Maja e Vishnjës
| Maja e Vishnjës | |
|---|---|
| Maja e Dritës | |
  Maja e Vishnjës Location within Albania | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,517 m (8,258 ft) |
| Prominence | 156 m (512 ft) |
| Isolation | 3.9 km (2.4 mi) |
| Coordinates | 42°26′04″N 19°44′10″E / 42.434307°N 19.736166°E |
| Naming | |
English translation | Cherry Peak |
| Geography | |
Country |  Albania |
Region | Albanian Alps |
Municipality | Malësi e Madhe |
| Parent range | Accursed Mountains |
| Geology | |
| Rock age | Mesozoic |
| summit | |
| Rock type | limestone |
Maja e Vishnjës (lit. 'Cherry Peak'), formerly known as Maja e Dritës, is a summit in northern Albania, rising to an elevation of 2,517 m (8,258 ft) above sea level. It forms part of the Accursed Mountains range and is located approximately 6 km southeast of the village of Nikç.
The peak belongs to the Radohina mountain group, in the western section of the range and is the third-highest point of the massif.[1]
Etymology
At the summit stands a metal plaque installed in 1970, when the mountain’s name was officially changed from Maja e Vishnjës to Maja e Dritës ("Peak of Light"). The new name was adopted to mark the completion of Albania’s nationwide electrification program.[2] The peak is currently labeled on maps as "Maja Visens", a likely misspelling borrowed from Ghiglione’s work, as no other pre-war sources mention it in this form.[3]
Geology
Maja e Vishnjës rises within a rugged alpine landscape dominated by limestone formations and steep rocky slopes. The upper layers of the summit feature extensive stone masses and exposed terrain, giving the peak a dramatic and imposing appearance.[4]
Climbing Route
The mountain can be reached by two principal routes. From Thorë Pass, the trail leads toward the Radohina cirques and then ascends via Radohina Pass. Climbers first reach an unnamed peak at 2,474 meters before descending slightly through a rocky massif to begin the final ascent toward Maja e Vishnjës, which appears nearly inaccessible from below. From Theth, the route passes near the Harapi caves toward the saddle and the valley of Vizhna. From there, climbers must backtrack slightly in order to access the ascent route to the summit.
The ascent is considered demanding and requires solid preparation and mountaineering experience. A round-trip hike typically takes around ten hours, covering approximately 15 km, with a total elevation gain of about 1,600 meters.[5]
See also
References
- ↑ Lafe, Emil; Cikuli, Nikoleta (2002). Fjalor i emrave gjeografikë të Republikës së Shqipërisë. Shtëpia Botuese "Shkenca". p. 177.
- ↑ Polovina, Ylli (2020). Qyteti pranë qiellit. Emal. p. 81.
- ↑ Ghiglione, Piero (1941). Montagne d'Albania. Distaptur. p. 39.
- ↑ Kabo, Mevlan (1991). Gjeografia Fizike e Shqipërisë (1.2 ed.). Tiranë: Qendra e Studimeve Gjeografike. p. 55.
- ↑ Halili, Gani (2023). Në 100 majat më të larta Kosovë & Shqipëri. Shtëpia Botuese "Iliri". p. 173.