The daily route of trekking, moves at the most on the highlands, facilitating thus, the connection of the shelter in Lakka Karvouni on the east part of Ghiona, with the Sykia village on the west part of the mountain.
The Ghiona shelter (Grigoris Perdikis) is situated on an altitude of 1.750m, providing the only place for a safe overnight staying as well as a base in this area of the mountain.
The Trekking Athens Club has the management of the shelter, while staying is provided after arrangement with the Club. The shelter has a space capacity of 20 people (sleeping on the floor), kitchen with potable water and a dining area with fireplace.
From the shelter with direction to the north, the route continuous on a walkable path, which crosses Lakka Karvouni and leads to the base of Skasmada. Skasmada is a steep slope with impressive rocky peaks amphitheatrically standing and thus enclosing the plateau of the shelter.
From the base of the slope, the path ascends curling to the col, where it reaches the highest altitude of the daily route.
The col, well known as Diasela, is formed on the highest peak of Ghiona, Pyramid 2503m on the west and Plativouna on the east. It is regarded as a critical spot for climbing to the summit as well as for the trekking of the plateau, following the north-west direction towards Vathia Lakka and the upper part of the gathering waters of Lazorema.
From the Diasela height, one can clearly see the Pyramid and the extension of the southern ridge, the Vathia Lakka plateau and the figure of the nearby Vardousia mountains to the west.
A breathtaking traverse on the alpine zone of the mountain extends the trekking of the plateau up to the western side of the Lazorema and the next col, which is formed before the summit Pyrgos.
On the west col, we come across a junction of routes which facilitates the connection of the plateau with the Ghiona northern villages, Kaloskopi and Stromi, where the international open up E4 passes through.
Moving from the col towards Sykia village, recommended as the next overnight stay, the route crosses the west slopes of Lazorema area, where we come across a milder topography and inclines, rendering an imposing view of the cliffs and Ghiona summit.
The route expands over a fir-covered slope, while proceeding it crosses the narrow riverbed of Lazorema, where the waters of the plateau springs are gathered.
The route goes on through a forest path, moving in parallel to Lazorema, passing the base of the cliffs of Ghiona mountain, leading downwards to the Sykia village. At this altitude, the stream is surrounded by firs and other deciduous trees, whereas reaching Sykia and river Mornos, plane trees dominate the landscape.
Lazorema passes through Sykia villaage and empties into Mornos river, after running a brief distance of steep inclination. The green valley of Mornos splits the close-by mountains Ghiona and Vardousia, forming part of the daily route that follows.
*See daily stage 5 > Sykia – Kato Mousounitsa – Athanasios Diakos.
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