Have you ever traveled the mysterious and refreshing Lakaja River? If so, you surely want to admire it again and again! No wonder, Lakaja is one of the most beautiful rivers in Eastern Aukštaitija.

Lakaja’s source is in Juodieji Lakajai Lake. The river winds through the forests and woods of Labanoras Regional Park. Lakaja is the most water-rich tributary of Žeimena, carrying its clear waters into it. The Lakaja River basin is rich in forests and lakes, making it water-rich all year round. The river’s width at the source is about 10 – 15 m. Later, the riverbed narrows to 6 – 10 m. The length of the Lakaja River is about 30 km.

The Lakaja area has been declared a landscape reserve. It boasts particularly rich nature, thriving plant and animal diversity. There are places where you feel like you’re in ancestral times – just you, lush, untouched nature, deep lake waters, and the blue sky…

First day’s route

Lakaja River (from Lake Juodieji Lakajai) to Lakaja Lake campsite. (~14.5 km; ~4.8 hours):

You’ll start your canoe trip on the Lakaja River from the campsite located near Juodieji Lakajai Lake, close to the village of Lakaja. Once in the canoes, steer them along the right bank of Juodieji Lakajai. After about 150 m, turn towards the mouth of the Lakaja River, surrounded by lush reeds.

At first, the Lakaja River will seem quite shallow, so try to avoid the numerous tree barriers. Further on, the riverbed will narrow, increasing the depth. In some places, you’ll see dark spots on the bottom, reaching depths of up to 4 m. If you decide to swim here, be cautious, as springs breaking from the forest create strong cold currents in the river. After ~2.3 km from Lakaja’s source, you’ll pass the previously mentioned village of Lakaja, and go under the Joniškis – Labanoras highway bridge. Once, this bridge connected two opposite villages: Šaltalankis and Lakaja, later both villages gained one name – Lakaja.

From this bridge ~8 km, the Lakaja riverbed will become more winding and flow through Labanoras meadows, with Labanoras pines growing on the banks. You’ll also pass through the villages of Palakajo and Fedariškės. Fedariškės village was founded by Old Believers hiding from Russian Tsar Peter I. You’ll notice that the village architecture and layout are not typical of Eastern Aukštaitija, more reminiscent of old Russian fairy tale huts.

After passing the last village, you’ll reach the small Aldikis Lake (20 ha). The lake’s bottom is covered with mud carpets, the shores are rich in marshes, and reeds rustle. The lake and its shores are rich in fauna diversity: in the grasses, above the water, a multitude of birds chatter, even the White-tailed Eagle, listed in the Red Book, has been spotted here – the largest bird of prey in Lithuania. The wings of the White-tailed Eagle are so wide that they reach up to 2.45 m! This powerful bird nests in the treetops. It is a very important part of the ecosystem: it feeds mainly on fish and small birds.

After paddling about 0.8 km along Aldikis, you’ll find a 1 km long channel connecting Aldikis and Lakaja lakes. At the beginning of the channel, on the right side, you’ll leave the village of Paaldikis. Further along the channel, you’ll pass the small village of Žukaučizna and its bridge, then you’ll enter Lakaja Lake.

Crossing Aldikis Lake and covering ~0.8 km, you’ll reach a ~1 km long channel connecting Aldikis and Lakaja lakes. On the right bank at the beginning of the channel, you’ll notice the village of Paaldikis receding. Later, you’ll pass the village of Žukaučizna and its bridge.

When you start paddling and travel ~0.7 km, you’ll enter the fairly large Lakaja Lake (74 ha). Although initially appearing wide, the lake narrows in the middle. The shoreline begins to wind, forming small peninsulas. You’ll notice that the banks are higher in the northeast and south, with sloping ends, and marshes occasionally shimmering. Around the lake, perennial forests have grown.

You’ll paddle about ~1 km to the narrowing of Lakaja Lake. From the narrowing, keeping to the left bank, paddle another ~0.5 km until you see the campsite where you’ll settle.

Second day’s route

From Lakaja Lake campsite, via Lakaja River and Žeimena River to Liūlinė village (~20.3 km; ~6.8 hours):

From Lakaja Lake camp, paddle about 0.7 km and ahead, you’ll see two (left and right) lake narrowings. You need to paddle the left one, as this is the source of the Lakaja River.

Through the narrowing channel entering the Lakaja River, you’ll have ~17 km left to the finish. Mostly, you’ll see forests along the riverbanks, occasionally passing a few villages: Vilkaslastis, Algirdiškė, Lamanina. On the bank, near Algirdiškė, you’ll find a rest area where you can take a temporary break.

Paddling from Algirdiškė towards Lamanina village and after ~4 km (from Lamanina village), you’ll feel how the Lakaja River becomes more water-rich. This is due to the Peršokšna River, whose tributary you’ll see on the left side of Lakaja. From the Peršokšna tributary, you’ll paddle ~7.3 km to reach the confluence of Lakaja with Žeimena. The closer you get to this confluence, the more you’ll feel the winding of the riverbed. On the left side of the river confluence is a village called Santaka. Beyond it, you’ll see the flowing Žeimena River, which you’ll paddle further to reach the finish.

FINISH

Entering the waters of Žeimena, you’ll bid farewell to the winding Lakaja. Paddling ~1.5 km on Žeimena, you’ll reach Liūlinė village, where your finish is! Immediately after passing under the concrete bridge, dock on the right side.