I’d been following Kuluar on Instagram for a long time, regularly looking at photos from their hikes, and every time I’d think, “It’s so beautiful there.” It was those photos and videos on social media that finally convinced me to go to the Dolomites with Kuluar.
The preparations went very smoothly. The manager was always available and answered even the smallest questions about gear, the flight, and the hike itself. It was very reassuring, because I knew I could ask for advice at any time.
The whole group met up at the campground. On the first evening, we got to know each other: everyone introduced themselves, and we laughed and chatted a lot. It was on that very evening that it became clear the atmosphere would be very relaxed.
The first day set the bar very high right away. It was here that I saw the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo for the first time—three massive peaks that have long been a symbol of the Dolomites. To be honest, even after just the first day, it seemed to me that it simply couldn’t get any more beautiful.
We also came across some cute alpacas along the way, which made for a very pleasant and unexpected start to the trip.
On the way, we passed through alpine meadows that looked exactly like the ones in the “Milka” chocolate commercials: green hills, cows grazing on the grass, and incredible mountain views all around.
Day two – Lago di Sorapis. What impressed me most wasn’t even the color of the lake itself, but the hike to get there. The trail wound along narrow paths above a precipice, between jagged cliffs and incredible panoramic views of the Dolomites
Day 3 - Lago di Braies
The third day was the most peaceful and relaxing. We visited Lago di Braies—one of Italy’s most famous lakes. It looks exactly like it does on postcards: emerald-green water, wooden boats, and majestic mountains all around. I even took a ride on one of those very same wooden boats
Day 4 – Lago Federa
On the fourth day, we hiked to Rifugio Croda da Lago and Lago Federa. It was one of the most atmospheric routes of the entire trip: forest trails, a quiet mountain lake, and a cozy little cabin right in the heart of the Dolomites. It was on this day that we really felt the true atmosphere of the Alps.
We also saw the famous Ra Gusela rock, where scenes from the movie *The Rock* starring Sylvester Stallone were filmed. It was really interesting to see this place in person and realize that this is exactly where the iconic film was shot
Day 5 – Cinque Torri and Monte Averau
The last day was the perfect ending to our trip. We climbed Monte Averau (2,575 m)—the highest point of the entire route—and saw the famous Cinque Torri. It was from here that we enjoyed some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Dolomites.
After five days of hiking, it was especially gratifying to realize that we had reached the highest point of our trip, and the views were a wonderful reward for the 80 kilometers we had covered.
A special ritual every morning was having coffee before we set out on our hike. I think that over those five days, I drank coffee while taking in the most beautiful views of my life.
Weather I’ll Never Forget
My most vivid memories are probably of the weather.
Over those five days, we experienced just about everything: sunshine, rain, heavy downpours, thunder, lightning, hail, and even snow.
I especially remember the day when, after an 18-kilometer hike with a 600-meter ascent and a 1,500-meter descent, we got caught in the heaviest hailstorm of my life. The hailstones were about the size of peas, thunder roared all around us, lightning flashed, and we kept making our way down.
And the most interesting thing is that now I remember it with a huge smile. It was a lot of fun, and it was after this trip that I realized rain in the mountains isn’t a problem at all. On the contrary, it becomes part of the adventure. If you have a good raincoat and the right gear, even weather like that doesn’t stop you from enjoying the hike.
Equally unforgettable was the fact that we saw snow in the middle of summer. After two years of living in Portugal, this was especially unexpected.
We could talk at length about our guide, Vitaliy Suprun.
Of course, Vitaliy was a true professional: not only did he know the routes inside and out, but he also always kept the group in good spirits, answered every question, helped every participant, and made the trip even more interesting.
But what surprised me the most was the food
Every morning we woke up around six o’clock, went to wash up, and the aroma of sautéed onions was already wafting throughout the campground. That meant only one thing—a hot, delicious breakfast was on its way.
While we were resting or taking a shower after our hike, our guide was already standing by two large pots, preparing dinner for the whole group.
To be honest, I didn’t even expect such a menu on a hike.
Over the course of five days, we ate borscht, shakshuka, polenta, various types of pasta, rice, and many original dishes along with delicious sauces that the guide prepared himself. After a full day in the mountains, a dinner like that was a real treat.
The People Who Made This Trip Special
I’d like to say a few words about the group.
I feel like I was really lucky with the people on this trip. We talked, joked, and laughed so much that one evening at the campsite at 10:04 p.m., our neighbors even came over and asked us to keep it down a bit.
The best proof of just how great the atmosphere was came on our last evening. Instead of feeling sad that the trip was over, we were already discussing where we’d go as a group next time.
We agreed that we definitely want to go back to the mountains with our guide Vitaliy. I think that’s the best indicator of just how great this trip was.
About Living Conditions at the Campground
Before the trip, I thought life at the campground would be much less comfortable.
In fact, it had absolutely everything we needed: a kitchen, plenty of showers and restrooms, hair dryers, a place to wash and dry shoes, washing machines, and a separate covered area where we could dry our clothes after it rained
If you’re visiting the Dolomites for the first time, there are a few things I now definitely consider must-haves:
This trip meant so much more to me than just five days in the mountains.
I finally fulfilled a two-year-old dream, saw the Dolomites, experienced the heaviest hailstorm of my life, learned not to be afraid of rain in the mountains, met some great people, and had a whole host of experiences that I’ll remember for a long time to come.
I want to sincerely thank the Kuluar team for the excellent organization; I really appreciated that I was able to completely relax during the hike.
The itinerary was perfectly planned, and all the logistics were taken care of, so all that was left to do was enjoy nature. A big thank you to the managers for their help even before the trip began, and to our guide for his professionalism, care, and, hands down, the most delicious hiking meals I’ve ever tasted.
This was my first trip with Kuluar, but now I’m absolutely certain it won’t be my last💚
If you’ve long dreamed of seeing the Dolomites, don’t even hesitate. This place will make you fall in love at first sight, and with Kuluar, all that’s left is to enjoy every moment of this adventure.
IF YOU’RE HEADING TO THE MOUNTAINS—GO WITH KULUAR!