Guided trek on the Alta Via 1 of the Dolomites

Alta Via 1 is one of the most dreamed destinations for all mountain lovers, due to its fantastic natural scenery and the accessibility of trails. The famous route is set on the eastern side of Dolomites connecting Alto Adige to the city of Belluno, an area rich in history and culture.

The itinerary covers the northern part of Alta Via 1. On the first day we reach Lake Braies, a famous and fascinating place, from which the first hike begins. Whilst walking through the most surprising natural corners of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park, the environment surprises us with its diversity, including fresh coniferous woods and alpine meadows surrounded by rocky mountains of limestone and dolomite. Here we spend the night, sleeping in the first two mountain huts of the experience.

On the last day, the exciting discovery of Lagazuoi awaits, important for both its natural and historical features. Between its peaks and spurs, in fact, the battles of the First World War have been fought. Thanks to the expert local UIAGM Mountain Guide, we will have the opportunity to find ourselves deep into the fascinating tunnels dug into the rock during the tragic war.

During the 5 hiking days version of the experience, we will also have the opportunity to discover the beautiful profiles of Croda da Lago landscapes, one of the most delicate postcards of Alta Via 1.

Being accompanied by a local Mountain Guide not only guarantees important pills of knowledge about mountaineering and hiking activities, but also establishes a strong connection with the territory. During the daily hikes, the Guide will provide naturalistic and historical information about the Dolomites.

The itinerary is also suitable for families with children in good physical conditions (a minimum age of 10 is recommended).

Program details - 4 hiking days:

• Day 1 - LAKE BRAIES
  Ascent: +960m. Descent: -300m. Distance: 10km. Hiking time: 5h.
  Meeting at 07:30 with our Mountain Guide in Cortina d'Ampezzo; private transfer to Lake Braies. The crystal clear waters of the famous lake are just the first of many postcards of the tour. Today's excursion will lead us to large meadows in high altitude, after crossing coniferous forests. Dinner and overnight stay in hut (2.126 m). 
   
• Day 2 - FANES-SENNES-BRAIES NATURAL PARK 
  Ascent: +550m. Descent: -650m. Distance: 11km. Hiking time: 5h.
  Today's excursion will take us through Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park, characterized by the diversity of its environments. Wide pastures and green meadows are in fact nestled in the limestone and dolomite rock of the mountains. The plateaus of Sennes and Fanes are characterized by karst phenomena in the most varied forms: fields of carriageways, fissures, wells, sinkholes and caves. The incredible landscapes are evidence and proof of the phenomena which lie behind these beauties of nature. Dinner and overnight stay in hut (2.014 m).
   
• Day 3 - LAGAZUOI
  Ascent: +1150m. Descent: -425m. Distance: 13km. Hiking time: 6h.
  The third daily hike is the most demanding but one of the most rewarding, still. We start the day by meeting the beautiful Limo Lake, then we walk through increasingly high mountain landscapes. The route is fascinating also from a purely historical point of view. In fact, some battles of the First World War have been fought under these peaks and there are many finds related to those tragic years. The spectacular passages of Lagazuoi forks lead us to Lagazuoi hut, from which we enjoy the last breathtaking view of the day. Dinner and overnight stay in hut (2.752 m).
   
• Day 4 - FIVE TOWERS
  Ascent: +600m. Descent: -1100m. Distance: 9km. Hiking time: 5h30.
  We start the day collecting the mountain equipment which we will use in the Lagazuoi tunnels. Once reached Passo Falzarego, we keep on walking towards the magnificent set of Averau and Nuvolau mountains, where we will find a hut with the same name. While hiking, we admire the iconic Five Towers mountain, then we approach it by getting closer and closer. We reach the Cinque Torri hut from where we take the chair lift to go back to the valley. Private transfer to Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Program details - 5 hiking days:

• Day 4 - FIVE TOWERS
  Ascent: +630m. Descent: -1270m. Distance: 12km. Hiking time: 7h.
  We start the day collecting the mountain equipment which we will use in the Lagazuoi tunnels. Once reached Passo Falzarego, we keep on walking towards the magnificent set of Averau and Nuvolau mountains, where we will find a hut with the same name. While hiking, we admire the iconic Five Towers mountain, then we approach it by getting closer and closer. We reach the Scoiattoli hut and keep on descending towards the mountain dairy, where we will spend the night. Dinner and overnight stay in the dairy (2.015 m).
   
• Day 5 - MONTE PELMO
  Ascent: +680m. Descent: -920m. Distance: 13km. Hiking time: 5h.
  The last hiking day takes us to discover the magnificent shapes of dolomite which emerge from plain green meadows at Giau and Col Duro forks. Once past the two forcellas, the hike continues downhill until we reach Croda da Lago stunning location, where the panorama of the last stretch of the trek is dominated by the extraordinary profile of Monte Pelmo. Each photograph will bring the magic of the place imprinted on film! Private transfer back to Cortina.

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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