5 DAYS | 48+KM
Group size: maximum 8 guests
Departure Dates
Mt Giles rises up out of the Chewings Range and is the third highest peak in the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park.
At 1,389m above sea level, this desert peak creates an awesome backdrop to an already beautiful range system, towering above the eastern end of Ormiston Pound. For those who venture to the summit, Mt Giles delivers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It towers above the eastern end of Ormiston Pound and delivers impressive views to all those who venture to climb the mountain’s summit.
This full pack remote hiking tour is a great way to experience what lies beyond the Larapinta Trail. It includes exploring along unmarked trails, setting up base camp at the base of Mt Giles, going on an exploratory walk, hiking off trail up this impressive desert peak, Mt Giles, trekking into the beautiful Ormiston Pound through an uncommon entrance, and wandering through the stunning gorge and visiting its waterhole. You are accompanied by two experienced Trek Larapinta Guides who lead this adventure and ensure safe travel, as most of this walk is through untracked terrain. This is a full pack trek where there is no vehicle support once you start on the trek.
This trek is for those who want to venture further into the stunning living desert of Central Australia.
Itinerary Summary
Day 1 : Pick up Alice Springs, section 9 Larapinta Trail (part) Alice Valley | 8kms
Day 2 : Trek off-track to Mt Giles, camp base of Mt Giles | 12kms
Day 3 : Summit Mt Giles, camp base of Mt Giles | 6-12kms dependent on route
Day 4 : Trek into Ormiston Pound from eastern end, camp Bowmans Gap | 14kms
Day 5 : Trek through Ormiston Gorge, return Alice Springs | 8kms
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Travelling with us, you know you’re coming with a boutique business that specialises in the Larapinta Trail. The experience of being in this ancient landscape can be powerful and refreshing. Trek Larapinta aims to facilitate this experience for you. All the organisation, transport, food preparation, camping and catering equipment and other logistics are taken care of for you, so you can connect with this landscape in a calm, relaxed way and get the most out of your holiday in this amazing part of Australia.
All camping equipment including sleeping bag, sleeping mat, tent (twin share).
All catering equipment.
4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners.
All delicious snacks on the trail.
Hotel pick up and drop off.
Transportation provided in commercially registered, expertly maintained tour vehicles.
All camping, traditional owner and national park fees.
Group first aid and emergency communication facilities.
2 Trek Larapinta professional wilderness guides.
Travelling with a culturally and environmentally responsible business.
Small group with a maximum of 8 participants.
Tours do not include pre or post trip airfares or accommodation.
Detailed maps of the Larapinta Trail are also available for purchase.
NOTES TO CONSIDER
The 5 day Mt Giles Explorer trek is a demanding walk and requires a high level of bushwalking/walking and general fitness. As the Larapinta Trail becomes more popular the perception of the difficulty of the terrain in and around the West MacDonnell Ranges decreases. This however is not the case. The terrain remains unrelentingly rocky and hard underfoot and the more you train for the walk the easier you will handle the rough terrain and the more you will enjoy this wonderful part of the world.
Days vary between 5 and 8 hours of moderate to very challenging walking on mostly unmarked and untracked routes covering a variety of rough terrain.
Engage in aerobic activity (this might include walking, cycling, swimming etc) three to four times a week for at least 1 to 2 hours during the three months prior to your trip. Start to do some long bush walks as regularly as you can and do some full day bush walks with a heavy pack weighing around 15-20kg to get your body used to walking with a load, starting at last 2 months in advance of the trek. Try to complete some walking over rough terrain too.
It is very important that you bring the right gear for the conditions. The Central Australian climate is generally stable over the winter months but temperatures plummet at night, -4/-5 degrees are not uncommon. Rain and strong winds can also lead to very cold conditions. Day temperatures can also be very warm even in winter so looking after yourself by covering up with a good hat, long sleeve shirt and sun cream and drinking plenty of water is a must.
Further information about preparation can be found at Trek Gradings and our FAQ section .
WHAT YOU CARRY
On the 5 day Mt Giles Explorer adventure you will need to carry all your personal equipment in a full trekking backpack that is at least 75 litres in capacity. Your equipment will include a sleeping bag, inflatable sleeping mat, a portion of the shared tent, a portion of the group’s food supplies and catering equipment and all personal items as specified in our gear list. Depending on the quality and quantity of personal gear and toiletries, the average pack weight should be up to a maximum of 20kg. We will have a water drop in place so that only one days water needs to be carried at a time. A comprehensive gear list is available at the end of the downloadable itinerary. Quality backpacks are available for hire.
A pre-trip briefing and a full gear check with your guides the afternoon before your Mt Giles trek departs, will ensure you have the right mix of gear for your adventure. Please make your way to Lone Dingo in the Todd St Mall at 3pm the day before your trip, bringing your pack and what you intend to bring on your trek.
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