GRAN PARADISE TREK OVERVIEW
Discover the heart of the Italian Alps: Gran Paradiso National Park. Nestled between the iconic Mont-Blanc and Mont-Rose, this breathtaking region boasts soaring peaks like the Grand Paradis at 4,061m (13,323.49 ft) and enchanting valleys echoing with rich Aosta Valley traditions.
Trace a journey steeped in history, from Celtic origins and Roman influence to the noble House of Savoy. Experience Italy’s first national park, a sanctuary born from Europe’s earliest wildlife protection efforts and home to the majestic Ibex.
You’ll embrace seven or eight (depending on which tour you choose) exhilarating days, sometimes following the famed Alta Via 2, journeying from Valgrisenche to Val de Cogne.
Prepare for challenging ascents reaching up to 3,300m (10,826.77 ft) and immerse yourself in the pristine alpine landscapes: larch forests, mesmerizing mountain lakes, and vibrant meadows following marked trails to guide your adventure.
Step into Mountain Majesty; book your self-guided trek today!
COMPARISON OF GRAN PARADISO 7- DAY IN PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION VS. 7-DAY TRAVERSE
We’ve created two routes to appeal to hikers who want more creature comforts and the ability to modify.
- Both routes have 7 days of hiking. 5 days are different and 2 days are the same.
- On the private accommodation itinerary, there are variants, so you can make the hiking easier if you want. You can also take up to 2 rest days and not hike on those days since you stay at the same accommodation.
On the 7-day Gran Paradiso Traverse, there are no variants or rest days, so it’s not easy to modify.
- On the 7-Day Paradiso Traverse, you’ll be hiking closer to glaciers and moraines so the terrain is rockier and the hiking is more strenuous. The paths are marked, but not as well as on the Private Accommodation itinerary.
- On the private accommodation tour, you’ll sleep at lower elevations in private accommodation (except for one night) so you may have a more restorative sleep. You’ll also have your own private bathroom (except for one night).
7-DAY PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION ITINERARY
Day 1: Hike From Valgrisenche – Col de l’Epée – Rhême-Notre-Dame
Today is an exciting day. From the village of Valgrisenche, you’ll hike to the Church of St-Joseph above the village and start a long ascent on the Alta Via N°2 route, which passes by the refuge of the “Sword” where you can stop for a refreshment.
The ascent is very gradual and continues in the alpine vistas up to the scree of the Col Fenêtre (2875m / 9,432.42 ft). Dominated by the imposing Ruitor glaciers, Valgrisenche offers spectacular views, where you can stop and enjoy the rewards of your uphill hike.
From the Col Fenêtre, it’s a fast and steep descent into the Val di Rhême. You’ll spend the night in the serene village of Rhême Notre Dame, nestled among towering peaks.
- Hiking Details: ~ 15km (9.32miles), 1280m (4199.47 ft) ascent, 1175m (3854.98 ft) descent
- Night: village of Rhême Notre Dame
- Included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 2: Hike From Rhême Notre Dame – Plateau de Bénévolo – Rhême Notre Dame
Today, you’ll take a short bus ride to start hiking at Thumel, the hamlet that marks the end of the road, deep into the Gran Paradiso National Park. You’ll first hike on a wide trail that leads to a beautiful alpine valley. You’ll continue hiking to Benevolo Hut, where you can stop for a refreshment before continuing up into a “Dead End” alpine valley.
Hiking around Mount Truc de Tsanteleina provides a spectacular view. It almost seems like you can reach out and touch the glaciers with the vertical wall of the Granta Parei (11 110ft / 3,386.33m) proudly standing in front of you. Then you’ll hike back down to Thumel and take the shuttle bus back to the village of Rhême Notre Dame, where you’ll spend the night.
- Hiking Details: ~16km (9.94miles), 1050m (3444.88 ft) ascent, 995m (3264.44 ft) descent
- Night: village of Rhême Notre Dame
- Included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 3: Hike From Rhême Notre Dame – Col de l’Entrelor – Eaux-Rousses
Today, you’ll continue hiking on the trail following Alta Via N°2. After crossing the “Doire de Rhême” the path climbs into the forest and joins the Entrelor mountain pastures. You’ll hike up the Entrelor Valley to reach the eponymous pass located at 3007 meters (9,865.49 ft) above sea level. From this point, the main chain of Gran Paradiso, you’re treated to an incredible view!
