Self-guided hiking tour in the Dolomites: Alta Via 1

Alta Via 1 is a self-guided hiking tour in the heart of the Dolomites. Nestled between the mountains, we find Lake Braies: here begins the itinerary that will take you to the foot of Cinque Torri crossing various landmarks of the Dolomites.

This is one of the most charming hiking itineraries of the Dolomites, many are the highlights you will encounter along the way. You will pass through the Fanes-Sennes-Braies National Park, one of the largest protected areas in South Tyrol, then meet the Lagazuoi, which is very important at an historical level, to then reach the Cinque Torri massif.

The hiking tour starts and finishes in Cortina d’Ampezzo and requires four entire days. You will sleep in comfortable mountain huts; some of them have been recently renovated.

This hiking trail in the Dolomites is also suitable for families with children with a good physical shap (a minimum age of 10 years is suggested).

Program details:

• Day 1
  Arrival in Cortina d'Ampezzo and check-in in 3* hotel. 
   
• Day 2 - LAKE BRAIES
  Ascent: +960m. Descent: -300m. Distance: 10km. Hiking time: 5h
  From the bus stop take the paved road and walk to the opposite side of the lake, where a deep trail starts and will lead you to the first hut. The walk develops first through the tree belt and then reach the alpine meadows at the altitude of 2.000-3.000 meters. Optional hikes: uphill hike to the Croda del Becco, where you can admire a 360-degree view of the Sennes plateau. Or alternatively, the hike to the Muntejela di Sennes. Dinner and overnight stay in hut. 
   
• Day 3 - FANES-SENNES-BRAIES NATURAL PARK 
  Ascent: +550m. Descent: -650m. Distance: 11km. Hiking time: 4h
  This leg takes you through the 25.680 hectares of Fanes-Sennes-Braies National Park. You will be surrounded by various landscape: pastures, meadows full of flowers and herbs, colors, waterfalls and wildlife. From the hut the trail heads south crossing wide meadows until it reaches a small hut where a short break is possible. After admiring the surrounding mountains, the trail rises passing through the idyllic landscape known as Alpe di Fanes. Dinner and overnight stay in hut.
   
• Day 4 - LAGAZUOI
  Ascent: +1050m. Descent: -440m. Distance: 13km. Hiking time: 6h
  Today’s itinerary 4 is remarkable both from a natural and historical point of view. Leaving the hut in the hearth of the Natural Park you go up to Forcella del Lago, from where you have a beautiful glimpse on Lake Lagazuoi. The lake, born by the underground springs, is located at an altitude of 2.182 m. After a small rest, the trail rises again towards, Lagazuoi one of the most panoramic areas. During the First World War the Lagazuoi massif has been transformed into a fortress and still is a real rock castle. The hut offers a unique terrace overlooking the Dolomites. Dinner and overnight stay in hut.
   
• Day 5 - FIVE TOWERS
  Ascent: +640m. Descent: -1100m. Distance: 12km. Hiking time: 5h
  After enjoying a spectacular sunrise on top of the mountains is time to leave this landscape behind. The descent to Passo Falzarego can be done either by lift or foot (about 1h 15m). From the pass the trail rises gently until Lake Limides, a mass of water which collects rains in summer and snow and ice in winter. The climb continues passing through Forcella Averau and Nuvolau to then descent to Cinque Torri Massif. From this point you can admire a 360-degree view. The trek ends in Passo Giau where by bus you will return to your basecamp hotel in Cortina.
   
• DAY 6
  Departure

Additional clarifications

The program could be changed at discretion of the Campo Base Team / Mountain Guide - UIAGM based on weather conditions and forecasts, mantaining however inalterate the basic structure and the aims of the proposal.

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