Overview:

 

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Ημερ/νίες: 25-30 Ιουλίου 2025
Type: Crossing Trek
Region: Northern Pindus
Duration: 7 days – 6 nights
Options: Short/long daily route choices
Price: €570

Now in its 5th consecutive year, BaseCamp’s Pindus Crossing Trek is perhaps one of the wildest and most remote trekking experiences in the Greek mountains. Immersed in lush virgin forests, roaring rivers, and crystal-clear springs, surrounded by traditional villages and dramatic limestone cliffs that evoke the Dolomites, Northern Pindus is truly the cradle of Greece’s untamed nature.

This year’s 6-day hike covers a total distance of 120 km and follows the route: Metsovo, Lake Aoos, Mavrovouni, Lake Flega, Arkoudorema, Vovousa, Distrato, Samarina, Mount Smolikas summit, Smolikas Dragon Lake, Pades, Vrysochori, Neraidovrysi, Limeria Klefton, Karteros Pass, Gamila I summit, Astraka Mountain Refuge, Tymfi Dragon Lake, Davalista, Moni Stomiou Monastery, Aoos River, Konitsa Bridge.

Each day offers two route options (short and long), so depending on your fitness level, you can choose the distance you wish to walk and the rest days you’d like to take.

Ταξίδια Βουνά Πεζοπορία Διάσχιση Βόρειας Πίνδου Κορυφές Τύμφης Basecamp Travel

Now in its 5th consecutive year, BaseCamp’s Pindus Crossing Trek is perhaps one of the wildest and most remote trekking experiences in the Greek mountains. Immersed in lush virgin forests, roaring rivers, and crystal-clear springs, surrounded by traditional villages and dramatic limestone cliffs that evoke the Dolomites, Northern Pindus is truly the cradle of Greece’s untamed nature.

This year’s 6-day hike covers a total distance of 120 km and follows the route: Metsovo, Lake Aoos, Mavrovouni, Lake Flega, Arkoudorema, Vovousa, Distrato, Samarina, Mount Smolikas summit, Smolikas Dragon Lake, Pades, Vrysochori, Neraidovrysi, Limeria Klefton, Karteros Pass, Gamila I summit, Astraka Mountain Refuge, Tymfi Dragon Lake, Davalista, Moni Stomiou Monastery, Aoos River, Konitsa Bridge.

Each day offers two route options (short and long), so depending on your fitness level, you can choose the distance you wish to walk and the rest days you’d like to take.

Ταξίδια Βουνά Πεζοπορία Διάσχιση Βόρειας Πίνδου Ποταμός Αώος Basecamp Travel

Overview:

 

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Dates: July 25–31, 2025
Type: Crossing Trek
Region: Northern Pindus/span>
Duration: 7 days – 6 nights
Options: Short/long daily route choices
Price: €570

Ταξίδια Βουνά Πεζοπορία Διάσχιση Βόρειας Πίνδου Ποταμός Αώος Basecamp Travel

Click below to explore all the details of the Pindus Crossing Trek.

Now in its 5th consecutive year, BaseCamp’s Pindus Crossing Trek is perhaps one of the wildest and most remote trekking experiences in the Greek mountains. Immersed in lush virgin forests, roaring rivers, and crystal-clear springs, surrounded by traditional villages and dramatic limestone cliffs that evoke the Dolomites, Northern Pindus is truly the cradle of Greece’s untamed nature.

This year’s 6-day hike covers a total distance of 120 km and follows the route: Metsovo, Lake Aoos, Mavrovouni, Lake Flega, Arkoudorema, Vovousa, Distrato, Samarina, Mount Smolikas summit, Smolikas Dragon Lake, Pades, Vrysochori, Neraidovrysi, Limeria Klefton, Karteros Pass, Gamila I summit, Astraka Mountain Refuge, Tymfi Dragon Lake, Davalista, Moni Stomiou Monastery, Aoos River, Konitsa Bridge.

Each day offers two route options (short and long), so depending on your fitness level, you can choose the distance you wish to walk and the rest days you’d like to take.

Ταξίδια Βουνά Πεζοπορία Διάσχιση Βόρειας Πίνδου Κορυφές Τύμφης Basecamp Travel

Overview:

.

