Liqenat, Kuqishte a great hiking trip in the border between Kosovo and Montenegro

· updated · 2 min read
A hiker crosses a snow covered lake beneath rocky, pine covered slopes on the Liqenat hike in winter
Liqenat, Kosovo
Distance
8.0 km
Ascent
+654 m
Descent
−494 m
High point
1,874 m
Difficulty
Easy
Season
Wintersnowshoeing

The route

Liqenat, on the map

From my own GPX track. Move along the elevation profile or along the line on the map: both show the same point.

Distance8.0km
Ascent+654m
Descent−494m
High point1,874m
DifficultyEasy

Walking time at your paceAn estimate without breaks, worked out from the distance and the climb.

  • Relaxed5 h 15 min
  • Average4 h 10 min
  • Fast3 h 20 min

Elevation

Elevation profile of Liqenat, Kuqishte a great hiking trip in the border between Kosovo and MontenegroStarts at 1,226 m, climbs 654 m in total to a high point of 1,893 m after 3.9 km, and finishes at 1,418 m; 6.6 km in all.1,500 m0 km1 km2 km3 km4 km5 km6 kmVila Guri i Kuq, KuqishteHigh point · 1,893 mFinish

How steep

  • 0.7 kmUnder 8%
  • 2.1 km8 to 15%
  • 2.4 km15 to 25%
  • 1.4 kmOver 25%

In two parts

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What to pack18 things, for a summit, snow, a swim

Every hike

For the summit

Snow and ice

Water and sun

The light for photographs

Today at the high point: sunrise 06:12, sunset 16:34.

Today at the high point: sunrise 06:12, sunset 16:34.

At the high point, 1,893 m, in local time (Europe/Belgrade), with an open horizon: the mountains around can hide the sun sooner.

In short

The Liqenat hike starts at Guri i Kuq in Kuqishte, Kosovo, and visits Kuqishtë and Drelaj lakes. It is an easy 8 km route with 654 m of ascent, reaching 1,874 m. The last water source is in the forest, so carry around 2 litres. In winter, the trail is suitable for snowshoeing.

Liqenat (also known as Leqinat) is a mountain lake and peak in the border between Kosovo and Montenegro located near Kuqishte village. If you are planning an outdoor day activity – moderate hiking trip, combined with a picnic in one of the 2 lakes, this place is perfect. This destination is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Kosovo.

A hiker in a red jacket walks through snow covered conifer forest in the Rugova Mountains

How to get there

The starting point for this hike is a restaurant called Vila Guri i Kuq, which is located in the village called Kuqishtë. Going there is very easy and the road is paved.

First, you need to go to the city of Peja, where you can find the last supermarkets. Then, you will follow the road to the Monastery of Peja which leads you to the beautiful Rugova Canyon. After passing through Rugova Canyon, you will go through a bridge. You need to turn left (Follow the signs to Vila Guri i Kuq). The restaurant serves great traditional meals. You can park the car, and start your hiking trip.

About the Liqenat hike

Snow-covered Liqenat lake beneath a rocky ridge dotted with evergreen trees in winter

From Guri i Kuq, Kuqishte you need to continue ascending through a forest, and there you can find the last water source. You just need to follow the signs through a sheep path and you will be to the first lake called Kuqishtë lake. The distance is around 2.5 km. There you can have a break and then move forward to the next lake called Drelaj lake. This lake is smaller than the first one. The distance between the two lakes is around 1.5 km. The path has signs and it is easy to follow.

During the winter this hiking trail is perfect for snowshoeing.

A hiker crosses a snow covered lake beneath rocky, pine covered slopes on the Liqenat hike in winter

This hike is an easy one, the total distance is around 8 km, therefore you need around 2 liters of water.

Points of interest:

Starting point: Restaurant Guri i Kuq, Peja

Starting altitude: 1’405 m/alt

Highest altitude: 1’874 m/alt

Elevation gain: 654 m/alt

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Questions and comments

1 comment

  1. Juhani

    During the winter there may be so much snow that it is (almost) impossible to get to the lakes without snowshoes. This was my case in February

    Reply

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