dolomites-self-guided-trekking-high-route

Self-guided

Hiking

lvl. 4
Mon Roadbook App
Mountain Hut with rooms
Multi-day hike
Réf : E31V
9 days from 1425 € Book / Enquire

Our trip

  •  The best spots in the Dolomites (Tre Cime, Fanes, Puez....) from East to West.

  • A genuine traverse of the Northern Dolomites, passing through many beautiful valleys, 3 natural parks, and world heritage sites.

  • An optional Via Ferrata on the Tre Cime area

"Mon Roadbook" app is available for this trip.
More info >>

Traverse the Northern Dolomites from the Tre Cime, the three most famous towers in the range, to Val Gardena. Pass through several natural parks, valleys, and world heritage sites, as well as a wide range of landscapes: desert rock lands, forests, lush green alpine pastures.... And spend time immersed in the rich culture and history of the Dolomites.

Your choice of lodging + Luggage transfer

Mountain Hut with rooms From mid-june to late September

Mountain Hut with rooms From mid-june to late September

Without luggage transfer From 1425 €* Book / Enquire Devis
With luggage transfer From 1785 €* Book / Enquire Devis

Are you looking for a singular experience with family, friends, colleagues, or a club, organized and led by one of our professional mountain guides?

Travel with a guide

* Price based on 4-person group

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Past questions
Topics
Colleen N.
Traveler
Flight
Hello I am interested in this trip this spring, I was wondering where you fly into and out of? As well as is pick up from and back to the hotel included after the trip?
  • Julie M. Julie M.'s photo
    Mont Blanc Experience Team
    Hi Colleen,
    As I explain to you on WhatsApp, unfortunately, it is not possible to do this trip in spring. It is too early in the season: there is still too much snow on the trails and the accommodations are not open yet.
    Organizing the pick-up between the airport and the start of the trek is possible! All our trips are customizable and we are very happy to adapt them for you!
Susana S.
Traveler
Itinerary
HI,
I am traveling with my 2 sisters and at least one adult child in June, somewhere around 14/6-23/6. This trip in the Dolomites looks perfect. How do I proceed? Thanks so much Susana Smith
  • Thomas B. Thomas B.'s photo
    Mont Blanc Experience Team
    Hi Susana

    You're true, this route in the Dolomites is faboulous and according to me, one of the best we can offer in the Alps. The season in the Dolomites starts mid-June so I will recommend you start the route not before 16th of June. Thereby we can guarantee the original route without any adaptations. If you are really interested in travelling with us, I will recommend we try to organize a meeting in order to know each other better, and precize your request. Then, we will need the names, nationality of all participants and a pre-reservation of 30 % of the trip in order to start booking.

Itinerary

Hiking : a relatively accessible activity, hiking offers the opportunity to explore a country or a region up close, on foot, and to meet and mingle with the locals. On a traverse or loop, whatever your skill level, embark on one of our through-hikes to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the great outdoors.

Level 4: An average of 6 hours of hiking per day on well-marked trails or off trail, and/or 700 to 1000 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances of 15 to 18 kilometers.

Mon Roadbook app: designed for the self-guided trips, "Mon Roadbook" travel assistant guides you throughout your journey via a mobile application to download on your smartphone.
Duration : 9 days
Luggage transfers : 2 options: with or without luggage transfer
Lodging : Mountain Hut
Guiding : Without guide
Group : Minimum 2 persons
Season : From mid-June to late September

Day by day

Day 1

Welcome in the Dolomites !

Lodging : hotel.
Arrive in Bressanone / Brixen, a very typical and historical town in the Dolomites. It's a perfect place to spend your first night. Check into your hotel.
Day 2

Bressanone - San Candido - Val Campo di Dentro - Tre Cime

Distance : 12.5 km (8 mi.) - Ascent : 950 m. Descent : 100 m. Hiking : 4 hrs.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

Meet at 9 am at your hotel with the taxi. Transfer to Val Campo di Dentro, start of your hike. An easy and pleasant walk will lead you to Dreischusterhütte Hut where you really enter the heart of the Dolomites. Then hike to the legendary Tre Cime, beneath Torre di Toblin, well known for its via ferrata, a relic from the First World War. You reach Locatelli Hut, built in 1883 (renovated since) and one of the oldest huts in the Dolomites, leave your backpack and head out for a stroll to explore the Tre cime or Torre di Toblin close up.

