Biga e Gimajve

About

Biga e Gimajve is a mountain located in the municipality of Shkodër, in northern Albania. Part of the eastern range of the Albanian Alps, it rises at an elevation of 2,232 m (7,323 ft) above sea level.

The mountain is situated between the Shala Valley to the east, Kir Valley to the south and the basin of Përroi i Thatë to the northwest. Geologically, Biga e Gimajve is composed almost entirely of Triassic limestone and dolomite, which form two prominent conical summits, Maja e Bardhë and Maja e Përhime. The eastern and northwestern slopes descend steeply into the valleys of Shala (Kaprej area) and Troshan (a left tributary of Përroi i Thatë), while the southern slope forms a continuous rocky escarpment toward the headwaters of the Kir Valley. To the north, the massif continues in the direction of Mali i Mardomit (2,180 m) and to the southwest into Maja e Madhe (2,011 m), while to the south it connects with Maja e Boshit (1,638 m).

Biga e Gimajve constitutes an important hydrographic node, separating the drainage basins of the Shala, Kir and Përroi i Thatë river systems. The northwestern and northeastern slopes are shaped by glacial cirques, which descend in stepped formations into the valley of the Kaprej stream, a right tributary of the Shala River.

Vegetation varies by exposure. The southern and eastern slopes are covered mainly by oak, while the northwestern slope is dominated by beech forest, reflecting cooler and more humid conditions.

Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). Photography via Wikimedia Commons.