Formerly King Vittorio Emanuele II’s royal hunting reserve, the Gran Paradiso is Italy’s oldest national park and, without a doubt, one of the wildest and most idyllic parts of the Alps. The park takes its name from the highest mountain in the area, the 4061
meter high Gran Paradiso.
On our Gran Paradiso trek, we will traverse the Gran Paradiso national park from East to West, walking from one steep alpine valley to the next. We will cross over amazing high mountain passes, some over 3000 meters, enjoying some of the most stunning alpine views as far as we can see. On certain days we have the option to take in trekking summits over 3300 meters.
During the trip, we will walk along old mule paths constructed by the late King and we will pass some of the King’s old hunting lodges. We will have the opportunity to watch the rich flora and fauna of the park which include Ibex, Golden Eagle, marmot and the famous edelweiss.
At night we will relax in atmospheric Italian mountain huts with plenty of great Italian food, wine and coffee. Belissimo!
Brief itinerary:
Day 1:
Arrive Aosta and meet with leader for welcome and briefing. There may be time for a tour of the beautiful old roman town and some last minute shopping. Night in hotel.
Day 2:
With local bus to the village of Cogne (1554m) where we start the walking to the Vittorio Sella hut (2584m). We have the option to visit the alpine flower garden in Valnontey on the route. Night in mountain hut.
Day 3:
Over the Col Lausonne (3296m) and down to the small hamlet of Eaux Rousses (1666m) in the Valsavarenche valley. Night in hostel.
Day 4:
From Eaux Rousses it’s a long but stunning hike over Colle della Mento (di Manteau) (2795m)
to Rifugio Chivasso (2604m). Night in mountain hut.
Day 5:
Over Col di Nivoletta (3130m). Option to ascent the Punta Basei (3338m). Descent to Rifugio Benevole (2285m). Night in mountain hut.
Day 6:
Over Col Bassac Dere (3082m). Option to climb Becca della Traversiere (3337m). Descent to Rifugio Bezzi (2284m). Night in mountain hut.
Day 7:
A pleasant traverse above the Valsaverenche valley and the final descent to the village Valsaverenche from where we travel with local bus and train back to Aosta. Night in hotel.
Day 8:
Depart Aosta.
Gran Paradiso trek
View image gallery:
Trekking and walking holidays: Chamonix Spring Walking ; Best of Mont Blanc Walking ; Tour du Mont Blanc trek ; Haute Route trek, Chamonix to Zermatt ; Gran Paradiso trek.
Tailor made trekking and walking: Weekend Explorer trek ; Trekking skills weekend ; Tailor made trekking ; Tailor made trekking expeditions.
Snowshoeing in the Alps: Best of Mont Blanc snowshoe week ; Weekend Explorer Snowshoeing ; Tailor made snowshoeing.
Corporate activities
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