
Nature and Shepherds’ Life Experiences: A Journey into Albania’s Pastoral Heritage
Gjirokaster, Albania
Nature and Shepherds’ Life Experiences: A Journey into Albania’s Pastoral Heritage
In the rolling pastures of Cajupi, where the air is crisp and wildflowers carpet the ground, shepherd Pëllumb Koko tends to a flock of 1,000 sheep. For his family, shepherding is more than a livelihood; it’s a legacy that spans over a century, rooted in the late 19th century and passed down through three generations.
Pëllumb’s life is steeped in tradition. Each year, his family embarks on a ceremonial journey of transhumance, the seasonal migration of livestock to greener pastures. This ancient practice, intertwined with rituals, songs, and craftsmanship, has become increasingly rare in today’s world. Yet, in southern Albania, it remains a way of life, resilient against the pressures of modernization.
In 2024, UNESCO recognized transhumance as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, an acknowledgment shared by Albania and several European countries. This status highlights the cultural and ecological significance of the shepherding lifestyle, from its traditional songs and instruments to the culinary practices and tools crafted by hand.
Living the Shepherd’s Life
Through the Visit Gjirokastra platform, you can now experience a shepherd’s way of life firsthand in Cajupi, also known as the Valley of a Thousand Flowers. Visitors are invited to spend a weekend immersed in the rhythm of the pastures, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and an enduring way of life.
What to Expect
• Shepherding Traditions: Join Pëllumb as he cares for his flock, herding them to grazing fields, milking sheep, and bringing them back to the station at dusk. Learn the art of cheese-making, where milk is aged in sheep-skin sacks, and discover the secrets of crafting salcë shakulli, a tangy fermented cream.
• The Shepherd’s Tools: Meet the unsung heroes of the mountains—sturdy mules and horses for transport, and fierce local dogs bred to guard against wolves. These animals are vital to the shepherding lifestyle.
• Immersive Nature: Sleep in wooden cabins, hike through the Lunxhëria mountain range, and gaze at a canopy of stars around the campfire. For those with a sense of adventure, try your hand at outdoor survival skills such as building fires, filtering water, and navigating trails.
The Importance of Preserving Shepherding
“Transhumance is beautiful; it’s a legacy from our ancestors,” says Pëllumb. However, he is quick to note the challenges faced by Albania’s pastoralists, from rising costs of supplies to declining livestock numbers. In Gjirokastra, the largest pastoral region in Albania, the number of sheep and goats has fallen sharply in recent years.
Pëllumb believes that tourism can play a vital role in preserving this tradition. By supporting shepherding experiences, travelers help sustain a way of life that is not only culturally rich but also ecologically vital.
Why Choose This Experience?
This weekend in Cajupi is more than an adventure—it’s a step into the past, where you can connect with a millennia-old tradition. It’s an opportunity to reflect on life’s simplicity, gain valuable outdoor skills, and contribute to the preservation of an endangered heritage.
Join Us
Are you ready to step outside your comfort zone and into the shoes of a shepherd? Explore this unique experience, or even volunteer to help shepherds like Pëllumb maintain their way of life.
Discover more about this unforgettable journey on our website https://visit-gjirokastra.com/tour/66/24hour_outdoor_adventure_nature_skills_and_survival_experience
By participating, you’re not only creating lasting memories but also ensuring that the traditions of transhumance continue to thrive for generations to come.
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“It’s a joy to see transhumance recognized by UNESCO,” says Pëllumb. “This is our heritage, and now the world can appreciate its value. For tourists, it’s a glimpse into a life that feels natural to us but is extraordinary to them.”
Let’s ensure this extraordinary heritage remains alive.