Pinky & Kamal in the Dolomites — Ash’s Hike Journal 

There’s something about the Dolomites that makes you forget what flat ground feels like. A few people asked for my favourite hikes and where we stayed in the Dolomites, so here’s the rundown.

We split our trip between two areas (a tip from a friend that made planning way easier): Cortina and Canazei near Ortisei.

In order, we did:
Lago di Federa
Lago di Sorapis
Cadini di Misurina
Seceda Ridgeline
Sassolungo Loop

We were supposed to do Tre Cime too, but honestly, the 3am wake-up for Misurina took its toll and we were pretty exhausted after the first few days of hiking. Next time.

A 5-day hiking diary, stitched together like a love letter to sore legs and unreal views.

all images by @ashgrats

Day 1 — Lago Federa (the warm-up that was not actually a warm-up)

This was our first hike and probably the hardest uphill of the trip.

It’s around 10km return from the trailhead, but we ended up doing 14km from our hotel. A proper way to start.

The hike itself is moderate, but the incline keeps going. It definitely set the tone for the week.

Parking is free at the trailhead, but limited.

The lake at the end is incredible and makes the climb worth it. We packed a picnic and stayed there for a while, but there’s also Rifugio Croda da Lago nearby for lunch if it’s open.

Day 2 — Lago di Sorapis (the blue lake with crowds and consequences)

About 12km return and roughly 4.5 hours.

This was one of the busiest hikes we did, so definitely get there early. We arrived around 7:30am and got parking right at the trailhead.

The water here is that unreal icy blue you always see in photos — somehow even better in person.

Parts of the trail are narrow with steep drop-offs, so I’d recommend bringing hiking poles if you can.

On the way back we stopped at Rifugio Vandelli for lunch.

One of my favourite hikes of the trip.

Day 3 — Cadini di Misurina & Tre Cime (the sunrise slot that ruins all future sunrises)

This is the “set your alarm for 5am and mean it” day.

If you do this one, book the 5am entry slot. It’s worth planning your itinerary around.

The sunrise here was one of the best parts of the whole trip.

It’s only a short hike (about 3km return), but the views feel huge.

We had planned to continue onto Tre Cime after breakfast at the rifugio, but after the early wake-up and two big hiking days before, we tapped out.

It’s the one I’d definitely go back for.

Day 4 — Seceda Ridge (the cinematic ending)

We stayed in Canazei for this part of the trip and drove over to Seceda.

Take the cable car up to Col Raiser (we booked online, around €23) and then walk to the ridgeline.

Parking at the chairlift was around €20.

This was one of the most surreal landscapes of the trip. It almost doesn’t look real.

We stopped at Rifugio Firenze on the way back for lunch.

Big tip: pick a clear weather day for this one. It makes all the difference.

Day 5. The final stretch — 18km of unexpected joy

This ended up being my favourite.

A full 18km loop and by far the funniest day. Long, challenging, but one of those hikes where you settle into it and everything clicks.

By this point we’d found our rhythm — early starts, long days, hot meals at rifugios, asleep by 9pm.

That became the routine pretty quickly.

A few notes if you’re planning a Dolomites trip

• Split your stay between two areas. It saves so much driving.
• Stay in rifugios if you can — simple, warm, and perfect after long hikes.
• Start early for almost every trail.
• Don’t underestimate how much the early wake-ups catch up with you.
• Leave space in your itinerary. There’s always one more hike you’ll wish you had time for.

If I went back, I’d stay longer and make sure Tre Cime was locked in. But Sorapis and Sassolungo were probably my standouts.

The Dolomites are one of those places that make you want to keep moving — and somehow slow down at the same time.

Stay longer. Move slower.