Sleeping in one of the most magical places in Mt. Olympus, Olympus Lodge and waking up right in the heart of Mt. Olympus South Side, you know that the day is going to be unique and unforgettable!
From Olympus Lodge, Sykaminea we drive to the next little village Karya (which is only 5 min driving). Continuing the road above the village we head northeast following the dirt road on the right, which leads to the chapel of Agia Triada, and then we choose the left dirt road going further up in the mountain until snow cover stops us. The road reaches up to about 1700 m without snow cover.
GPS application and map helped us understand exactly where we were and how we should move around with the skins.
The starting point depends on the snow coverage. On another visit, it is very likely that the conditions will be completely different and the snow will start from much lower, completely changing the starting point and of course the duration and difficulty of the ascent.
The ascent is steep at the beginning until we gain height.
And then we reached the ridge. The view from the ridge is mythical... and gives you the courage to continue to the top.
On the left, you can see Nine Towers peak, Kakavrakas, and Metamorphosis peaks. A little higher Frangou Aloni peak.
Continuing uphill we reach a small plateau. To our right is the ridge above Leptokarya.
The world is covered with clouds. We staring at the rise of Kissavos, Pelion, and Parnassos in the background. Far away but clearly, we can see the Pindos Mountain range and Athos on our right.
Continuing the ascent, we reached the end of the mountain between Kalogeros and Pagos at an altitude of 2700.
From that point, we see Profitis Ilias, the refuge of Apostolides and Kakalos, Toumba, Mytikas, Skolio, Agios Antonis ... Only white peaks and clouds ... and those who travel among them ...
After a short break at the top, we prepare the equipment and start the descent. We decide to ride down at the left of the route we hiked because it leads to the dirt road and to explore the place more.
We arrive in the car riding down all the snow-covered dirt road and around the time the sun sets ....!!!
Many thanks to our guide for this journey Mr. Thanasis Karelas of Trekking Hellas mt. Olympus & the photographer Mr. Yanni Barb.