Alta Via 1 trek in the Dolomites: from Passo Giau to Passo Duran

Overview Description Groups Included Itinerary FAQ Guide Reviews

Ready to explore some of the most amazing scenery in the world? Join Claudio, a UIMLA certified mountain leader, on this Alta Via trek in the Dolomites from passo Giau to passo Duran.

Group

Dolomite Mountains

5 Days

Jul, Aug

High

Intermediate

Description

Great views, exquisite cuisine and a demanding but rewarding trek. That’s what this 5-day trek in the Dolomites is all about.

During this trip, experienced trekkers and nature lovers will discover landscapes that are considered to be some of the most stunning in the world. This 5-day Alta Via trek covers a less crowded section of the famous Alta Via 1 trek: We will start from the beautiful Passo Giau crossing the Mondeval and then immerse ourselves in a crossing that will take us to touch the majestic walls of the Croda da Lago, Pelmo and Civetta groups, some of the most imposing Dolomites’ peaks.

This mountain range situated in northeastern Italy is unique: its fossils and rock formations date back to the Mesozoic period. This is one of the reasons it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.

As local guides, we will take you to discover a truly beautiful itinerary, embellishing it even more by making you take some detours that those who travel Altavia 1 independently usually do not do.

Be prepared for a challenging hike! A good fitness level is necessary to take part in the trek. Each day, you will walk between 10 and 16 kilometers, with 450 to 700m of altitude difference. The amazing Dolomites make the effort definitely worth it!

In addition, you will try exquisite cuisine that combines Austrian and Italian traditions. Nights will be spent in comfortable mountain huts, where you will enjoy breathtaking sunsets and a sky full of stars at night!

Join me on this great trekking adventure in the Dolomites. Get ready to hike on a daring route and discover the stunning beauty of these mountains. Request to book this trip!

Join a group

July 2025

Date	Price per person
28 Jul 01 Aug Confirmed departure	EUR 422 EUR 422 each

Would you like to travel on a different date?

Price includes

Guiding fee

Price details

Price includes only the Guiding fee and the guide expenses.
The price DOES NOT INCLUDE the following items:
– overnight stay in huts and refuges: €238 to €289 (tourist taxes included),
Half Board at all the 4 Rifugios (dinner and breakfast);
– transfer: €20;
– extras, lunches, drinks, shower tokens and anything not expressly described in “the cost includes”.

Meeting point

Duran Pass

Itinerary

Day 1: Day 1

Departure: Passo Giau Arrival: Rifugio Croda da Lago (half board) Length: 12.5 km Altitude difference: 650 m

Day 2: Day 2

Departure: Rifugio Croda da Lago arrival: Rifugio Venezia (half board) length: 16.2 km altitude difference: 700 m

Day 3: Day 3

departure: Rifugio Venezia arrival: Rifugio Coldai (half board) length: 11.1 km altitude difference: 620 m

Day 4: Day 4

departure: Coldai refuge arrival: Vazzoler refuge (half board) length: 10 km altitude difference: 450 m

Day 5: Day 5

departure: Vazzoler Refuge arrival: Duran Pass length: 12.2 km altitude difference: 600 m

Details

Accommodation

We will spend the nights in different rifugios (huts). You can check the details in the day-by-day itinerary. Overnight stays in the facilities/refuges will take place in rooms and/or dormitories.

More info

In our excursions we also pay attention to the environment in which we move, absolutely avoiding:

abandon waste outside the normal collection areas;
throw anything on the ground: cigarette butts, handkerchiefs, etc.;
cause damage or nuisance to local flora and fauna;
engage in rude and disrespectful behavior towards structures used as refreshment or night shelter.

Equipment you will need to bring

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT: Sleeping bag liner or sheets Trekking shoes Backpack appropriate clothing water bottle hat or bandana slippers sunscreen

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT: Sunglasses Compeed Blister Plasters Trekking poles Slippers or flip-flops First aid kit Headlamp

FAQs

What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?

Average distance 12.3 km (10÷16 km) - 7.6 miles (6.2÷10 miles) / Average Gain elevation +624 m (450÷750 m) - 2050 ft (1475÷2460 ft) / Average Drop elevation -750 m (-550 ÷ -850 m) - -2460 ft (-1800 ÷ - 2800 ft)

What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?

Every day there will be 5 to 7 hours hiking, considering also stops for hydratation, refuelling, and looking at the marvellous landscape.

How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?

Meeting Point is at Passo Duran at 8:30. At 9:00 sharp we took the shuttle to Passo Giau. If the guests are in Cortina d'Ampezzo, or nerby, we can share the car.

How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?

All the 4 night accomodations are already reserved in rifugios, members of CAI (the Italian mountaneering association) will have a discount. We will have half board (dinner and breakfast included). It's possible to buy a take-away lunch at the rifugios, some days we can stop for lunch at some rifugios, according with the weather.

Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?

No permits are required. It's strongly recomended a personal travel insurance. Vaccines are not required,

What is the best time of the year for this hike?

Mid June -> Mid September (sometimes till the end of September)

Can I join a group?

You can join my group. It's an open group, there will be some italian guests. For safety and to manage better the group, there will be two guides.

What happens in the event of bad weather?

If it's just a rain, it's not a problem to hike hut to hut. For sunny days there are extra-hikes to do. If the weather is really bad (and there is an alert), could be necessary to ride a bus or call a taxi.

About the guide

Claudio

3.5

(2)

Mountain Leader

On the mountain by feet or by bike, but above all, dreaming.

Born and raised in the middle of the Dolomites; for years work tried to keep me away from the mountains, but now I have the possibility to live in the high lands enjoing the mountains.

Languages

Italian | English

Certificates

UIMLA

What people are saying about Claudio

Smriti

The hiking route was absolutely amazing. However, the guide was unresponsive for 6 months prior to the hike which made booking flights and transfers difficult and ultimately very expensive. When queried with the company’s customer service team they were unable to help or provide sufficient answers. There were significant hidden costs and we would not have booked the trip if we realised the true cost earlier on.

Tari

Claudio was a fantastic guide!! This was our first time traveling to a foreign country and going on an overnight trek and were a little nervous. It ended up being the trip of a lifetime!!