Day 1 This is one of the most visited trails on Mt Timfi and is truly a classic. And for good reason: it is the easiest and shortest way to the legendary Drakolimni Lake (Dragon lake) and at the same time the main access route to the Astraka Refuge, the only one on the mountain. Even if the first part of the trail is a bit weary, when one reaches the refuge col a whole new world unfolds at one’s feet.

This breathtaking alpine landscape, carved out by glaciers over thousands of years, is a splendid foretaste of the hidden beauties lying within these mountains. All around, marvelous wildflowers carpet the surrounding grassy hills and elevations. Sitting in a hollow amidst the mountains, Drakolimini Lake remains hidden and does not unveil its beauty until the last few meters.

Once there, we will take time to enjoy the peaceful lake scenery and explore the surrounding summits with their aerial views of the lake and the sheer cliffs of Mt Timfi dropping several hundred meters to the thickly forested flanks above the dramatic Aoos Gorge. When the skies are clear, the views extend panoramically to the nearby Mt Trapezitsa and the gigantic Mt Smolikas.

And if wondering which is Dragon this lake was named after we will be happy to clear this out for you. The sunset followed by a starry sky on a clear night up in the mountain does need any introduction. Dinner and overnight stay at the Astraka mountain refuge. DAY 2 This day is split into two parts. After having breakfast at the refuge, we will descend straight back to Mikro Papigo village from the same route (2.5hr). Time for a well-deserved coffee and snack break in a local café before a guided visit to the information center of the North Pindus National Park in Mikro Papigo.

Then we will walk into the depths of the Vikos Gorge. At the bottom, the springs of the Voidomatis River are a true spectacle. In the welcoming shade of plane trees, a powerful stream of icy clear water gushes through the rocks and the seasonal stream of Vikos is reborn as the magnificent Voidomatis.

Of course, we can’t miss the abandoned monastery and the chapel of the Theotokos with its beautiful 18th-century frescoes. Situated on a fabulous grassy plateau next to the river; this is a perfect place for an icy summer swim and a remote picnic.

The last part of this hike is a short but strenuous ascent to the hamlet of Vikos which is rewarded by epic views of the Gorge along with the abandoned monastery.