The “Papadas ridge” (III 55° M1, 7500m) was climbed for the first time on 1/3/2026 by G. Karnakis - Th. Davarinos.
The line, dedicated to the memory of Christos Papadas, a good friend of G. Karnakis, follows the ridge above Zarouchla that leads to the Gardiki peak, therefore the altitude it covers is 980m.
This is a purely mountaineering route, which is aimed at experienced climbers with ease in mixed and exposed terrain, with slopes over 45°, small and easy rock passages up to II, while the demanding part of the route up to the ridge consists of an extremely exposed ridge and slope up to the ridge.
Compared to the neighboring “Gardiki ridge”, the route is more demanding and more exposed.
The route exit on the spur is between the Gardiki peak and the Madero peak rappel, offering an alternative exit from the “Chtenia Chelmou” towards the village of Zarouchla.
To repeat the route, we will need ice axes, crampons, helmets, harnesses, 1 rope, 3 snow anchors (Deadman) and 6 large slings. You may also need some nuts and some friends. The first ascent required 6,5hr of climbing.
The line starts just above the village of Zarouchla, where there is a place to spend the night, while alternatively it can also start from the village, following a path that ends at the overnight area. At the beginning, there is a steep forest ridge, which comes out to the left of the small peak of Kokkinovrachos, where there is also the possibility of an overnight stay. From there, the difficult part of the route begins.
The return can be done by descending from the same route or from the “Gardiki ridge” but with a longer return time.
On the ridge.