Dates: July 25–31, 2025
Type: Crossing Trek
Region: Northern Pindus
Duration: 7 days – 6 nights
Options: Short/long daily route choices
Price: €570

Ταξίδια Βουνά Πεζοπορία Trekking Ορειβατικές Αποστολές Basecamp Travel
Calendar HMCS

Click below to explore all the details of the Pindus Crossing Trek.

Now in its 5th consecutive year, BaseCamp’s Northern Pindus Traverse is one of the most beautiful and thrilling trekking experiences in the Greek mountains—and one of the largest organized multi-day hikes in the country.

Immersed in lush, untouched forests, with rushing rivers and springs bubbling with crystal-clear water, traditional mountain villages, and dramatic limestone cliffs reminiscent of the Dolomites, Northern Pindus rightfully holds the title of Greece’s wild nature sanctuary.

This year’s 6-day hike covers approximately 120 km and follows the route: Metsovo, Lake Aoos, Mavrovouni, Lake Flega, Arkoudorema, Vovousa, Distrato, Samarina, Smolikas summit, Smolikas Dragon Lake, Pades, Vrysochori, Neraidovrysi, LImeria Klefton, Karteros Pass, Gamila I summit, Astraka refuge, Tymfi Dragon Lake, Davalista, Stomiou Monastery, Aoos river, Konitsa bridge.

The Pindus Crossing Trek offers flexibility: each day, depending on how you feel, you can choose between a shorter or a longer route. You also have the option to skip a section of the trail and transfer to the next village using BaseCamp’s support vehicles.

Your main gear is transported daily from one checkpoint to the next, so you can enjoy the hike with just a light daypack carrying essentials (snacks, water, rain jacket, hat, sunglasses, etc.). Accommodation is in traditional guesthouses with all modern comforts—except for the final night, which is spent in the remote and atmospheric Astraka mountain refuge.

Depending on your fitness level, most days (except for Day 4 & Day 6) offer a choice between a shorter (2–6 hours) and a longer hiking route (6–12 hours).

You can also choose to skip a section—or even an entire day—of hiking, if you feel the need to rest and recover. In that case, you can transfer to the next checkpoint (village) using the organizers’ support vehicles (bus, minivan, or 4×4).

Each morning, after breakfast, you’ll inform the BaseCamp team which route you’d like to follow that day. Both the short and long routes follow the same trail network—the short option simply cuts out a section to reduce the total hiking time.

Once the shorter group completes their planned segment, they’ll transfer to the next stop (village) using the support vehicle—referred to in previous editions as the “shortcut vehicle” since it bypasses part of the trail. Meanwhile, the long-route group continues hiking until they reach the final overnight destination of the day.

Any gear and items that are not needed for the hike will be transported via the Mountain Bus or 4×4 vehicles, from the start to the end of each daily hiking route, where they can be picked up.

While hiking, we will be dressed in lightweight summer hiking clothing (e.g. shorts or lightweight trekking pants, synthetic short-sleeve t-shirt or shirt, hiking boots, and trekking poles).

You’ll carry a daypack (25–35L) that should generally include the following:

  1. Water bottle/thermos (1-1.5L)
  2. Snacks for the trail (nuts, bars, sandwiches, etc.)
  3. Fleece jacket
  4. windproof jacketHat
  5. Sunglasses
  6. Sunscreen & lip balm
  7. Headlamp
  8. Map, compass, or GPS (optional)
  9. Personal first aid kit
  10. Swimsuit & towel

     Gear transported by support vehicles:

  1. Extra/backup clothes
  2. Athletic shoes
  3. Sandals/flip-flops
  4. Towel
  5. Toiletries (toothbrush, etc.)
  6. Set of bed sheets & pillowcase
  7. Sleeping bag for refuge (optional)
  8. Sleeping bag liner (optional)

During the hike, it’s recommended to wear synthetic base layers (short-sleeve or long-sleeve) or lightweight trekking shirts for hiking in warm conditions on the upper body. The fabrics used in these clothes don’t absorb too much sweat and dry quickly. For the lower body, it’s advisable to wear trekking pants, shorts, or tracksuit bottoms.

For footwear, ideal options are trail running shoes or flexible hiking boots that provide ankle support and protect the foot from thorns, rocks, or mud, keeping it relatively dry in case of rain. Additionally, those who wish may use trekking poles.

