GUIDDY EXPERIENCE
iWhat does it mean?
The Heart-Shaped Lake of the Orobie Alps: Hiking Among Alpine Dams, Barbellino, and the Devil's Peak!
Valbondione, Bergamo · Lombardia•1 day•Hiking · 2,712 m
Difficulty ?
DIFFICULT PLUS
Where?
Bergamo, Lombardia
On your own?
No problem
Points
+30
Overview
The experience
Difficulty
What's included
Itinerary
Carpooling
What to bring
Guiddy Experience
Reviews
Questions
WHY THIS HIKE
The heart-shaped lake of the Orobie
A heart-shaped lake, hidden among the peaks.
Group chat a couple of days before
Come alone, leave with new friends
The experience
We set off with the Guidders from Valbondione, gateway to the upper Val Seriana, and climb the paths leading to the great alpine reservoirs. At Rifugio Curò we stop for a coffee and the obligatory photo at the Sword in the Stone, then carry on to Lago della Malgina and the Bocchetta di Gelt, where the landscape opens out. We drop to Rifugio Barbellino and head home, after a day of historic dams, huts and lakes hidden among the summits.
5 reasons to come - Lago della Malgina, shaped like a heart - the Sword in the Stone at Rifugio Curò - the great alpine dams of the Valbondione - the Bocchetta di Gelt and its view - two historic huts in the same day
Who it suits A long day with serious height gain: good fitness and a sure step are needed.
The heart of the Orobie is also a lake: come and see it with the Guidders.
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
You pay nothing when you book.
Guiddy accident insurance
Included in the price.
+30 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
DIFFICULT PLUS
F
F+
I
I+
D
D+
2,000 m D+ · 25 km · 10 h
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 10 h and 2,000 m of ascent ahead, you need serious preparation: legs, lungs and being used to altitude
✓
IN YOUR BACKPACK
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, a snack and a windproof jacket; your guide will explain crampons, ice axe and harness. Always with you: a plaster, an antiseptic wipe and a small bag for rubbish
What's included in the price
✓INCLUDED
✓Guiddy Coordinator (runs the group, Telegram included)
✓Guiddy accident insurance
✕NOT INCLUDED
✕Packed lunch or lunch at the hut
✕Parking
✕Travel to Valbondione
To get there, there's Guiddy carpooling, below.
Itinerary
One day, approximate times. The final details come in the group chat.
Elevation gain
2,000 m
Max altitude
2,712 m
Distance
25 km
Duration
10 h
Day
25 km · D+ 2,000 m · 10 h
Apple Maps07:30MEETING
Meeting Point
Meeting point: Valbondione Sports Hall (Bergamo province). Please note: Parking requires a scratch card, costing €3 for the day.
10:00VIEWPOINT
Curò Refuge: Coffee and a Photo with the Sword in the Rock!
Photo stop at the Sword in the Stone, then back on the trail!
11:00LAKE
Lake Malgina: A Hidden Gem for Hikers
Another stunning alpine lake nestled among majestic peaks. Here, we'll take a breather to prepare ourselves for the final, toughest climb to the Caronella Pass, where we can admire the fabulous heart-shaped lake.
12:30PASS
Gelt Pass
We'll hit the trail leading up to the Caronella Pass, right on the border with Valtellina. From here, we'll admire the fantastic little lake behind us. Then, we'll descend the other side of the trail, passing the AES bivouac, a former military powder magazine dating back to the First World War.
14:30MOUNTAIN HUT
Barbellino Mountain Hut
Almost mandatory cake break before tackling the descent!
18:00RETURN
Back to the trailhead.
"We'll complete the loop and head back to the parking area."
How do you get to Valbondione? 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
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.
Trekking boots
REQUIRED
Water supply
REQUIRED
Packed lunch
REQUIRED
Sunglasses
REQUIRED
Sunscreen
REQUIRED
Cap
REQUIRED
Windbreaker
REQUIRED
Windproof
REQUIRED
Backpack
REQUIRED
Guiddy Experience
Hikes picked for you
Guides and coordinators we pick for you.
Part of the Roadto4000 path: outings chosen by our team to grow step by step, from expert trails to the great peaks.
Upcoming Guiddy Experience outings
Picked for you, with guides and coordinators we choose.
PICKED FOR YOU BY IBEX
Right for you
Based on this page: same area, similar level.
Reviews
Only from people who completed the outing.
5.0
1 review
Itinerary5.0
Organisation5.0
Overall experience5.0
I
Ilenia R.
Outing on 22 August 2026
Your guide
Questions?
I've only done easy trails, can I come?
⌄
Rough and treacherous terrain requiring preparation and experience, equipment, and use of self-belay devices. You need to be fit enough to walk for 10 h with 2,000 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
✓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.
Message Ibex on WhatsApp
No commitment: we're happy to answer even just for advice.
