Part of the Natural Park Korab-Koritnik, the new long distance hiking path “Shtegu i Ngjyrave” or “Trail of Colors,” named after its spectacular array of nature’s most dazzling hues, is one of the newest favorite outdoor destinations among adventurers and hikers.

 Located near the Kosovo-Albanian-Macedonian border, the beautiful trail passes through the Çaja mountain in Kukës and stretches until Korab Valley. The Trail of Colors, as it is popularly referred to, is best visited in the summer. It is in this season that the vast fields of flowers showcase the colorful spectacle the trail is named after.

Trail of Colors, photo by Afrim Tahiraj

About the 7-hour-long trail

There are several connecting trails and exits along the path which take you to residential areas and which exhibit varying degrees of hiking difficulty. The largest section of the trail, around 150 km, is located within Albanian territory and extends along the Korab-Koritnik park, the latter a well-known Alpine meadow and habitat of wild species. With local guides, however, the trail is entirely safe and truly spectacular. So much so that we assure you, you will be mesmerized the entire way. The seven hours that it takes to hike across this trail really do fly by!

Trail of Colors, photo by Afrim Tahiraj

Trail of Colors, photo by Afrim Tahiraj

This area is known for its idyllic pastures and ideal livestock raising conditions. In fact, because of its vast meadows, before the ‘90s, about 50 thousand farm animals were raised here. The beautiful area is also known for its traditional cuisine as well as the sport of skiing, as it hosts annual skiing competitions. More than 200 people have visited since June and local guide Ermal Hallaçi confesses that the trail is very quickly gaining in popularity.

Trail of Colors, photo by Ermal Hallaçi

Trail of Colors, photo by Ermal Hallaçi

A bit of ancient history

The trail can be traced back to antiquity, following the onset of Christianity. The path which the Romans named “Scardus,” meaning “colorful” in Latin, a reference to its many flowers and the distinct hues characterizing each season, is thought to date back 2400 years. Located south of the Sharr mountains, the area is considered one of the largest alpine pastures in Europe.

This trail was part of a regional project funded by the German government and implemented by GIZ. The German government as the main promoter of the trail decided to preserve its old name, calling it the High Scardus Trail. The area covered by the path includes other countries of the region alongside Albania.

The locals call it the Trail of Colors, an apt description of these tall mountains which change their hue each season, lending this alpine valley a spectacular beauty that never grows old.

Trail of Colors, photo by Afrim Tahiraj

Trail of Colors, photo by Afrim Tahiraj

Trail of Colors, photo by Afrim Tahiraj