Please note: In the afternoon, from Locatelli Hut, you have the option of climbing a via ferrata (Paterno or Torre di Toblin) with an Italian Mountain Guide (you need to book and pay in advance).

 

Day 3

Locatelli hut - Pratopiazza hut

Distance : 16 km (10 mi.) - Ascent : 800 m. Descent : 1200 m. Hiking : 6 hrs.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

Enjoy your last views of the Tre Cime's north faces as you leave Locatelli Hut. Head west on an easy trail down through the wild Val Ribon. From the bottom of the valley, hike uphill to Strudelkopfsattel Pass (2200m), beneath Monte Specie, and into Pratopiazza Valley, with its typical Dolomite pastures.

Day 4

Pratopiazza hut - Lago di Braies

Distance : 12.5 km (8 mi.) - Ascent : 500 m. Descent : 1000 m. Hiking : 5.5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

After crossing Pratopiazza meadow, hike towards Croda Rossa and then to Gaiselleitte (2257 m), along the spectacular mountainside trail equipped with chains (people with vertigo can take another trail through Ponticello). Then, a traverse through beautiful alpine pastures leads to Cavallo Pass, 2287m. Hike down from the pass to beautiful Lake Braies, located in a magical setting surrounded by breathtaking peaks.

Day 5

Lago di Braies - Forcela de Riciogogn - Malga Ra Stua

Distance : 14 km (9 mi.) - Ascent : 1000 m. Descent : 800 m. Hiking : 6 hrs.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

Hike on the other side of the lake and west side of Croda del Beco. Once at Forcela di Riciogogn (2331 m), cross through a fascinating meadow covered in rocks. Traverse to the tiny traditional Biella hut where you can eat lunch. From here, hike down into the valley, passing by Gran de Foses Lake. Then continue to the bottom of the valley, where the charming Malga Ra Stua Hut is located

Day 6

Malga Ra Stua - Fodara Vedla - Pederu - Fanes

Distance : 11 km (7 mi.) - Ascent : 850 m. Descent : 500 m. Hiking : 5 hrs.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

Begin the hike towards Fodara Vedla Hut on a historical trail built by the Austrians during World War I. Continue to Pederu, and then back to Alta Via Dolomiti #1. Make one last effort through Fanes Valley to reach the well-known vast alpine meadows. You'll spend the night in a small "Ucia" (hut), with its warm and welcoming atmosphere and delicious local cuisine.

Day 7

Fanes - Medesc pass - Alta Badia - rifugio Gardenaccia hut

Distance : 14,5km (9 mi.) - Ascent : 1200 m. Descent : 1200 m. Hiking : 7 hrs.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

The atypical hike through Fanes' altipiano to Medesc Pass takes you back thousands of years into the past when this high plateau was an island with a lagoon. If you are lucky enough maybe you will spot a fossil or two. At Medesc Pass the trail leads downhill to Alta Badia. At first the terrain is very steep, and then eases off as it winds through the forest. Make one last effort to reach Gardenaccia Hut (2050m), with its great views Fanes' high plateau and the Marmolada, the highest peak in Dolomites. (You have the option of taking a lift to shorten the final stretch to the hut).

You can also end the hike in La Villa Stern and transfer back to Bolzano.

Day 8

Gardenaccia - rifugio Puez - Val Gardena - Bressanone

Distance : 15 km (9.5 mi.) - Ascent : 650 m. Descent : 1000 m. Hiking : 5.5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.

