80€

White Mountains

In this demanding hike we will try to reach 3 summits above 2000 meters in the region of Chania, in the heart of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori). You need to be very fit to complete this hike.
A minimum of 8 hours walking is required on a rocky terrain with high temperatures during the summer (20-35oC) and lots of steep ascents. During the winter, previous experience in snow is required and more specific how to use an ice axe and crampons.
The central and southern part of the Lefka Ori lying at an altitude of 1,800 m (5,906 ft) and above resembles a “moon landscape”. This is technically called a high desert. It is unique in the northern hemisphere!

Level: Advanced
Walking time: 8-9 hours
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Lefa Oroi
Ascending up to Kastro summit (2208 meters).

ABOUT THE HIKE

The White Mountains or Lefka Ori occupy a large part of the centre of West Crete and are the main feature of the region. They consist mainly of limestone, from light grey to bluish or black color. The "White Mountains" have got their name from the perpetual white or off white color of their peaks as the off white of limestone during the summer and fall interchanges with the snow that covers the peaks until late in spring.

There are only a few main roads leading into the White Mountains. From the north the roads to Omalos and the entrance of the Samaria Gorge and the road to Chora Sfakion through the plateau of Askifou further to the east. Depending the group and the weather conditions we will start the hike either from Omalos or Askifou.

Grias soros summit
A dry terrain in the summer but still impressive!
Lefka Oroi
The view from Kastro summit, 2208m
You will need to pack your lunch. Other than that you will need at least 2lt of water (ideally 3 during the summer months),sun glasses, hat, sunscreen, light jacket and good hiking shoes. If coming during the winter you need to have a full winter mountaineering clothing as temperature can get below much more below 0oC near the summits.
We will send you the exact spot once we've seen the weather forecast (2 days prior the trip) and confirm the trip as it change based on weather.
Use the "BOOK NOW" button located on the top of this page as the booking form has extra details that we need. After submitting the form you will get an email within 1-2 days (usually same day) with a link to pay the 20% of the cost to confirm booking. Rest of the money either by cash when we meet or via credit card payment two days prior the starting date as we need the funds to have cleared by the date of the trip.
We will start no later than 8 am due to the length of the hike.
You will need to contact us as due to early start we might be able to pick up only from one spot in Chania town.
A full refund will be given.