Maja e Vajushës (Vajusha Peak) is a summit of about 2,050 metres on the Albania–Montenegro border, in the Kelmend area of the Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps). Most hikers start from the village of Lëpushë. The return hike is roughly 9–11 km with 500–750 m of climbing, which takes a group five to seven hours. It is a moderate hike, with no scrambling, but it calls for good shoes, warm layers and a guide who knows the way when the clouds come down.
This is not a route guide written from a desk. It is what we saw on a recent group hike to the summit, which we reached inside a cloud, with our own photos from the day. We have added two other days from our group trips: a boat day on the Shala River and a walk through Ohrid with a local guide.
Maja e Vajushës at a glance
- Height: about 2,050 m (published figures range from 2,056 to 2,059 m)
- Where: Kelmend, Shkodër County, on the border with Montenegro
- Start: Lëpushë village
- Distance and climb: about 9–11 km return, 500–750 m of ascent, depending on the route
- Time: 5–7 hours at a relaxed group pace, including breaks
- Difficulty: moderate; fitness and sure footing matter more than technique
- Best season: early summer to early autumn, when the high pastures are free of snow
Our group hike, step by step
Through the beech forest
The day began below the tree line, on open grass above a cluster of wooden shepherds' huts, with a wall of beech forest rising into low cloud. It is the gentlest part of the hike, and a good moment for a guide to set the pace, check everyone's layers and explain the plan for the day.
Onto the high pastures
Above the trees the landscape opens into wide, rolling pastures. The path is clear underfoot, but in fog the slopes all look alike, so the group climbed in one line behind the guide, with nobody left at the back.
Stone ruins in the meadow
On the plateau the trail passes the long, roofless walls of old stone buildings, standing alone in the grass. In the mist they were one of the few landmarks we could see, and a natural place for a short break before the last climb.
A summit inside a cloud
We reached the top in thick fog, with rain jackets zipped and hoods up. There was no view of the surrounding peaks that day, which on a clear day is the reason most people come. Nobody seemed to mind: the summit photo is all raised hands and smiles.
Hiking in fog: what we tell every group
Mountain weather in northern Albania changes fast, and fog is common on the high pastures even in summer. A foggy day can still be a good day out if you plan for it:
- Go with someone who knows the route. On open, rolling ground with few markers, fog hides the landmarks you would steer by.
- Bring a waterproof jacket and a warm layer, even on a warm morning. Wet cloud cools you quickly at 2,000 metres.
- Wear shoes with grip. Wet grass and loose stones are slippery, especially on the way down.
- Keep the group together and agree on a turnaround time before you set off.
- Download the route offline as a back-up; mobile signal is patchy near the border.
If you want more ideas for where to walk, see our list of the best hikes in Albania.
Other days on our group trips
A boat day on the Shala River
On a clear autumn day, a group travelling with MexVentures took the boat across Komani Lake to the Shala River, a turquoise river between steep limestone walls that many visitors call Albania's fjords. The pebble beaches, the boat jetty and the cliffs make it one of the most photographed days in the north.
To plan your own visit, read our Shala River guide and our Komani Lake ferry guide, or join the boat trip on North Albania in 3 Days.
Ohrid with a local guide
Over the border in North Macedonia, Ohrid is a short drive from the lake's Albanian shore. On our Ohrid days a local guide leads the walk through the old town, its churches and lanes, while our own tour leader looks after the group and the timing of the day.
The old town climbs from the lakeshore in a tangle of lanes, churches and tiled roofs, with the mountains across the water. It is a place best seen on foot and with someone who can tell its stories.
Read our guide to a day trip to Ohrid from Tirana, or book the Ohrid and St Naum day tour.
How we run group hikes
Every group travels with an Albania Inbound tour leader and in our own vehicles, so the transfers to remote trailheads like Lëpushë are part of the trip rather than something you arrange yourself. Our confirmed group departures take no more than 15 travellers.
Maja e Vajushës is not a fixed stop on our standard itineraries. We organise it for groups, clubs and friends travelling together: tell us your dates and group size through our private group request. To join other travellers on a fixed date, see our confirmed departures, or our Albania 6 Day Hike Tour through Theth and Valbona. New to group travel? Here is how joining a group tour in Albania works.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Maja e Vajushës?
About 2,050 metres. Published figures range from 2,056 to 2,059 metres, depending on the map.
Where does the Maja e Vajushës hike start?
Most hikers start from Lëpushë, a mountain village in Kelmend, in the far north of Albania near the border with Montenegro. The drive there from Shkodër takes several hours on mountain roads.
How difficult is the hike?
It is a moderate day hike: roughly 9–11 km return with 500–750 metres of ascent, on grassy slopes and rocky paths. There is no climbing, but you need reasonable fitness and good footwear, and the route-finding is harder in fog.
Can you hike Maja e Vajushës in fog or rain?
Yes, with a guide who knows the route and the right clothing. Fog hides the views and the landmarks, so stay together, agree a turnaround time and turn back if the weather gets worse.
When is the best time to hike Maja e Vajushës?
From early summer to early autumn, when the high pastures are free of snow. Mornings are often clearer, and autumn brings red and gold colours to the slopes.
Can Albania Inbound organise this hike for a group?
Yes. We plan it for private groups, with transport, a tour leader and local guides, and it combines well with the Shala River and Theth. Send us your dates through our private group request form.
