Qafa e Pejës is one of the most important mountain passes in the Albanian Alps, connecting the valley of Theth with Guci in Montenegro. It is the widest pass in the entire range stretching between the Adriatic and the Black Sea, and also serves as the gateway to the Jezercë massif, the highest peak of the Dinaric Alps.

The landscape on either side of the pass is strikingly different. The southern side drops several hundred steep, zigzagging metres down toward the Shala valley, hugging an almost vertical slope with dramatic views. The northern side is much gentler, home to a scenic lake around 75 metres deep known as Liqeni i Pejës. In summer the area draws hikers seeking solitude and raw alpine scenery, while in winter the pass can become difficult to access due to snow.

How to get there

• Theth - trail heading north, several hours of walking, demanding due to the steep zigzag ascent
• Guci (Montenegro) - alternative starting point from the gentler northern side

Practical information

• The region has several small lakes but very few water sources, so it is worth carrying enough water
• The pass forms part of the Peaks of the Balkans trail, crossing the mountains of Kosovo, Montenegro and Albania

Until the 20th century the pass held great importance, allowing travel between Guci and Peja, which is how it got its name.