Intrepid Travel - Trek the Larapinta Trail
- Enjoy views of the rugged and diverse mountain range while you walk across Serpentine Ridge and cap your experience with the summit of Mt Sonder.
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- Veranstalter: Intrepid Travel
- Angebotsnummer: 271789
- Reisedauer: 7 Tage
- Reise Land: Australien
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Termine:
4 Termine im Zeitraum vom
01.06.2024 - 07.09.2024 - Teilnehmerzahl: min. 1 max. 12
- ab € 2.045
- zur Buchungsanfrage
Why we love it
The Larapinta Trail, arguably one of the best desert trails in the world, explores Tjoritja or the West MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia. Hike across snaking riverbanks, open desert plains and towering mountains on this seven-day trek. Cool off in bright green swimming holes, discover the Indigenous history of the area and hike across peaks scattered with diverse flora and fauna. Take in sights like Ormiston Gorge and ascend to the top of Mt Sonder.Take a moment to appreciate the vast red desert surrounds and weeping ghost gums and end the days camping under a blanket of stars.
Highlights
- Enjoy views of the rugged and diverse mountain range while you walk across Serpentine Ridge and cap your experience with the summit of Mt Sonder.
- Camp underneath the breathtaking Milky Way, far away from any light pollution. All meals are included on this trip.
- Find respite from the Australian sun at one of the stunning swimming holes at Ormiston Gorge.
- Hike the red slopes of the ranges and spot passing wallabies (maybe a cheeky emu if you’re lucky).
- Deep dive into First Nations history and visit sacred sites like the Ochre Pits with your local leader, who takes care of all the details so you can concentrate on living the experience.
The Larapinta Trail, arguably one of the best desert trails in the world, explores Tjoritja or the West MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia. Hike across snaking riverbanks, open desert plains and towering mountains on this seven-day trek. Cool off in bright green swimming holes, discover the Indigenous history of the area and hike across peaks scattered with diverse flora and fauna. Take in sights like Ormiston Gorge and ascend to the top of Mt Sonder.Take a moment to appreciate the vast red desert surrounds and weeping ghost gums and end the days camping under a blanket of stars.
Highlights
- Enjoy views of the rugged and diverse mountain range while you walk across Serpentine Ridge and cap your experience with the summit of Mt Sonder.
- Camp underneath the breathtaking Milky Way, far away from any light pollution. All meals are included on this trip.
- Find respite from the Australian sun at one of the stunning swimming holes at Ormiston Gorge.
- Hike the red slopes of the ranges and spot passing wallabies (maybe a cheeky emu if you’re lucky).
- Deep dive into First Nations history and visit sacred sites like the Ochre Pits with your local leader, who takes care of all the details so you can concentrate on living the experience.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Alice Springs
Palya! Welcome to Alice Springs (Mparntwe in the language of the traditional owners of the land on which Alice Springs is now located), the heart of the Australian Outback. You’ll meet in the lobby of your hotel at 6pm for a welcome meeting. Here, your leader will tell you a little bit about the next seven days of hiking, camping and swimming under the warm Australian sun. Afterwards, head to a local restaurant for dinner to get to know your fellow trekkers. Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Day 2: Larapinta Trail
After breakfast, begin your trek on the Larapinta Trail. As you head out of town, you’ll get the first glimpse of the seemingly endless mountain ranges around you. After 9km of walking (with a pit stop for a spot of lunch), you’ll have made the first leg of the journey from Geoff Moss Bridge to Wallaby Gap. Enjoy some shade in the shadows of ghost gums, then make your way to our campground where we will set up camp for the next four nights. Enjoy dinner with your trip mates and settle in for your first night under the magnificent outback sky. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: 1 x Camping
Day 3: Larapinta Trail
Fill up on breakfast this morning before hitting the road and setting off on one of the most popular walks on the Larapinta Trail, a 14km trek atop Serpentine Ridge. From the base of Serpentine Gorge, make your way to the top of the ridge and along the way discover some Mountain Hakea, the pink bush flowers of the outback (that sort of look like aliens from another world). Take a pit stop to appreciate breathtaking views of the red desert landscape at the top, have a bite to eat and remember to hydrate. Discover the most iconic photo op of the trail at Counts Point, from where you’ll head back down towards Serpentine Chalet Dam. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: 1 x Camping
Day 4: Larapinta Trail
