The hike begins at stunning Lago di Braies (1,496m), following its western shore before path 1 climbs steeply through pine forests toward Croda del Becco. A viewpoint bench offers perfect lake panoramas before tackling rocky scrambles to Forcella sora Forno (2,388m), marked by a stone chapel. A brief descent leads to Rifugio Biella (2,327m), dramatically positioned beneath Croda del Becco's cliffs.

The route crosses the Sennes plateau's alpine meadows, passing traditional wooden huts with panoramic Dolomite views. An optional detour leads to Rifugio Munt de Sennes before reaching Rifugio Sennes (2,116m) in this serene high-altitude landscape.

Path 7 descends through flower-filled Pian della Lasta plateau before steep switchbacks (following WWI military roads) drop 570m to Rifugio Pederü (1,548m). This road-accessible refuge offers full facilities amid a bustling atmosphere, contrasting with the remote tranquility of the high alpine sections.

From Rifugio Pederü, path 7 climbs steeply through Val dai Tamersc, crossing the Rio San Vigilio and gaining 475m over rocky terrain. Emerging onto the Fanes plateau, marmots dart among alpine meadows dotted with traditional huts. The route passes rustic Ücia dles Muntagnoles before reaching Rifugio Fanes (2,060m).

Path 11 follows an old WWI road across the plateau, passing turquoise Lago di Limo (2,157m) - a perfect summer swim spot. The challenging ascent to Forcella di Lago (2,486m) involves scrambling over scree, followed by steep switchbacks down to Lago Lagazuoi (with optional detour to Rifugio Scotoni).

The final climb traverses moonlike terrain beneath Lagazuoi Grande's walls to Forcella Lagazuoi (2,573m), strewn with WWI ruins. A short detour leads to Rifugio Lagazuoi (2,752m), offering panoramic views, historical tunnels, and cable car access to Passo Falzarego. This dramatic section showcases the Fanes plateau's alpine beauty and the Dolomites' wartime history.

From Forcella Lagazuoi, path 401 descends east to Forcella Travenanzes (2,507m) with dramatic Tofana views. Path 402 then drops steeply southwest past WWI ruins to Rifugio Col Gallina, bypassing touristy Passo Falzarego.

The route continues through Pian dei Menis' flower meadows before a steep climb via timber steps on trail 440 (or detour via Cinque Torri chairlift). Emerging above treeline, path 439 leads beneath Tofana's walls to Rifugio Scoiattoli (2,255m), overlooking the iconic Cinque Torri's WWI museum.

A short walk east reaches historic Rifugio 5 Torri (2,137m). From here, steep switchbacks descend through orchid meadows before path 434 climbs relentlessly through forests, rewarding with panoramic Cortina views.

The final ascent reveals picture-perfect Lago Federa, mirroring Becco di Mezzodì's spires. Rifugio Croda da Lago (2,046m) completes the circuit on the lake's peaceful shore.

From Rifugio Croda da Lago, path 434 ascends toward Becco di Mezzodì, offering stunning views of Cortina and the Sorapiss range before reaching Forcella Ambrizzola (2,277m). This high pass reveals Monte Pelmo's iconic "armchair" silhouette.

A steep descent leads to Rifugio Città di Fiume (1,920m), a historic stone-and-wood refuge at Pelmo's base. The trail continues west, traversing meadows and scree slopes beneath Pelmo's massive walls to reach road-accessible Rifugio Passo Staulanza (1,783m).

Departing the pass, the route enters forests before climbing sharply via ancient mule tracks. The demanding ascent passes Casera di Pioda's stone ruins before reaching Rifugio Coldai (2,132m), dramatically nestled behind a wind-sheltering boulder. Its terrace offers panoramic views, with Pelmo dominating the eastern skyline.

This section combines high-altitude drama with varied terrain, transitioning from Cortina's panoramic vistas to Pelmo's towering presence and culminating at Coldai's spectacular viewpoint.

From the refuge, the trail climbs to Forcella Coldai (2,191m), revealing stunning Lago Coldai below Civetta’s towering walls. Continuing to Forcella Col Negro (2,248m), hikers are rewarded with dramatic views of Monte Civetta’s legendary north face. The traverse beneath Civetta’s western flanks crosses rocky, uneven terrain with breathtaking vistas of Lago di Alleghe below.

A steep detour leads to Rifugio Tissi (2,250m), while the main trail descends through forests to Rifugio Vazzoler (1,714m), nestled beneath Torre Trieste’s spires. From here, path 555 winds beneath Monte Moiazza’s cliffs, passing colossal boulders and the Torri di Camp rock towers. The challenging ascent to Forcella del Camp (1,933m) offers panoramic views of the Civetta massif and Dolomiti Bellunesi.

The final descent weaves through forests and rocky slopes before reaching Rifugio Carestiato (1,834m), perched beneath Moiazza’s southern walls. This well-equipped refuge marks the end of a spectacular high-mountain traverse.

From Rifugio Bruto Carestiato (1,834m), path 549 descends gently to Passo Duran (1,601m), where two refuges offer amenities. Starting at Rifugio San Sebastiano, the route follows a road briefly before ascending via path 543 through forests to Forcella Dagarei (1,642m). Entering Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, the trail crosses scree fields with stunning Tamer Grande and Schiara views, passing Malga Moschesin’s ruins. A steep climb leads to Forcella Moschesin (1,940m), featuring WWI fort ruins and panoramic vistas.

The exposed traverse along the Schiara range demands caution before descending to Rifugio Sommariva al Pramperet (1,857m). From here, path 543 climbs steeply (25%+ gradients) over loose scree to Forcella de Zita Sud (2,395m) and Cima de Zita Sud (2,450m), rewarding with Monte Pelmo views. The treacherous descent through a glacial valley leads to Rifugio Pian de Fontana (1,632m), nestled in meadows.

From the refuge, the trail descends gently through forest, crosses a stream, then climbs to Forcella La Varetta (1,704m), offering stunning views of Talvena’s red crags and the Schiara range. The narrow, exposed path then traverses Val Vescovà, clinging to steep slopes with dramatic drop-offs.

At 1,500m, follow signs to Rifugio Bianchet via path 518, descending through woods into a grassy basin. After crossing a dry stream, the trail passes beech forests and ruins before reaching Rifugio Furio Bianchet (1,245m), nestled beneath the Schiara’s towering walls—a perfect spot for a celebratory meal.

The final descent winds through dense forest on steep, root-covered paths before joining a gravel track. After 5km, follow signs to "Fermata Autobus" for the last steep section to La Pissa, ending Alta Via 1.

Congratulations! You’ve journeyed through the Dolomites’ heart—crossing high passes, staying in historic rifugios, and soaking in UNESCO World Heritage landscapes. A truly unforgettable adventure.