Mali i Thatë, or “The Dry Mountain,” is a striking limestone range forming the natural divide between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. Spanning from Albania into North Macedonia, this rugged massif is known for its sparse vegetation, karst topography, and expansive high plateaus. Its highest point, Pllaja e Pusit, towers at 2288 meters and offers one of the most rewarding viewpoints in all of southeastern Albania.

Your hike begins in the small village of Alarup, nestled quietly at the foot of the mountain just 20km from Pogradec. The trail immediately begins to climb, winding steeply up the mountain’s western face. You’ll traverse grassy slopes, with occasional rocky patches. As you gain elevation, the terrain opens into high alpine meadows.
Reaching the broad summit plateau of Pllaja e Pusit, you’ll be rewarded with commanding 360° views. On clear days, you can admire the views over Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa lying below, and panoramic vistas reaching across into North Macedonia and as far south as the mountains of Greece.
Your descent follows a different route: an easier, more gradual trail that curves gently around the mountain’s western slopes, eventually bringing you back to the village.

• Hike’s difficulty: 3/5
• Total ascent: 1250 m
• Total descent 1250 m
• Distance: 13 km
• Time of the hike: 7 hours (Hiking time without breaks)

This trail starts and ends at the trailhead at the village of Alarup. The best way to get to the starting point of this hike is with a private vehicle. You can use your own vehicle, rent one yourself or through us.