Walking along the Vlachs Historic Transhumance route

Between end of June and early July 2022, members of CeRPHAAL, joined by volunteers from the town of Përmet in the Upper Vjosa Valley, begin a journey for documenting one of the historical routes used by transhumant Vlach communities. This route was traditionally followed during their annual seasonal migration from the lowland winter pastures in the Ionian coast to the upland summer pastures in Mountain Gramoz.

The documented trail includes a section of the route that stretches from the Dhëmbel Mountain pass in the west to Mountain Gramoz in the east. For centuries, groups of Vlachs have traveled long-distance transhumant journeys moving from lowland winter pastures on the Ionian coast to upland summer pastures in the mountain regions of southeast Albania and northeast Greece. Upon arriving the summer pastures, the Vlachs would establish seasonal encampments, consisting of several family dwellings known as ‘kalive’.

The documented track covers approximately 90 km and took around 4 to 5 days to complete. Along the route there are suggested camping spots that correspond with daily stops made by Vlachs during their past journeys. These camping stops are located near the villages of Sheper, Ogren, Orgockë, and Skorovot. This hiking trail offers the travelers the opportunity to explore the regions attractions, such as the traditional vernacular architecture, churches, and nature of this corner of southeast Albania. A recommended stop along the route is the Albturist Ecocamp in Përmet, where travelers can visit a reconstructed Vlach historical dwelling, the kalive, and learn more about the history of the Vlach community.

The hiking trail is now available in Wikiloc

https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/vlachs-transhumance-route-108659966