Zagori is a mountainous area in the north-western part of Greece, which belongs to the Epirus region. Pindus is a mountain range that includes part of Zagori. Timfi is a mountain that belongs to Pindus mountain range. The highest peaks of Timfi are Astraka (2,432 m m) and Gamila ( 2,497 m). Highest peak of Pindus range Mount Smolicas (2,637 m) is outside Zagori reagon.

The ascent to Tymfi mountain starts from the village of Mikro Papigo, to which you can arrive by car.

Between the villages of Megalo and Mikro Papigo, you should not miss the natural rock pools – Ovires Rogovu. The pools were created by water erosion of limestone rocks.

The canyon in which the pools are located is only 250 meters long. After those 250m you reach a narrow section filled with water, which is stops you from walking further.

The ascent to Timfi starts from the village of Mikro Papigo, which we leave behind. Megalo Papigo can be seen in the distance.

The goal is to climb to the top of Astraki 2432 m. It is possible to climb Astraki and descend to the village in one day, but it is somewhat more demanding. Another option is to sleep in a mountain lodge.

The hiking trails are very well marked, and few huts have been built along the way next to water springs.

As the time goes by, Megalo Papigo is left further in the distance.

Rosehips can grow at a higher altitude.

Alhillea abrotanoides grows only on limestone rocks.

Blue rolled plant from the scutum family, is a herbaceous plant with a hollow stem, with an aromatic smell. Its flower is bluish and prickly. It can grow at higher altitudes of up to 1600 m.

Soon we reach the terraces above the Vikos canyon. A little further on is the Provatina cave, which is over 400m deep.

At the top of Astraki, 2432m above sea level. Astraki is not the highest peak of Tymfi mountain, but Gamila is.

From Astraki, the path leads to the mountain house of the same name.

First as we descend we pass next to Lake Robozi, which has almost dried up.

This part of Timfi is suitable for grazing.

A donkey.

Black or mountain salamander.

Below Astraki.

During summer months, lake Kserolimni dries out.

Mountain lodge seen in the distance.

In a moment, an extraordinary sight appeared in front of us. The sunlight passed through a hole in the cloud and illuminated a part of the mountain. The light was so bright in that place, that the illusion was created as if we were above a volcano.

It was already slowly getting dark at the mountain lodge. And those that did not make reservation for accommodation in the lodge have to descend in the dark.

The sun started setting faster and faster.

The very last moments of the Sun….

…..and then complete darkness. It was possible to see the lights of Megalo Papigo in the distance. If proper equipped with gps and flashlight, descending from the mountain in the dark can be amazing experience.