than 9km distance. Be aware that the western approach is difficult to locate, follow the old road and then cairns into the forest.
The western route is rated more difficult as locals discontinued using it, hence the trail is overgrown and half-destroyed - orientation is often difficult, I recommend taking a guide for this part.
The eastern route follows the marked and well trodded donkey path up to Qafa e Pejes at the rim of the plateau from where the summit of Arapit can be scaled (see sepearate track)
It's higly recommended to ascend on the steeper western trail and descend on the good path from Qaf Pejes.
On your way up you will pass two caves, the first one you can enter without special equipment but to advance further caving equipment is required. Near the entrance one will find the prepared camp spots and outdoor kitchen of the cavers.
Skip through the waypoints for more detailed description of the trail.
Expect walking times of around 10h.
Please be cautionous as the western route leads close to a cliff and is often slippery, the high karst plateau on the backside of Arapit (at around 2000m) is often hit be adverse weather conditions.
At the foot of the mountain many caves are located, including Albania's longest horizontal cave. Bulgarians explored it to a lenght of 2585m (while rising 346m) and the western trail passes their camp.
See the summitpost entry if you're interested in climbing Arapit.
The track was recorded when guiding a group around Arapit, starting from the Roza Rupa guesthouse. The trail can be shortened by staying at the closest guesthouse (Mirash Kometa) or camping near the trailhead which is a fresh water spring (see waypoints). One can also approach the starting point by car, thus saving more than 9km distance. Be aware that the western approach is difficult to locate, follow the old road and then cairns into the forest.
The western route is rated more difficult as locals discontinued using it, hence the trail is overgrown and half-destroyed - orientation is often difficult, I recommend taking a guide for this part.
The eastern route follows the marked and well trodded donkey path up to Qafa e Pejes at the rim of the plateau from where the summit of Arapit can be scaled (see sepearate track)
It's higly recommended to ascend on the steeper western trail and descend on the good path from Qaf Pejes.
On your way up you will pass two caves, the first one you can enter without special equipment but to advance further caving equipment is required. Near the entrance one will find the prepared camp spots and outdoor kitchen of the cavers.
Skip through the waypoints for more detailed description of the trail.
Expect walking times of around 10h.
Please be cautionous as the western route leads close to a cliff and is often slippery, the high karst plateau on the backside of Arapit (at around 2000m) is often hit be adverse weather conditions.
It's possible to enter but to advance into further one needs caving equipment. The entrance is a nice place to cool down in the icy breeze on a hot day.
Quite a scramble to make it up to the entrance where a steep wall of sharp karst awaits you - rather to be avoided.
The annual caving expedition from Bulgaria created terraced camp spots and a big outdoor kitchen in the small stretch of vegetation next to the talus.
It's possible for you to camp her but (often muddy) fresh water can only be found with the first cave.
Year around water source with shady spots inviting you for a break nearby. Start looking for the western route here if you missed the old road further down. The marked trail from here will lead you to Qafa e Pejes.
This is the furthest point cars will take you, from you have to continue on a marked path through the debris / river bed created by seasonal heavy rain fall.
The overhang is visibly from afar due to it's colorful rocks. During adverse conditions one can look for shelter here or just stop for picnic.
You reached the highest point, camping here is possibe though there's no clean fresh water source nearby. Keep in mind though that winds can blow over people here!
After you leave the forest try to find the trail, look for tramped down grass and enjoy the views back towards Theth and the Jezerca Massif.
The ruined walls of a former stan, a high altiude pasture. Note that this once was the highly frequented main connection between Kelmend and Theth.
Start your descend, the route can be difficult to find though and is often pilled with snow until way into summer.
The turn off for Maja e Arapit is signposted, see the separate trail for directions. Plan to spend 3h for the return walk.
Turn off towards Arapit to cross the karst plateau, especially in late spring and early summer watch out for crevasses. The plateau is often snow covered till August.
Orientation here can be difficult keep an eye on Arapit and look for the easiest trails, unfortunately there are no landmarks that help with navigation.
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GjonBala Mar 16, 2014
Geografie
Albanie heeft een oppervlakte van +28.000 vierkante kilometer. In het noorden vormen de Alpen de grens met Kosovo In het westen ligt de
Adriatische zee, in het zuiden de Ionische zee en in het osten liggen de Ohrid meer en de Prespa meer, en Macedoni en Grikenland. Het land telt ruim 3.5 miljoen inwoners. De hoofdstad van Albanie is Tirana.
Landschap
Albanie heeft een prachtige natuur. Denk aan de majestueuze Maja e Karanfilave “Alpen “, de glooiende heuvels in het oosten Baba Tomorri en het ruwe berglandschap van de Mirdita. Ongeveer driekwart van Albanie is bergachtig, ruim 40% procent is bebost, In het noorden liggen de grote bergen waaronder het Malesia e Madhe, Kelmendi.
Het klimaat in Albanie
Albanie heeft voor het grootste deel een mediterraan klimaat met warme zomers en zachte winters. In het noorden is het kouder dan in het zuiden. Het klimaat in het noorden is enigszins vergelijkbaar met dat in Nederland, maar met koudere winters en warmere zomers. In de Alpen en Malesia heerst een hooggebergteklimaat en valt vaak sneeuw. Op Saranda, Dhermiu is het gemiddeld warmer dan in de rest van Albanie en valt minder neerslag. https://www.wikiloc.com/outdoor-trails/maja-arapit-harapit-arapi-from-theth-circumnavigation-of-the-great-wall-3666422#wp-3666424/photo-1676098
jimbo199 Jun 11, 2019
I have followed this trail verified View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Moderate
Did this trail early June, the instructions were very detailed and easy to follow. We camped the night approximately half way through the loop. We had to camp on snow and spent a lot of time walking on snow. Would recommend camping on either of the passes.