It is also recommended to bring a second pair of shoes (besides the trekking boots), such as extra athletic shoes or sandals (like Tevas), which can be worn in the refuge/hostel or on the bus for added comfort.

Clothing & Footwear

  1. Hiking boots (1-2 pairs)
  2. Trail running shoes (1-2 pairs)
  3. Flip-flops/sandals (1 pair)
  4. Hiking socks (3-4 pairs)
  5. Short-sleeve thermal t-shirt (4-5)
  6. Long-sleeve thermal t-shirt (1-2)
  7. Long-sleeve thermal t-shirt with hood (1)
  8. Cotton short-sleeve t-shirt (2-3)
  9. Short-sleeve trekking shirt (safari-style) (1)
  10. Thermal leggings/pants (1)
  11. Athletic leggings (1)
  12. Short trekking pants (shorts) (1-3)
  13. Long trekking pants (1)
  14. Hiking pants (softshell type) (1)
  15. Fleece jacket (1)
  16. Windproof and waterproof jacket (1)
  17. Windproof and waterproof pants (1)
  18. Vest (down or primaloft) (1)
  19. Gym gloves (fingerless) (1 pair)
  20. Thin gloves (fleece) (1 pair)
  21. Waterproof gloves (1 pair)
  22. Beanie (1)
  23. Hat (jockey, wide-brimmed, or with neck flap) (1)
  24. Neck scarf (buff) (1)
  25. Swimsuit (1)

General Use

  1. Hiking Backpack 25-35lt (daypack) (1)
  2. City Backpack 20-30lt (1)
  3. Equipment Transport Bag 60-90lt (duffle bag) (1)
  4. Trekking Poles
  5. Headlamp with spare batteries
  6. Water Bottle 1-1.5lt
  7. Sunglasses (UV protection category 3 or 4)
  8. Swiss Army Knife
  9. Emergency Blanket
  10. Whistle
  11. Map-Compass-GPS (optional)
  12. Sheet Set & Pillowcase (for refuges) (1)
  13. Summer-type Sleeping Bag for the refuges (optional) (1)
  14. Sleeping Bag Liner (optional) (1)
  15. Travel Towel (1)
  16. Toiletries (toothpaste-toothbrush etc.)
  17. Personal First Aid Kit

Personal First Aid Kit

  1. Elastic Bandage (8-12cm)
  2. Small Bedadin 30ml (general antiseptic)
  3. Sterile Medium-Size Gauze 15x30cm (4-5 pieces)
  4. Adhesive Tape
  5. Compeed (blister protection for feet)
  6. Sunscreen with high SPF (30-50)
  7. Lip Balm
  8. Painkillers (e.g. Depon/Panadol)
  9. Anti-diarrheal medication (e.g. Imodium)
  10. Antibiotics (e.g. Augmentin)
  11. Gehwol Cream (blister protection)
  12. Electrolytes in powder or effervescent tablets
  13. Personal Medication

Along the route of our hiking journey, there are many traditional tavernas and grills in the villages where we will stop for lunch or dinner. The Astraka Refuge, where we will spend the last night of the trekking, also offers an organized kitchen.

This means that the only items you need to bring with you during the hike are some snacks (bars, nuts, etc.) and 1-1.5 liters of water (there will be water refills in the villages and from springs along the route).

Please note that, with the exception of the breakfasts provided at the accommodations, all other meals and dinners are at the participants’ expense and are not included in the price of our travel package. The same applies to all drinks (water, soft drinks, coffees, alcoholic beverages, etc.).

During our hikes, you do NOT need to carry excessive amounts of water, as (except for the 5th day), there are several springs along the route where you can refill your water bottle with fresh, drinkable water.

Price: 570€

Included in the price:

  1. Mountain guides & climbing leaders from HMCS
  2. All transportation and local transfers
  3. Support on difficult roads with 4X4 vehicles
  4. All overnight stays in guesthouses & refuges
  5. All breakfasts at the accommodations
  6. Wireless communications
  7. Group first aid kit
  8. Insurance coverage
  9. VAT 24%

Not included:

  • Personal hiking equipment
  • Food expenses (except for breakfasts)
  • Soft drinks, beverages & bottled water
  • Anything not explicitly mentioned in the program

To reserve your spot for the Crossing of Northern Pindos, please complete the form by clicking the green “Reservation” button on this page.

