Alpine Wilderness Trek into Ecrins National Park

Discover the unknown corners of the Ecrins National Park with donkeys to carry your kit.

Dates: 10 - 17 September 2011 - ideal for individuals or looking to join a group.

Other Dates: From May to October - ideal for groups of 4 or more booking together

All inclusive 8 day trek into the high mountains of the Ecrins National Park. This trip will take you off the beaten track to some spectacular alpine scenes and give you a true wilderness experience. You will also discover the secret village of Dormillouse - a tiny alpine hamlet inhabited by a handful of families all year round, BUT only accessible by foot and a good hour and a half away from the nearest road.

During the trek you will spend some nights camping and some nights in a mountain refuge. A unique adventure for walkers who want something a little bit different.

Your guide and donkey handler, Eric will take you up into the high mountains of the Ecrins National Park with donkeys to carry the bulk of your kit.

Eric knows this area like his back garden and you won't necessarily be following the regular paths. He will take you off the tourist footpaths to ensure you really experience the alpine wilderness at its best. You'll spend three nights camping and four nights in a traditional mountain refuge or gite.

In the spring and summer, the Southern Alps sunshine brings out butterflies in their thousands and you can walk amongst them in meadows blooming with wild alpine flowers. In autumn the deciduous woods glow with a full range of Autumn colours which contrasted with the deep blue sky are a photographer's dream.

In the high mountains you can see marmots, ibex, chamois and lots of birds including golden eagles, and in the woods you can pick wild strawberries and raspberries, mushrooms, blackberries... depending on when you come!

Each leg of the trek is about 5 - 7 hours of walking but with plenty of stops, photo sessions, minor off route excursions and time for the donkeys (and you!) to graze.

All camping equipment is provided except for sleeping bags and camping mats as people tend to prefer their own (if you don't have either of these we can easily find you some so just let us know).

When you reach the camps Eric will help you set up your tents and prepare your dinner al fresco. On the nights you are in the refuge or gite you will be able to shower. They offer traditional dormitory sleeping arrangements.

For the duration of the trip all food is included - breakfast, lunch and dinner, but you are welcome to bring favourite snacks and chocolate!


If you like the idea of the trip but would like to adapt it for a different walking level or duration, please contact us with your ideas and we'll tailor make a trip for you.

0845 009 8501

Itinerary / Highlights

This seven day trek follows a general itinerary and route, but in reality it will be adapted to suit you and the conditions as you walk.

So if you fancy making chamois spotting your theme for the day, want the best photo spots, or want to find some wild fruit to pick, Eric will do his best to accommodate you!!

Day 1 - Start of 7 day trek
You arrive in Prapic, a beautiful traditional hamlet set in the heart of the mountains. Unlike most mountain hamlets, Prapic is still inhabited all year round by four families.

Here you will meet the donkeys and your guide, Eric. He will go through any questions you have about your equipment and the trek and take you on a short walk around Prapic, before you settle into the Auberge du Jabiore, where you'll spend the night.

An evening meal will be provided for you here.


Day 2 - Prapic to La Cabane Vallon Cros

You will leave Prapic in the morning about 9.30 and head towards the plateau de Basset. On the way you'll go over the Saut du Laire - a bridge with a story to tell (the guides will enlighten you!!).

Then you head towards the Vallon de la Terre on an ancient transportation route - used by farmers and their donkeys to take the summer hay to the villages.

This takes you to the farmers' summer abodes at Vallon Cros - still intact today.

You'll set up camp here at 2210 metres and spend the evening taking in the views and the wildlife.


Day 3 - the col des Terres Blanches - 2700 metres
An early start today - leaving camp at 8.30. Eric will take you to la Vire de Touet through a beautiful hidden valley - hardly used by tourists.

Then you will rejoin the ancient transportation path leading to the col des Terres Blanches which picks its way through dramatic rocky surroundings.

There's a great picnic spot just before the col where you can often see chamois.

After lunch you head down through a much more open and forgiving landscape.

Just before you reach your camp at the Grande Cabane (2200m) there's a narrow passage to negotiate. Don't worry though - its more likely that the donkeys will need help navigating it than you!

You should reach camp at about 5pm where you can rest your legs and tuck in to a well deserved meal.



Day 4 - Lakes Faravel and Palluel
You will leave camp, heading up over a small rise to Lake Faravel (2386m) and then on to Lake Palluel (2472m).

You may be feeling slightly sweaty by now after two nights camp so a dip in one of the Lakes may be very tempting - but be warned they are very very cold! For the sensible ones who don't want to subject their bodies to the shock - think of the nice hot shower waiting for you at the mountain refuge tonight!

After the Lakes it's a beautiful descent eventually taking you through a forest and into the pretty mountain village of Dormillouse (1727m).

Dormillouse is pretty unique. It's a tiny alpine village inhabited by a handful of families all year round. BUT it is only accessible by foot and is a good hour and a half away from the nearest road.

It is nestled on the hillside against a spectacular backdrop of mountains and waterfalls.

Here you will eat and stay in the old school which has been converted into a mountain refuge.



Day 5 - Dormillouse and the Valley of Biaysse

You will be staying another night in the old school tonight so if you fancy a total rest day, then today is the day to do it.

But you will miss out on a lovely walk through the small colourful valley of Biaysse with its unique character - formed as much by its past as the diversity of its landscapes.

The route takes you along an old transportation route, last used during the second world war.

It's not a long walk so you'll have the afternoon to mooch around Dormillouse and do a bit of sunbathing.




Day 6 - Col de Freissinieres

You will leave Dormillouse through the small valley of Chichin - the cultivated terraces gradually changing to mountain pastures.

After a short steep climb you reach the col de Freissinieres. It's a superb picnic spot with views carrying all the way to Sisteronnais on a good day.

After a mammoth photo session (this usually occurs!) you descend through alpine meadows towards Lake Sirens where you will spend your last night under canvas.



Day 7 - Return to Prapic

It is possible to get back to Prapic in half a day if you are feeling tired - otherwise the route can be extended to take in more views and give your legs one last good stretch!

The morning route takes you through one last small forgotten valley which is a perfect place for a pause to take in the atmosphere, before reaching Prapic.

You stay the night and eat in the auberge in Prapic.


Day 8 - Say goodbye
Travel back to the airport or station.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

You will be wild camping for three nights in the mountains. Tents and all other camping equipment is included and the price is based on two people sharing a tent. For the other four nights you will be sleeping in mountain refuges in dormitory style accommodation. Showers are available in the mountain refuges.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

Dates: 10 - 17 September 2011 - ideal for individuals or looking to join a group.

Other Dates: From May to October - ideal for groups of 4 or more booking together

0845 009 8501