Korab (mountain) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Korab |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,764 m (9,068 ft) |
| Prominence | 2,169 m (7,116 ft) |
| Listing | Country high point Ultra-prominent |
| Naming | |
| Native name | Error {{native name}}: an IETF language tag as parameter {{{1}}} is required (help) |
| Geography | |
 Mount Korab
Location in Albania
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| Location | Albania—North Macedonia border |
| Parent range | Korab |
Mount Korab (called Maja e Korabit or Mali i Korabit in Albanian, and Golem Korab in Macedonian) is a very tall mountain. It is the highest peak in the Korab mountain range and stands at 2,764 meters (about 9,068 feet) high. It is also the fourth-highest mountain in the entire Balkan Peninsula.
What makes Korab special is that it sits right on the border between Albania and North Macedonia. This means it is the highest point for both countries! It is one of only two mountains in Europe that are the highest point for more than one country.
Mount Korab is found inside the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park. This park is known for its many different plants, including Bosnian pine, European beech, and alder trees. The peak is also close to the Šar Mountains and is even shown on the national emblem of North Macedonia.
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Exploring the Korab Mountain Range
The Korab mountain range stretches for about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from north to south. It is located near where the borders of Albania, North Macedonia, and Kosovo meet, southwest of the Šar Mountains.
What is Mount Korab Made Of?
Mount Korab is a rugged mountain. It is mostly made of shale and limestone rocks. On its western side, the mountain drops steeply with tall rock walls. The northern side has jagged rocks.
Mount Korab is like a double peak. Another peak, called Korab II, is about 150 meters (164 yards) northwest of the main peak, in Albania. There are also two other peaks nearby that are over 2,700 meters (8,858 feet) tall: Shulani i Radomires and Korab III. The southeastern side of the mountain is easier to climb, with meadows and some rocky areas. Shepherds sometimes bring their sheep flocks there.
Other Tall Peaks in Korab
Besides the main Korab peak, there are several other tall peaks in the area.
- Korab-gate (called Maja e Portës së Korabit in Albanian or Korapska Mala vrata in Macedonian) is about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) southwest and reaches 2,727 meters (8,947 feet).
- A little further south is Maja e Moravës, which is 2,718 meters (8,917 feet) tall.
The mountain has some steep slopes, up to 500 meters (1,640 feet) high, that lead down into the Radika valley on North Macedonia's side. Above 2,000 meters (6,562 feet), the weather is like that in the Alps, and you can find special alpine plants there.
Amazing Waterfalls
Mount Korab is home to the beautiful Korab Falls. These waterfalls are in the upper valley of the Dlaboka River. In springtime, when the snow melts, the waterfall can be over 130 meters (426 feet) tall! This makes it the highest waterfall in North Macedonia.
Mountain Passes
There are two main passes in the Korab ridge:
- The Little Korab Gate, at 2,465 meters (8,087 feet).
- The Big Korab Gate, at 2,062 meters (6,765 feet).
Other High Peaks in the Korab Range
Many other peaks in the Korab range are higher than 2,000 meters (6,562 feet). These include:
- Korab II (2,756 meters / 9,042 feet)
- Korab III (2,724 meters / 8,937 feet)
- Korab Gates (2,727 meters / 8,947 feet)
- Maja e Moravës (2,718 meters / 8,917 feet)
- Shulani i Radomirës (2,716 meters / 8,911 feet)
- Small Korab (2,683 meters / 8,802 feet)
Climbing Mount Korab
Climbing Mount Korab from the Albanian side does not have any official rules or restrictions. The area is now safer than it used to be. You can drive to the village of Radomira, but the roads there are not always good. You might need a car with four-wheel drive. There are no good, up-to-date maps, and signs are hard to find. Hikers might also meet aggressive dogs.
Every September, a mountain club from Skopje, North Macedonia, called PSD "Korab," organizes an international trip to climb Mount Korab. If you want to climb from the Macedonian side, you usually need a special permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of North Macedonia because it's a border area. However, people often hike there without one.
See also
- Korab-Koritnik Nature Park
- Geography of Albania
- Protected areas of Albania
- Geography of North Macedonia
- List of non-Alpine European Ultras
In Spanish: Monte Korab para niños