Then, you’ll begin a long descent into the Valsavarenche, but there are a few lakes that make for great rest stops and the mountain pastures of Djouan.
You’ll spend the night in the hamlet of Eaux-Rousses, where pristine alpine waters converge with ancient stone streets, offering an untouched retreat from the modern world.
- Hiking Details: ~15km (9.32miles), 1280m (4199.47 ft) ascent, 1330m (4363.52 ft) descent
- Night: Hamlet of Eaux-Rousses.
- Inclusions: Breakfast and dinner
Day 4: Hike From Eaux-Rousses – Refuge F.Chabod – Pont – Eaux-Rousses
You’ll reach the starting point with a quick 10-minute transfer to take you to the Praviou Damon bus stop, where you’ll start hiking. 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.
You’ll reach Rifugio Chabod (2750 m / 9,022.31 ft), which makes a great stop for lunch, then you’ll traverse along a high path that meanders over rocky terrain and alpine grassland beneath the moraines of the Gran Paradiso Glacier.
Along the way, keep an eye out for whistling marmots, chamois, and golden eagles.
You’ll then descend to the valley floor at Pont’s hamlet and return to the hotel in Eaux Rousses by shuttle bus.
- Hiking Details: ~16km (9.94miles) / 1170m (3838.58 ft) ascent – 1040m (3412.07 ft) descent
- Night: Eaux-Rousses
- Inclusions: Breakfast and dinner
Day 5: Hike From Eaux-Rousses – Col du Lauson – Ref V. Sella
Today is a long day, so we recommend an early start. Directly from Eaux-Rousses, you’ll get back on the “Alta Via N°2” hiking trail to the alpine plateau of Levionnaz and Lauson Pass (3296m / 10,813.65 ft). It is the highest non-glacier pass in Gran Paradiso National Park!
Then, you’ll hike down a steep rocky section, a favourite spot for ibex, so keep your eyes peeled to reach the grassy alpine meadows, a favourite spot of chamois.
Soon after, you’ll reach Vittorio Sella Hut (2584m / 8,477.69 ft), where you’ll spend the night.
This is the longest climb of your Gran Paradiso hike, but it’s done on a very pleasant, winding, gradual trail. The elevation is indeed significant, but the effort is quite manageable.
- Hiking Details: 17km (10.56miles), 1665m (5462.6 ft) ascent, 755m (2477.03 ft) descent
- Night: Rifugio Vittorio Sella
- Inclusions: Breakfast and dinner
Note: Even though there is a lot of elevation gain on today’s hike, it’s gradual. Locals even do this path with their bikes (not e-bikes, proper bikes)!
This hike is VERY beautiful. We also have an easy alternative hike for Day 5 if you want to rest the day before doing this long ascent.
Day 6: Hike From Ref V. Sella – Herbetet – Valnontey – Cogne
Today, you’ll hike on an impressive balcony route leading you to the bottom of the Herbetet Cirque near the eastern slope of the Grand Paradiso.
It’s a vast glacial cirque home to many glaciers and the major peaks of Valnontey. The descent reaches the eponymous hamlet of Valnontey. There’s a free shuttle bus from Valnontey to take you to the superb village of Cogne, where you’ll spend the night.
- Hiking Details: 14km (8.69miles), 160m (524.93 ft) ascent, 1070m (3510.5 ft) descent
- Night: village of Cogne
- Inclusions: Breakfast
Day 7: Hike From Cogne – Lac de loie – Cogne (optional)
You’ll take a bus from Cogne to Lillaz, where you’ll start hiking. The trail cuts across a larch forest and then takes you to the Bardonney alpine valley. In this wild grazing pasture, time seems to have stopped. A short climb leads to a perfect viewpoint, and the panorama looks just like a postcard!
