Radomire – Mt. Capi i Kuq – Grama

We leave our base at Mt. Korab to head back into the highlands. Climbing up an old patrol route towards the border we see the “brezi i bute”, a stretch of sand created to detect footsteps. The peaceful surroundings we enjoy so carefree today hold a gloomy past. They were under strong surveillance during communism in Albania and trespassers, if not fatally punished on the spot, would be sent together with their families to forced labor camps. From the highest point of today’s hike, we overlook the wide plain of the glacial shaped valley with flocks of thousands of sheep roaming freely. We pass by a glacial lake where we can dip our feet into the refreshing cold. Tonight the shepherds of the Kaloshi clan welcome us into their modest wooden huts on the so-called Ladies Pasture at 1.770 m altitude. There’s no phone signal, electricity or a shower. Instead we receive warm hospitality and unique insights into their daily work and life – today’s also your best chance to try milking a sheep. At night we sit under the endless night sky around a bonfire before falling asleep.