A hut-to-hut experience designed for those who want to discover the most evocative side of the Dolomites. In just 5 days of hiking, you’ll encounter seven extraordinary alpine lakes, set in pristine natural environments between the Fanes–Sennes–Braies Nature Park and the mountains overlooking Cortina d’Ampezzo. A scenic and varied itinerary, perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and fans of high-altitude landscapes, with all logistics organized by Holimites so you can enjoy the trek worry-free.
Arrival in Alta Badia
Welcome to Alta Badia! After your journey, check in at the hotel and enjoy some time to relax, breathe in the fresh mountain air and start soaking up the unique atmosphere of the Dolomites.
Acclimatization day
The first day is all about taking it easy: a gentle walk to stretch your legs, get used to the altitude and enjoy the scents of the alpine forests.
In the late afternoon or evening, you will meet a Holimites expert for a detailed briefing covering the itinerary, daily stages and useful tips to make the most of your trekking experience.
1st stage: approx. 15 km (9 miles) with +850 m (2788 feet) e.g.; -60 m (197 feet) e.l.
Transfer to Lake della Creta, a charming alpine lake at the entrance of the Fanes–Sennes–Braies Nature Park. Walking along the Rautal Valley, we reach Pederü, where the ascent toward the Fanes plateau begins. Along the trail we encounter another lake, Lake Piciodel, whose water level changes with the seasons. We then arrive in Fanes, known as the kingdom of marmots. The day ends at Lake Verde, a beautiful lake framed by the characteristic rock formations of the Fanes Nature Park.
2nd stage: approx. 12 km (7,5 miles) with +1.100 m (3600 feet) e.g.; -450 m (1480 feet) e.l.
After an initial short ascent (about 100 m of elevation gain), we admire the green reflections of Lake Limo. Continuing south, we climb to Forcella del Lago, where a new lake appears: Lake Lagazuoi, nestled below the impressive walls of Cima Scotoni.
3rd stage: approx. 10 km (6,2 miles) with +560 m (1837 feet) e.g.; -800 m (2625 feet) e.l.
Leaving the Lagazuoi area behind, we follow the World War I trenches that once marked the border of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, reaching Passo Falzarego. From here we head toward the enchanting Lake Limides, where, under the right light conditions, Mount Lagazuoi can be seen reflected in the water.
4th stage: approx. 10 km (6,2 miles) with +340 m (1115 feet) e.g.; -700 m (2297 feet) e.l.
From the Averau area, we descend to Passo Giau and, walking at the foot of Mount Formin, reach Forcella Ambirizzola. From here begins the descent toward Lake Federa, a classic high-altitude Dolomite lake. With no visible inflows or outflows, it is fed by underground springs, keeping its water level almost constant.
5th stage: approx. 9 km (5,5 miles) with +160 m (525 feet) e.g.; -970 m (3182 feet) e.l.
From Lake Federa, we start our descent toward Lake Alai. After a short break, we continue on to the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, where the trekking adventure comes to an end.
Departure
Upon request, Holimites can fully customize the itinerary: modify individual stages, shorten or extend the tour, add extra nights, or choose easier or more scenic variants.
Each participant is responsible for carefully evaluating the chosen package and ensuring that it matches their own physical fitness, technical ability, experience, and level of endurance.
By booking, participants confirm that they are in suitable physical and mental condition to safely undertake the activity and that they have understood the characteristics, duration, and difficulty level described in the programme.
Participants are also required to follow all instructions provided by Holimites staff at all times. For safety reasons, Holimites experts may modify, suspend, or interrupt activities.
Holimites cannot be held responsible for accidents, injuries, or damages resulting from failure to follow instructions, inaccurate personal declarations, or participation in activities beyond one’s own capabilities.
Price includes
Price does not include
*Included during the escorted tour
Note:
Supplements
Route Characteristics
The trekking features medium-short daily stages, with variable but generally well-distributed elevation gain and loss. The routes follow well-marked alpine trails, crossing valleys, high plateaus, and high-altitude environments of outstanding natural value. The itinerary is particularly scenic and offers numerous photo opportunities thanks to the presence of alpine lakes. Overnight stays are in traditional mountain huts, immersed in nature.
