Around Monviso – The Short Alpine Loop

Difficulty

Moderate

Comfort

Basic

Group size

2-6 tourists,
over 16 y.o.

The Monviso Short Tour is a scenic and accessible loop trek around the iconic Monviso Peak (3841 m), known as the King of Stone and one of the most impressive mountains of the Western Alps.

In just four days of easy but rewarding hiking, you’ll circle this majestic pyramid-shaped peak, enjoying constant views of alpine lakes, meadows, and rocky slopes. The itinerary can also be completed in three days for those with limited time, while still offering the full experience of the area’s wild beauty.

This is an ideal trek for hikers looking for their first multi-day mountain adventure, as daily distances and ascents are moderate, yet the sense of accomplishment and immersion in nature is total.

Every evening you’ll rest in comfortable mountain lodges (rifugi), enjoying warm meals, good company, and cozy beds. The Monviso area also has a rich cultural and natural heritage, including the Viso Hole, an extraordinary 15th-century tunnel dug entirely by hand to connect two alpine valleys.

Roberto C. is the provider of this trip

The provider speaks: English, Spanish, Italian

I am Roberto, I was born in 1985 and I am an Hiking Guide from 2010, funded my company in 2012. I am a Telecommunications Engineer and I could definitively switch my carrer to Hiking guide in 2015. It was the best day of my life as I found also Love in that day: 9th of April will be always my personal National Holiday! I travelled the World and I love cultural differences. I love my job which is a mix of Nature, Beauty and shared experience: my passions all togheter.

Tour highlights

Circle the King of the Western Alps

Hike entirely around Monviso (3841 m), one of Italy’s most recognizable and admired peaks.

Comfortable Adventure

Stay every night in guarded mountain lodges with hot meals and showers — no tents or bivouacs.

Wildlife Encounters

Expect to see marmots, ibex, and chamois, especially in the meadows around Vallanta and Sella.

Route details

2–3 hours – 4 km
Elevation gain: +700 m Elevation loss: 0 m

A gentle start through alpine meadows at the source of the Po River, Italy’s longest. The path climbs steadily to Rifugio Sella, nestled under the towering Monviso walls.

Difficulty

Moderate

Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity

Tour provider's comments

2/5 (easy)

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Camp Site

3 nights

This is what in Italian is called a Rifugio. In English, you might call it a Lodge or Mountain Shelter. A Rifugio, like a Bivacco, is located in the middle of the mountains, where you can spend the night in the Italian Alps with a bit more comfort. You won’t need to bring your own food, as they serve dinner and breakfast. There is lighting, a toilet, and a heating system. There’s also usually a bar service, so you can buy a beer or a genepy, the typical liqueur of the Italian Alps.

Most shelters are open only during the summer (from July to the first week of September), but some remain open all year long. The costs are fairly high, as food and supplies have to be transported by helicopter.

In the shelter, you sleep in shared rooms (sometimes with 6–8 people, sometimes up to 20), so a bit of adventurous spirit is required. You need to bring a liner (a light sleeping bag), or you can rent one there for around 5 euros. The Rifugio is a good compromise for your Alps trekking accommodation — a balance between comfort and wilderness.