From the hut, a short hike leads to Gardenaccia Pass (2543 m). The trail then takes you on a pleasant traverse to the Puez Hut, with great views of the Marmolada and other peaks in the area. From the hut, the trail winds down steep terrain into San Silvestro Valley, where you will stroll through peaceful alpine pastures until reaching San Silvestro church and the village of Wolkenstein. Your trek ends here. Transfer back to Bressanone to enjoy your last night. 

Day 9

Bressanone - arrivederci!

Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
Enjoy your last breakfast before checking out. Take the time to explore Bressanone before heading off.

Pricing

Prices (incl. taxes) from june to september 2023

Mountain Hut with rooms
Price per person		Without luggage transferWith luggage transfer
Single seasonSingle season
2 people1 shared room1595 €2325 €
3 people1 shared room1475 €1965 €
4 people1 shared room1425 €1785 €
5 people1 shared room1395 €1675 €
6 people1 shared room1365 €1600 €
  • Single season : From 20 June 2023 to 20 September 2023

Pricing

The price includes / does not include

The price includes:
- Accommodations as described, either in double or shared rooms: 8 nights.
- Meals: 8 breakfasts, 6 dinners (dinner not included in Bressanone).
- Transporting your bags if you choose this option (not available day 2 and 7).
- Private transfer from Bressanone to the start of the hike (day 2).
- Private transfer to Bressanone from the end of the hike (day 8).
- The roadbook (as well as maps and reservation vouchers) for a 4 person group.
- Emergency hotline 24/7.
- Access to the new mobile phone application (including GPS guidance).

The price does not include:
- Transportation to and from Bressanone.
- Pack lunch (about €10-€15 per lunch depending on the location).
- Shower in those huts that charge a fee.
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses.
- Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance.
- Everything not described as "included".

Other expenses:
- Lunches: at grocery stores or huts for your picnic lunches.
- Tickets to any visit.
- Drinks and tips.
- Public transportation and chairlifts during the tour.
Day 7: optional chairlift to Gardenaccia Hut: €6.5 pp.

Currencies

France and Italy are part of the Euro zone. You may find ATMs easily in the main cities and towns.
Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.

Access

Access

Bressanone is located in the Adige valley, close to Bolzano.
Closest international airports are : Verona, Venezia or Innsbrück.
- From Verona airport : 2h bus ride with Alto Adige Bus : www.altoadigebus.com
- From Venezia airport : bus transfer to the train station and then 3 h 30 train with Trenitalia : www.trenitalia.com
- From Innsbrück airport : 1h30 bus ride with Alto Adige Bus : : www.altoadigebus.com

We can also provide private airport transfer from any of these international airports Innsbruck (AT), Verone (IT) or Venezia (IT). Prices on request


During your trip

Our team

Self-guided trip

- Day 2: Private transfer from your hotel in Bressanone to the start of the hike.
- Day 8: Selva di Gardena to Bressanone with local buses/train (not included).

Lodging

Mainly mountain huts and one Hotel in Lago di Braies. Mountain huts traditionally offer "dormitory". We've selected mountain huts offering rooms. But a mountain hut is still not a hotel. All rooms are not "double" and might be "shared rooms" up to four people depending on availability. Lavatory and shower are also often outside of the room shared with others. We will book the best-smallest room available on each accommodation depending on what's available when you book.

Day 1, 4 and 8 are in hotel, so private double room are the standard. Please note that the Hotel of day 4 reserve the premium room for the long stay, for the 1-night stay they often offer the standard room with the bathroom on the floor.
Day 2, 3 are in mountain huts with limited room. The bathroom is more likely in the floor in any cases.
Day 5, and 7 are in mountain huts with only small room up to 4-beds, again the bathroom is more likely in the floor.
Day 6, there is 3 huts close to each other, the kind of room will depend on which one have availabilities.

Note: odd number of people are considered with a triple room. Single room always depends on availibility and is with a supplement.

Meals

Our goal is to ensure that you eat well-balanced meals suited for the effort required each day, and to lighten your pack load as much as possible.
- Dinners (hot meals) and breakfasts are prepared by your accommodations.