Who Is It Suitable For
This trek is ideal for hikers with good physical fitness and basic mountain hiking experience. It is perfect for those looking for a not overly long hut-to-hut experience that combines nature, stunning landscapes, and the charm of the Dolomites’ alpine lakes. No technical or mountaineering skills are required, but participants should be used to walking for several hours a day on mountain trails.
Arrival
Holimites supports you in planning your arrival and departure, helping you choose the simplest and most convenient travel solution to reach the Dolomites.
We can assist you with:
Booking train or bus tickets
Booking a private shuttle
This way, you can start your mountain holiday without worries, right from the very beginning.
Is some training necessary before participating in this trekking tour?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Sore legs, blisters, or other ailments related to walking after the first stage can possibly ruin the entire week for someone. The tour is suited for people that are already strong walkers that can manage treks with fully packed backpacks.
It is absolutely necessary to have some trekking experience on mountain trails and exposed sections. A good ability to read maps and use a compass is a must for the self-guided tours.
Participating in a trekking group requires having to keep up a certain pace in order to finish the scheduled stages. If your legs are shutting down or your physical preparedness is constraining the rest of the group to slow down and making group compatibility problematic, your tour escort may decide you need to tone down, leaving the pack. Your alternatives in this case are:
a) to shuttle throughout the day on the service van, each day, to the next hut or
b) to take a shuttle 'bump up' to the last hotel, where you can finish your vacation doing some great day hikes.
I have some issues with elevation, is that a problem?
The treks each day are between 1.500 and 2.300 meters of altitude (between 4,900 and 7,500 feet). In addition, the huts for the overnight stays are above 2100 meters (6,900 feet) If you have trouble with high elevations, please consult a doctor or medical professional for their expert opinion before booking this trip.
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What happens in the case of bad weather?
Sir Alan Flemming once stated: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing”. But, it’s surely possible that bad weather conditions may prohibit our planned tour in some cases. If this happens to
be the case, a phone call to our office from the hut you are staying at is all that’s needed. We will gladly reorganize all of the upcoming stages of your trekking tour so that you can arrive as planned even if you have to take a 1 day break to allow weather conditions to clear up.
What specific clothing do you recommend?
We suggest you always carry a light hydration pack with a few layers such as a light insulation jacket, gloves and a hat. Also, keep in mind that the weather in the mountains can quickly change. If your offer includes baggage transfer, we suggest you to pack some warmer and comfortable clothing, which can be left in your bag that we will transfer for you from hut to hut.
I want do to a self-guided trekking. Are the trails well marked?
Yes, the trails are well marked, but it‘s important to pay attention and be sure to stay on the correct path. During the briefing a Holimites trail expert will explain you every stage exactly.
The programs on the catalog don‘t match my expectations. Are there alternative offers?
On request, Holimites can customize a program for you. Is the tour too long or the stages to challenging? Do you prefer a different itinerary? Would you like to book some extra days to relax in the hotel or on a mountain hut? Just send us a request and we will do our best to meet your needs.
Should I expect to climb a Via Ferrata?
Our standard programs don't include a Via Ferrata. But gladly we can organize one for you with a certified IFMGA-UIAGM Alpine Guide. There is the opportunity to do the Via Ferrata during a stage, or you can add an extra day at the beginning or at the end of your tour.
Overnight stay on the mountain huts...
You will be surprised of how lovely our mountain huts are. However, they have to be considered a rifugio in the mountains and not a hotel. So you won’t find all the luxury features you find in the towns.
In the huts there are blankets and pillows. We suggest to bring sleeping bags inlay with you.
All hotels and huts are well informed about dietary restrictions, like gluten or lactose intolerance. Everywhere you will find a vegetarian or vegan alternative.
Not all huts accept credit cards. So we suggest to bring some cash with you, to pay drinks, snacks or extras which are not included in the offer.
Where can we have lunch during the trekking?
For lunch, you can stop at one of the mountain huts and try some local specialities. Alternatively, you can request a packed lunch from the hut where you stayed the previous night.
What about dinner?
All the mountain huts where you'll be staying offer dinner service, which you can decide to join on the same day.
When you'll stay in a hotel you have the option to dine at the hotel's restaurant or, if you prefer, explore the town to find a restaurant that suits your taste.
Dates