Fuel up with breakfast and head out on the 9km Ormiston Gorge Pound Walk. A stunning trail that shows off all the beauty that Central Australia has to offer, Ormiston Gorge provides a nice respite. Among the towering red walls and local plant life, you’ll find a cool swimming hole that acts as your mid-hike oasis. There will be plenty of time to relax at the swimming hole before you head to the Ochre Pits later in the afternoon, one of the most significant places for the local Arrernte First Nations people. Head back to camp for dinner and another gorgeous night under the stars. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: 1 x Camping
Day 5: Larapinta Trail / Mt Sonder
Today is a very early start. Make your way to Redbank Gorge in the dark, then begin the 16km hike (about five hours) to the top of Mt Sonder. Make your way up some steep sections to get to the saddle from where the going will be slightly easier. Make sure to wear your sturdiest boots, don’t forget your head torch and layer up in the winter months - it can get pretty cold up there. Once on top, take in the 360-degree views as the sun starts to climb over the horizon and lights up the vastness of the desert below you. Head back down the mountain along the saddle while appreciating the gorgeous scenery for a well-earned breakfast back in the valley. Head back to camp for a free afternoon. Perhaps enjoy some optional walks or simply have a relaxing afternoon after today’s early start. Tonight enjoy your last camp dinner together. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: 1 x Camping
Day 6: Larapinta Trail / Alice Springs
Today is your last day on the Larapinta Trail, so make sure you take in every moment. You’ll finish your trip with an 11km walk that beautifully summarises all the West MacDonnell Ranges has to offer. Head to Standley Chasm and experience the impressive Reveal Saddle walk. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a coffee or cool drink at the visitor’s centre before saying goodbye to the ranges. Make your way to your hotel accommodation in Alice Springs with your leader, where you’ll celebrate your amazing hiking experience with the group over dinner. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Day 7: Alice Springs
Enjoy a spot of breakfast before it’s time for a final goodbye to your trip mates. Your trip is now over and you can make your way back to the airport at your leisure. Meals: Breakfast
Day 1: Alice Springs
Palya! Welcome to Alice Springs (Mparntwe in the language of the traditional owners of the land on which Alice Springs is now located), the heart of the Australian Outback. You’ll meet in the lobby of your hotel at 6pm for a welcome meeting. Here, your leader will tell you a little bit about the next seven days of hiking, camping and swimming under the warm Australian sun. Afterwards, head to a local restaurant for dinner to get to know your fellow trekkers. Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Day 2: Larapinta Trail
After breakfast, begin your trek on the Larapinta Trail. As you head out of town, you’ll get the first glimpse of the seemingly endless mountain ranges around you. After 9km of walking (with a pit stop for a spot of lunch), you’ll have made the first leg of the journey from Geoff Moss Bridge to Wallaby Gap. Enjoy some shade in the shadows of ghost gums, then make your way to our campground where we will set up camp for the next four nights. Enjoy dinner with your trip mates and settle in for your first night under the magnificent outback sky. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: 1 x Camping
Day 3: Larapinta Trail
Fill up on breakfast this morning before hitting the road and setting off on one of the most popular walks on the Larapinta Trail, a 14km trek atop Serpentine Ridge. From the base of Serpentine Gorge, make your way to the top of the ridge and along the way discover some Mountain Hakea, the pink bush flowers of the outback (that sort of look like aliens from another world). Take a pit stop to appreciate breathtaking views of the red desert landscape at the top, have a bite to eat and remember to hydrate. Discover the most iconic photo op of the trail at Counts Point, from where you’ll head back down towards Serpentine Chalet Dam. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: 1 x Camping
Day 4: Larapinta Trail
Fuel up with breakfast and head out on the 9km Ormiston Gorge Pound Walk. A stunning trail that shows off all the beauty that Central Australia has to offer, Ormiston Gorge provides a nice respite. Among the towering red walls and local plant life, you’ll find a cool swimming hole that acts as your mid-hike oasis. There will be plenty of time to relax at the swimming hole before you head to the Ochre Pits later in the afternoon, one of the most significant places for the local Arrernte First Nations people. Head back to camp for dinner and another gorgeous night under the stars. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: 1 x Camping
Day 5: Larapinta Trail / Mt Sonder
