If you’re looking for a great day hiking adventure, the trail to Gashi River from the village of Begaj in Tropoje, Albania, should definitely be on your list. This stunning trail offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural immersion that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
The trail starts at the charming village of Begaj, which is nestled in the heart of the Albanian Alps. From there, you’ll begin your journey on a 10-kilometer-long trail that will take you through stunning landscapes, including the largest primary beech forest in the Albanian Alps, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.
About the Gashi River hike
The trail is relatively flat, with an elevation gain of only 220 meters and an elevation loss of the same amount, making it an excellent choice for beginners or those who prefer less strenuous hikes. Along the way, you’ll cross a few small streams and admire the stunning wildflowers and plants, including the Mediterranean, and endemic plant species, such as Heldreich’s pine (Pinus heldreichii), enhance the beech forest.
As you make your way through the trail, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Gashi River, which characterizes the area with a deeply carved valley. The wild river is a nature reserve spanning an area of 3,000 hectares and offering a unique natural diversity of the Albanian Alps. You’ll see the beech forest scrambling high up on its steep slopes, and the fir tree marks the montane aspect.
The Gashi River is a sight to behold, and you’ll have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in its crystal-clear waters or simply relax and take in the scenery. The river is stunning and holds historical significance, as it was an important trade route in the past.
Finally, the trail ends where you began, at the charming village of Begaj, where you can relax and immerse yourself in the local culture. You can indulge in traditional Albanian food and drink, interact with the locals, and learn more about this beautiful region’s fascinating history and customs.
In conclusion, hiking the trail to Gashi River from the village of Begaj in Tropoje, Albania, is an experience you should not miss. It offers an incredible combination of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural immersion, leaving you with unforgettable memories. So, pack your bags, put on your hiking boots, and head to this beautiful part of Albania for an adventure of a lifetime!
Points of interest:
Starting point: Begaj, Tropoje
Total distance: 20.5 km
Elevation gain: 210 m/alt
Check out the wikiloc trail; you can download and follow it:
Completely irresponsible to say this is an excellent choice for beginners.
At a certain point we found ourselves at a small ledge with a 500 meter drop at one side. AVOID THIS TRAIL AT ALL COST!
Hi Patrick,
Thanks for the comment!
Excellent choice for begginers since it has ONLY 200 meters elevation gain.
Additionally, you can always use the river stream channel to avoid walking in the ledge.
Elevation is not everything when you have to walk over a 40 cm wide crumbling path.
I REPEAT, TOO DANGEROUS and the directions to find it were crap too.
Hi, you can always walk into the canal if you find it dangerous.
this looks very appealing, when did you go? late may or begin of june?
keep on doing great job, granit. greetings.
Thank you so much man!
I went twice this year. End of April, and mid May.
Hey :) Can u provide info where we can find those wooden steps? I mean is it closer to Begaj, or at the end? :)
Hi, it is at the end.
Hi, I am looking to follow this hiking route in September. How is the easiest way to reach the start without a car? I’ll be coming from Valbona and was wondering if it is possible to cut across hiking or if I need to go all the way down to Bajram Curri first?
Thanks so much!
Hi Vanessa, to be honest, in Albania you should definitely have a car, or at least take a taxi. I think from Bajram Curri, you can find a lot of taxis.
Hi Granit,
Is there a parking area where we can leave our car? The village of Begaj looks very remote and I wasn’t able to find any spot. I’m only thinking about the restaurant – maybe they will allow to leave the car for couple of hours.
Thanks a lot!
Michał
Yes, you can live the car to this place here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DSCVpmj5nTE2cqMf8
Thanks for the kind words about Begaj. It’s the village of my ancestor’s and luckily my family still has land there. Safe travels!