To finalize your reservation, you must submit the full payment or a 50% deposit within 10 days of filling out the form. Please transfer the payment to one of the following bank accounts and send us the proof of payment (or a screenshot) to the email: info@basecamp.gr. Include the participant’s name in the payment reference.

Reservation Confirmation

After we receive the proof of payment, you will receive a payment receipt (receipt/invoice) at the email you provided, which also serves as confirmation of your successful registration and reservation.

Bank Accounts – IBAN

  • Alpha Bank: GR4501401210121002320008833
    • Eurobank: GR5302600950000540200964506
    • Piraeus Bank: GR6901715990006599126968125
    • National Bank of  Greece: GR3001101070000010715114913

Registration Deadline

There is no specific registration deadline, but since the number of participants is limited, we recommend reserving your spot as soon as possible by making a deposit or full payment.

Cancellations

Cancellations are subject to the following policy:

  1. Cancellations made by 6/7/2025: 100% refund
  2. Cancellations made from 7 to 21/7/2025: 50% refund
  3. Cancellations made after 22/7/2025: No refund

Phone / Email

For any clarifications or additional information about the program, you can reach us Monday to Friday (9 am – 5 pm) at our office landline: +30 211 4014 744 or mobile: +30 694 8525 471, or email us at info@basecamp.gr.

Chat / WhatsApp / Viber

You can also contact us via Messenger on our website chat at www.basecamp.gr by clicking the green button located at the bottom-right of the homepage, or send us a free message via Viber/WhatsApp on the mobile number above.

Social Media

To stay updated on our latest news, feel free to like our pages on Facebook & Instagram:

  • Facebook: @Basecamp_Kotronaros
  • Instagram: @panagiotiskotronaros

Viber Community

Lastly, if you’d like to receive weekly updates about our new programs, trainings, trips, mountaineering expeditions, technical articles, etc., you can request to be added to our community on Viber by sending us your full name and mobile number. This is for the Ηellenic Mountaineering & Climbing School and BASECAMP Travel community.

Ταξίδια Βουνά Πεζοπορία Διάσχιση Βόρειας Πίνδου Πηγές Ποταμού Βοϊδομάτη Basecamp Travel

Pindus Crossing Trek 2025 Itinerary

The group will meet at 15:50 at Karaiskaki Square for departure to Metsovo at 16:00. There will be a stop at the S.E.A. Olympus Plaza in Evinochori at 18:30. The group will then arrive in Ioannina at 21:00, at B&F Cafe. For those who have arrived by car, they can board the Mountain Bus (please note that the Mountain Bus will not pass through Metsovo on the return journey). You can leave your cars at this stop and travel with the rest of the group to Metsovo. The group will then arrive at the hotel at 22:00, where room allocation will take place. Dinner is optional and can be enjoyed at one of the traditional taverns in the village.

We will start the day with breakfast at our hotel in Metsovo at 06:30 AM, followed by departure with the Mountain Bus at 07:30 AM, heading towards the shores of Lake Aoos. At 08:00 AM, our trekking will begin towards the Mavrovouni Refuge, continuing to the base of the cone of the peak of the same name ( 2-hours).

We will then ascend to the summit of Mavrovouni (1,997 meters), which is located not far from the refuge and offers breathtaking views of Lake Aoos and the surrounding area. From the summit, we will descend off-trail into a valley with ancient robola trees until we reconnect with the well-marked path that leads to the summit of Flega. At this point, the small and large routes merge and follow a common path.

At a slow and steady pace, we will ascend to the summit of Flega, at an elevation of 2,157 meters (approximately 3 hours). From this vantage point, the view of Lake Aoos and the surrounding Pindus Mountains is simply breathtaking. We can clearly see all the major mountain ranges such as Smolikas, Tymfi, Nemertska, Vasilitsa, and others.

Afterward, we will descend towards the stunning twin alpine lakes of Flega, located just below the summit at altitudes of 1,950 meters and 1,920 meters. From the Flega lakes, the trail continues downhill to Arkoudolakos and then meets the crystal-clear waters of the Arkoudorema at an elevation of 1,200 meters. Here, we will stop for a refreshing swim in the fairy-like pools and waterfalls formed in the narrow passages of the valley, a signature landscape of the wild natural beauty of the area.

