Pizzo Formico: a hike from Gandino with Orobie views
Monte Farno, Bergamo · Lombardia•1 day · Monday•Hiking · 1,636 m
Difficulty ?
EASY PLUS
Where?
Bergamo, Lombardia
On your own?
No problem
Points
+14
Community photos
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Guiddy Experience
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE
A balcony over the Orobie Alps above Val Gandino
Some mountains ask for effort, others hand you the view almost straight away: Pizzo Formico is the second kind. From the Monte Farno car park above Gandino, a couple of hours across open meadows bring you to 1,636 metres, with the Orobie in front of you, the Presolana on your right and the plain fading into the haze.
Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
We start at 1,250 metres, where the road ends and the green of Val Gandino begins, a quiet side valley of Val Seriana. The trail climbs gently through pastures and thin woodland, with no technical or exposed sections: the whole climb is 430 metres of steady walking. The higher we go, the wider the view, until the horizon opens all around and on clear days you can even pick out Monte Rosa to the north-west.
From the summit we drop to Rifugio Parafulmine for lunch, either a packed one on the meadows or a hot plate at the table, whatever the group prefers. Then back to the Monte Farno car park, with time for a toast before we say goodbye.
This is an easy hike: if you walk the odd weekend you will be fine, and it works well as a first outing at altitude. Bring hiking boots and enough water; everything else is in the equipment list below.
Come with the Guidders: book your place and let's climb Pizzo Formico together.
GOOD TO KNOW
Group chat
It opens a couple of days before: that's where the meeting point is confirmed and carpooling is arranged.
Free cancellation up to 3 days before
For the selected date: by 3 December, 23:59. You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+14 Guiddy points
Your points grow with every outing, level you up and unlock discounts, exclusive outings and goodies.
Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
Included in the price.
Not suitable for dogs
This time your dog stays at home.
How hard is it, really
Guiddy scale
EASY PLUS
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
430 m D+ · 10 km · 5 h
Easy
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus — this outing
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 5 h and 430 m of ascent ahead, if you go on a long walk now and then, you'll be fine
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Gloves, a beanie, warm layers, a thermos and microspikes if there's ice. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish
What's included in the price
✓INCLUDED
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch or lunch at the hut
✕Parking
✕Travel to Monte Farno
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.
Itinerary
One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.
Elevation gain
430 m
Max altitude
1,636 m
Distance
10 km
Duration
5 h
Monday
7 Dec
10 km · D+ 430 m · 5 h
The stops · 10 km
Meeting point 9:30approximate
Laghetto di Valcanale, Monte Farno, Gandino, provincia di Bergamo, Italia. The exact time is confirmed in the group chat. We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
Paid parking, buy the ticket before you arrive
Parking at Monte Farno is paid year-round: the "Gratta e Sosta" ticket costs €3.00 (2025) and covers the whole day. Buy it beforehand in Gandino (Spiga d'Oro bakery, Castelli tobacco shop, or the Infopoint in Piazza Vittorio Veneto), or on site at the automatic ticket machine in loc. Gervas (cards/contactless only) or at the Baita di Peter/Infopoint Monte Farno, open only Saturdays and Sundays 10:30–17:30. Roadside parking is forbidden; if the lot is full, on weekends you can use the Barzizza sports field as an alternative.
We meet the Guidders at the Monte Farno car park above Gandino (BG), where the paved road ends. Backpacks on, introductions, and off we go across open meadows with the valley already below us. The time is indicative: the exact one is shared in the outing's Telegram group.
11:00SUMMIT
On the summit of Pizzo Formico (1,636 m)
Two hours of steady climbing through pastures and thin woodland bring us to the top of Pizzo Formico. From here the view opens over the Orobie range, the Presolana and the Po plain; on clear days Monte Rosa stands out too. A long stop for photos and to catch our breath.
12:00MOUNTAIN HUT
Lunch at Rifugio Parafulmine
We come down from the summit to Rifugio Parafulmine, a few minutes below the ridge. We stop for lunch: a packed one on the meadows in front of the hut, or a hot plate at the table. This is the break where the group gets to know each other, unhurried.
14:30SUMMIT
Back to Monte Farno
We head back to the Monte Farno car park along the same easy trail, with Val Gandino open in front of us all the way down. At the cars we take the time for one last toast together before saying goodbye.
How do you get to Monte Farno? By carpooling.
You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group. Contacts and costs are agreed between you: a seat isn't guaranteed.
