Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Alps Gran Paradiso National Park Hiking
Day 1 Arrive in Geneva, Switzerland
2-hour private van transfer
Welcome to Geneva, Switzerland! Your MT Sobek guide will meet you at the airport at 2pm and transfer you to the mountain village of Courmayeur (4,000') in Italy's Valle d'Aosta region. After checking in to your charming mountain hotel, you will have time to rest or explore the village before the evening's welcome dinner and orientation.
Accommodation: Hotel Berthod
(D)
Day 2 Follow Trails in the Valsavarenche
40-minute private van transfer
5 hours/6.80 miles hiking with 2,200' elevation gain and loss
After breakfast, transfer to Pont, Valsavarenche (6,560') in the heart of Gran Paradiso Natural Park. From the trailhead, climb to the Croix de L'Arolley, above a pretty waterfall. From the Plan Borgnoz at 8,753 feet, your highest point, enjoy views of Becca di Montandayne, Piccolo Paradiso, and Gran Paradiso, Tresenta and Ciarforon, and beyond. After a picnic lunch, hike down to the wide Nivolet Plateau, thickly covered with flowers, to reach Pont, from which you'll transfer to the hamlet of Eaux Rousse, your home for the next three nights.
Accommodation: Hostellerie du Paradis
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Hike to Rifugio Chabod
6.5 hours/8 miles hiking with 3,700’ elevation gain and loss
Enjoy a quick transfer to the start of today's hike, which follows a trail blazed by mountaineers who summited Gran Paradiso (13,323'). The trail begins gently on switchbacks through a conifer forest, eventually rising up above the trees into open meadows of colorful wildflowers and sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. After lunch at the Rifugio Chabod (9,022'), traverse along a high path that meanders over rocky terrain and alpine grassland, and beneath the moraines of the Gran Paradiso Glacier. Along the way, keep an eye out for whistling marmots, chamois, and golden eagles. Descend to the valley floor, and return to your hotel in Eaux Rousses.
Accommodation: Hostellerie du Paradis
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Hike to Lake Djouan
7 hours/13 miles hiking with 3,704' elevation gain and loss
This morning's trailhead is just behind the hotel, leading you uphill into a shady forest along age-old terraces. Once above tree line, you'll reach the ancient royal hunting lodge of Orvielle (7,103'). Continue on towards Lake Djouan (8,254'), where you'll soak in spectacular views of the entire Gran Paradiso Range. From the Col del Mento (9,169'), continue down into Valle delle Meyes. On your descent, the terrain begins rocky and rough, but you'll soon reach grassy slopes and flats. After passing by the old farms of Meyes, the trail lazily winds down under larches to the village of Eaux Rousse (5,465') where you began your hike.
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Hike from Aosta to Cogne
45-minute private van transfer
5 hours/ 8.60 miles hiking with 2,360' elevation gain and 3,830' loss
Rise today for a journey to Aosta, where you'll take the gondola from Pila and then the Chamole chairlift up to 7,546 feet. From there, start hiking to the Col de Tza Seche (9,251') with views of the east face of Gran Paradiso's summit (13,323') and the deep Valnontey at its feet. To the west, the Mont Blanc range encloses the Aosta Valley while to the north, the Monte Rosa range follows Italy's border with Switzerland. Hike down to Cogne (5,030') and its valley. This charming little town is the biggest resort you'll encounter during your journey across the Gran Paradiso. Your centrally located hotel features a luxurious spa and terrace with sweeping views of the Gran Paradiso range.
Accommodation: Bouton d’Or
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Hike to Chalets du Money
6 hours/13 miles hiking with 2,460’ elevation gain and loss
Today you'll begin with a short transfer to the trailhead in the hamlet of Valnontey (5,465'). Follow a path that leads you through the wooded Valnontey Valles and eventually to rocky terrain, before crossing several streams flowing down from the glacier. Start up a steep zig-zag path for about 2,000 feet before your traverse to the Chalets du Money. From here, the whole of the Gran Paradiso is on display. Your hike continues with sweeping views of Gran Paradiso before you, as you eventually descend into the valley again, returning through larch forests to the van, which brings you back to Cogne.
Accommodation: Bouton d’Or
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Hike to Lac de Loie
5 hours/6.20 miles hiking with 2,445' elevation gain and loss
After breakfast, transfer to the trailhead at Lillaz and begin your walk through a larch forest to the Bardonney Valley. This idyllic meadow could be a scene out of a fairytale with its grazing cows, mountain stream and snowcapped peaks. A short climb leads you to a postcard-perfect panorama. Continue on to Lac de Loie (7,720'), from where you can admire Mont Blanc towering high in the distance. On the way back down to the village, pass the spectacular Lillaz waterfall. Return to your comfortable hotel with time to get ready before the farewell dinner.
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Transfer from Cogne & Depart from Geneva
3-hour private van transfer
After breakfast, transfer from Cogne to Geneva airport and bid farewell.
(B)