The trail is quite shaded as it winds through dense oak, beech, and pine forests, and passes by many streams with clear water and springs. Shortly before the end of today’s hike, we will reach the confluence of the Arkoudorema and Aoos rivers. Here, the famous “cutter” support vehicle will transfer the hikers from Route B (and/or Group A) to the Valia Kalda refuge.

The trail is quite shaded as it winds through dense oak, beech, and pine forests, and passes by many streams with clear water and springs. Shortly before the end of today’s hike, we will reach the confluence of the Arkoudorema and Aoos rivers. Here, the famous “shortcut vehicle” will transfer the hikers from Route B (and/or Group A) to the Valia Kalda refuge.

The trail then continues through thick woodland and leads to the Valia Kalda refuge, which features an organized camping area along the banks of the Aoos River. Overnight accommodation and dinner will be provided at Valia Kalda, or alternatively, you may take the Mountain Bus to the village of Vovousa to enjoy dinner at one of its traditional tavernas.

The day begins with wake-up at 07:00, followed by breakfast at 07:30, and the hike starts at 08:30. As the second day of the crossing, we will follow a section of the E6 trail that traverses the Greek mountains from west to east, as well as a newly marked part of the path that is part of the new Pindus Trail.

Both groups—the short route and the long route—will follow the same itinerary until reaching the Valia Stathí valley. From there, the first group will continue by 4×4 vehicle, while the second group will proceed on foot towards Distrato.

From the Valia Kalda refuge, we follow the riverside path to the village of Vovousa, and from there we continue along a forest road next to the Aoos River for about 5–6 km. Next, we will cross the Valia Stathi—a natural gem of the area and habitat of the brown bear—before ascending to Skrio (a staircase in Vlachika), which leads to  Distrato.

Congratulations to the Pindus Trail team for the excellent way they have opened up and signposted the trail. The section of the path crossing Valia Stathi could serve as a practical workshop in exploration, trail opening, and wayfinding.

At the exit of Valia Stathi—approximately halfway along today’s route—the short option for the day concludes. Here, we will meet the “shortcut vehicle”, the support 4×4 vehicle, which will be available to transfer those who wish to continue to Distrato by road. Overnight accommodation is arranged in guesthouses in Distrato, and dinner will be served at a traditional tavern in the village’s central square.

From the exit of Valia Stathi, we continue along a steep uphill trail through the forest on the slopes of Mount Mytiko until reaching a characteristic clearing that offers panoramic views of the Aoos River valley, where a scenic viewpoint awaits. We then continue a little further uphill until we arrive at a wooded clearing, from which we descend on the northern side of the mountain toward the chapel of Agia Sotira. Passing a spring along the dirt road, we finally reach the central square of the village of Distrato—just a 15-minute walk from Agia Sotira—where today’s journey comes to an end. Overnight accommodations in guesthouses in Distrato and dinner at a traditional tavern in the village center.

Wake-up at 07:00, breakfast at 07:30, and the hike begins at 08:30. Today’s route takes us through one of the most isolated and wild regions of our country, crossing from Epirus into Western Macedonia, where Samarina is located. The trail winds between majestic black pine forests and ancient robola trees that form impressive natural sculptures. We are accompanied by the breathtaking views of Smolikas’ summit and the legendary Valia Kirna (the “Devil’s Valley”) of the Vlachs in Samarina and Distrato, as we traverse the slopes of Gomara, west of Vasilitsa.

After about 5 hours of hiking, we come across the Samarina River, and from there we ascend to the chapel of the Metamorfosi of Sotiros and the old monastery of Agia Paraskevi.

From Agia Paraskevi, we initially follow a well-marked, gentle trail with mild inclines until we reach Samarina, although it becomes steep and rough shortly before entering the village. Overnight accommodations are in a guesthouse in Samarina and dinner is at the village’s renowned grill houses.

The day begins at 05:30 with wake-up and breakfast at 06:00. The hike starts at 06:30. The fourth day of the crossing presents a physically demanding route as we ascend the Geros peak of Smolikas, which stands at 2,637 meters—second only to Mount Olympus as the highest peak in Greece!

