Trekking in the Puez-Odle group: 5-7 days

Main Itinerary: Classic 5-Day Trek

Day 1: Arrival in Val Gardena
Activity: Arrival and check-in to accommodation | Hike: None

Arrive in Val Gardena and settle into your base camp hotel in Ortisei, Santa Cristina, or Selva di Val Gardena. The valley offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Dolomites, framed by coniferous forests sloping down to lush green meadows. Rich in Ladin culture, Val Gardena maintains a deep connection with its traditions: language, music, and wood carving are living identity elements, with local artisans creating finely crafted sculptures and decorations. Today, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in this authentic culture before resting for the adventure that awaits you.

Day 2: Adolf Munkel Weg: At the Foot of the Odle Peaks
Elevation gain: 720 m | Elevation loss: 510 m | Altitude: 1,860–2,310 m | Distance: 15 km | Duration: 5 hours

The first day of trekking takes you along one of the most famous panoramic trails in the entire Dolomites: the Adolf Munkel Weg, part of the Odle High Route, dedicated to the Austrian mountaineer and geologist Adolf Munkel who devoted his life to studying these mountains and particularly the Funes Valley.

The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. The path winds with gentle ascents and descents, alternating between forested sections and wide open spaces offering bright, panoramic views. Walking at the foot of the imposing northern walls of the Odle Group, you'll see the same peaks that were the training ground for the young Reinhold Messner. Along the way, you'll encounter traditional mountain huts and alpine meadows colored by wildflowers — a paradise for photographers, thanks to the extraordinary contrasts between pastures and rocky towers.

Day 3: Alta Via 2: The Legend Trail
Elevation gain: 580 m | Elevation loss: 870 m | Altitude: 2,030–2,620 m | Distance: 10 km | Duration: 5 hours

Today you will hike a magnificent section of the Dolomites Alta Via 2, one of the most spectacular long-distance treks in the Alps. Prepare for an intense and challenging day, rewarded by views of extraordinary beauty. The route crosses an area of the Puez-Odle Nature Park far from the main tourist flows, offering idyllic views of the mountain group's main ridge.

The landscape gradually transforms into a pure high-mountain environment: vegetation gives way to dwarf pines and small shrubs adapted to the harsh high-altitude climate. The ascent to Forcella Roa, at 2,617 meters, is the most challenging moment of the entire trek and also the most rewarding. From the pass, the panorama of the Dolomites is complete and unforgettable. The descent on the opposite side gradually approaches the hut, where alpine meadows contrasting with the imposing peaks create a postcard-perfect setting. This is the most technical and demanding stage of the itinerary.

Day 4: Descent to Vallunga or Seceda Spires Loop
Option 1: Forcella de Sieles + Vallunga: Elevation gain: 610 m | Elevation loss: 1,020 m | Altitude: 1,600–2,580 m | Distance: 13 km | Duration: 5 h 30
Option 2: Seceda Spires Loop: Elevation gain: 520 m | Elevation loss: 440 m | Altitude: 2,030–2,520 m | Distance: 9 km | Duration: 3 h 30

The final stage of the trek offers you a choice between two equally memorable finishes.

Option 1: Classic route via Forcella de Sieles and Vallunga: From the hut, the ascent towards Forcella de Sieles follows a via ferrata-equipped path. The descent on the opposite side opens up to a spectacular panorama of the Sella Massif. Before reaching Rifugio Puez, the route crosses the rocky Puez plateau and then descends into the vast alpine meadows of Vallunga, a gentler landscape where the mountains open gracefully towards the valley.

Option 2: Seceda Spires Loop: For those who prefer to conclude the trek in a more relaxed way, this variant leads to the Seceda Spires, the most famous viewpoint in Val Gardena and one of the most iconic Dolomite landscapes in the world. The entire day is dedicated to enjoying breathtaking views without major elevation changes. At the end of the day, you reach the Col Raiser cable car station to comfortably descend to the valley.

Day 5: Departure from Val Gardena
Activity: Departure | Hike: None

Your adventure in the Puez-Odle Nature Park concludes after a hearty breakfast. You have hiked some of the most beautiful trails in the Dolomites, slept in authentic alpine huts, and experienced the unique culture of Val Gardena. An experience that stays with you, wherever you go.

