In the very heart of Prokletije, not far from Gusinje, there are two locations that are legally protected as natural monuments: the canyon of the river Grlja and the springs of Alipaš. Although they are completely different in their character - one is harsh and dramatic, and the other is tame and almost fairy-tale - both are key to the ecological image of this region and represent a real natural attraction that leaves no one indifferent.
Grlja river canyon is a place where nature shows all its raw power. It is an extremely narrow and deep cut in the rocks through which the river Grlja, created by the waters of Prokletije, creates spectacular waterfalls and whirlpools. What makes this canyon special is its inaccessibility; the rocks are so close to each other that in some parts the sun barely reaches the bottom of the canyon. Precisely because of this isolation, this area has remained untouched and represents an important habitat for endemic plant species that grow in the crevices of the cliffs, as well as for rare species of birds of prey that skillfully hide their nests in hard-to-reach places. Grlje Canyon is a challenge for experienced explorers and lovers of wild nature, and the sight of turquoise water breaking through the dark stone remains in the memory as one of the most beautiful landscapes in the north of Montenegro. Ali Pasha's sources are the complete opposite. It is a spacious, tame and beautiful spring zone located at the foot of the mountain massif. A huge number of small springs emerge from the rocks here, which merge into a single river, creating a calming and almost unreal ambiance. The water here is icy, crystal clear and rich in oxygen, and the entire area around the spring has been a place for people to gather, trade and rest for centuries. For the inhabitants of Gusinje and Plav, Ali Pasha's springs are not only a monument of nature, but a place with a soul, a symbol of hospitality and tradition, where generations gathered on "Ali Pasha's days". When viewed together, Grlje canyon and Ali Pasha's springs form a whole that depicts the richness of the water resources of Prokletije. While Grlja shows the wild, untamed side of the mountain, Alipasha's springs show the beneficial, life-giving side that enables the survival of this region. The protection of these localities is extremely important in order to prevent any unplanned construction in their vicinity, because any such intervention would disturb the natural balance that has reigned here for centuries. A visit to this part of Prokletije offers a special experience - the opportunity to feel all the power of mountain rivers and all the beauty and peace of pure spring water in one day, which is a privilege that this region generously offers to every visitor.