Return to Home Page Harrys Greece Guide

Hiking in Epiros Pindos Mountains

Alternative Tourism Quote

Guided or Self Guided
trip advisor recommendation

Period of operation: May - October

2 participants

price rise soon
Guided 1015€/person
Self Guided 665€/person
4 participants
Guided 660€/person
Self Guided 515€/person
Duration: 6 Days
Minimum attendance: 2 participants
Level requirements :Basic physical condition and previous hiking experience recommended as we walk 5-7 hours daily. Children welcome depending on their previous hiking experience.

Description

hiking trekking epiros pindosThe region of Epirus boasts some of the most scenic green nature in the country. The Vikos Aoos National Park, in the area known as Zagori, is an ideal location for nature enthusiasts. 
The Zagori is one of the most picturesque regions of Greece with many authentic, stone villages and magnificent views of the Pindos mountains. The region is a real paradise for hiking nature enthusiasts. The stunning peaks of Mt.Gamila and Astraka at altitudes above 2,000m, the dragon lakes, invite you for demanding hiking amongst rare and countless varieties of flowers. Vikos Gorge, listed as the deepest gorge in the world by the Guinness Book of Records, renowned for its natural beauty, crystal river pools in an unforgettable experience. The Vikos Gorge, with walls of up to 1 km in height, is also a site of major scientific interest, because it is in almost virgin condition, is a haven for endangered species and contains many and varied ecosystems.

Alternative Tourism Quote

 

Itinerary

hiking trekking epiros pindosDay1: Arrival in Ioannina & Transfer to Monodendri
Meet in Ioannina with your guide and from there transfer to Monodendri village. Settle to your friendly guesthouse. Depending on time of arrival, we may visit the monastery of Agia Paraskevi, close to the edge of the gorge.
O/N in a guesthouse http://www.ke-hotel.gr/ or http://www.monodendri.com/ or similar. (Dinner)

Day 2: Monodendri – Papingo (Approximate Hiking time: 6-7 hrs) Vikos Gorge Hike
Hike to Mikro Papingo through the Vikos Gorge with its turquoise river-pools (5 to 6 hours). A classic trek in one of Europe’s finest canyons. Spectacular cliff walls tower up on both sides as we follow the riverbed downstream, or a small path alongside (4 hrs). We end with a further 2 hours uphill beneath the towers of Papingo. We may cool off with a dip in the natural swimming pool of a nearby stream before settling into our rooms. O/N http://www.diaspapigo.gr/ (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

hiking trekking epiros pindosDay 3: Papingo to Mt Gamila Refuge and Dragon Lake (Approximate Hiking time: 5 hrs)
Todays hike starts with 3 hours uphill from Mikro Papingo to the “Astraka” refuge on Mt. Gamila, at 1950m. Here we picnic and leave our packs for the afternoon walk to the first of the Dragon Lakes, an hour away across grassy uplands studded with flowers and (until July) some small snow pack. We return to the refuge for the night. http://www.astrakarefuge.com/ (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 4 : Loop walks on Gamila and Astraka’s summits (Approximate Hiking time: 7-8 hrs round trip)
There are two summits that we can ascend in a loop walk, if we are fit enough and in a good shape: Mount Gamila at 2480m and Mount Astraka at 2436m. We may choose on the spot which of the two summits to climb from where we can enjoy the panorama over the plunging Aoos ravine. We return to the refuge for the night. http://www.astrakarefuge.com/ (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

hiking trekking epiros pindosDay 5: Walk down to Mikro Papingo (Approximate Hiking time: 3hrs)
We walk down to Papingo and settle in our guesthouse. Free Afternoon
O/N in guesthouse http://www.diaspapigo.gr/ (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 6: Transfer from Mikro Papingo to Ioannina (Breakfast)


Price Includes

Accommodation in double rooms on B/B basis in guesthouses (3 nights) and in berths while on refuges (2 nights)
• Trekking Hellas experienced guide in guided mode only
• Meals as mentioned in the program (Breakfast at guesthouses or refuge / Picnic Lunches / Dinners in local taverns or refuge)
• Transfer from Ioannina to Monodendri
• Transfer from Papingo to Ioannina
• Trekking activities as mentioned in the program
• Luggage transfers both in guided and self guided mode