Dobra Kolata and Zla Kolata
Zla Kolata with 2534 meters above sea level is the highest mountain of Montenegro what naturally makes it a top priority for anyone roaming in Accursed Mountains. With only 100 meters of additional ascent Dobra Kolata (2528 meters) that is located really close can be also reached. Despite the trip distance is not that long it offers truly varied and spectacular landscapes.
Starting from Vusanje the trail goes east turning south and rises slowly cutting thorugh forests and pastures. Until now it's not a big effort at all. Just a little behind water spring a limestone slab emerges that needs to be climbed. It's not really pleasant to walk but it is not that long. Soon after a grassy plateau is reached in Bora pass.
The easy part is over, now steeper rocky ascent starts sometimes requiring use of hands. It leads to the lower basin below Kolatas. At some point we descent a bit in more demanding terrain but once we pass Ledena Pećina the path gets a meadowy and soft character. That's the most enjoyable part as with little effort we can focus more on the views.
Finally, shortly before Presljopit pass at Albanian border the path takes left turn but trail marking does not indicate that. Here are some more demanding sections and generally the most effort costly stretch starts. At first on Zla Kolata side, then in the middle of the valley between Kolatas and finally leads to Dobra Kolata east face. Here are some zigzag sections requiring careful steps as the terrain is sometimes loose. Path is evident.
From Prevoj Kolata pass the directions are simple. Right - Zla Kolata, left - Dobra Kolata. The former is more of a meadowy path but steep, latter offers longer, less steep but more rocky and ridge ascent. Visiting both of them seems an obvious option, views are fantastic.
The way back goes exactly the same way.
Sunny and warm temperatures, up to 23 degrees in the valley.
Trail is marked red and the marking is generally good enough with one spot close to Albanian border that needs more attention (refer to pictures).
Guest house Kolata (10 EUR per night). Lots of tent fields available, also the free ones.
Vusanje can be reached by car, on foot or hitchhiked. The nearest bus stop is in Gusinje.
There is a water spring on the way which wasn't dry even in the early autumn so I believe it is reliable. Total number of tourist met was about 20, that was regular work day.
Going back through the pastures I met herd of sheeps without shepherd, only the dogs. These were in distance and did not decide to approach but looked fierce and were barking.
Links:Water spring location
Vipers (mind your steps in grassy passages), loose rocks in upper sections of east face of Dobra Kolata (unfortunately I did not take a helmet with me but would recommend it, especially on weekends with more people hiking), shepherd's dogs
20L rucksack, trekking poles
