Aljažev dom - Luknja pass - Bovški Gamsovec - Dovška vratca - Aljažev dom (08/2022)

Physical difficulty: 3.5/5
Technical difficulty: 3.5/5

Note #1: The elevation gain/loss stats are not correct due to GPS and connection errors. The real elevation gain/loss is around 1450m. The moving time is also underrated, and it was about 10-11hrs. People usually do it faster (at around 8hrs) but we had rain along the way and had to go extra slow.

Note #2: Mobile reception is very spotty throughout the trail. In the Vrata valley where Aljaž lodge (Aljažev dom) is located there's only edge (E) signal, which is useless. At Luknja pass, depending where you stand, you get either a weak E or a strong 4G signal just a few meters apart. At the peaks you get mostly strong 4G. So, plan accordingly, load your maps and GPS trails in advance!

Note #3: Weather is fickle in the Julian Alps. You will need to prepare for sun, wind or rain. On our trail we've experienced all of them. Temperatures also varied accordingly. Definitely check the weather forecasts in advance: https://www.hike.uno/weather_mountain/bovski_gamsovec/1/647#Fr. Much of the trail is on rocky terrain, so we definitely don't recommend doing it if the forecast is rainy all day.

Note #4: There are a number of mini ferrata walls on both the ascent and descent. They are not very difficult and do not require safety harnesses, but they should be traversed very carefully. For the ascent from Luknja pass to Bovški gamsovec wearing a helmet is advised because hikers and wild ibexes can make smaller rocks fall from above. We didn't experienced any such incidents, and none of the people we've encountered wore helmets, but consider bringing them along if you have them.

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The trail starts at the paid parking lot near Aljaž lodge (slo. Aljažev dom) in the Vrata valley (price 6€/day, cash only). The road up the mountain to the parking lot is excellent, fully asphalted.

From the Vrata valley up to Luknja pass there's a constant mild ascent. The last stretch to Luknja pass gets much more steeper (30-35° incline), and it's on scree (an accumulation of loose stones or rocky debris lying on a slope) which adds to the difficulty.

From Luknja pass, you have about 600m to cover until the Bovški gamsovec summit. The trail is well marked and beaten, but it doesn't allow mistakes and should definitely not be taken lightly! The path is mostly narrow, on slopes, and if you loose your footing there's a very high probability of a fatal fall. On the other hand, if there's no cloud cover this ascent will offer you one of the most beautiful alpine panoramas you'll ever see.

From Bovški gamsovec, a steep descent will bring you to Dovška vratca (mountain pass). This side of the mountain is also home to herds of wild ibexes, which are used to humans and will not run away. The descent from Dovška vratca back to Aljaž lodge is long (3.5-4 hrs) and arduous, mostly on steep scree, and requires concentration.

For additional information, see the specific waypoints descriptions.