Maja e Langojve

Maja e Langojve (lit. 'Hounds Peak') is a summit in the Accursed Mountains of northern Albania. Rising at an elevation of 2,540 m (8,330 ft) above sea level, it constitutes the 9th highest peak in the Albanian Alps.^[1][2]

The name Langojve derives from the Albanian noun langoj, meaning hound or hunting dog. The form 'e Langojve' represents the genitive plural, which translates to "of the Hounds".

Other variants such as Langojvet or Lagojvet also appear in mountaineering literature and maps, reflecting dialectal norms used in northern Albanian gheg speech.^[3]

Maja e Langojve lies on the northwestern margin of the Veleçik–Bridash plateau, surrounded by several prominent peaks, including Brinja e Lisit to the west, Maja e Fortit and Vukoca to the east and Maja Shkurt to the south. It forms one of the roughest and sharpest ridges within these highlands due to the presence of monoclinal depressions and the massive structure of the limestone formations.^[4]

The summit lies within the ecological zone of the Albanian Alps, an area noted for its high biodiversity and relatively preserved natural habitats. Lower slopes are covered with beech and mixed forests, while higher elevations transition into subalpine shrubs and alpine meadows.

These high pastures support seasonal grazing during the summer months. The surrounding region is home to a variety of wildlife, including chamois and the golden eagle.^[5]

Climbing up to Maja e Langojve is considered challenging. The normal approach to the summit begins in Lepushë, following high-altitude trails through alpine pastures and limestone terrain.

The ascent involves steep scree slopes, exposed rock sections and in some cases, fixed anchors or rope-assisted passages near the upper ridge. A typical full loop may require around 9–10 hours, with approximately 1,600 meters of elevation gain.^[6]

• List of mountains in Albania