Shpella e Valit

Useful Information

Location:	Perlat, Kthelle, Lezhe, Albania. (41.7174710, 20.0045310)
Open:	no restrictions. [2024]
Fee:	free. [2024]
Classification:	Karst Cave
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Shpella e Valit, Ndreaj, Albania
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History

Description

The Shpella e Valit (Cave of Vali) is a huge through cave in the municipality of Kthelle, in the Lura National Park. The main passage is about 100 m long and has a huge karstfenster in the middle. The cave was named after huge faults in the rock, caused by the orogeny of the Dinarides. Those fold look like waves, hence the name Vala - Vale - Vali = wave.

This cave is well documented, including a rather long Wikipedia page. Unfortunately, they all use the same description which is mostly foolish chatter. Yes, it's a karst cave, yes, the limestone was folded by an orogeny, and yes there is a karstfenster, so the cave has three entrances. Unfortunately, there are no hard facts, like a survey, exploration history, anything with speleological value. One page mentioned archaeological excavations, but we were not able to find the relevant papers. However, the cave is definitely worth the short hike, and is said to be the biggest cave passage you can visit in Albania.

There are several theories on the web how this cave is reached, and actually it's necessary to hike, but it's neither a day trip nor an 1.5-hour walk. Actually, it's a pleasant 1.3 km hike and should take about 20 minutes to reach the cave. The trail starts at the SH34 between Perlat i Sipërm and Qendër-Perlat (41.727422869454124, 19.995845490167984), there is ample parking but no signs. Cross the river on the bridge to the left or through the river bed and follow the tributary on the other side, the trail is marked red and white. Walk across the huge meadow, the huge cave portal in the escarpmement on the other side is visible from far.

The cave passage is huge, but unfortunately we could not find a survey. Our estimate is that it is about 20 m wide, 40 m high and more than 100 m long. The Karstfenster with a diameter of about 20 m is halfway. The cave has light from three openings, and so a lamp is not really mandatory, nevertheless, we strongly recommend bringing a good lamp. This is a wild cave, with mostly level floor and rough hiking trails. The trail is rough, not difficult. There are no difficulties in visiting, nevertheless, good walking shoes, proper clothes, sun protection, water, and a lamp are much recommended.

The area has numerous caves which are worth a visit, and if you want to see some of them, it's actually a half-day hike. For example, there is Shpella e Nezirit (Cave of Nezir) a few hundred meters to the south. Further down the valley is Shpella e Këputës (Cave of the Shoe). It's also possible to walk to the caves from the southern side, from the village Bruç, but its a longer walk. A good map is strongly recommended.