Leka’s Stone Hiking Trail

Things to Do in Shala River

A mountain trail that starts from the guesthouses in Shala River, in the area of ​​‘Blini i Gurit të Lekës’, where Shala river joins Komani Lake. For about one hour of hiking, you reach the place called by the locals as ‘Guri i Lekës’ – Leka’s Stone. Walking can be considered easy to moderate scale, passing through forests and meadows, springs and streams, and panoramic natural views.

Leka’s Stone in Shala River

This ‘stone’ mountain rock, is located in the lap of Komlem, opposite with the village Molla e Shoshit, full of history which is related to the prince of this province, Lekë Dukagjini.

The location of this stone has a strategic observation position in the area, from which Leka could control a field of view of 300 degrees. From this stone, Leka could spot every movement of the enemy and anyone who has tried to approach.

Lekë Dukagjini was the leader of the Dukagjini tribe, who followed the leadership of Skënderbeg for the other 10 years after his death. In the last years of his life, he is said to have retreated and settled in this area to protect himself from the persecution of the ottomans. In this place, he was protected by the rocky abysses that go steep down to the Drin River and from behind by the loyal protection of the inhabitants of Dukagjini.

Leka’s Cave

Not far from ‘Guri te Lekës’, a few hundred meters away, there is a cave with a not very large entrance, but after about 20 m it enlarges and continues vertically down to the river.

This cave also got the name ‘Leka’s Cave’, because according to legends it is thought that Leka himself had left a will that after his death his body would be thrown into this cave so that it would not be found by the Ottoman invaders, given the fact what they did with the grave and remains of Gjergj Kastrioti-Skënderbeu hero.

However, no document can be found to prove where Lekë Dukagjini spent the last years of his life, nor about his time or burial place.

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