| Summer 2010 > Randonnée & Trekking >> Grand Paradis baroud : |  |
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THE TRAVERSE OF GRAN PARADISO "Baroud"This exceptional countryside was first protected in 1850 when it was classed as a royal hunting reserve before becoming Italy’s first National Park in 1922. It has grown in size from its original 2100 hectares to 72 000 hectares. Six deep valleys give access to typical Valdotain villages from where a network of trails leads us to the surrounding mountain passes and summits. It is in the grandiose setting of unspoilt wilderness that our trek takes place: larch forest, alpine meadows and turquoise lakes are set off by the spectacular backdrop of snow-covered summits. Simply stunning! The rich and varied flora and fauna thrive in this peaceful setting: There are approximately 6000 chamois and 4500 mountain ibex. The famous Capra (Alpine) ibex and the colourful and delicate Paradise lily are the emblems of the Parco Nazionale di Gran Paradisio.This adventure trek will help you discover the less frequented and more representative areas of the Gran Paradiso massif. Our authentic approach to this trek necessitates previous hiking experience. TECHNICAL ABILITY : This trek is more demanding than the ‘light backpack’ versions as you will be walking for more hours in the day and you will be required to carry all your belongings throughout the week. It is therefore aimed at experienced hikers who have already undertaken hikes lasting several days in the mountains: 4 ½ to 8 ½ hrs hiking per day on trails of varied terrain (scree slopes, boulder-hopping…) |
Grand Paradis |
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ITINERARY : Day 1 : VALGRISENCHE A minibus transfer of around 1 ½ hrs takes us to Valgrisenche and the hamlet of Usellières. An easy hike up to the comfortable Mario Bezzi mountain hut. We could also take a lovely stroll above the hut late afternoon. Up : 531 m. / Down : 531 m. / Around : 2,5 hours. Optional : Up : 340 m. / Down : 340 m. / Around : 2 hours. Day 2 : VAL DE RHEMES Our gaze takes in the Plattes des Chamoix, the Vaudet and the Gliairette glaciers as we make our way to the Bassac Déré mountain pass. This magnificent viewing point opens out onto not only Gran Paradiso, but also the Vanoise, Mont-Blanc and the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps. Weather permitting it may be possible to take an optional trip to the Becca della Traversière. A pleasant descent to the Bénévolo mountain hut. Up : 800 m. / Down : 800 m. / Around : 7 hours. Optional : Up : 250 m. / Down : 250 m. / Around : 1,5 hours. Day 3 : PLAN DEL NIVOLE We are now only a short step from entering the Gran Paradiso National Park, but slightly further from the many mountain passes which will take us to Valsavarenche. We can feel the presence of animals ever closer to us, with marmots and chamois becoming more and more visible. A final effort is needed for the last slope before we can appreciate the stillness of lakes Chanavey, Leita or Rosset sparkling on the plains. It is here by the lakes that we will find the Savoia mountain refuge where we will spend a restful night after feasting. Up : 950 m. / Down : 600 m. / Around : 5,5 hours. Day 4 : VALSAVARANCHE From the Savoia hut we traverse towards the small valley of Meyes, then the Col della Manteau. Groups of chamois, often present in the sector, will accompany us along the route. We rejoin the green Entrelor valley and Lake Djouan having spent a fabulous day facing the Gran Paradiso and La Grivola. We descend towards Eaux Rousses, passing by the royal hunting lodge of Orvielle, one of King Victor Emmanuel’s favourite places. Night in the valley near Eaux Rousses, the lowest elevation of the trek. Up : 330 m. / Down : 1250 m. / Around : 7,5 hours. Day 5 : VITTORIO SELLA We leave Eaux Rousses early morning and commence a magnificent hike uphill to the Levionna plain, towards the Col Lauson, the highest non-glacial mountain pass in the park which is accessible to hikers. After a traverse on limestone and schist, a favourite place for mountain ibex, we quickly rejoin the grassy meadows which are home to marmots and chamois, and the Vittorio Sella mountain hut (not accessible by vehicles), where we will spend our last night. Up : 1630 m. / Down : 712 m. / Around : 8 hours. |
Day 6 : VALNONTEY The cherry on the cake! A fantastic balcony trail will lead us to the bottom of the Herbetet natural circus near the east face of Gran Paradiso. The panorama here is grandiose with around ten glaciers descending from the summits of: Herbetet, Becca di Montandayne, Piccolo and Gran Paradiso, Testa di Valnontey, and Torre del Gran San Pietro, which dominates the Valnontey valley. We rejoin the village of Valnontey which marks the end of this superb trek. Up : 100 m. / Down : 1000 m. / Around : 5 hours. NB : THE MOUNTAIN OR TREKKING GUIDE MAY HAVE TO MODIFY THE PROGRAMME DEPENDING ON CONDITIONS THE SUPERVISION : The group will made up of six to 12 participants maximum per trekking guide, all State qualified, in order to guarantee maximum security and comfort, as well as better dialogue and transmission of information. RENDEZVOUS : 9.30am on day 1 in front of the guide company in Chamonix. Pre-tour information meeting with your mountain or trekking guide at 6pm the evening before departure at the guide company in Chamonix (optional). DEPARTURE DATES FOR SUMMER 2010 : 18th July & 8th August. PRICE 2010 : 680 € per person (min. 6 participants) This price includes: - The organisation and supervision of the trek by a State qualified trekking guide - Half-board dormitory accommodation in mountain huts or auberges - The picnics - The transfer from Chamonix to the start of the tour, and return transfer at the end of the tour. This price does not include: - Drinks and personal expenses (souvenirs) FORMALITIES : Valid passport or Identity card INSURANCE : Each supervising professional is self-employed and possesses professional Civil Liability (SNAM). La Compagnie des Guides Voyages is covered by Organisational Civil Liability (APRIAM Mutuelles du Mans): As such, we are able to offer - Repatriation insurance - Cancellation insurance In addition, you are strongly advised to take out personal insurance e.g. Carte Neige (ask for details). MISCELLANEOUS : Plan for personal expenses We ask the hereunder deposit payment at the reservation. The remaining has to be paid 21 days before the beginning of the course. |
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