Luggage transfer

Baggage transfers included: you will only carry what you need for the day's hike. Your bags are transported to your accommodations by vehicle, and you will have access to them every night (except day 2 in Locatelli and day 7 in Gardenaccia were this service is not available as these huts are not reachable by car).

Trails

On self-guided trips, you are responsible for knowing how to read a map and use a compass. The roadbook and "Mont Roadbook app" we provide at the beginning offers a few additional details. For each stage, make sure you check the latest information on trail conditions; the manager at your accommodations should also be able to provide you with up-to-date information if you ask.

What you need to know

Be prepared for the weather:
The weather in mountains can change very quickly. the weather forecast is quite accurate for the next 3 upcoming days, but not that much further. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoon when the weather is hot, they are very located and show up very quickly. Wake up earlier in the morning when the weather forecast announces it, you will have crossed the high pass before it starts. Passes and ridge are not safe is the case of thunder. Take advice from your host the day before.

Considering the Environment:
While trekking you have to be careful not to destroy the environment you are enjoying so much. It is not only for your enjoyment, but people and wildlife also rely on this environment.
 
Here are some simple tips:

- pick up any litter along the trail.
- burn all your toilet paper and bury your faeces, make sure you go at least 50m away from any water source.
- drink tap water instead of mineral water as plastic bottles are an unnecessary waste.
- stick to the trails to prevent erosion and damage to fragile alpine flora.
- ensure all rubbish is packed and bring them back down to the villages.

Insurance :
All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers medical and emergency evacuation at a minimum. You will of course also want cover for loss or damage to personal effects, flight or trip cancellation etc. Please ask us for advice.

Final tips!
- To ensure that you have the best time possible, please respect local traditions, customs, values and the environment.
- Respect privacy when taking photographs.
- Your attempts at speaking some French or Italian will open hearts and break the ice!
- Protect the natural environment, see above.

Required before leaving

Health

Some tips for staying healthy:
Tap water is mostly good for drinking all other the Alps. Unless notified as not, you can consider it as drinkable. Even if they are recyclable we request you consider the waste impact of your bottles.
Your hands are perhaps your biggest enemy in terms of your health as they get very dirty during the day. Wash your hands before every meal or snack. People often think they get sick from the food, but it's far more likely they forgot to wash their hands!

During the trek, don't try to overpass your strength and walk too high, too quickly! Keep a regular pace and take time to enjoy the view while walking.
Listen to your guide and take their advice as they are trained to look after your safety.

If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us when booking your trek so that we can cater for you. Note: sometimes not all dietary requirements are able to be met, but please inform us and we will certainly do our best! 

Recommended vaccinations

Please check to make sure that all your vaccinations are current: DPT, whooping cough, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B.

Dentist and general physician

We recommend a checkup with both before leaving on your trip.

Getting ready

Physical fitness level 4

To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking at least once per week (around 15km to 18km) on a trail with considerable vertical gain (350m/hr) or by participating in a moderately intense athletic activity to build endurance.

Your first aid kit

For the medication and pain relievers listed below, we recommend that you check with your doctor beforehand, adding what you need based on personal requirements and the specificities of your trip.

  • An analgesic.
  • An anti-inflammatory (pills or gels).
  • An anti-diarrheal tablets
  • A disinfectant, band aids (several sizes), mole skin, sterile compresses, medical tape, Steri-Strips,

Gear list

What we supply for your trek

We provide 1 set for every 4 participants, which includes detailed hiking maps of the region, and a roadbook describing your itinerary and trip (a lot of tips and some alternative routes are included).
You will have access to our 24/24 7/7 support hotline to assist you during your trip.
Each participant will have access on his phone to our "Roadbook" app which includes an itinerary descriptions as well GPS guidance.
 
What you need to bring:

If you don't have the luggage transfer option, pack light, remember that you will have to carry all your stuff during the whole trip. We recommend that your backpack doesn't exceed 10 to 15% of your weight. Take only the essentials.

