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For the trail · alpventurer.com/maja-skarpa

Maja Skarpa, impressive views in Sharr Mountains

Maja Skarpa · Kosovo

Difficulty
Moderate
Water
No water source; take around 2 litres
Parking
Free

In short

Maja Skarpa is a moderate hike in Kosovo’s Sharr Mountains, starting from Zaplluxhe. The route covers 21.1 km, gains 1,100 m and reaches 2,476 m. There is no water source on the route, so take around 2 litres. The trail is suitable for hiking from summer and for snowshoeing in winter.

The route

Distance
21.1 km
Ascent
+1,100 m
Descent
−1,190 m
High point
2,476 m
Lowest point
1,293 m

A Zaplluxhe: 42.12839, 20.76340▲ Maja Skarpa: 42.07781, 20.78438

Elevation profile of Maja Skarpa, impressive views in Sharr MountainsStarts at 1,296 m, climbs 1,100 m in total to a high point of 2,466 m after 10.1 km, and finishes at 1,293 m; 19.6 km in all.1,500 m2,000 m2,500 m0 km2 km4 km6 km8 km10 km12 km14 km16 km18 kmZaplluxheMaja Skarpa · 2,466 m

Walking time, without breaks

  • Relaxed10 h 50 min
  • Average8 h 40 min
  • Fast6 h 55 min

How steep

  • Under 8% 5.0 km
  • 8 to 15% 7.1 km
  • 15 to 25% 7.1 km
  • Over 25% 0.5 km

In two parts

  • Up to Maja Skarpa 10.1 km · +1,173 m
  • Back down to Zaplluxhe 9.5 km · −1,176 m

What to pack

Every hike

  • Water: about 3.5 litres (half a litre an hour), all of it: no water on the way
  • 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

The guide

Maja Skarpa is a very beautiful mountain which is located in the southern part of Kosovo, on the border between Kosovo and Macedonia. The elevation of Maja Skarpa mountain is 2’476 m/alt and it is part of Sharr Mountains range. During this hike, you can enjoy a lot of beautiful 360-degree views of the mountains which surround this mountain peak.

Snow-covered ridges and distant peaks on Maja Skarpa in Kosovo beneath a clear blue sky

How to get there

The starting point for this hike is to the village called Zaplluxhe, which is located in the town of Dragash, southern Kosovo. To go to Dragash, first of all, you need to follow the road to Prizren. After you arrive at Prizren, follow the road to Dragash, after 25 km, in the village of Plavë, turn left to Zaplluxhe. The distance is around 10 km. In Zaplluxhe you can find a mini market to buy food and drinks.

About the Maja Skarpa hike

A lone hiker crosses a snowy ridge at Maja Skarpa, with snow covered Sharr Mountains beneath a clear blue sky
When you arrive at Zaplluxhe, head up to a place called Guri i Zi, which is the starting point for this hike. The hike is moderate, and ascending is gradual, you will go through some hills until you will arrive at the ridge. There you will follow the ridge to the peak. The view from the peak is extremely impressive. From there, you can enjoy the view of the Sharr Mountains, and the view of Pashtrik mountain. I hiked this mountain during the winter, and the trail was great for snowshoeing too. During the summer, the trail is meadowy and easy to follow. The sunset from this mountain is very impressive too, for the reason that the sun sets in front of you, behind the Pashtrik mountain.

Snowy Maja Skarpa summit with distant snow covered ranges beneath a clear blue sky

There isn’t any water source, therefore take around 2 liters of water.

Points of interest:

Starting point: Zaplluxhe, Kosovo

Starting altitude: 1’285 m/alt

Highest altitude: 2’476 m/alt

Elevation gain: 1’100 m/alt