Location and surroundings
Maja e Trebeshinës belongs to the chain Southeast Europe > Hellenides > Western Hellenides > Mount Trebeshinë. It is in Albania, in Bashkia Këlcyrë of Gjirokastër County. The mountain rises above the southern Albanian landscape near the Vjosa river valley, with steep slopes, ridges and open high ground typical of this part of the country.
At 1,923 m, it is the highest of the 17 named peaks in Mount Trebeshinë. Its prominence of 1,370 m means it stands well above the surrounding terrain rather than blending into a broad plateau.
Neighbouring peaks
- Mali I Shendellise — 1,802 m, 3.9 km west
- Gropa — 1,074 m, 4.7 km southeast
- Qafa Sheshi I Bukur — 1,587 m, 4.9 km west
- Beçisht — 552 m, 5.7 km southwest
- Bregu i Psarit — 675 m, 6.4 km north
- Bregu i Tolarit — 472 m, 8.1 km east
- Maja e Mbrezhanit — 1,191 m, 8.4 km southeast
- Mali i Leklit — 1,560 m, 8.4 km south
These nearby summits and passes show how Maja e Trebeshinës sits above a mixed ridge landscape of higher and lower points. Several neighbours are much lower, while Mali I Shendellise and Mali i Leklit are the closest substantial peaks in the area.
The view from the summit
Within 25 km, the highest surrounding peaks are Maja e Këndrevicës at 2,122 m, 22.5 km west; Maja Zgures at 2,091 m, 23.6 km southeast; and Maja e Dhëmbelit at 2,050 m, 23.7 km southeast. Other high points include Maja Strakavec at 1,958 m, 14.0 km south, Maja Magjezes at 1,862 m, 21.9 km south, and Maja e Lopsit at 1,837 m, 20.9 km west.
From the summit, these peaks define the broader skyline of southern Albania. The most prominent high ground lies to the west and southeast, where the higher ridges of the wider region rise above the valleys.
The range
Maja e Trebeshinës is part of Mount Trebeshinë, whose highest peak is this same summit. The range has 17 named peaks, and Maja e Trebeshinës ranks first by elevation within it. That makes it the range high point and the main summit for anyone exploring this mountain group.
The range belongs to the Western Hellenides in the broader Hellenides of Southeast Europe. In practical terms, the mountain is the topographic centre of its own small massif, with lower named summits and passes spreading away from it on all sides.
Access and starting points
The usual starting town is Këlcyrë. Around the summit, the nearest settlements are Podgoran Fushë, 2.6 km north; Mezhgoran, 2.7 km south; Kodrishtë, 3.2 km northeast; and Podgoran, 3.7 km northeast. These villages give a sense of how close the inhabited valleys are to the mountain slopes.
For a rough approach, Podgoran Fushë sits about 1,320 m above sea level and is estimated at about 3.4 km on foot with 610 m of ascent, or roughly 1.5–2 hours to the top by Naismith’s rule. OpenStreetMap also shows one communication mast within 10 km, the nearest 8.8 km southeast.
Climate and weather
These are estimates from NASA POWER climate data. At the summit, the warmest month is August at about 17 °C, and the coldest is January at about 0 °C. Mean temperatures above freezing at the summit usually run from March through December.
The surrounding area gets about 900 mm of precipitation a year. December is the wettest month at about 130 mm, while July is the driest at about 20 mm. In this part of Albania, weather can change quickly on ridges, with summer heat, winter snow, strong wind and reduced visibility all possible.
Best time to visit
For a climb to Maja e Trebeshinës, the most comfortable months are usually the warmer part of the year, when the summit is above freezing and the ground is less likely to hold snow or ice. Based on the climate figures, that means March to December, with the most settled conditions often coming in the drier summer months.
July is the driest month, followed by the other summer months, while December is the wettest. Even in warm weather, exposed ridges can be windy, and early spring or late autumn may still bring cold mornings and slippery ground near the top.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain belongs to a southern Albanian limestone landscape of ridges, slopes and open high ground. Lower areas are likely to carry Mediterranean and montane vegetation, with shrubs, grassland and scattered trees, while the higher parts become thinner and rockier. Seasonal snow can linger on shaded ground in colder months.
Wildlife in this region typically includes mountain birds, small mammals and larger hoofed animals that use the slopes and valleys. The open terrain and limited water on ridges mean animals often concentrate near lower ground and seasonal sources.
Guides and organised ascents
For a mountain of this height and terrain, a certified guide is sensible if you are unfamiliar with the area, travelling in poor weather, or planning a route across rough ground. In Albania, the national alpine club or federation is the Albanian Mountaineering Federation. Established guiding companies include Zbulo! Discover Albania in Tirana and Outdoor Albania in Tirana, both working in the mountains of the country.
Guided ascents usually include route planning, transport advice, pacing and safety decisions; the price depends on the number of days, group size, hut nights and equipment. If you want a guide, look for a qualified mountain guide through national alpine or tourism channels, and check whether the guide holds IFMGA/UIAGM certification.
Safety and preparation
Maja e Trebeshinës is not extremely high, but it is a real mountain climb with exposed slopes, changing weather and limited infrastructure. Good footwear, navigation skills, sun protection and layers are important, especially because the summit can be windy and the terrain around it is uneven. In colder months, snow and ice can make the upper slopes more serious.
For emergencies in Albania, the mountain rescue contact is 112 for police and general emergency response; ambulance is 127. There is no established mountain rescue system, so help in remote mountains can be slow.
Interesting facts
Maja e Trebeshinës is the highest of the 17 named peaks in Mount Trebeshinë and the range high point. Its prominence is 1,370 m, which makes it stand out clearly from the surrounding relief. The nearest substantial higher ground in the wider area includes Maja e Këndrevicës to the west and Maja Zgures and Maja e Dhëmbelit to the southeast.
The mountain lies in southern Albania above the Vjosa valley region, so it forms part of a prominent local skyline rather than an isolated summit. Its combination of height and prominence makes it a key point in the landscape of Gjirokastër County.
FAQ
How high is Maja e Trebeshinës? It rises to 1,923 m.
Where is Maja e Trebeshinës? It is in Albania, in Bashkia Këlcyrë of Gjirokastër County, in the Mount Trebeshinë range.
What is the highest mountain in Mount Trebeshinë? Maja e Trebeshinës is the highest peak in the range and the highest of its 17 named peaks.
What nearby peaks and passes are closest to it? The nearest are Mali I Shendellise 3.9 km west, Gropa 4.7 km southeast, and Qafa Sheshi I Bukur 4.9 km west.
Is there water on the way to Maja e Trebeshinës? The slopes and ridges are generally dry, so carry your own water. For a day outing, plan on about 1.5–3 litres depending on heat and route length.
Are there huts on Maja e Trebeshinës? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
How long does it take to walk up from Podgoran Fushë? From Podgoran Fushë, the rough estimate is about 1.5–2 hours for 3.4 km on foot and 610 m of ascent; the real path may be longer.
Is mobile phone coverage likely? One communication mast is mapped within 10 km, 8.8 km southeast. On an open summit a signal is likely, but it can fail in valleys and behind ridges. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.