Distance: 651 km | Travel time: approx. 8.5 hours
Hiking profile: Mikro Papingo (900 m) – Astraka Mountain Hut (1950 m); Distance: 6.5 km | Duration: approx. 3h 30min
Hiking profile: Astraka Hut (1950 m) – Drakolimni Lake (2000 m); Distance: 2.8 km | Duration: approx. 1h 30min

Departure from Niš is just after midnight, while participants from Belgrade will depart earlier from an agreed meeting point. After traveling through Serbia, North Macedonia, and Greece with short breaks along the way, we arrive in Ioannina early in the morning, where we’ll start the day with breakfast and coffee. After a short refreshment, we head to the hidden village of Mikro Papingo, the starting point of our magnificent trek to the Astraka mountain hut. Once at the hut, we’ll take a break for lunch and a short rest before continuing our hike to Drakolimni Lake, the iconic symbol of the national park and mainland Greece. After enjoying the beautiful setting of the alpine lake, we return to the mountain hut for dinner, where we’ll reflect on the day’s experience and prepare for a good night’s rest.

Hiking profile: Astraka Hut (1950 m) – Gamila Peak (2487 m). Total distance (round trip): 10 km

After waking up in the stunning setting of untouched nature and enjoying a hearty mountain breakfast, we begin our second day with an ascent to Gamila, the highest peak of the Zagori region, standing at 2497 meters above sea level. The trail we follow is well-marked and part of the Transhellenic Trail, with a distance of approximately 5 kilometers to the summit. This allows for a safe and clear route during the ascent. The climb takes around 3.5 hours and involves about 540 meters of elevation gain. From the top of Gamila, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Drakolimni Lake, the neighboring Astraka peak, and the entire Pindus mountain range, making this the true highlight of the day. We return to the mountain hut via the same trail, where dinner and a well-earned rest await us.

Distance: 651 km | Travel time: approx. 8.5 hours
Hiking profile: Astraka Mountain Hut (1950 m) – Mikro Papingo (900 m); Distance: 6.5 km | Duration: approx. 1h 30min

After breakfast, we descend to the village of Mikro Papingo, where we’ll take a short break to refresh. We then continue our visit to one of the natural gems of the region – the Rogovo Gorge. This impressive canyon is famous for its stone pools and narrow gorges that create a unique landscape, a true haven for nature lovers and peaceful walks. After sightseeing, we continue our journey toward Ioannina, followed by the road back toward the border, with a stop for lunch along the way. Arrival in Niš is expected in the late evening, with organized transfer provided for participants returning to Belgrade.

• Transportation by tourist-class van,
• Two overnights with breakfast at Astraka Mountain Hut (1950 m),
• Group tour leader services,
• Licensed mountain guide services,
• Organizational costs and trip leadership.

• Other meals,
• International health insurance,
• Personal expenses.

High-top sneakers or hiking boots, several pairs of socks, short-sleeved T-shirts, a light jacket with a hood (preferably waterproof), a fleece or sweatshirt, spare pants, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. Optional: sweets, snacks, refreshing drinks, and water. Pack everything in a small backpack.

The Astraka Mountain Hut is located at 1950 meters, on the pass between the peaks of Astraka and Lapatos. It is part of the Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing and serves as a starting point for numerous outdoor activities. Built in 1966 and renovated and expanded in 2004, the hut has a capacity of 51 beds during the summer season, with bunk bedrooms. Pillows and blankets are provided, but it is recommended to bring a lightweight sleeping bag. The hut is equipped with a kitchen and a restaurant.

A 50% advance payment of the total arrangement price is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount must be paid no later than 20 days before the start of the trip (with the option of installment payments). This program is based on a minimum of 8 registered participants. In case of changes in the monetary market (or the market of goods and services) or an insufficient number of registered participants, the tour organizer reserves the right to adjust prices, modify the program, or cancel the trip no later than 5 days before the scheduled departure.

Departure from Belgrade is available with an additional charge of €25 per person.

The organizer of the trip is travel agency Nature Travel Office, licence number OTP 38/2025 issued by the Business Register Agency as of May 06, 2025. Nature Travel Office is insured by an insurance policy against responsibility for travel agencies in case of insolvency and liability in case of damage to the traveller, number 30000049351, by the insurer MILENIJUM OSIGURANJE ADO Belgrade. The policy is valid from April 01, 2025 to April 01, 2026. In this program, travel agency Nature Travel Office applies their general terms and conditions of traveling, which are included in signing up for the trip.