| Summer > Randonnée & Trekking >> Grand Paradis : |  |
 |
|
This exceptional natural environment has long and rightly benefited from a well planned protection program. In 1856, the area became a Royal Class hunting Reserve. In 1920, the Grand Paradis massif became the first Italian National Park. Nowadays, it covers 70 000 hectares, a lot more than its original 2 100 hectare surface. At the Aosta valley begin five alpine valleys, heading deep into the mountain with their many villages, from which numerous hiking trails mark the way to the surrounding summits. The proposed itenerary is wild, and helps us discover an ever changing panorama : in the foreground stands the larch pine forest, and lays the alpine vegetation cover ; the background stands up proudly, resembling a superb painting of snowy high peaks! Locally, many vegetation and animal mountain species can be found and seen, living together in great harmony. Let’s mention here the Ibex, a type of mountain goat that found a home and refuge in these strongly protected mountains ( the ibex was close to extermination in many regions of the Alps). Another symbol of the Parco Nazionale di Gran Paradisio is the Paradise Lily flower, crowned by enchanting and bright corollas. DIFFICULTY : 6 days of hiking, 3.5 to 8.5 hours of hiking daily, on and off trails (rocky slope sides...) Trek intended for confirmed hikers. Portage of personal belongings for the week and outdoor lunches for the week by minibus or taxi. (except for night 5 when refuge is not accessible by car) |
A Bouquetin |
||||
|
ITINERARY DAY 1 : CHAMONIX - REFUGE MARIO BEZZI (Valgrisenche) A short bus trip takes us into Valgrisenche, and to the small village of Uselères (1753m). After an easy hike we arrive at the very confortable Mario Bezzi hut (2284m), where we spend the night. Up : 531 m / Walking :3 hours DAY 2 : REFUGE MARIO BEZZI – BRUIL (Val de Rhême) This long day-hike is a major section of the trek. A somewhat steep trail leads us towards Col Bassac Deré (mountain pass at 3082m), allowing us to hike very close to Gliarettaz and Golettaz glaciars. Once over the pass, a nice grassy trail brings us back to the end of the Rhême valley. In the small village of Thumel(1879m), located at the foot of Granta Parei (3387m), a quick bus-ride takes us to Bruil, our stopover for the night. Up : 798m / Down : 1203m Walking : 8 hours 30mn DAY 3 : BRUIL – PONT (Val Savarenche) Back to Thumel village (1879m), a long ascent through the Grande Vaudale alpine meadows brings us to Col Rosset (3023m). The landscape changes quickly here ; mineral rocky surroundings soon become lakes and grassy slopes with the magnificent Grand Paradis peak(4061m) standing in front of us. A gentle descent towards Pont (1967m) marks the end of the day. Up : 1144 m Down : 1056m Walking : 8 hours 30mn DAY 4 : PONT – EAU ROUSSE (Val Savarenche) We hike up the sunny slopes towards the vallon de Meyes and Col della Manteau (2795m), before entering the marvellous alpine valley of Entrelor with its Djouan lake facing the majestic Grand Paradis and the Grivola. The trail winds down past the old royal hunting home of Orvieille, and heads towards Eau Rousse, one of Emperor Victor Emmanuel’s favorite places. Up : 828 m Down : 1129 m Walking : 7 hours 30mn DAY 5 : EAU ROUSSE – REFUGE VITTORIO SELLA ( Val de Cogne) An early start sets our way up a long hike via the Levionna high plateau (2315m), towards Col Lauson (3296m), the park’s highest non-glacier pass, which is accessible to hikers. After a steep descent through limestone and schistose rocky slopes- well frequented by ibexes- we quickly arrive at the grassy slopes ,where chamois like to graze. Vittorio Sella hut (2584m), provides us with a home for the last night of the trek. Make sure you pack personal needs for the night. Up : 1630 m Down : 712 m Walking : 8 hours 30mn. |
DAY 6 : REFUGE VITTORIO SELLA – COGNE ( Val de Cogne) A gentle descent leads us to Cogne through the Lauson alpine meadows for a last magical moment, admiring the abundant wildlife. We return to Chamonix in the middle of the afternoon (1H30mn drive). Up : 1050 m Walking : 3 hours 30 mn. NB : For safety reasons and according to weather and general terrain conditions, the moutain guide or trek leader may apply changes to itinerary. LODGING : 5 nights in guarded refuges and gîtes (dormitories) FORMALITIES : Passport or valid ID card MISCELLANEOUS : Bring Euros for personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks...) MEETING POINT : - 9h30 AM at the Chamonix guides company on day 1. - Or at 6PM the day before, information meeting with your trek leader, at the Chamonix guides company, located Place de l’église. Suggested dates for summer 2010 : Departure on July 25th. PRICE FOR SUMMER 2010 : 695 € per person (6 people minimum) Price includes: - guiding services - half board in huts and gîtes - outdoor lunches. - Luggage transportation during the trek (except for night 5) We ask the hereunder deposit payment at the reservation. The remaining has to be paid 21 days before the beginning of the course. |
||||