Day 6

PINDUS DISCOVERY

Route: Iliochori → Iliochori Waterfalls → Iliochori (2 km) + Mikro Papigo (970 m) → Astraka Mountain Refuge (1,950 m) (6 km)

Distance: 8 km
Elevation: +1,000 m / −200 m
Duration: 5–6 hours

PINDUS CHALLENGE | PINDUS ELITE | PINDUS ELITE RACE

Route: Vrysochori (940 m) → Neraidovrysi (1,190 m) → Katsanos Shepherds’ Camp (1,710 m) → Klepht Hideouts (1,880 m) → Karteros Pass (2,260 m) → Gamila I Summit (2,497 m) → Katsantonis Basin (2,000 m) → Romiovrysi Spring (1,860 m) → Astraka Mountain Refuge (1,950 m)

Distance: 20 km
Elevation: +1,860 m / −750 m
Duration: 10–12 hours

Schedule

05:30 — Wake-up
06:00 — Breakfast at Munti Smolikas
07:00 — Departure of all groups by Mountain Bus for Vrysochori
07:45 — Arrival in Vrysochori
08:00 — Start of PINDUS ELITE & PINDUS ELITE RACE
08:15 — Start of PINDUS CHALLENGE
08:30 — PINDUS DISCOVERY departs Vrysochori for Iliochori
09:30 — Walk to the Iliochori Waterfalls for a refreshing swim
11:30 — Return to Iliochori and departure for Mikro Papigo
13:00 — Arrival in Mikro Papigo and light lunch
15:00 — PINDUS DISCOVERY begins the ascent to Astraka Mountain Refuge
18:00 — Arrival of PINDUS DISCOVERY at Astraka Mountain Refuge

The Trek

Today brings one of the most spectacular and demanding mountain stages of the entire PINDUS CROSSING, crossing the dramatic alpine landscape of the Tymfi massif and reaching its highest summit, Gamila I (2,497 m).

For the longer routes, our trek begins in Vrysochori (940 m), beneath the imposing cliffs of Tsouka Rossa. The trail traverses the mountainside through extraordinarily rich forest towards Neraidovrysi, with occasional sections following rough forest tracks.

The scenery soon becomes spectacular. Far below lies the densely forested Aoos River valley, while across the valley rises Mount Smolikas — the mountain we crossed only the day before.

At approximately 1,300 m, the trail turns south and begins climbing towards the high mountain terrain of Tymfi. As we gain altitude, the forest gradually thins and gives way to the open alpine landscape.

We continue towards the historic Klepht Hideouts and then climb towards Karteros Pass (2,260 m), the dramatic gateway to the southern side of the massif.

From here, the character of the landscape changes completely. Towering limestone cliffs, the imposing peaks of Mavra Litharia, deep glacial basins and patches of snow that can survive well into summer create an unexpectedly alpine world — a landscape that has earned this part of Pindus the nickname “the Greek Alps.”

From Karteros Pass, the route follows the high ridge towards the summits of Tymfi and reaches Gamila I (2,497 m), the highest point of the massif.

The panorama from the summit is one of the great rewards of PINDUS CROSSING. From here, we descend back into the vast alpine landscape of Tymfi and continue towards Astraka Pass, where Astraka Mountain Refuge (1,950 m) stands in a spectacular position beneath the surrounding limestone peaks.

PINDUS DISCOVERY

The Discovery group enjoys a completely different but equally memorable day.

After travelling to Iliochori, we take a short walk to the village’s beautiful waterfalls, with time for a refreshing swim in their natural pools.

We then continue by Mountain Bus to Mikro Papigo (970 m), one of the best-known traditional stone villages of the Zagori region. After a light lunch, we begin the approximately 6 km ascent to Astraka Mountain Refuge, gaining almost 1,000 vertical metres as the trail climbs from the village into the alpine world of Tymfi.

By the end of the day, all groups reunite at Astraka Mountain Refuge (1,950 m) for our final night high in the mountains.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation: Shared 8-bed dormitory rooms at Astraka Mountain Refuge — included

Breakfast: At the refuge the following morning — included

Dinner: At the refuge — not included

Refuge Accommodation

For the overnight stay at the refuge, please bring either a set of bed sheets and a pillowcase, or alternatively a sleeping-bag liner.