DOLOMITES - Passo Giau - Mondeval Plateau - Land of Marmots / Silent hiking - DAY 2 скачать в хорошем качестве

DOLOMITES - Passo Giau - Mondeval Plateau - Land of Marmots / Silent hiking - DAY 2

Passo Giau is one of the most scenic high-altitude passes in the Dolomites, located at 2,236 meters (7,336 feet) between Cortina d’Ampezzo and Selva di Cadore. Surrounded by towering peaks such as Monte Nuvolau, Averau, and Croda da Lago, it offers breathtaking panoramas and is a favorite among cyclists, hikers, and photographers. The area is also rich in biodiversity, including a thriving population of alpine marmots. The route to the Mondeval Plateau, a serene highland at approximately 2,150 meters (7,054 feet), is a must for nature and history lovers. This plateau is famed for the discovery of a 7,500-year-old Mesolithic burial site, showcasing early human life in the Dolomites. The trail also passes through pristine alpine meadows, where marmots and other wildlife find a perfect home. Marmot Habitats in the Area The alpine marmot (Marmota marmota) is a keystone species in the Dolomites, thriving in the meadows and rocky slopes around Passo Giau and the Mondeval Plateau. These animals build extensive underground burrow systems in areas with loose soil, which provide insulation during the cold winters when marmots hibernate for up to six months. They favor sunny, open landscapes like the grassy meadows surrounding the plateau, where they can graze on herbs, grasses, and flowers. Marmots play a vital ecological role in this environment by: Soil aeration: Their digging promotes nutrient cycling. Food chain links: They serve as prey for predators like eagles and foxes. Biodiversity support: Their burrows create microhabitats for smaller animals and insects. Hikers traversing the trail to Mondeval Plateau are likely to hear the distinctive high-pitched whistles of marmots, which serve as alarms to warn their colony of potential threats. Route Facts: Starting Point: Passo Giau parking area. Distance to Mondeval Plateau: Approximately 6 km (3.7 miles) one way. Elevation Gain: About 350 meters (1,150 feet). Duration: 2-3 hours one way. Trail Highlights: Stunning views of Mount Pelmo and Civetta, alpine flora, marmot sightings, and the historic Mondeval burial site. Historical and Natural Insights: Archaeological Significance: The Mondeval Plateau is home to a Mesolithic burial site, one of the most important in the Dolomites. Cultural History of Passo Giau: Once a trade route, it now draws adventurers and cyclists with its scenic switchbacks. Biodiversity Hotspot: The region supports diverse flora and fauna, with marmots being a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts. Hiking to the Mondeval Plateau from Passo Giau offers not just a physical challenge but also the chance to experience the delicate interplay between nature, history, and wildlife in one of the Dolomites’ most captivating landscapes. Keep an eye out for marmot colonies and enjoy their playful antics as you explore this alpine wonderland! Music: New Frontier + Royalty Free Music by Lunar Years - Bensound.com Cosmos - Hazy; https://www.youtube.com/redirect?even... Recorded by: GoPro 11 Photos: Samsung S23 Thanks to: Bruno Pisani, creator who inspired our trip to the Italy and Dolomites;    / @brunopisaniadventure