Gjeravica (Deravica)
Until recently Gjeravica was considered to be the highest mountain in Kosovo. It changed with new measurments and turned out it is 4 meters lower than Velika Rudoka. Anyway, with the load of ascent to get there these 4 meters won't make a difference. Now it is second peak in Kosovo and second in Accursed Mountains. Doesn't that sound convincing ?
The landscape of this part of Accursed Mountains differs from ones one can experience in Grebaje or Buni E Jezerces valleys as the slopes are milder and made of different rock formation. Peaks are not that condensed. For the whole trip Gjeravica is most significant landmark and is nice to watch as getting closer to it. Basically this is to and from trip that could be described in three stages.
First is a bit tedious meandring ascent from Katun Bogićevica to Bogićevica pass. From here you should go along the trail up the ridge. Follow my gps track when I return rather than head for Gjeravica. The path traversing the ridge gave me lots of navigational problems, don't waste time on that. There will still be a section with really faint path, don't worry, the path will appear before a small pass in side ridge of Maja Bogiçaj (shown in the photos and in the links).
Once this small pass is behind the trip becomes a serie of traverse on Kosovo side of the border. Generally it is marked and you will see Gjeravica all the time that will give you the idea for direction. Just keep in mind that the distance is quite big.
Last part starts with rocky zigzag ascent, is steep and offers nice views to western side. After the pass between Gjervica massif and Gusan is reached the views are also opened on the eastern side and the peak is 45 minutes away. Path is distinct. From this moment the number of tourists increased significantly and I believe to have met over 50 people altogether. Top of the peak is rocky and has a monument and flag.
The way back goes exactly the same way.
Sunny and warm temperatures, up to 28 degrees
Mostly marked but require a watchful eye, parts of unmarked path that takes nowhere and is easily lost, path is distinct from small pass in side ridge of Maja Bogiçaj.
No information
The starting point for Gjeravica from Montenegrin side is Katun Bogićevica, but getting here by car might not seem that easy. What is drawn as asphalt road on the map is really a gravel one with mountanious character, uneven, with loose rocks. I used rented car with insured tyres, otherwise I wouldn't risk it (not to mention my own car ). The drive is long and requires significant care. I parked the car by the road, there will be never not enough space. If you get as far as the below link shows you are good to go. Otherwise the distance will get longer.
Links:Parking location
There are couple of lakes and sort of running streams on the way where the water could be replenished. Apart from some forest at the beginning there is no cover from the sun, I remember to have a headache regardless of the fact I had a sun hat and these were te first days of autumn. The higher the altitude, the better phone signal. I met a shepherd who climbed the border peak only to get fast LTE internet.
Crossing Kosovar/Albanian border which is needed to climb Gjeravica is theoretically illegal. No one controlled me on the way, nevertheless it is reasonable to hold a permit from border police.
Vipers (mind your steps in grassy passages), supposedly west side of Gjeravica was mined during war in Kosovo. As long as you stay on the path and not wander around you are safe. Every day these slopes are roamed by shepherds with hundres of sheeps that have probably scanned the area thouroughly for dangers like landmines.
Links:Mention about landmines
20L rucksack, trekking poles