Extended 6-Day Tour
The main 5-day itinerary plus an additional daily excursion to the Alpe di Siusi with return to the base camp in Val Gardena. The Alpe di Siusi is the largest high-alpine pasture in Europe and offers one of the most famous Dolomite views in the world—an ideal addition for those who wish to fully explore the surroundings of Val Gardena.

Extended 8-Day Tour
The most comprehensive tour available in the region: combines the Puez-Odle Classic Trek with the Val Gardena and Alpe di Siusi Hiking Tour, for a total of 6 days of hiking. In this combined itinerary, all the main landmarks of the area are reached: the Alpe di Siusi plateau, the Sciliar Massif, the Sassolungo, and the Puez-Odle Group. The route begins with three days along the classic Val Gardena itinerary and, instead of returning to the valley from Passo Sella, continues towards the Puez-Odle Group.

Tour Types and Pricing Structure

Self-Guided Tours

Explore independently with detailed maps, pre-booked accommodations, and 24/7 support. The ideal choice for hikers who prefer freedom and flexibility, capable of navigating with a map and interpreting weather forecasts on their own.

Private Guided Tours

Your local English-speaking mountain guide leads your private group throughout the entire traverse. The ideal choice for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of the area, its wildlife, geology, and local culture with the security of an expert by their side.

For smaller or larger groups, contact us for a personalized quote.

Flexible Dates

Both tour types operate on your preferred dates throughout the summer season (June 26 – September 14, 2026).

Tour Duration

The stated duration includes arrival and departure days. Accommodation is included for both the first night (arrival day) and the last night (before departure).

What's Included: Self-Guided Tour

Accommodation:

• Mountain hut stays: 3–5 nights (depending on the itinerary) in shared dormitories
• 3-star base camp hotel or B&B: first and last night of the stay, double/triple rooms

Meals:

• Daily full breakfasts (mountain huts and hotels)
• Dinners in mountain huts every evening

Planning and Support:

• Personalized itinerary and hiking program developed by MONT Trekking guides
• Specialized hiking maps 1:25,000 (1 map per booking)
• Pre-trip instructions and comprehensive logistical assistance
• 24-hour emergency support available during the trek

Transportation:

• Transfer from the base camp hotel to the trail starting point (trek start)
• Luggage transport between base camp hotels

What's Included: Private Guided Tour

Everything included in the Self-Guided Tour, plus:

Expert Guide:

• Local English-speaking mountain guide for the entire duration of the trek
• Expert knowledge of trails, wildlife, geology, and local culture
• Navigation and orientation on variable terrain
• Safety management and group coordination
• Private transportation from the base camp hotel to the trail starting point

Complimentary Services (All Tours)

• Electronic maps with GPS navigation for smartphones (Self-Guided Tours only, Android or iOS device required)

What's Not Included

Additional costs to budget for:

• Travel insurance (strongly recommended, see dedicated section)
• Drinks at dinner (water, wine, beer, coffee, ordered and paid separately at each hut)
• Lunches during hiking days (available for purchase at huts along the way, typically €10–20 per person)
• Hot shower use in mountain huts (€3–5 per use, paid directly to the hut)
• Shuttle on the first day of trekking: €5 (Self-Guided Tour only)
• Recommended cable car on the route: approx. €20 (variable cost depending on the period — included in the 7-day itinerary for access to the Pale di San Martino plateau)
• Single room supplement in base camp hotels for non-solo travelers
• Tourist tax where applicable (typically €1–2 per night)
• Personal expenses and anything not explicitly listed in the included services

Upgrades and Optional Extras

Private Rooms in Mountain Huts

Upgrade to 2, 3 or 4-bed rooms in selected huts along the route (subject to availability — early booking strongly recommended, spots fill up quickly).
Supplement: €20 per person per night

💡 This itinerary features some of the region's most comfortable huts, with private rooms available in multiple establishments. If privacy is a priority, we recommend booking as early as possible.

