GRAN PARADISO TREKKING OVERVIEW
Embark on our Gran Paradiso hiking tour, where you’ll trek between the iconic Mont Blanc and Mont Rosa, conquering peaks up to 4,061m, and exploring Italy’s first national park, home to the majestic ibex. Immerse yourself in Aosta Valley traditions, hike pristine alpine landscapes, and follow ancient trails like the famed Alta Via 2 for an unforgettable adventure through larch forests, shimmering mountain lakes, and breathtaking valleys.
HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR GRAN PARADISO HIKING TOUR (SELF-GUIDED)
✔ Hike through Italy’s majestic Gran Paradiso National Park, nestled between the iconic Mont Blanc and Mont Rosa.
✔ Be wowed by the towering peaks of Gran Paradiso and the untouched beauty of the Italian Alps.
✔ Trek one of Italy’s best-kept secrets, with trails offering stunning alpine views and the tranquility of less-traveled paths.
✔ Explore charming villages in the Aosta Valley, rich in history and culture, as you immerse yourself in local traditions.
✔ Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine and regional specialties, from mountain fare to fresh local produce and wine.
✔ Hike dramatic mountain passes, vibrant meadows, and crystal-clear alpine lakes, with breathtaking scenery at every turn.
✔ Choose between rustic mountain huts (rifugios) for a true alpine experience or comfortable B&Bs in picturesque villages.
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. It’s more suited for experienced trekkers.
- On the 7-Day Paradiso Traverse, you’ll be trekking closer to glaciers and moraines so the terrain is rockier and the hiking is more strenuous than on the Private Accommodation itinerary which has gentler hiking paths. The Private Accommodation route is also better market.
- 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).
- The private accommodation tour requires a minimum of 2 people (based on double accommodation), while the traverse tour in mountain huts has no minimum.
7-DAY GRAN PARADISO HIKING TOUR (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
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 Rifugio Vittorio 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
Congratulations! Your Gran Paradiso Trek has now come to an end!
TOUR INFO: THE GRAN PARADISO 7-DAY TOUR IN PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION
RATES:
€1270 per person based on 2 people sharing a double room.
INCLUSIONS:
EXCLUDED:
- Repatriation (mandatory) and cancellation (highly recommended) insurance. We recommend Hey Mondo. Plus, you’ll get a 5% discount for booking from Monkeys and Mountains.
- Accommodation the night before your trip and on the last day of your trip
- Dinner on Day 6
- Transfers throughout the trip and transfers to Valgrisenche and from Cogne.
- Lunches, snacks and personal expenses
- Everything not indicated in the “included” section
7-DAY GRAN PARADISO TRAVERSE (MOUNTAIN HUT ACCOMMODATION IN DORMITORIES)
Day 1: Hike From Usellières hamlet – Refugio de l’Epée
Your Gran Paradiso Trek begins in the hamlet of Usellières in Valgrisenche. The path climbs through a beautiful forest of Arolle pines to reach the first alpine pastures. The Refugio 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: Refugio 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 stunning high glacial route leading to Mario Bezzi Mountain Hut, on switchbacks.
We recommend taking a detour to the gorgeous Lac de St Martin, above Mont Vaudet, before descending to Mario Bezzi Mountain 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 Refugio
- Inclusions: Breakfast and dinner
Day 3: Hike From Refugio 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 Refugio 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 Refugio
- Inclusions: Breakfast and dinner
Day 4: Hike From Val di Rhêmes – Refugio 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 Refugio (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 Refugio
- Inclusions: Breakfast and dinner
Day 5: Hike From Refugio Savoia – Les Eaux Rousses
From the Savoia Refugio, 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 – Refugio Vittorio Sella
Today is the longest day of your Gran Paradiso trek, 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’s 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 Mountain 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 Refugio 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
Congratulations! Your Gran Paradiso Trek has now come to an end!
TOUR INFO: THE GRAN PARADISO 7-DAY TRAVERSE IN DORMITORY ACCOMMODATION
RATES:
€919 per person
INCLUSIONS:
EXCLUDED:
- Repatriation (mandatory) and cancellation (highly recommended) insurance. We recommend Hey Mondo. Plus, you’ll get a 5% discount for booking from Monkeys and Mountains.
- Accommodation the night before your trip and on the last day of your trip
- Dinner in Cogne
- 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 INFO
Benefits of Booking Your Gran Paradiso Hiking Tour (Self-Guided) With Us:
✅ Save time and skip the hassle of booking accommodations —our experts handle it for you, so you don’t have to deal with time-consuming calls and emails.
✅ Designed by hikers, for hikers – Our tours are crafted with insider knowledge and we’ve partnered with the best local experts, so you get an exceptional hiking experience.
✅ Easier hiking options – Enjoy alternative routes when available, giving you the flexibility to rest when your legs need a break.
✅ Hike on your own schedule – Explore at your own pace with the people you choose, giving you the freedom to craft your perfect adventure.
✅ Prime accommodations – We use our local knowledge to secure the best places for you, based on what matters most to you, whether it’s location or comfort.
✅ Unbeatable value with self-guided hiking – Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a self-guided hike while saving on costs compared to guided tours, without sacrificing the quality of your adventure.
✅ We’re Just a Call Away – Need help during your Gran Paradiso trek? We’re always available by phone for any support you might need, ensuring peace of mind throughout your journey.
How We Work
Ready to hit the trails with confidence? 🥾 Book with us, your adventure matchmakers and secure a seamless Gran Paradiso trek! Once you’ve completed your tour reservation through us, our trusted local partners take over, handling all your tour logistics, from accommodations to routes, so you can focus on enjoying your hike in Gran Paradiso. We’ve curated the best experiences for a hassle-free trip. 🏞️ Your dream hike, made easy – let’s get you out there!
Gran Paradiso Hiking Tour Difficulty
The 7-day Gran Paradiso hiking tour is comparable to the Haute Route and more difficult than the Tour du Mont Blanc.
The Gran Paradiso hiking tour in private accommodation is a challenging trek, while the Gran Paradiso Traverse in mountain hut accommodation is demanding.
However, on the private accommodation route 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.
The Gran Paradiso Traverse is more of a trek than a hike with rugged terrain. You should be comfortable hiking over rocks, scree and on uneven terrain. There are no rest days and few modifications. It should only be undertaken by experienced hikers.
PHOTOS OF GRAN PARADISO TREKKING