The trail continues across the hillside to Lac de Loie (7 720 ft / 2,353.056m), from where you can admire Mont Blanc… towering high in the distance!
On the way back down to the village, you’ll come across the spectacular Lillaz waterfall. A free shuttle bus takes you back to Cogne.
- Hiking Details: ~12km (7.46miles), 870m (2854.33 ft) ascent, 870m (2854.33 ft) descent
- Night: village of Cogne
TOUR INFO: THE GRAN PARADISO 7-DAY TOUR IN PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION
RATES:
€1270 per person based on 2 people sharing a double room.
INCLUSIONS
Included :
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6 nights of accommodation: 5 nights in private accommodation (2 nights in a basic hotel, 3 nights in a 3-star hotel) + 1 night in dormitory-style accommodation
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Meals: 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners (not included in Cogne)
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Travel information: roadbook, GPS tracks, one map
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Assistance from our team on site
Not Included :
-
Repatriation (mandatory) and cancellation (highly recommended) insurance. We recommend Hey Mondo
-
Accommodation the night before your trip and on the last day of your trip
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Dinner on Day 6
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Transfers throughout the trip and transfers to Valgrisenche and from Cogne.
-
Lunches, snacks and personal expenses
-
Everything not indicated in the “included” section
GRAN PARADISO HIKING TOUR DIFFICULTY
This 7-day hike is comparable to the Haute Route and more difficult than the Tour du Mont Blanc if you hike as indicated above.
However, there are alternative routes, and you have the option of not hiking on 2 days since you’re staying in the same accommodation, so it can be modified to make it easier.
We’re proud to partner with THE best local hiking company, Nuyama, located in Chamonix, France, to bring you an incredible Gran Paradiso hiking trip.
They’ll answer all your questions and you’ll book your trip with them, through their secure booking system and they’ll handle all your tour logistics, trip details, and are there for you if you have questions while you’re on your tour!
They’re some of the most knowledgeable people about the Gran Paradiso planning your epic tour. Of course, I’m also here to help if you need anything.
7-DAY TRAVERSE (DORMITORY ACCOMMODATION)
Day 1: Hike From Usellières hamlet – Refuge de l’Epée
The hike begins at the hamlet of Usellières in Valgrisenche. The path climbs through a beautiful forest of Arolle pines to reach the first alpine pastures. The Refuge de l’Épée is located beyond the forest in the first alpine pastures.
Optional: For those wishing to walk further, it is possible to make a round trip of the gorgeous Fenêtre Valley.
- Hiking Details: 4.5 km (2.8miles), 585m (1919.29 ft) ascent
- Accommodation: Refuge de l’Épée
- Inclusions: Dinner
Day 2: Hike From Refuge de l’Epée – Refuge Mario Bezzi
Today you’ll hike the famed Alta Via 2, a high glacial route leading to Mario Bezzi Hut, taking alternating small ascents and rare descents.
We recommend taking a detour to the gorgeous Lac de St Martin, above Mont Vaudet, before descending to Mario Bezzi Hut (2284m / 7,493.44 ft).
- Hiking Details: 12 km (7.46miles) | Elevation: 780m (2559.06 ft) ascent / 870m (2854.33 ft) descent
- Accommodation: Mario Bezzi Hut
- Inclusions: Breakfast and dinner
Day 3: Hike From Refuge Mario Bezzi – Val di Rhêmes
Today, your trail leads to the Col de Bassac Déré (3082m / 10,111.55 ft) and, if you feel like it, to the Bec de la Traversière (3337m / 10,948.16 ft), a splendid lookout point. From here, you’ll get views of the Vanoise, Mont Blanc, and the Swiss Alps, including the Matterhorn, for a unique stunning view.
Your descent leads to the Benevolo Refuge in the Val di Rhêmes (2285m).
- Hiking Details: 10.5 km (6.52miles) | Elevation: 860m (2821.52 ft) ascent / 850m (2788.71 ft) descent
- Accommodation: Benevolo Refuge
- Inclusions: Breakfast and dinner
Day 4: Hike From Val di Rhêmes – Refuge Savoia
Today, you’ll hike up the Vallon della Gran Vaudala to reach the Col Rosset. You’ll hike in colorful alpine meadows mixed with black and gray scree clinging to the steep slopes. The Col passage is magnificent!
