The valley meadow
Green grass under jagged peaks.
Bruno Rijsman — CC BY 2.0 · Bruno Rijsman — CC BY 2.0 · Bruno Rijsman — CC BY 2.0 · Bruno Rijsman — CC BY 2.0 · Bruno Rijsman — CC BY 2.0
Grebaje Valley is a narrow mountain valley in Prokletije National Park near the town of Gusinje, ringed by the sharp walls of Karanfili. A narrow road reaches it, making it one of the easiest ways into the Accursed Mountains, among the finest views in the north-east of the country and a base for walking and climbing. Gusinje is an old town on the Vermosh River at 1,014 metres, mentioned as a caravan stop in the fourteenth century, and a separate municipality again since 2014. Its old mosques record its history, among them the Čekića mosque, the oldest preserved, and the Vizier's mosque of 1765. About 2 km south lie the Ali Pasha springs, the source of the Vruja creek. The road climbs through trees until the valley opens onto a green meadow, backed by jagged white rock peaks where snow lingers in the cracks in early summer. The valley has a wooden restaurant and small cabins. From here the Three Peaks circular route climbs for views over the valley and into Albania, about 10 km in 5 to 7 hours, moderate to hard. The valley is 7.1 km in a straight line south-west of Gusinje, reachable by car, with a narrow final stretch. You can enjoy the scene without a big climb. If you do go up, start early and bring plenty of water and a map. The Albanian border is close, so carry your passport. The town's mosques are places of worship, so observe the etiquette and dress modestly.
Green grass under jagged peaks.
Views of the valley and Albania.
Water rising near Gusinje.
South-west of Gusinje, Prokletije National Park
Yes, but the final stretch is narrow, so drive slowly.
No, the view is fine from the meadow, and the circular route is for longer walks.