I feel the crisp mountain breeze on my skin, the gentle rustle of nature enveloping me in an unmatched stillness. Today is about stepping into the wild, into the heart of Albania’s rugged north, as we make our way toward the peak of Mount Marlula, towering at 2,194 meters.The journey to reach the trailhead is mesmerizing in itself. As we pass through the countryside, the landscape slowly shifts, opening up to reveal the timeless beauty of Albania’s highlands. Stepping onto the trail, it’s humbling to think this path has been walked by shepherds for centuries, a route trodden by those who truly knew this land, guiding their livestock to the highlands during summer.
Every step along the trail feels like a connection to an ancient rhythm, a way of life bound to the mountains.With each ascent, the world below fades away, and a sense of peace takes hold. The air feels lighter, cleaner, while the view becomes grander with each step. Stopping for a moment, I find myself surrounded by vast panoramas stretching as far as the eye can see, a raw beauty that invites a deep breath and a pause for reflection.The climb is both challenging and exhilarating, with steep inclines testing our strength and endurance. Yet the trail, worn smooth by the steps of those who came before, guides us steadily upward. There’s a rhythm to it—feet on rock, the sound of breathing, the quiet camaraderie of fellow climbers sharing the journey. Along the way, there’s room to stop and soak in the beauty, to let the silence of the mountains settle into our souls.Reaching the summit feels like touching the sky.
The peak of Marlula stands tall and proud, rewarding our effort with a sweeping view that extends over the valleys and distant peaks, a landscape that seems to hold infinite secrets. Up here, there’s a feeling of absolute freedom, a rare moment where the worries of everyday life feel as distant as the world below. It’s a reminder of how small we are, yet how profoundly connected we are to everything around us.As we begin the descent, there’s a sense of quiet satisfaction, a feeling of accomplishment that words can hardly capture. We retrace our steps down the path, each of us carrying a piece of the mountain back with us—a memory, a sense of peace, or perhaps a new understanding of what it means to be truly alive.