You’ll appreciate the gentle plateaus with their shimmering high-altitude lakes, making for perfect rest stops. The Savoia Refuge (2592m / 8,503.94 ft), named after the last king of Savoy, Victor Emmanuel, is located on the Col du Nivolet in the Valsavarenche.
- Hiking Details: 10 km (6.21miles) | Elevation: 890m (2919.95 ft) ascent / 645m (2116.14 ft) descent
- Accommodation: Savoia Refuge
- Inclusions: Breakfast and dinner
Day 5: Hike From Refuge Savoia – Eaux rousses
From the Savoia Refuge, you’ll hike a long traverse towards the Meyes Valley and the Col della Manto (2795m / 9,169.95 ft), leading you to the Entrelor Valley and to the stunning Lake Djouan.
It’s a majestic traverse opposite the Gran Paradiso and the Pointe de la Grivola. You’ll descend into the valley floor, where you’ll reach the hamlet of Les Eaux Rousses.
Hiking Details: 20 km (12.43miles) | Elevation: 690m (2263.78 ft) ascent / 1550m (3772.97 ft) descent
Accommodation: Les Eaux Rousses
Inclusions: Breakfast and dinner
Day 6: Hike From Eaux Rousses – Refuge Vittorio Sella
Today is a long day, so we recommend an early start. Directly from Eaux-Rousses, you’ll get back on the “Alta Via N°2” hiking trail to the alpine plateau of Levionnaz and Lauson Pass (3296m / 10,813.65 ft). It is the highest non-glacier pass available to hikers in the Gran Paradiso National Park!
Then, you’ll hike down a steep rocky section, a favourite spot for ibex, so keep your eyes peeled to reach the grassy alpine meadows, a favourite spot of chamois.
Soon after, you’ll reach Vittorio Sella Hut (2584m / 8,477.69 ft), where you’ll spend the night.
This is the longest climb of your Gran Paradiso hike, but it’s done on a very pleasant, winding, gradual trail. The elevation is indeed significant, but the effort is quite manageable.
- Hiking Details: 17km (10.56miles) | Elevation: 1665m (5462.6 ft) ascent, 755m (2477.03 ft) descent
- Night: Rifugio Vittorio Sella
- Inclusions: Breakfast and dinner
Note: Even though there is a lot of elevation gain on today’s hike, it’s gradual. Locals even do this path with their bikes (not e-bikes, proper bikes)!
This hike is VERY beautiful.
Day 7: Hike From Refuge Vittorio Sella – Cogne
Today, you’ll hike on an impressive balcony route leading you to the bottom of the Herbetet Cirque near the eastern slope of the Grand Paradiso.
It’s a vast glacial cirque home to many glaciers and the major peaks of Valnontey. The descent reaches the eponymous hamlet of Valnontey. There’s a free shuttle bus from Valnontey to take you to the superb village of Cogne, where you’ll spend the night.
- Hiking Details: 14km (8.7miles), 160m (524.93 ft) ascent, 1070m (3510.5 ft) descent
- Accommodation: Not included
- Inclusions: Breakfast
TOUR INFO: THE GRAN PARADISO 7-DAY TRAVERSE IN DORMITORY ACCOMMODATION
RATES:
€919 per person
Included / Not Included
Included :
-
6 nights of Accommodation: 5 nights in dormitory-style accommodation and 1 night in private accommodation in a 3-star hotel
-
Meals: 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners
-
Travel information: roadbook, GPS tracks, one map
-
Assistance from our team on-site
Not Included :
-
Repatriation (mandatory) and cancellation (highly recommended) insurance. We recommend Hey Mondo
-
Accommodation the day before your trip starts and the last day of your trip.
-
Transfers throughout the trip and transfers to Usellières, Valgrisenche and from Cogne.
-
Lunches, snacks and personal expenses
-
Anything not mentioned in the “included” section.
PHOTOS OF THE GRAN PARADISO TOUR
