PROKLETIJE (Karanfili – Severni vrh 2460 m)

The epicenter of all events at the Prokletije (Cursed) mountains is the valley of Grbaja. All marked trails starts from this place. Belgrade Preljina-Raska-Novi Pazar-Rozaje-Berane-Andrijevica-Plav-Gusinje is a route about 450 km long. From Gusinje, follow the signpost to the valley of Grbaja, which is 7 km away. At Grbaja is a mountain lodge “Branko Kotlajic”, which belongs to the mountaneering club “Radnicki” from Belgrade. Lodge is at 1160 m. Unfortunately, the lodge has no electricity or water, but there is a well somewhere behind the house. Most of the paths to the Prokletije peaks starts from this lodge. Half a mile from the lodge, there is an eco-village, where you can also overnight. It has electricity and water.

Mountain lodge “Branko Kotlajic”

In front of the lodge you will see a menacing prongs that tears the sky. These are the famous Prokletije – The Cursed Mountains. Most impressive peak is Ocnjak (the Fang), one of the most difficult peaks for climbing. We decided to climb the highest peak of Karanfili massif, called Severni vrh (North Peak), at 2460 m.

Ocnjak – The Fang

Karanfili

The trail is marked all the way to the top, just follow the yellow signposts.

Signs says 5 and a half hours to the top. We did it in for 4 hours. While you climbing, you will have a good look at less demanding peaks for climbing – Popadija, Volusnica and Talijanka.

Popadija, Volusnica and Talijanka

The trail to the top goes up. All the time you are climbing by a large angle! You will come to a glacier. You can pass it on both sides, but I recommend the left one, because there is a marked path. At the end of the glacier is a rock that you must climb, it’s not a big deal. Path leads through the gap that looks like door. That door leads to another world! When you go through that door, view is breathtaking! I felt like a child in a store full of toys and candys, like i was going from one room into another, even more beautiful! Incredible beauty nailed me to the rock, I enjoyed in these incredible views! Perfect, sharp fangs that tears the sky, beautiful and brutal at the same time. Most of them are on the Albanian side, but that does not diminish their beauty. I immediately spoted Maja Jezerce (2694 m), the highest peak of Albanian Prokletija. Terrific!

Maja Jezerce

From the North Peak is a wonderful view wherever you look. You do not need much to fall in love with these mountains.

Karanfili peak

So, this is physically very demanding tour, but it is worth. Your knees will be in pain, but you will experience love at first sight. Anyone who sees Prokletije stays in love with them and comes back again. On your way back, you can visit lake of Plav and enjoy the view at the mountain Visitor (2211 m).

Visitor

Lake of Plav

August 2013.