Pindos Peaks Trek

Summary

Pindus National Park, located in north west Greece, is probably the least known and least visited of any National Park in Europe. Hiking in this remote area is a fascinating experience.

START / FINISH - Ioannina (other airports can be arranged)

Activity code: GR-TR-PINDUS (VK1)

Difficulty: Challenging (average daily hike is 8 hours)

Duration: 8 Days

Pindus National Park, also known as Valia Kalda, is located in north west Greece; it was established in 1966 and considered one of the most important protected areas for the maintenance of mountainous biodiversity. The National Park is characterized by extensive forests of black pine and beech in the park's lower and middle altitudes and Balkan pine at higher altitudes. The area hosts a population of Eurasian brown bears which is a conservation priority species. Other mammals that live in the park are wolves, deer, wild cats and the Balkan Chamois.

The park further provides shelter for more than 80 species of birds, including 10 types of rare bird species such as the Eastern imperial eagle, the Golden eagle and the Lanner falcon. A large variety of reptiles, amphibians, and insects, complete the picture. Discover a diverse mosaic of forest types, breath taking landscapes, over 1000 species of plants, some of them endemic to the area, the largest alpine animal zone community including the brown bear, the wolf and jackal to name a few, crystal clear alpine lakes and some of the most beautiful traditional villages of Greece located in Zagori. If you love mountains then this is a tour you shouldn't miss.

Important Information

This walking holiday is available as part of a Small Group or Private Journey. The itinerary includes Pindus National Park, Flega Lakes, the picturesque villages and stone bridges of Zagori, the traditional town of Metsovo and the possibility to extend your stay in Thessaloniki or at the coast. Overall it is hiking off the beaten track in some of the most beautiful and unspoilt scenery in Europe.

Rediscover treks in Greece include all meals, accommodation and comfortable transport, as well as an excellent English-speaking guide/tour escort throughout. Your guide will make every effort to show you a variety of good quality Greek dishes during your holiday - our team love their food, too.

Accommodation: The guesthouses on this itinerary are generally small, independent or family-run, properties which add significantly to your travel experience in this fascinating country. We select accommodation which has been personally inspected and experienced by our team - all guesthouses are comfortable and fully equipped with heating, en-suite bathroom/shower, air-conditioning, telephone, and television. Services at the mountain huts include: bunk beds, pillows and blankets.

Suggested equipment for your trekking holiday:

• Bottle/flask of water (1 litre per day)
• Rucksack
• Walking poles
• Sun protection & sunglasses
• Bathing suit & towel
• Insect repellent
• Waterproof coat / windbreaker, comfortable clothing
• Hat
• Torch (Headlamp)
• HIKING BOOTS ARE NECESSARY!

Please note that this tour is subject to change at the discretion of the tour leader, according to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.

Services at the Mountain hostels include: bunk beds, pillows / pillow cases and blankets. There is also a restaurant, showers (only cold water) and toilets. Guests are welcome to carry their own bed linen / sheets and towels for personal usage.

• Minimum age requirement: 14 years.
• Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Why not extend your stay with a relaxing few days (or longer) on one or more of Greece's beautiful islands or on Greece's beautiful and varied mainland- please ask us for further information or suggestions!