Rabdisht – Peshkopi – Tirane

Today’s hike around the picturesque villages of Dibra makes for a smooth transition from the simplicity and rawness of alpine heights to the fast-paced life of the city. We walk across hills and pastures between those villages viewed from above yesterday. Lack of road access has seen the once prosperous area fall behind. Locals still live largely off their own harvest and, lacking opportunities,the youth leaves en mass. Visiting Zagrad, Cerjan and Bellove we take a closer look at traditional stone houses, meet locals and are surely invited for a coffee. In the early afternoon we continue by car to Tirana. The modern capital’s turmoil is a stark contrast to what we have experienced on the trek, showing a very different, more contemporary side of the country. On an evening stroll along the main boulevard, we learn about the origins and influences that shaped the city. During our last dinner together we look back on an eventful week and the highlights on the Balkan’s youngest long distance trail. Time to wish farewell to each other.