Single Room in Base Camp Hotel

Private accommodation on arrival and departure nights (for non-solo travelers).
Supplement: €100 per person (total)

4/5 Star Hotel in Base Camp Hotel

Upgrade accommodation on arrival and departure nights to higher category hotels.
Available upon request, contact us for availability and prices.

Private Airport Transfer

Private transfer between the departure airport and your base camp hotel in Ortisei, Santa Cristina or Selva di Val Gardena and the destination airport.
Available upon request, contact us for prices and availability.

Pricing Information

• Prices are per person and include VAT
• Valid for the Summer 2026 season (June 26 – September 14)
• Currency: EUR (€)
• The Private Guided Tour price is calculated based on a minimum of 4 participants — for groups of different sizes, contact us for a quote

Base Camp Location

The Puez-Odle Classic Trek is a loop trek with a single base camp in Val Gardena. The trek starts and finishes in the same valley, in one of its main villages: Ortisei, Santa Cristina, or Selva di Val Gardena. This greatly simplifies logistics compared to a point-to-point traverse: a single airport, a single start and end hotel, no transfer complexities.

We recommend contacting us before booking flights: we can provide updated train and bus schedules, suggest optimal arrival times, and help you build seamless logistics without surprises.

Verona Valerio Catullo Airport (VRN) — Main Option

The most convenient airport to reach Val Gardena, with regular flights from the UK, Germany, Denmark, France, and Poland.

• Travel time: Approximately 3–3.5 hours by train and bus
• Distance: ~190 km
• Route: Train Verona → Bolzano or Chiusa, then bus line 350 to Val Gardena

Innsbruck Airport (INN) — Alternative Northern Europe Option

Convenient for those arriving from Austria, Southern Germany, or Switzerland. Similar travel times to Verona, with excellent rail connections to Bolzano along the Brenner line.

• Travel time: Approximately 2.5–3 hours by train and bus
• Distance: ~120 km

Other Accessible Airports

Venice Marco Polo (VCE), Bergamo Orio al Serio, Bologna Marconi, Munich, and Milan airports are accessible with daily buses to Val Gardena Hi-Land, but they involve longer transfer times and less direct connections. If you are considering these options, please contact us to assess the feasibility of the connections together.

⚠️ Note for those arriving from Venice: There is no direct connection from Venice to Val Gardena; the best route by train and bus takes approximately 5 hours with a change in Bolzano. Rome2Rio Plan ahead, especially for morning or evening flights.

Transport to Base Camp

Public Transport

Trenitalia offers the FRECCIALink service, a single train + bus ticket, with departures from Verona, Bologna, Milan, and other main cities, arriving directly in Ortisei, Santa Cristina, or Selva di Val Gardena. Bolzano's central station is the main railway hub, with fast connections from Milan, Venice, and Rome via Verona; several buses depart from Bolzano throughout the day for Val Gardena.

We provide detailed schedules and step-by-step transport instructions after booking.

Private Airport Transfer (Optional)

Private transfer service available upon request for direct and stress-free transportation from the airport to your base camp hotel in Val Gardena, both upon arrival and return.

Contact us for prices and availability.

Travel Insurance

Coverage Required
It is essential to have appropriate travel insurance that covers mountain hiking activities.

Important:It is NOT necessary to include technical climbing or mountaineering coverage unless you plan to climb independently during the trek. Standard hiking/trekking coverage is sufficient for this itinerary.

What Your Insurance Should Cover:

• Medical expenses and emergency evacuation
• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Lost or delayed baggage
• Hiking and trekking activities up to 3,000 meters above sea level

We strongly recommend purchasing insurance at the time of booking.

Visa Requirements

EU/EEA citizens
No visa required to travel to Italy.

Non-EU/EEA Citizens
Check visa requirements for Italy based on your nationality. Most visitors can enter Italy without a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days within the Schengen Area.

Visa Support Documentation
If you require an Italian visa, we will provide a booking confirmation letter for each day of your trip, which you can submit with your visa application.
Request this document after completing your booking

Pre-Departure Checklist

Before your trek, make sure you have:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity recommended)
• Travel insurance with confirmed hiking coverage
• Booking confirmation from Dolomist
• Emergency contact numbers (provided after booking)

Hotel
Your first and last nights are spent in comfortable 3-star hotels or B&Bs near Sappada, providing a seamless transition into and out of the wilderness experience.

