For the trail · alpventurer.com/maja-e-boshit
Maja e Boshit 2’416 m/alt, stunning views of three Valleys
Maja e Boshit 2’416 m/alt · Albania
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Water
- Valbona River is the first and last source; carry around 3 litres
- Parking
- Free
In short
Maja e Boshit is a hard, rocky hike from Fusha e Gjes’ in Valbonë, Albania. The route covers 18.4 km with 1,678 m of ascent and reaches 2,416 m. The Valbonë River is the first and last water source, so carry around 3 litres.
The route: Summer route
- Distance
- 18.4 km
- Ascent
- +1,678 m
- Descent
- −1,501 m
- High point
- 2,416 m
- Lowest point
- 1,091 m
A Fusha e Gjes’, Valbona: 42.41252, 19.84610▲ Maja e Boshit: 42.38618, 19.82764
Walking time, without breaks
- Relaxed13 h 35 min
- Average10 h 55 min
- Fast8 h 45 min
How steep
- Under 8% 1.4 km
- 8 to 15% 0.3 km
- 15 to 25% 2.0 km
- Over 25% 6.2 km
In two parts
- Up to Maja e Boshit 5.4 km · +1,501 m
- Back down to Maja e Boshit 4.5 km · −1,296 m
The route: Winter route
- Distance
- 13.2 km
- Ascent
- +1,629 m
- Descent
- −1,511 m
- High point
- 2,403 m
- Lowest point
- 1,002 m
A Fusha e Gjes’, Valbona: 42.42570, 19.87071B Maja e Boshit: 42.41025, 19.84240▲ High point: 42.38612, 19.82789
Walking time, without breaks
- Relaxed12 h 35 min
- Average10 h 5 min
- Fast8 h 5 min
How steep
- Under 8% 4.1 km
- 8 to 15% 1.0 km
- 15 to 25% 1.6 km
- Over 25% 6.5 km
In two parts
- Up to the high point 8.3 km · +1,525 m
- Down to Maja e Boshit 4.8 km · −1,389 m
What to pack
Every hike
- Water: about 4 litres (half a litre an hour)
- Rain jacket
- A warm layer (fleece or light down)
- Sun cap, sunglasses and sun cream
- Boots or trail shoes with good grip
- Phone with the map offline, and a power bank
- Small first aid kit
- Headlamp, in case it gets late
- Some cash and your ID
For the summit
- Hat and gloves: it is colder and windier at the top
- Walking poles, for the way down
For a long day
- Lunch, and a snack for every two hours
- Salty snacks or electrolytes
- Blister plasters
Snow and ice
- Microspikes or crampons, as the snow needs
- Gaiters
- Insulated jacket and spare gloves
- A hot drink in a flask
- Check the avalanche bulletin before you go
The guide
Maja e Boshit is a hard, rocky hike in the Accursed Mountains of Albania, also known as the Albanian Alps or Prokletije. The route from Fusha e Gjes’ in Valbonë covers 18.4 km, with 1,678 m of ascent and a high point of 2,416 m.
The summit offers 360-degree views and is the only peak in the Albanian Alps with views of all three valleys: Theth, Valbonë Valley and Curraj i Epërm. The hike starts in Valbonë Valley National Park, also written Valbona.
Points of interest
| Starting point | Fusha e Gjes’, Valbonë |
|---|---|
| Starting altitude | 949 m |
| Distance | 18.4 km |
| Elevation gain | 1,678 m |
| Elevation loss | 1,501 m |
| Highest point | Maja e Boshit, 2,416 m |
| Difficulty | Hard |
| Water | Valbonë River is the first and last source. Carry around 3 litres. |
| Food and accommodation | Guesthouses in Valbonë Valley |
How to get to Valbonë Valley
Valbonë Valley is 22 km from Bajram Curri. Reaching Bajram Curri from Tirana takes around four hours. The bus station in Tirana is in front of Asllan Rusi Sports Center.
You can also reach Bajram Curri from Prishtina, Kosovo:
- Take a bus from Prishtina Main Bus Station to Gjakova Bus Station.
- From Gjakova, take a bus to Bajram Curri.
About the Maja e Boshit hike
The route passes through meadows and forest before climbing over rocky terrain to Qafa e Zhabores, Boshi Pass and the summit.
Reach Rrogam and cross the Valbonë River
First, reach Rrogam village. You can pay for a local taxi or walk the 4 km to Rrogam.
From Rrogam, take the north side of the valley, on the left, and continue through the meadows. You will cross the Valbonë River. This is the first and last water source on the route.
Through the forest to Qafa e Zhabores
After the river, the trail enters the forest for around 1 km. Pay attention here so you do not lose the route. After the forest, turn left and follow the signs towards Qafa e Zhabores.
The view from Qafa e Zhabores is impressive.
Boshi Pass and the Maja e Boshit summit
From Qafa e Zhabores, descend around 100 m, then take the right towards Boshi Pass. The summit is around 200 m from the pass.
This part of the route is rocky, and you may need to use your hands in some sections. At the 2,416 m summit, the views open in every direction, including the three valleys of Valbonë, Theth and Curraj i Epërm.
Water, food and guesthouses in Valbonë
There are no further water sources after the Valbonë River crossing. I would suggest carrying around 3 litres of water for this hike.
Valbonë Valley has plenty of inexpensive, traditional and cosy guesthouses. They also serve very good food. During summer, the guesthouses are usually full, so book early.
Maja e Boshit difficulty and winter safety
This is a hard hike with 1,678 m of ascent, rocky terrain and sections where you may need your hands. Take care with navigation in the forest.
The winter trail is different from the summer trail. Although the peak can be easier in winter, avalanche danger can make it dangerous.
More hikes in the Accursed Mountains
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Maja e Boshit hike?
The route from Fusha e Gjes’ in Valbonë is 18.4 km, with 1,678 m of ascent and 1,501 m of descent. The highest point is Maja e Boshit at 2,416 m.
Is the Maja e Boshit hike difficult?
Yes, this is a hard hike through rocky terrain, and you may need to use your hands in some sections. Navigation through the roughly 1 km forest section also needs care.
Is there water on the Maja e Boshit trail?
The Valbonë River is the first and last water source on the route. Carry around 3 litres of water.
Which valleys can you see from Maja e Boshit?
The summit offers 360-degree views, including the valleys of Valbonë, Theth and Curraj i Epërm.
Can you hike Maja e Boshit in winter?
The winter route differs from the summer route. Although the peak can be easier in winter, avalanches can make it dangerous.
Where can you sleep and eat before the hike?
Valbonë Valley has inexpensive, traditional guesthouses that also serve food. They are usually full in summer, so book early.