WHO'S ALREADY GOING
for the selected date
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.
What to bring
A list made for this hike. No technical gear: just good shoes and a well-packed backpack.
Windproof
REQUIRED
Windbreaker
REQUIRED
Waterproof shell
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Mini crampons (in autumn-winter)
REQUIRED
Food supply
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Trail running shoes
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Guiddy Experience
Monday 7 December
Hikes picked for you
Guides and coordinators we pick for you.
Upcoming Guiddy Experience outings
Picked for you, with guides and coordinators we choose.
Paesaggio bellissimo, immerso nel verde. Il percorso non presenta particolari difficoltà tecniche, basta avere un minimo di allenamento.
Giornata molto piacevole, tra natura, belle viste, ottima compagnia e ottimo pranzo al rifugio.
Your guide★★★★★★★★★★
Nataly B.
Outing on 20 September 2026
★★★★★★★★★★
Your guide★★★★★★★★★★
D
Daniele C.
Outing on 20 September 2026
★★★★★★★★★★
Your guide★★★★★★★★★★
Questions?
I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Paths, mule tracks or wide trails requiring little physical preparation. You need to be fit enough to walk for 5 h with 430 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Can I join on my own?
⌄
How does carpooling work?
⌄
What happens if the weather is bad?
⌄
What if the group doesn't reach the minimum?
⌄
Until when can I cancel?
⌄
Book now, pay only if it goes ahead
MOST POPULAR
✓No charge now: the amount is only held on your card
✓Free cancellation up to 3 days before (for this date: 3 December, 23:59)
✓You're only charged once the group is confirmed, at 7 pm the evening before departure
✓Minimum not reached? No charge, nothing to do
Or pay straight away by card, PayPal, Satispay or Revolut. With Klarna you can also pay in interest-free instalments.
Still have questions? Message Ibex
Ibex is Guiddy's virtual ibex: it answers everything, 24/7. In two messages it tells you whether this outing is for you, how to get there and what to pack.
Pizzo Formico: a hike from Gandino with Orobie views
Monte Farno, Gandino (BG) · Lombardia
1 day · Hiking · 1,636 m
125 Guidders have already done it
Elevation gain
430 m
Max altitude
1,636 m
Distance
10 km
Duration
5 h
Guiddy points
+14
▣ 5 photos
+1 photos
WHY THIS HIKE
A balcony over the Orobie Alps above Val Gandino
Some mountains ask for effort, others hand you the view almost straight away: Pizzo Formico is the second kind. From the Monte Farno car park above Gandino, a couple of hours across open meadows bring you to 1,636 metres, with the Orobie in front of you, the Presolana on your right and the plain fading into the haze.
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
We start at 1,250 metres, where the road ends and the green of Val Gandino begins, a quiet side valley of Val Seriana. The trail climbs gently through pastures and thin woodland, with no technical or exposed sections: the whole climb is 430 metres of steady walking. The higher we go, the wider the view, until the horizon opens all around and on clear days you can even pick out Monte Rosa to the north-west.
From the summit we drop to Rifugio Parafulmine for lunch, either a packed one on the meadows or a hot plate at the table, whatever the group prefers. Then back to the Monte Farno car park, with time for a toast before we say goodbye.
This is an easy hike: if you walk the odd weekend you will be fine, and it works well as a first outing at altitude. Bring hiking boots and enough water; everything else is in the equipment list below.
Come with the Guidders: book your place and let's climb Pizzo Formico together.
How hard is it
Guiddy scale
EASY PLUS
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
430 m D+ · 10 km · 5 h
Easy
Perfect for those who want to enjoy nature without too much effort. Short, well-marked trails with gentle slopes. No technical difficulties, just a desire to walk, breathe in the fresh air, and share the day with a group.
Ideal for: Beginners, families, those who want to take their first steps in trekking.
Easy Plus — this outing
A little faster pace, but still accessible. Slightly longer routes or with a few more hills, requiring some walking experience. The terrain is always easy and safe.
Ideal for: Those who walk regularly and want to challenge themselves a little.
Intermediate
Here we enter the world of true trekking. Steeper climbs, stretches on uneven or longer trails that require stamina. The physical effort is medium to high, and the fatigue is noticeable... but so is the satisfaction!
Ideal for: Those who already have experience and a good level of physical fitness.