Stays in Mountain Refuges
During the trek, you will stay overnight in traditional alpine huts with the following comforts and services:

Sleeping arrangements:

• Shared dormitory rooms with bunk beds (standard option)
• Private rooms with 2, 3 or 4 beds (must be booked in advance, subject to availability)
• Mattresses, pillows and warm blankets provided in all rooms
• Heating systems available (typically not needed in the summer months)

What to Bring:

• For shared dormitories: Sheet bag required (lightweight cotton or silk sheet)
• For private rooms: Bed linen often provided (we will confirm if a sheet is required when you book private rooms)
• Important: Warm sleeping bags are not necessary, blankets will keep you comfortable
• Clean indoor footwear for use in the shelter (light slippers or flip-flops are ideal)

Shelter Services and Facilities:

• Hot showers available (€3–5 per use, paid separately at the refuge)
• Clean restrooms
• Dining room with a community atmosphere
• Small shop for essentials: water, snacks, sandwiches, chocolate bars
• Limited charging stations (bring a power bank recommended)
• Meals included (breakfast and dinner)

Etiquette and Culture of Shelters:

• Communal dining atmosphere, dinner is a shared social experience
• Respect quiet hours (typically 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM)
• Indoor footwear required at all times inside shelters
• Cash preferred for extras (showers, drinks, snacks), many refuges have limited card payments
• Charge devices during meals when outlets are available
• Book hot showers in the early evening, hot water may be limited

What's Included
All hut-to-hut treks include breakfast and dinner at mountain huts and base camp hotels. Lunch is not included but can easily be arranged.

Breakfast (7:00 – 9:00)

Standard Alpine Breakfast Includes:

• Unlimited coffee and tea
• Fresh bread with butter
• Jam, honey and chocolate cream
• Some refuges also offer: ham, cheese, muesli, yogurt

Helpful Tip:After breakfast, ask the shelter staff to fill your thermos with hot water or tea. This service is free at most shelters and is perfect for staying hydrated on the trail.

Dinner (7:00 PM – 7:30 PM)
Dinner is served at a fixed time for all guests, creating a warm community atmosphere.

Traditional Multi-Course Alpine Dinner:

• First course: Pasta, risotto, soup or traditional dumplings
• Second course: Meat or vegetarian protein with seasonal vegetables
• Dessert: Homemade cakes, apple strudel, or local specialties

Important:Water is included, but other drinks at dinner are not included: wine, beer, coffee, and tea must be ordered and paid for separately at each refuge.

Lunch on the Trail

No Shelters Along the Daily Routes
The trek passes through pristine wilderness with no facilities between the overnight stops. Plan accordingly for midday meals.

Packed Lunch Option (Recommended)
Order a packed lunch the night before from your refuge for the next day's hike.

The Typical Packed Lunch Includes:

• 1–2 substantial sandwiches (cheese, salami, or vegetarian options)
• Yogurt or fresh fruit
• Chocolate bar or energy snack
• Bottled water (500ml)

Cost:€7–10 for a packed lunch
Order dinner the night before your day of hiking

Alternative Options:

• Bring your trail snacks and energy bars from home
• Purchase supplies at shelter shops (limited selection available)
• Combine: Order a packed lunch + supplement with personal high-energy snacks for longer days

Dietary Requirements
Mountain huts can accommodate most dietary requirements with advance notice:

• Vegetarian:Options available at all shelters (no advance notice required)
• Vegan:Available with advance notice (please let us know when booking)
• Gluten-free:Available at most shelters (please let us know when booking; availability varies by location)
• Food allergies:They must be communicated before the start of the trek so that we can coordinate with each refuge.

Important:Please inform us of any dietary restrictions or food allergies when booking. We will coordinate with all the shelters along your route to ensure your needs are met.

Typical Daily Meal Plan

• 7:00 – 9:00:Breakfast at the refuge
• 12:00 – 13:00:Packed lunch on the trail (midday break)
• 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM:Dinner at the refuge (fixed time)