Plizio Visual Lab
Mount Korab
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Mountain
Mount Korab is the highest peak in both Albania and North Macedonia, standing at an elevation of 2,764 meters within the Korab mountain range. Geologically, the massif is primarily composed of shale and limestone formations that originated during the Alpine orogeny. The summit demarcates the national border and was a restricted military zone during the Cold War era, which inadvertently preserved its pristine wilderness. The mountain's flora is remarkably diverse, featuring alpine meadows and extensive beech and pine forests at lower elevations. The region is home to several glacial lakes and waterfalls, including the Korab Waterfall, which at 138 meters is one of the highest in the Balkans. It is a premier destination for mountaineering, though the ascent demands physical readiness due to steep gradients and unpredictable weather patterns. Since 2011, the area has been integrated into the Korab-Koritnik Natural Park in Albania.
- Location: Albania
- Top sights: Mount Korab · Maja e Radomirës
- Nearby: Peshkopi (15 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | -1 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 81 | 73 | 77 | 68 | 75 | 56 | 37 | 38 | 71 | 91 | 102 | 92 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Reaching the highest mountain in Albania usually requires starting from remote mountain villages like Radomirë, accessible via rugged rural roads.
Best season
The peak hiking season is during the summer months from June to September, as snow can make the paths impassable for much of the rest of the year.
Terrain & paths
The trek involves challenging, steep ascents across alpine meadows, rocky ridges, and largely unmarked paths that demand good physical fitness.
What to bring
Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, navigation tools, sufficient water, and warm layers, as weather at high altitudes can change rapidly.
Parking
Hikers typically leave their vehicles in the starting villages, where informal parking spaces are often provided by local guesthouses.
Safety
Due to the remote nature of the border region and difficult terrain, hiring a local guide is highly recommended, and hikers should beware of territorial shepherd dogs.
Time needed
Summiting the mountain is typically a full-day, demanding excursion, taking anywhere from eight to twelve hours round trip depending on the pace.
Geography
Facts
- The official summit elevation is 2,764 meters above sea level.
- The mountain serves as the national border between Albania and North Macedonia.
- The Korab Waterfall features a vertical drop of 138 meters.
- The mountain range is home to over 2,000 distinct plant species.
- International mountaineering access was restricted until the late 20th century.
- The Korab-Koritnik Natural Park covers an area of 55,550 hectares.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Mount Korab (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How high is Mount Korab?
The summit is at 2,764 meters, the highest point in both Albania and North Macedonia.
How difficult is the climb?
Technically not extremely difficult, but physically demanding (approx. 8-10 hours hiking time).
Where does the hike start on the Albanian side?
The usual starting point is the village of Radomirë in the Dibra district.
Is a permit required?
You often need to register with the border police, as the summit is right on the border.
When is the best hiking time?
From June to September, when the snow has melted and days are long.
Mount Korab: where is it located?
Mount Korab is located in Albania.
Mount Korab: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mount Korab, Maja e Radomirës.
Mount Korab: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Mount Korab: why is it worth visiting?
Mount Korab is the highest peak in both Albania and North Macedonia, standing at an elevation of 2,764 meters within the Korab mountain range.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Albania →
Nearby cities
Peshkopi
Peshkopi is the center of the Dibra region in eastern Albania.
Shishtavec
Shishtavec is a picturesque mountain village in northeastern Albania, near the border with Kosovo.
Restelica
One of the highest villages in Kosovo.
Mavrovo
A spectacular mountain resort on Lake Mavrovo, known for its national park, skiing, and the sunken St.
Lake Mavrovo
An alpine gem in the country's largest national park, famous for its half-submerged church and premier ski resorts.
Borje
Borje is a remote Gorani village in the Sharr mountains of northeastern Albania.
Brod
An isolated village in the Sharr Mountains with unique stone architecture and Gorani culture.
Debar
Debar is a city in the west of the country, surrounded by mountains and Debar Lake.
Gostivar Trade Center
An economically active city on the edge of the Šar Mountains.
Dragash
Southernmost town in Kosovo in a mountainous environment.
Shupenzë
Shupenzë is a town in the Drin valley of eastern Albania.
Kukës
Kukës is located in the mountainous northeast of Albania on the shores of Lake Fierza.
Zerqan
Zerqan is a historical village in the Bulqizë region of eastern Albania.
Popova Shapka
One of the oldest and largest winter resorts in North Macedonia, located in the Shar Mountains.
History & landmarks
Nature
Mavrovo Lake
An artificial lake in Mavrovo National Park, a popular tourist destination.
Bogovinje Lake
Bogovinje Lake is a glacial lake in the Sar Mountains.
Desat Peak
The highest point of the Desat mountains.
Maja e Gjallicës
Maja e Gjallicës is the highest mountain in the Kukës District, reaching 2487 meters.
Lura Lakes
A group of 12 glacial lakes located in the Lura Mountains of northeastern Albania.
Vardar Spring
The source of the Vardar river is located in the village of Vrutok near Gostivar.
Titov Vrv
Titov Vrv is the highest peak of the Sar Mountains, reaching 2748 meters.
Debar Lake
An artificial lake on the Black Drin river near the Albanian border.
More places
Battle of Torvioll Site
Site of Skanderbeg's first major victory against the Ottoman army in 1444, located in the Dibra plain.
Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery
One of Macedonia's most significant monasteries, famous for its iconostasis.
Galicnik Region
The mountain region around Galicnik is situated high in the mountains.
Mavrovo National Park
Mavrovo National Park covers large forest areas in the west of the country.
Black Mountain
Mali i Zi is located in eastern Albania and is known for its dark-colored igneous rocks.
Desat Mountain
The Desat Mountain is located in the west of the country.
Kukës International Airport Zayed
Kukës Airport in northeastern Albania serves as the country's second international hub.
St. George the Victorious Monastery
An Orthodox monastery in the village of Rajčica, known for its woodcarving.