Today is a very early start. Make your way to Redbank Gorge in the dark, then begin the 16km hike (about five hours) to the top of Mt Sonder. Make your way up some steep sections to get to the saddle from where the going will be slightly easier. Make sure to wear your sturdiest boots, don’t forget your head torch and layer up in the winter months - it can get pretty cold up there. Once on top, take in the 360-degree views as the sun starts to climb over the horizon and lights up the vastness of the desert below you. Head back down the mountain along the saddle while appreciating the gorgeous scenery for a well-earned breakfast back in the valley. Head back to camp for a free afternoon. Perhaps enjoy some optional walks or simply have a relaxing afternoon after today’s early start. Tonight enjoy your last camp dinner together. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: 1 x Camping
Day 6: Larapinta Trail / Alice Springs
Today is your last day on the Larapinta Trail, so make sure you take in every moment. You’ll finish your trip with an 11km walk that beautifully summarises all the West MacDonnell Ranges has to offer. Head to Standley Chasm and experience the impressive Reveal Saddle walk. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a coffee or cool drink at the visitor’s centre before saying goodbye to the ranges. Make your way to your hotel accommodation in Alice Springs with your leader, where you’ll celebrate your amazing hiking experience with the group over dinner. Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: 1 x Hotel
Day 7: Alice Springs
Enjoy a spot of breakfast before it’s time for a final goodbye to your trip mates. Your trip is now over and you can make your way back to the airport at your leisure. Meals: Breakfast
Physical preparation
You’re in for a challenging walking trip and an excellent level of fitness is essential. You must be prepared to trek for multiple hours and up to 20km a day with little shade, climbing peaks and ridges over uneven and rocky terrain with a daypack carrying a minimum personal supply of 3 litres of water. The total distance walked on this trip exceeds 70km. If you’re already exercising regularly, it might be an idea to up your game a little. Run those extra laps, or take few longer walks, ideally with a day pack on your back. If you’re not exercising regularly, it’s important you do so in the weeks leading up to your departure (4-6 weeks prior at least). Your best choice would be to start walking regularly 2-3 times a week including at least one longer walk (up to 15 km). It’s important to not only walk on flat surface, so if you cannot access hilly terrain easily, walking up and down stairs is a good replacement. Top that up with some general fitness exercises and any other cardio related classes and you will see a huge progress in your fitness levels.
Important information
You’re in for a challenging walking trip and an excellent level of fitness is essential. You must be prepared to trek for multiple hours and up to 20km a day with little shade, climbing peaks and ridges over uneven and rocky terrain with a daypack carrying a minimum personal supply of 3 litres of water. The total distance walked on this trip exceeds 70km. If you’re already exercising regularly, it might be an idea to up your game a little. Run those extra laps, or take few longer walks, ideally with a day pack on your back. If you’re not exercising regularly, it’s important you do so in the weeks leading up to your departure (4-6 weeks prior at least). Your best choice would be to start walking regularly 2-3 times a week including at least one longer walk (up to 15 km). It’s important to not only walk on flat surface, so if you cannot access hilly terrain easily, walking up and down stairs is a good replacement. Top that up with some general fitness exercises and any other cardio related classes and you will see a huge progress in your fitness levels.
Important information
- DIFFICULTY LEVEL You’re in for a challenging walking trip and an excellent level of fitness is essential. You must be prepared to trek for multiple hours and up to 20km a day with little shade, climbing peaks and ridges over uneven and rocky terrain with a daypack carrying a minimum personal supply of 3 litres of water. The total distance walked on this trip exceeds 60km. START & END TIMES This trip starts at 6pm with a welcome meeting on day 1 at your hotel and finishes back in Alice Springs after breakfast on day 7. Please take this into consideration when booking arrival and onward travel. ACCOMMODATION For our camping nights, a tent and stretcher bed with a sleeping mat is provided. You will be expected to help set up and take down tents at the start and end of the trip. A sleeping bag is available to be pre-booked at an additional cost, or you can bring your own. Pillows, towels, and swags are not provided. Between June and August, nighttime temperatures can drop below zero, so we highly recommend bringing a sleeping bag suitable to the conditions for a more comfortable sleep. There is a shared toilet and shower block available at the campsite. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. SELF ASSESSMENT FORM A Passenger Self Assessment Form is required for this trip. Your booking agent will provide you with this form when you book to fill out before arrival. OPERATOR This trip is operated and run by Inspiration Outdoors, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Inspiration Outdoors customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Inspiration Outdoors to ensure that all of our customers enjoy their time away.
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