Inspiring young people for more physical activity and a healthy life is one of the missions of Albania 360, therefore we are happy to promote girls and boys who spend their weekends and holidays hiking or climbing the mountains of Albania. Ema Kavaja is one of them. She is only 16 years old and has already climbed some of the highest mountains in the country, including Mount Korab. She wanted to tell us her story and we welcomed her to our platform.
My name is Emma Kavaja.
I am 16 years old and I come from the city of Durres. As a child, I had a passion for nature and hiking. I was always hiking in nature with my dad. I love to travel and discover new places!
My first mountain was “Maja e Vajushes”. Actually, the story of our climb is very funny. Last year I decided to go with my father to Lepushe joining a travel agency group. The group consisted of 5 women, my father and me. While talking with our guide, he convinced us to climb Vajusha peak (2200m) early in the morning. The whole way to the top, from the forest, meadows, and steep stones, are a very beautiful memory for me! As soon as I was up there, I knew this is what I wanted to do!
3 months later, in October, my father and I decided to climb Mount Korab, the highest mountain in Albania and North Macedonia.
Before climbing, we bought everything we needed, special clothes, shoes, walking sticks. We were ready to climb it. We went with a group of climbers to Radomire. The next day at 6 o’clock in the morning we started the climb to the mountain of Korabi. Always an amazing view, that I wouldn’t change for anything in the world!
At 12 o’clock we reached the top. 6 long hours of walking. We rested for an hour at the green sign, and started the descent. 5 more hours. My father hurt his knee very badly and he was forced to take a horse on the way back.
In winter I decided to climb the beautiful Mount Tomorri near Berat. In January, the mountain was covered with snow and it was a bit difficult for me. Halfway to the top, I couldn’t go on. My shoes were very heavy, and the snow reached my knees. I started the descent, and all the way totally disappointed for not finishing the climb. But in the end I said to myself: what matters is the fighting spirit you have, that you didn’t give up so quickly Ema!
I have also climbed Mount Dajti in snow and the Mount Morava twice!