Gllavës Pass at Maja Komarit

South of Berat lies an off-road trail that caters to both beginners and seasoned drivers. Wide, well-maintained, and free of hidden traps, the route heads south over a mountain ridge approximately 1,100 meters high, offering stunning views of the Tomorr Massif along the way.

The first few kilometers out of Berat are on asphalt, but this changes past Drobonik, where the surface transitions to fine to medium gravel. The route winds along the hillside of the mountain ridge in gentle curves. After passing the hamlet of Terpan, it gradually ascends, reaching its highest point at the Gllavës Pass, around 800 meters above sea level. However, this isn’t entirely accurate, as a short, steep detour to the left after the pass leads to Maja Komarit, the highest peak in the area at 1,132 meters.

The mountain village of Gllavës, located at the foot of the pass, has historical significance. Between 1942 and 1943, Yugoslav partisans took refuge here during World War II. After the village of Buz, the off-road experience becomes a bit more thrilling. While the track remains comfortably wide, it features sections with rough gravel and ruts, though these are still manageable for most vehicles. The trail eventually descends into the village of Ballaban, from where you can follow an asphalt road south to Këlcyrë.

This charming town is the center of the larger municipality of the same name and boasts an impressive castle ruin. During the Macedonian Wars around 200 BC, the Macedonians successfully defended a gorge at Këlcyrë against a superior Roman army. However, a shepherd guided the enemy through hidden mountain paths, allowing them to attack from behind. This maneuver sealed the fate of the brave Macedonian defenders.