Epirus mountains, the Dragon Lakes - Highlights

WalkingWith the exception of the descent from the Gamila refuge to Stomiou monastery, the walking is on well-defined paths, mostly in fir forest and open moorland above the treeline. The optional ascent of Smolikas is over steep cross-country terrain. In the Vikos gorge there is one river-crossing (still, knee-high waters) and the path is narrow and rocky in places. There may be poor visibility and/or high winds above 2000m on either mountain. Participants will be expected to carry some food on the treks.

Day by day programme
Day 1 Arrival in Athens and arrive to Ioannina on your own (flight or public bus)

Meet at Ioannina airport with your English speaking guide and from there transfer to your hotel in the Zagori region. Overnight in Monodendri or to the nearby Zagorian village, Ano Pedina (D)
Day 2 Short walk to Agia Paraskevi Monastery

We will visit the monastery of Agia Paraskevi, close to the edge of the gorge dating from the 15th century. Rest of the day free. O/N in a guesthouse. (B,L, D)

Day 3 Monodendri to Vikos and O/N in Papingo.

Walk 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 in pension. (B,L,D)


Day 4 Papingo to Mt Gamila Refuge and Dragon Lake (6 hrs)

Todays walk 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. (B,L,D)


Day 5 Loop walks on Gamila and Astraka's summits (7 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. (B,L,D)


Day 6 Walk down to Klidonia (6 hrs)

We walk down to Papingo and then to Kato Klidonia village one of the most beautiful stone arched bridges of the Balkans via the deserted hamlet of Klidonia. Spend the night in Konitsa in a guesthouse. (B,L,D)


Day 7 Travel to Ioannina and back to Athens

We catch an early bus to Ioannina, to arrive around noon. Depart from Ioannina to Athens.
(B)

10 Rethimou Str., Athens, Greece 10682