Tomorri Climb and Drive

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Cuka Partizan - the Summit of Mount Tomorri

Summary: Tomorri is probably the best known mountain in Albania. It has religious significance, and there is a shrine on the (lower) south summit, also called Mali i Kurbanit or Mali i Babait. The south summit is separated from the higher north summit - called Cuka Partizan - by a 10 kilometer long ridge. The ridge is difficult and the best way to reach the Cuka Partizan is to climb it from the north side.

Mount Tomorri can be seen from far away, as long as the visibility is good and the summit is not shrouded in clouds.

Many ambitious hikers may have wondered how to get to the summit. Not so the shepherds who seem to travel to the Cuka Partizan sometimes. There is a trail to the summit, but this is nevertheless a tough hike. The path crosses steep gravel slopes and often talus. Most importantly, more than 1450 Meter elevation gain have to be overcome from the trailhead, and the distance to be travelled is 8 kilometer onew way.

The Drive: To say it upfront: this is not a shortcut from Gramsh to Berat. The trail leads from Gramsh to the village of Sotire, then to the village of Dardhë, on to the trailhead for climbing Tomorri Mountain (Cuka Partizan), and on to the asphalt road near Berat.

Sotire is in Gramsh Region and Dardhë in Berat Region. Typically, rural roads connecting villages of different regions go through no-man's-land and are in poor repair.

Before we undertook this route, we enquired with people from Gramsh whether there was a road from Sotire to Dhardë, and they maintained there was none. In Gramsh itself, we asked the furgon drivers. They said a furgon (minibus) goes up to Sotire, and a Pajero taxi to the next village when so requested by the three families living there. They had heard about the road continuing to the reservoirs, but there the knowledge ends. They offered their cellphone numbers in case we would get stuck, and re-assured us that tractors are in the area, who would pull us out of misery if needed.

We had seen a track on google earth and gave it a try. We rate the middle part of the trail as very difficult. We didn't encounter a massive problem, but the trail was in perfectly dry conditon. Just a little rain may get you stuck for a while. The track is not used by lorries, and can be overgrown and narrow, with little escape to either side.

In summary: the trail from the bridge across the Devoll river to Sotire is easy. From Sotire to Dardhë is very difficult. From Dardhë to the trailhead is moderate (you can skip this if you don't intend to climb the mountain). From Dardhë to Berat it is easy.

Maximum altitude:	1000 meter
Minimum altitude:	119 meter
Cumulative height:	1232 meter (down)
Cumulative length:	40.2 kilometer
Difficulty	very difficult
Time:	3.5 hour or more
Date of this record	August 2012
Download GPS info:	From Gramsh to Berat via Tomorri

The climb: At waypoint A, there is the option to reach (on the left) a higher "path" through steep gravel, while the indicated trail leads through more blocky terrain. Both paths meet again at waypoint B.

Cuka Partizan has two highpoints, which are close to each other. We went to both.

It might be possible, particularly on the return, to choose some shortcuts. While these may cut short the way, they may not save a lot of time - though they may avoid some herds of sheep and their dogs!

Maximum altitude:	2416 meter
Minimum altitude:	1007 meter
Cumulative height:	1449 meter
Cumulative length:	8.07 kilometer one way
Difficulty	difficult
Time:	5.5 hours up
Date of this record	September 2012
Download GPS info:	Cuka Partizan - Tomorri Summit

General location and approach: The trailhead is best reached from Berat - follow the GPS trail in reverse. The trail from Gramsh via Sotire village to Dardhë and the trailhead is only recommended for those seeking adventure.

Other Information: When in Gramsh, or in Sotire und you have a little time to spare, visit the Sotire waterfall. See Endrit's trail at Wikiloc

Tomorri seen from the radio towers near Krrabe

Shortly after Sotire village. The road evolves into a track.

Ersoion caused the road to divert into the river bed and lake. If the dam has high water, this piece of the road may become impassable.

View towards Tomorri. The chasm, through which the trail to the summit leads, is visible on the left

The sun is setting as we put up our tents

Early morning at our camp. The moon is setting

A cave along the trail. More a curiosity than a shelter, it may provide protection against rain

The lower part of the trail leads through delightful forest

The first water point, made for large herds of livestock

On our way up towards Tomorri. A shepherd's den at the right

Reaching the large valley. Spot the shepherd and his dog.

Near the pass, at about 2000 Meter altitude

First view of Cuka Partizan, the summit of Tomorri, at 2416 Meter

View from the summit along the ridge to the south summit

Tomorri landscape. We wondered whether there are ever sheep on the bit of green grass seen on the left.

On our return. Way down the second reservoir that we drove past when coming from Gramsh

The valley through which we have to descend

Tomorri mountain seen from the east (from Grabove Sipermeë)

Tomorri seen from the road Tirana- Elbasan

GPS and trailmaps: The map and trailinformation is generated by www.wikiloc.org, 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 by viewing it directly in Google Earth. You need to have Google Earth installed on your computer. Activate "wikiloc"in the "Gallery" menu in Google earth.