To Shishtavec and the trailhead of Mali i Kallabakut

We approached Turaj and the trailhead of Mali i Kallabakut from Kolesjan, which is along the the excellent asphalt road connecting Kukes and Peshkopi. Once you take the fork in Kolesjan, the road leads up onto Gjallicia Mountain.

High on the mountain, do not turn off (left) to Gjallicia, but continue (straight) to cross a pass of 1800 meter altitude. Should you travel in May or earlier, you need to enquire beforehand whether the road is clear of snow. Views will be had to the Bushtrice hydropower plant.

If you intend to climb Kallabaku (wikiloc #6950142), you can do so from Turaj village or nearby, as indicated.

A bit further on, before reaching Novosele, are cabins where one may stay the night (or longer). The cabins are very nice and well equipped with beds, linen, electricity, warm showers and all. A hotel is being built nearby. There are no signposts to point the way, so you have to follow the coordinates.

We stayed in the cabins in May, after some negotiations with resident staff, as the cabins are said to open in June only. This being the case, we were treated very well, and provided with generous portions of tasty cheese and home-baked bread.

We also continued to Shishtavec, just to see the place. From Shishtavec, you may proceed to Kosovo, or to Borje village.

For the regular road from Shishtavec to Kukes, go back to Novosele. Pass through Topojan along a steep mountain road. The last few kilometers are on asphalt.

The contact for the cabins at Novosele is Gezim Basha, +355662001718.

The contact for the agrobusiness at the Kallabakut trailhead is Mahmut Noka: +355684129586. He can arrange mules, horses, parties and festivities, including catering with roasted sheep and all.