Tsaplana Peak

Name: Tsaplana Peak
Rating: 9.9

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Mount Tsaplana hike is a wonderful moderate hike to Tsaplana Peak. This hike gives you an outstanding opportunity to see the crown jewel of the Gran Paradiso National Park - Mount Gran Paradiso. Along the way, you will also see the beautiful Valnontey Valley and the surrounding mountains. During the middle of your hike, you will also be able to catch a glimpse of Mont Blanc.

Route Description for Tsaplana Peak

The hike to Tsaplana Peak starts from Gimillan. Park your car just before the town at the free roadside car park and make your way into the town. Turn right just before a small car park and go up.

You will shortly see a signpost for route 4. Skip it and go straight. You will reach another signpost for route 3A but turn right at the fork. You will immediately see another signpost for route 3 and the destination Tsaplana. Follow this route.

You will reach a small chapel, the route goes on the left side of it, ascending onto the mountain. At another signpost keep left. There will be another route going to Tsaplana, 3C, but we recommend going up route 3.

After ascending again, you will see a map. The trail ascends into the pine forest left of it.

The elevation evens out in the forest. You will walk this section in the shade, which makes it an enjoyable part of the trail. You will then reach a signpost with the sign 3B which continues up. Follow this trail.

The ascent will intensify. You will pass a slightly exposed section and then come to a fork. Go left and ascend further.

You will soon leave the forest and walk into a meadow. Look south - you will see the stunning views of Valnontey Valley. You will also see the snowy towering peaks with the crown jewel - the Gran Paradiso. Continue your long switchbacking up to Tsaplana Peak.

The ascent becomes steeper right towards the end. You will see a metal fence construction at the top. The peak is just behind the fence. It is clearly marked with a white statue of St Mary.

Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of Gran Paradiso Mountain and the surrounding peaks. The Tsaplana peak is also a great spot for a picnic as it has almost no exposure and quite a lot of space to relax.

Going back the same way, mix it up and take the 3D route turning left at the fork. The route will take you on a nice and long descent before you reach another fork. This time turn right and follow the 3C route. After a little bit more descent, turn left and follow the 3D route which takes you back to the village of Gimillan. If it’s very sunny, go back the same way you came up as this route has more shade.

Insider Hints for Tsaplana Peak

After you reach the meadow above the treeline of the forest, you will have no shade. Make sure you use sunscreen.
If the car park before Gimillan is full, don’t worry. Drive into the town and turn right at the first crossroad. There is another long car park just along a field where a few other hikes start.