Intermediate Plus
When the mountains begin to take their toll. More challenging routes in terms of gradient or duration, with technical sections or uneven terrain. Even a medium elevation gain can be tough if concentrated in just a few kilometers
Ideal for: Trained hikers, accustomed to walking on mountain paths
Difficult
Level suitable for experienced hikers with excellent stamina and surefootedness. The physical challenge is high, and there may be steep sections or possible exposure, which is always noted in the hike description. Perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and conquering significant peaks.
Ideal for: Those who already have experience in an Alpine environment and want to challenge themselves.
Difficult Plus
Only for true Guidders with their Wild Spirit at its peak Long routes, significant elevation gain (over 1,100 m), and technical or exposed terrain. Excellent physical preparation, sure-footedness, and the ability to manage fatigue at high altitude are required.
Ideal for: Highly trained and experienced hikers in the mountains.
WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO
✓
BEFORE YOU GO
Go to bed early, have a good breakfast and drink before you set off: you've got 5 h and 430 m of ascent ahead, if you go on a long walk now and then, you'll be fine
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Gloves, a beanie, warm layers, a thermos and microspikes if there's ice. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish
What's included
INCLUDED
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch or lunch at the hut
✕Parking
✕Travel to Monte Farno
Itinerary
Monday · approximate times
Stops · 10 km
Meeting point 9:30Laghetto di Valcanale
We usually meet a little earlier for breakfast together, when possible.
Paid parking, buy the ticket before you arrive
Parking at Monte Farno is paid year-round: the "Gratta e Sosta" ticket costs €3.00 (2025) and covers the whole day. Buy it beforehand in Gandino (Spiga d'Oro bakery, Castelli tobacco shop, or the Infopoint in Piazza Vittorio Veneto), or on site at the automatic ticket machine in loc. Gervas (cards/contactless only) or at the Baita di Peter/Infopoint Monte Farno, open only Saturdays and Sundays 10:30–17:30. Roadside parking is forbidden; if the lot is full, on weekends you can use the Barzizza sports field as an alternative.
We meet the Guidders at the Monte Farno car park above Gandino (BG), where the paved road ends. Backpacks on, introductions, and off we go across open meadows with the valley already below us. The time is indicative: the exact one is shared in the outing's Telegram group.
11:00SUMMIT
On the summit of Pizzo Formico (1,636 m)
Two hours of steady climbing through pastures and thin woodland bring us to the top of Pizzo Formico. From here the view opens over the Orobie range, the Presolana and the Po plain; on clear days Monte Rosa stands out too. A long stop for photos and to catch our breath.
12:00MOUNTAIN HUT
Lunch at Rifugio Parafulmine
We come down from the summit to Rifugio Parafulmine, a few minutes below the ridge. We stop for lunch: a packed one on the meadows in front of the hut, or a hot plate at the table. This is the break where the group gets to know each other, unhurried.
14:30SUMMIT
Back to Monte Farno
We head back to the Monte Farno car park along the same easy trail, with Val Gandino open in front of us all the way down. At the cars we take the time for one last toast together before saying goodbye.
How do you get to Monte Farno? By carpooling.
You say so when booking, then you get organised in the Telegram group.
WHO'S ALREADY GOING
for this date
Offering a seat Looking for a seat
Cars are added in the last few days, once the group is confirmed.
What to bring
A list made for this hike.
Windproof
REQUIRED
Windbreaker
REQUIRED
Waterproof shell
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Mini crampons (in autumn-winter)
REQUIRED
Food supply
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Trail running shoes
REQUIRED
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Trekking poles
RECOMMENDED
Guiddy Experience
Monday 7 December
Hikes picked for you
Guides and coordinators we pick for you.
Reviews
Only from people who completed the outing.
4.8
★★★★★★★★★★
4 reviews
Itinerary4.8
Organisation4.8
Overall experience4.8
A
Andrea S.
Outing on 20 September 2026
★★★★★★★★★★
Your guide★★★★★★★★★★
M
Mariagiovanna D.
Outing on 20 September 2026
★★★★★★★★★★
Paesaggio bellissimo, immerso nel verde. Il percorso non presenta particolari difficoltà tecniche, basta avere un minimo di allenamento.
Giornata molto piacevole, tra natura, belle viste, ottima compagnia e ottimo pranzo al rifugio.
Paths, mule tracks or wide trails requiring little physical preparation. You need to be fit enough to walk for 5 h with 430 m of ascent. If in doubt, message Ibex on WhatsApp.
Apple Maps
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