2-day Ascent to Taygetos 2407m - Phenomenon of the Pyramid on July 8

Taygetos, ascent to the Holy Mountain !! You consider it one of the most impressive ascents… and not unjustly !!! We chose the best season to enjoy the Phenomenon of the Pyramid at sunrise from the top of the mountain at 2407m !!!

What is the Phenomenon of the Taygetus Pyramid:

A few minutes before sunrise and with a clear atmosphere, the perfect equilateral triangular shadow of the pyramidal peak of Taygetos is formed in the Messinian gulf, on the horizon of western Messinia. Most of the mountain tops were considered sacred historically and religiously, as as they were closest to the Sun, people believed that their prayers were easier to hear from there.

Mount Taygetos is the highest mountain in the Peloponnese with a height of 2407 meters and is called Prophet Elias from the homonymous church that was built on top of it. The name Taygetos, as testified by the ancient traveler Pausanias, has mythological roots. She comes from Taygeti, one of the daughters of Atlanta who ended her life by falling on a mountain cliff. Fir and pine forests cover the sub-alpine area, gorges with ravines shaded by plane trees are some features of an incredible landscape !! The highest peak of the mountain is a solid limestone that forms an almost perfect pyramid and is considered a sacred place since antiquity! The highest peak of Taygetos was called "Taleton" or "Talton" by the ancients and was considered a sacred location of the Sun !!

The top of the pyramid, from what is said, is in absolute conceivable line with Olympus, and is a reference point for coordinates for several areas. The Pythagoreans speak of an energy place, of a "Gate", in a place where nature has chosen to inoculate the world with light, spirit, Greek Culture !! Besides, it is not accidental that Anaximander in antiquity, according to what Cicero writes, had set up an "observatory" at the top to observe the movement of the stars !!!

The climb to the sacred mountain is an important achievement from the ancient Spartans until today and is one of the most exciting mountaineering experiences that one must try even once !!

SATURDAY 8/7

08.00: DEPARTURE from Agios Antonios Mertro Station. Please arrive 10 minutes early, 08.20 Palataki 09.10 Isthmus of Corinth 12.00: Arrival at Magganiari springs (estimated time). Team organization, backpack-equipment arrangement, short break 13.00: Start of activity, Hiking to the shelter / camp at 1550m 16.00: Estimated arrival at the shelter / camp. Arranging in rooms or setting up tents . Free time for rest, food and sleep. 19.00: Dinner

• Degree of Difficulty: 1+
• Length of the route: 3.7 km
• Maximum altitude: 1550m
• Minimum altitude: 980m
• Total ascent 570m
• Travel time is estimated at stops ± 2.30 hours

SUNDAY 9/7

02.30: Fast morning coffee and group preparation 03.00: Start of night hiking 06.00: Arrival at the top 06.15: The "Pyramid Effect" at sunrise 06.45: Departure and return to the shelter/camp.

• Degree of Difficulty: 2+
• Length of the route: 7.65 km
• Maximum altitude: 2407m
• Minimum altitude: 1550m
• Total ascent 857m
• Walking time (ascent - descent) is estimated with stops ± 5.30 hours

RETURN: SHELTER - SPRINGS OF MANGANIARI

09.30. Arrival at the shelter, rest, breakfast, gathering camp/equipment 12.00 Return to the springs Magganiari 14.30: Arrival at the springs Magganiari where the bus will be waiting for us. End of the program, departure for Athens.

• Degree of Difficulty: 1+
• Length of the route: 3.7 km
• Maximum altitude: 1550m
• Minimum altitude: 980m
• Total descent: 570m
• Travel time is estimated at stops ± 2.00 hours

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

The route is back and forth with an altitude difference of 1427 meters and a total of 15.5 kilometers (a total of 2 parts). Duration of the excursion with the required stops is estimated at 2.30 "hours (+/- 30 ') from Springs of Magganiari to the shelter and 5.30" hours (+/- 30') from the shelter to the top and return to it. The excursion is suitable for beginners with VERY good physical condition provided they have the necessary basic equipment.

ACCOMODATION - SHELTER / TENTS

Taygetou Refuge – At Varvara location at an altitude of 1,550m.

• Capacity: 22 people.
• Has power from a photovoltaic system.
• Heating: Oil stove.
• Water supply: From a reservoir and source at a distance of 200 m.
• Kitchen: Organized.
• Restrooms outside the shelter.

OVERNIGHT IN TENTS

The overnight stay on Saturday night will be done with a camp in a specially designed area near the shelter. Campers will have the opportunity to use the WC facilities, to obtain drinks, snacks, water, etc. from the shelter. You can use your own camping equipment. There is however, from our side, the possibility of providing camping equipment to those who do not have. 

Must have: Tent for up to 2 people / substrate / sleeping bag.

FOR THE SHELTER

Flip flops for moving inside the shelter, Sleeping bag, sheet or liner, Earplugs.

WC & HYGIENE FACILITIES

The shelter has a WC which we can use. Have with you the necessary hygiene items such as: Toilet paper, Wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand antiseptic, garbage bag.

PARTICIPATION FEE

• Accommodation at the shelter: 125 € / per person
• Overnight in tents: 115 € / per person
• Without bus transportation & overnight in tent: 75€

Places in the shelter are limited so order of priority will be observed.