LIQENAT I KUÇISHTES (KOSOVO) - BABINO POLJE (MONTENEGRO)

gallery/7. liqenat i kuqishtes - babino polje

Trail distance: 15.8 kilometers

Elevation min: 1,438 meters max: 2,276 meters

Cumulative height uphill: 1,151 meters downhill: 1,109 meters

Difficulty level: Moderate

Time: 7-8 hours

Markings to the border: red/white/red

from the border to Babino Polje: red circle/white fills

This day involves a transfer hike to Babino Polje, Montenegro. This is a relatively long hike which passes the border between Kosovo and Montenegro. It goes through beautiful mountain areas with many water sources, glacial lakes, and mountain passes featuring breathtaking views.

From Guri i Kuq to Babino Polje, there are no accommodation possivilities/ villages in between along the trail, but one can set up a tent. We suggest camping at Lugu i Shkodres pass (WP 4f ) or in between Jelenka pass and Ravno Brdo pass – near the small lake (WP 7f ). If you decide to divide this hike into two parts, the first day would be mostly ascending and the second day mostly descending. Considering the split up of the trail WP 7f, the length of the first day is 7.4 kilometers and the second day 8.4 kilometers. Please note that camping outside organized camping sites is not allowed in Montenegro.

It starts at Guri i Kuq Complex (WP 20e) and goes gently upwards south along an unpaved road, later becoming a hiking trail marked with red circles. After approx. 2.2 kilometers hiking uphill, we reach an amazing glacial lake. The locals call it Liqeni i Kucishtёs (WP 1f ). Our route follows northwest for approx. 500 meters and then southwest. A few meters further on, we reach a water source (WP 2f ) and a glacial lake called Liqeni i Drelajve (WP 3f ). Up to this point, the path is clearly visible, but after we pass the second glacial lake the path starts to become less noticeable and requires good orientation skills. A GPS device or a local guide is recommended for this part of the hike.

From Liqeni i Drelajve the route follows southwest uphill to the Lugu i Shkodrёs pass (WP 4f ). The pass is called Lugu i Shkodrёs (Shkodra pass) because it used to be the pass of an ancient path connecting this area with the city of Shkodra in Albania.

A water source can be found in Lugu i Shkodrёs pass (WP 5f ). Our route continues south uphill for approx. 400 meters until we reach Jelenka pass (WP 6f ). From here, we can see the valley of Babino Polje. We start the hike southeast downhill and after approx. 1.5 kilometers we see a small artificial lake (WP 7f ). The locals use this as a water reserve for donkeys, horses, etc. From here, the route follows southwest along a nearly-flat terrain until Ravno Brdo pass (WP 8f ) is reached. From Ravno Brdo pass, we have a very clear and beautiful view towards Babino Polje village. The path is not always visible because of the long grass, but it is not difficult to reach the village since we have a clear view of it. The path continues downhill and we see many shepherd huts (WP 9f ). After an approx. 1 kilometer hike downhill, we reach the village. After we cross the bridge (WP 10f ), we continue northwest along an unpaved road. Babino Polje is a nice option for an overnight stay and it is easy to find accommodation. One can stay in Armend Alija’s house, tel. +37744557386, WP 11f.

UTM waypoints

20e. 34 T 424800 4726178, 1420 m, Guri i Kuq Hotel

1f. 34 T 425369 4724425, 1876 m, Liqeni i Kucishtёs (lake)

2f. 34 T 426113 4724454, 1784 m, water source

3f. 34 T 426155 4724353, 1811 m, Liqeni i Drelajve (lake)

4f. 34 T 426800 4723160, 2188 m, Lugu i Shkodrёs pass

5f. 34 T 426885 4723124, 2191 m, water source

6f. 34 T 426804 4722822, 2272 m, Jelenka pass

7f. 34 T 426055 4721607, 2048 m, a small lake

8f. 34 T 424205 4718643, 2178 m, Ravno Brdo pass

9f. 34 T 422988 4717640, 1756 m, shepherd huts

10f. 34 T 422408 4717585, 1551 m, bridge