Hi Trek Sierra Nevada. High Trekking in Sierra Nevada Natural Park (Circular Tour)
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Place
Sierra Nevada, Andalucía España
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Duration
6 days
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Season
Summer
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Level
⤤See table
Program in PDF
GALLERY
THE TRIP
Welcome to the South. To the highest mountains of the Iberian Peninsula. To the southernmost mountain range in Europe. And to a snow kingdom with views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The Yabal Sulayr, or Monte del Sol (hill of the sun) as the Muslims called it when they ruled this land. If what you are looking for is the sun and good weather, you have chosen the right option. Sierra Nevada stands out for its great climate, although being a high-altitude route –we will be above 3000 metres in many occasions– we can never take the Sierra Nevada for granted. Steep climbs and legendary summits await us, as we ascend Alcazaba and Mulhacén, which at 3.428 metres, is the highest mountain of the Iberian Peninsula. As we walk, we pass beautiful mountain lakes that are considered one of Europe ́s botanical jewels, and uniquely give the Sierra Nevada twin protected status, as both a National Park and a Biosphere Reserve.
We will not only visit the most alpine area of the Sierra Nevada, but will have time to relax and enjoy the most famous white villages of Alpujarras, such as Capileira and Trevélez, where we will also taste the local delicacies like the “jamón serrano”(Spanish ham), and “plato alpujarreño”(Spanish fry-up!). Just thinking about it makes our mouth water…
These are amongst the highlights of our HI TREK SIERRA NEVADA, a high circular trekking route in the Sierra Nevada Natural Park, located in Andalusia, in the south of Spain. This circular 114km route is a real challenge, with a total elevation of 7.680m, and an even more vertiginous descent of 8.500m.
THE DESTINATION
Sierra Nevada is a mountain massif located in the Penibetico mountain ranges. It is located in Andalusia, covering the east-central area of the region of Granada. It is the Western Europe’s highest mountain massif after the Alps. Its highest point is the Mulhacen Peak, with 3.482m.
Sierra Nevada, along with the Betic ranges, was formed during the alpine orogeny in the Tertiary era. Due to its isolation and altitude, since the end of the Würm glaciation, the massif has remained as a refuge to countless plants and endemic species, not normally found in Mediterranean latitudes. There are 66 endemic vascular plants and another 80 animal species, which represent the greatest biodiversity in the Iberian Peninsula and Europe.
Called “Sierra of the Sol”, by the Arabs, it has a rich cultural and historical heritage with Roman, Visigoth and Tartesios remains.
The most significant of the Muslim period are the sophisticated irrigation techniques, whose ditches and brooks plow the slopes collecting melt water and runoff to be harnessed in traditional uses and activities.
The city of Granada boasts a unique cultural and artistic heritage like the Alhambra, the interesting Albahicín and the Calderería, as well as many other places that we will explore.
The good food deserves a mention, so they have the traditional “tapas” offered for free with each drink and many of them are quite succulent and creative. This habit extends all over the region of Granada and its villages.
The famous and attractive Alpujarra is another place to get lost and enjoy its mountains, its landscapes, its gastronomy, wines and people.
Motril, Salobreña or Almuñecar are only half an hour away from Granada and they are an interesting alternative to complete your holidays spending a couple of days at the beach.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Hit the Summit of the Mulhacen, the highest mountain in the Peninsula.
- Passing over more than eight 3.000m high peaks, together with the Mediterranean Sea views from the top of the mountain range.
- To understand the geological origin of Sierra Nevada, and also the vegetable species in the area and the secular use of water though the Arab system Canals.
- To discover during the way the most famous legends about this mountains
- It is a complete tour crossing the most alpine zones of Sierra Nevada, from East to West and passing from the North to the Soutf face of the Mountain range.
MORE INFORMATION
Equipment required
It is important to carry little weight in the backpack to walk comfortably, so it is recommended to take only the essential material and clothing. Each day you may wash some laundry by hand and you do not have to carry food. We will inform you so you backpack weighs no more than 6-8 kilos.
- Backpack (between 30-41 litres).
- Trekking boots or shoes depending on the trekking.
- Folding trekking poles.
- Clothing:
- Socks.
- Long and short trekking pants
- Thermal shirt (first layer). A spare change.
- Fleece jacket or similar (second layer).
- Gore-Tex type jacket and pants (third layer).
- Primaloft jacket or light down insulated jacket.
- Fleece, light type of gloves.
- Hat and cap.
- Sunglasses.
- Head lamp (extra batteries).
- Cotton or silk sheet-sleeping bag and very light towel.
- Water bottle or water bag Camelback type of minimum capacity 1 liter.
- First aid kit and essential toiletries.
- Sunscreen and protection lip balm.
- Camera.
Notes
- Date Flexibility
Aside from the regular travel trip dates, we are flexible to reconsider new dates if those are more convenient to the client’s leisure plans. Do not hesitate to contact us should you have any different dates in mind.
Time and meeting point
One week prior to the trip departure date, an email will be sent to each participant to give away the meeting point and time along with the guide contact information. At this point any information considered essential to the trip organization will be shared.
Plane tickets (if applicable)
If case you wish us to handle you plane ticket, please contact us with airport arrival and departure details and number of needed luggage. Before issuing any ticket, Price and details Will be send to the client for its approval.
Muntania fee for plane ticket management is 20€ per person.
If, otherwise, you handle your plane tickets, please coordinate with us before hand to check on arrival and departure information.
Please take into consideration getting with you on your carry-on luggage some set of clothing in case of checked luggage lose.
Trekking Backpack
Very important to carry out just indispensable material and clothing to walk at ease. You would not need to take food supplies and clothing can be hand-wash daily. We recommend backpack weight between 6 to 10 kg.
Insurance policy
This activity includes a basic insurance policy; however, we highly recommend to add, for wider coverage, an extra specific travel policy. This extra policy can be contracted exclusively for the activity dates or annually (flexible starting coverage date), covering not just Muntania Outdoors trips but any other sport activity you may carry out throughout the year.
Extra insurance coverage with cancellation option, will allow you or a family member, in case of incident, to get back the total paid amount (or a percentage if you are already travelling) either for plane tickets or any trip service you might have hired. Moreover, through this coverage home return expenses will be taken care of.
Intermundial insurance company is our supplier for extra coverage insurances; thanks to the signed agreement between parties, Muntania gets to offer lower prices than handling directly with them. The travel insurance with cancellation option offered by Muntania will covered up to 900€ for national trips and 2000€ for abroad travel. In case your total trip cost is higher than the given coverage limit, an extension is always possible (please consult).
Other topics
No need for sleeping bag but requested a silk or cotton sheet bag.
Links of interest
PROGRAM
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