Essentials :
- Hiking backpack. A chest strap and waist strap are essential to help to distribute the weight. The size 30 L to 45 L, will depend on whether you have booked a luggage transfer or not. 
- Comfortable and worn in trekking boots.
- Warm hat.
- Cap.
- Sun glasses.
- Good quality Merino Wool walking socks.
- Base layer tops - Merino Wool is the best choice.
- Warm mid-layer tops.
- A water and windproof layer (jacket and pants) eg. Gore-Tex.
- 1x Walking trousers.
- Light gloves.
- Shorts.
- Buff or Snood.
- A natural or synthetic down jacket.
- Casual clothes & footwear for evenings. One set is enough as you will not wear them for a long time.
- Nightwear and underwear.
- Sleeping bag liner - either silk, cotton or fleece (only if you're staying in dormitories in Moutain Huts).
- Sandals or flip flops. 

Essential Accessories :
 - Personal toiletries: shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, travel towel (if you're staying in Mountains Huts), etc.
- Toilet roll/tissues.
- Ziplock bags are handy for convenient leak-proof storage.
- Sun block and lip balm.
- Electrical socket adapter.
- Energy bars/snacks.
- Personal first aid kit + any personal medications you need to take.
- Phone, Camera, batteries and charger.
- Airtight and waterproof ‘dry bags' are great for keeping your clothes dry and storing your dirty laundry separate from clean clothes!
- Head torch and batteries (spare batteries too).
- Walking poles are highly recommended on Alps paths.
- Cash & Cards (Euros and Swiss Francs).
- Pocket knives or cutlery can be useful for picnics.
- WATER - please be able to carry 2 litres of water.
- Your sense of humour and adventure!

If you've booked the luggage transfer:
- Duffle bag (soft) and not exceeding 15 kg to carry your extra stuff.

Useful extras

- Binoculars.
- Book to read or Kindle.
- Notebook and pen.
- Ear plugs.


Note: All of these items can be purchased there. Please ask us if you'd like some advice about where to go to get any gear.

What to take with you in your day pack:
Please carry the following in your day pack, as a minimum:

- 2 litres of water.
- sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, lip balm.
- warm fleece or thermal layer and gloves.
- water proof layer.
- Lunch
- head torch.
- hand sanitiser/soap and toilet paper.
- your camera.
- any money you want for snacks/drinks along the trail.
- Important - take any personal medications you require during the day - you will not see your kit bag until evening.

The rest you can put into your main bag which will be carried to the next accommodation, only if you've subscribed to this option.

What about gear I want to leave before the trek?
Before departure for your trek you might pack your ‘town clothes' or anything you don't want on trek with you and ask your hotel (if you come back to the same hotel). If you want to do this, then consider bringing or buying a simple bag here for this purpose. We can also help you organise the storage of a larger suitcase, Please ask us for advice.

First aid kit:
It is recommended that you bring a small personal medical kit including your preferred painkillers, throat lozenges, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular medication you MUST bring those medicines with you PLUS an extra supply in case one pack is lost. If you have any allergies and/or take any medications, you MUST advise us when booking your trek!


Safety

The Mont Blanc Experience promise

No region in the world is 100% safe and without danger.

Allibert Trekking keeps you informed and is fully transparent when it comes to the potential risks. We gather security risk information from multiple sources: in-house research, monitoring specialized websites, meetings with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "safety and security" trips in the field, constant contact with our regional specialists, local teams on the ground, and France's travel agency federation (ATT-ATR).

Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that we cannot make any decisions for you.

If there is a clear and elevated risk, we reserve the right to:

— Reinforce our guide team (for guided trips).
— Modify the itinerary for our tours.
— Place a tour or destination on hiatus for an extended period of time when we consider the level of risk to be too high.

Your safety and your enjoyment are our priority.

During your trip

Additional services : during your trip

Via Ferrata on day 2 (in the afternoon at Locatelli Hut)
3 to 4 people (extra for only 2 people, upon request for 5 or more)

Prices:
2 people: €300 pp
3 people: €200 pp
4 people: €150 pp
Easy via ferrata climbing up "Paterno" or "Torre di Toblin".
Includes: English speaking mountain guide and technical gear.