Pindos Peaks Trek

National Park of Valia Calda - the wild forests and peaks.

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!

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Available as a small group tour on the dates below or as a private booking.

What's included on your trekking holiday ?

  • 6 nights on BB basis in local guesthouses based on double rooms with ensuite shower/WC, air conditioning, TV, telephone & internet access.
  • 1 night in Mountain refuge in dormitories
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches & 7 dinners
  • Luggage transfer
  • Airport transfers (Ioannina Airport) & all other transport throughout the itinerary
  • Experienced and licensed English speaking trekking guide.
  • Local taxes

Itinerary

Your guide will meet you in the city of Ioannina and you will be transferred to the picturesque village of Tsepelovo in central Zagori.

*Other mainland airports can be arranged. If you fly into Corfu Airport you will need a ferry crossing to Igoumenitsa port (1.5 hours) and a transfer to Tsepelovo.

  • Overnight: Tsepelovo
  • Meals: Dinner

The hike starts on a forest road for around an hour and then you'll climb up to Diaselo Avalou ridge for a truly incredible view. Walk above the tree line on the open escarpment, and then descend into the forest to find a natural spring with fresh running water. Follow the forest road and the path to the village of Vrisochori.

Overnight stay in Vrisochori.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner.
Trekking altitude:  1080 m- 2200m – 850m
Trekking time: 8 – 9 hours
Trekking difficulty level: Moderate / Challenging

From the village of Vrisochori descend to the Aoos river via an old road that has been relaid over time. Perhaps you might like to take a refreshing dip before your climb, via path & forest road, to the village of Pades. You'll have glorious views of Mount Timfi today.

Overnight stay in Pades.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner.
Trekking altitude:  850 m- 650m – 1100m
Trekking time: 5 – 6 hours
Trekking difficulty level: Moderate

Today is the second biggest day of trekking which will see you hike to the second highest peak in Greece (2637m). Brave souls have time to take a dip in the Dragon Lake (2100m) just prior to reaching the top. Having conquered the summit, follow the ridge past the peak of Mossia and descend to the village of Samarina.

Overnight stay in Samarina.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner.
Trekking altitude:  1100m – 2637m – 2150m – 2600m – 1450m
Trekking time: 8 – 9 hours
Trekking difficulty level: Challenging

Leaving the village of Samarina, follow the forest road and then the National European walking path E6, through breathtaking fauna and flora. You'll have great views of Smolikas Mountain. Finish the day in the village of Distrato.

Overnight stay in Distrato.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner.
Trekking altitude: 1450m – 1100m- 1350m – 1000m
Trekking time: 5 – 6 hours
Trekking difficulty level: Moderate

The day begins with a small climb, after that you'll continue inside the National Park of Valia Kalda. You may encounter some bear footprints! You'll finish the day walking along a forest road before reaching the village of Vovousa.

Overnight stay in a private refuge in Vovousa.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner.
Trekking altitude: 1000m – 1200m- 950m – 1100m – 1000m
Trekking time: 7 – 8 hours
Trekking Difficulty Level: Moderate / Challenging

This is by far one of the best trekking areas in Greece. Today you will walk through the centre of the National Park, with its unspoilt fauna and flora. Here is the habitat of the brown bear, which gives its name to the stream (time for a swim, if desired). The climb to the top of Flega rewards you with magnificent views of the Lake of Aoos Springs. The day finishes in the refuge of Maurovouni. You will be collected from here and taken to the village of Metsovo.

Overnight stay in Metsovo.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner.
Trekking altitude: 1000m – 2159m – 1900m
Trekking time: 8 – 9 hours
Trekking Difficulty Level: Challenging

After breakfast we transfer you to the city of Ioannina* (airport / bus station / city centre). Transfers to other airports can be arranged.


Meals: Breakfast

 

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