MAli i Shpiragut

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Around and About Mali i Shpiragut

Summary: Mali i Shiragut - previously known as "Enver Hoxha Mountain" is the little brother of well known Tomorri. Shpiragut is seen prominently when approaching Berat, though the gaze of the visiting tourist is usually attracted to the much more dramatic Tomorri.

But as so often, the best views are not to be had from the highest mountains, but from those from which the highest mountains can be seen at close range and in their full glory. We dare say that the best views of Tomorri can be had from Shpiragut (or the road leading to Mali i Shpiragut).

But this is not the only reason to pay a visit. Shpiragut is interesting in itself.

The Drive: This is some varied driving in the vicinity of Berat - mostly very easy - even on asphalt - and some easy 4WD. We recommend this sort-of-circuit or parts of it:

a) when you want to go to Berat from the Tirana or the coast, and have a little time to spare. Take the turn off in Ura Vajgurore and follow to Mbreshtan (on very good dirt road). From here follow the asphalt road to Berat, crossing the Osumi River in Berat.

b) when you want to reach our recommended trailhead to climb the "Enver Hoxha Mountain", nowadays known as Mali i Shpiragut. In this case, follow the asphalt road out of Berat across the Osumi river until the trailhead (see separate wikiloc trail)

c) you may continue to drive on the asphalt road to th village of Sinjë, and admire a an old church built inot the rock wall of Shpiragut mountain. Not comparable to the Pyramid of Gizeh, but a very nice spiritual place especially in the evening light.

d) when you want to enjoy the most marvellous views of Tomorri Mountain, the vicinity around Berat, and the Ionian cost and some of the "southern mountains" of Albania. In this case follow the dirt road to the village of Rakovë, and make a circuit around the Shpiragut mountain to the village of Mbjeshovë. Then, it is only three kilometers to Rakovë, and we will await your posting on how to do this by car or donkey.

All in all, any variations of these tour offer incredible views, much different from the usual rush from one big city to the other.

Maximum altitude:	739 meter
Minimum altitude:	20 meter
Cumulative height:	1250 meter
Cumulative length:	54 kilometer
Difficulty	easy
Time:	5 hours for everything
Date of this record	March 2013
Download GPS info:	Shpiragut Drive

The climb: It is not a difficult hike, and absolutely worthwhile. From the distance, it appears as a mountain with stripes - many ridges leading from the main ridge to the east and the west. It is possible to pick virtually any of these, and gain the main ridge.

The easiest trail would be from the village of Sinjë, at Shpiragut's southern end, by following a mining road up the mountain, close to the summit. We suggest to reserve this for the return trip, as one will face the marvellous views to the mountains of southern Albania.

A traverse of Shpiragut - preferrably from the south to the north, would be a worthwhile and rewarding undertaking, provided you can arrange for a suitable drop-off or pick-up at the trailhead and trail-end. Both are now aided by a very good asphalt road (not seen on google earth as of March 2013), which makes access to Mali i Shpiragut a breeze. There are many furgons (minibusses), busses, and taxis plying the road to Berat.

We stroke particularly good luck on one of the fine weekends in March 2013. Views in all directions were superb. It was possible to see mountains across the border to Greece, and Dajti Mountain near Tirana and even Mali i Dejes near Burrel seemed to be within easy reach.

Maximum altitude:	1193 meter
Minimum altitude:	612 meter
Cumulative height:	590 meter
Cumulative length:	9.7 kilometer roundtrip way
Difficulty	easy
Time:	4 hours
Date of this record	March 2013
Download GPS info:	Shpiragut Climb

General location and approach: West of Berat. Mali i Shpiragut can be explored when the objective is to reach Berat. Rather than hanging around in Tirana, lieave a little early and explore Mali i Shpiragut!

Other Information: Legends have it that Tomorri and Shpiragut fought over Berat. As a visitor, your gaze will always be drawn to Tomorri. But the best place to see it all (unless you are a mountaineer) is Mali i Shpiragut!

Tomorri (on the left) and Mali i Shpiragut (on the right) when approaching Berat from Lushnja.

Mali i Shpiragut from near Ura Vajgurore. Shpiragut may resemble a loaf of bread when seen from the top or from the side. When see from - say - Dajti Mountain it appears to be a pyramid.

On the west side of Shpiragut. The view goes to the hills of Ardenica

On the west side of Mali i Shpiragut. The view goes to Mali i Gribes (left) and Cika and Qorres mountains at the Ionian Sea.

Near the end of the road on the western side of Mali i Shpriragut

Mali i Shpiragut - or Ënver Hoxha Mountain

Shpirag 2 is the name of this drilling rig, near the village of Mbreshtan

Back on the western side of the Mali i Shiragut, this side from the southern end.

Quiet kitschy, but true. View from the drive around Mali i Shpiragut

Three pair of Blue Jeans, seen from the bridge across the Osumi River in Berat.

The main wonders of Mali i Shpiragut are the views towards Tomorri. From nowhere else can one have such impressibe view of one of the most significant mountains in Albania (see separate trail on how to climb Tomorri from the northernten side - the left horizon line)

Mali i Shpiragut is a relatively easy hike. There are many shepherds'paths. The way is not difficult even if you miss a turn.

From the ridge of Mali i Shpiragut, looking to the south. Nemercke mountain with its summit Papingut on the left. The two ridges on the right are Maja e Trebeshinë and Mali i Shëndëllisë

Near the summit of Mali i Shpiragut. The view south west is to Kendervicës (far left) and Mali i Gribes (center), Cika (semmingly lower, and more rocky) and Qorres peak.

The church on the top of Mali i Shpiragut.

Again, Mali i Gribes and Cika/Qorres mountains

Nemercke with its summit Papingut, from Mali i Shpiragut

View towards the Ionian See, from the summit of Mali i Shpiragut

On our return hike. Between Trebeshinë and Shëmdellisë ridges is Maja i Strakovecit (see separate trail: alomg the edge...)

Weird magazines from the Enver Hoxha era

Berat as seen from Mali i Shprigaut. The castle is still catching the sun

IMG_8330Tomorri and Berat, from the bridge over the Osumi River

GPS and trailmaps: The map and trailinformation is generated by , based on GPS information collected from the actual hike. Waypoints can be downloaded to a GPS device from Wikiloc. If necessary, use GPSBabel to convert GPS data to different formats. For more hike descriptions by Palmtreetreeproduction, browse this website or visit Wikiloc and search for "Palmtreeproduction". You may also find nearby trails from other authors.

Google Earth: You may also view the trail in 3D when viewing it in Google Earth, which you need to have installed on your computer. The 3D perspective allows a good preview of gradients, steepness, possible views and is generally helpful when planning a trip.