As there are no escape points on today’s route where 4×4 vehicles can access, there will be no option for a shorter route on the same trail. This means that anyone starting the hike must be committed and able to complete the entire route.

Starting from the central square of Samarina, we climb towards the alpine meadows of Smolikas, passing through forests of pine and ancient trees. We then pass the rugged peaks of Mikri & Megali Mosia (Gries in Vlachika), traversing a stunning basin with sinkholes and springs until we reach an altitude of around 2,500 meters. From there, a traversing path winds through various slopes, eventually leading us after 7-8 hours of hiking to the summit of Smolikas at 2,637 meters.

The view from the summit is breathtaking, offering panoramic views of major mountain ranges, such as Tymfi (Gamila), Trapezitsa, Grammos, and Nemertska, clearly visible on the horizon, extending to the Greek-Albanian border. After taking in the majestic scenery, we descend to the magical Dragon Lake “Lygka” of Smolikas at an elevation of 2,150 meters. This is one of the few alpine lakes in Greece, home to the protected alpine newt.

After admiring the beautiful colors of the Dragon Lake in the late afternoon light, we continue along a well-marked trail through pine forests, reaching the central square of the village of Pades after 3 hours. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the local guesthouse Munti Smolikas. Please bring a set of sheets and a pillowcase or, alternatively, a liner (a special inner sleeping bag liner in the form of an envelope) for your stay at the guesthouse.

The day begins with a 05:30 wake-up and breakfast at 06:00 AM, followed by a demanding day ahead for the long route team. Departure with the Mountain Bus to Vrysohori at 07:00, arriving at 07:45. The hike starts at 08:00 AM.

Today, we embark on one of the most impressive hiking routes of the Greek mountains. The journey begins in Vrysohori, beneath the majestic Tsouka Rossa, passing through Neraiodvrysi, the Katsanos lake, from where we ascend to the Karteros pass and the summit of Gamila I. We then cross the alpine meadows of Tymfi and head towards the Vlach village of Tsepelovo.

The path leaves Vrysohori and traverses in the shade of the stunning Tsouka Rossa, through a jungle of various trees and plants, reaching Neraidovrysi. In some places, the trail follows a rough dirt road.

This is a spectacular trail, with the dense forested valley of the Aoos River beneath us and Smolikas visible in the distance, a mountain we hiked just the previous day. Around 1,300 meters, the path turns south, leading up to the Katsanos lake (1,650 meters).

Here, the forest begins to thin out, signaling that we are entering the alpine zone of the mountain. From this point, a branch of the trail climbs toward the Limeria Klefton and the famous Karteros pass, which leads to the southern side of the mountain.

The landscape around us grows wilder, and the view is breathtaking, as we are surrounded by cliffs, the imposing peaks of Mavra Litharia, and glacial lakes that retain snow even during the summer, earning the area the name the “Greek Alps.”

From the Karteros saddle, we ascend along the ridge to the highest peaks of Tymfi, Gamila III-II-I (2,497 meters). After admiring the incredible views, we follow the path that descends to Tsoumani lake, and from there, it climbs to the Astraka saddle, where the Astraka refuge is located in a prime spot. Overnight stay and dinner at the refuge (arrival time between 19:30 and 20:00).

Wake-up call at 06:00 and breakfast at 06:30. Our hike begins at 07:30 from the Astraka Refuge. The trail initially descends to the Tsoumanni meadow (Laka Tsoumanni) and then ascends toward the stunning Dragon Lake (Drakolimni), where we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the towering Gamila I peak (2,497m) reflected in the lake’s crystal-clear waters.

After a 30-minute break to relax and soak in the serenity of the lake, we’ll continue uphill toward a nearby peak, from where we begin our descent via a steep trail leading to Davalista and the historic Monastery of Stomio.

From there, a scenic 1.5-hour walk along the riverbanks takes us to the iconic stone bridge of Konitsa, with our estimated arrival around 14:00. There will be time for a refreshing swim in the Aoos River before our departure.

We’ll leave for Athens at 16:00, making a stop in Ioannina for those who need to pick up their private vehicles. Arrival at Karaiskaki Square in Athens is expected around 23:00. End of the program and return of equipment

Calendar HMCS

Pindus Crossing Trek Foto Gallery 

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