Mali i Shëndëllisë

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Mali i Shëndëllisë

Summary: Mali i Shëndëllisë is along the major highway connecting Fier and Gjirokaster. It is in everybody's view, but we had never heard of anyone climbing it. Shëndëllisë had been on our mind for a while, and we were just waiting for a good opportunity. In mid February 2014, snow conditions were getting good, and we rushed down to Tepelene to hope for a few hours of sunshine.

Sandwiched between endless rain and clouds, we got a glorious day. Mali i Shëndëllisë, topping 1800 Meter, is not the highest among the many summits of southern Albania. But it affords great views, particularly towards Kendervices - one of the big southern mountains whose summit cannot be seen from any major town. Kendervices is not frequently visited by tourists, but perhaps we can start a movement here.

More views can be had to Papingut (Nemercke), Cajupi and Strakovecit. From Mali i Shëndëllisë, Strakovecit shows its most dramatic face, especially in winter conditions.

The Hike: Up to the ridge, the trail follows good paths, though care should be taken not to miss a turn. Paths become indistinct near the ridge. Because of the snow cover, we could not make out any path to the summit. Note that it is a 2.5 kilometer hike from the point where you reach the ridge to the summit. There are several false summits which must be crossed or bypassed.

About 10 meter below the actual summit, a cornice blocked our way. We descended about 25 meter to the left to reach easier terrain to the summit. In summer, it might be possible to proceed straight to the summit along the ridge.

The first 2 kilometer from the trailhead are on a narrow road. Intrepid drivers may give it a try, though the road is more suitable for small tractors.

Maximum altitude:	1803 meter
Minimum altitude:	720 meter
Cumulative height:	1146 meter
Cumulative length:	6.86 kilometer
Difficulty	moderate
Time:	4.5 hours
Date of this record	February 2014
Download GPS info:	Shendellise

Drive to the Trailhead of Mali i Shëndëllisë: The turn off is near Memaliaj, once you leave the town in northern direction. There is now asphalt up to the village of Bylysh. From there, the dirt road is in reasonable condition, but not advisable in heavy rain. It is possible to start the hike in Bylysh, taking a shortcut through the forest to the village of Kashisht (where we parked). This will add another hour to the hike.

Maximum altitude:	728 meter
Minimum altitude:	264 meter
Cumulative height:	597 meter
Cumulative length:	12.9 kilometer
Difficulty	easy
Time:	1 hours
Date of this record	February 2014
Download GPS info:	Trailhead Shendellise

General location and approach: Near Memaliaj, which is near Tepelene.

Other Information: There are hotels in Tepelene.

Mali i Shëndëllisë, from the road to Memaliaj

Trebeshine and Mali i Shëndëllisë, in summer, from Buz (along the road connecting Berat and Kelcyre). Trebeshine is higher than Shëndëllisë, but the latter is more pointy.

Panorama seen from Mali i Shpiragut (near Berat, see separate trail). From left to right: Nemercke mountain with its summit Papingut, then Trebeshine, in the distance Cajupi and Strakovecit, and Mali i Shëndëllisë on the right.

Shëndëllisë from near the trailhead, at the village Kashisht.

The first 2 kilometers follow a small road to a Stan. The road is just about good enough for a tractor.

The Stan, which was busy in mid February

The view opens up across the Vjosa valley, with Kendervices Mountain dominating the scene. See separate trail description for Kendervices.

Gaining altitude, but it is still a bit up to the ridge

View up to the ridge towards the summit area.

Having gained the ridge of Shëndëllisë. The view on the other side goes to Trebeshine

On the ridge, looking back (north), to another Stan.

The ridge to the summit is more than 2.5 kilometers long, with some up and down...

We generally followed the crest of the ridge. Here, about 10 meters below the summit, it was getting steep, with powder snow, and some exposure on both side. We desended on the left side for 30 Meter for easier terrain. Without snow cover, this spot may be less problematic.

On the summit of Mali i Shëndëllisë. There are two competing highpoints - the one in the back seen here is higher.

View south to the block of Strakovecit and, behind, Cajup. See sparate trails for climbing them.

Papingut, the summit of Nemercke mountain. See separate trail. Tymfi mountain (in Greece) in the background.

Returning from Shëndëllisë, heading back across the the false summit.

Returning from the summit of Shëndëllisë

Snow conditions were perfect on this February day

View from the Stan across the Vjosa valley, towards the Adriatic Sea.

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.

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