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NEW Trip – Ladakh Mountain Biking AdventureView Trip Details

5 Days$1950USD

Activities
  • 5 days trekking with a full pack
Accommodation
  • 4 nights camping
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 4 Breakfasts
6
Moderate to Challenging

Traveller Rating

 

 
 

Trip highlights


  • Spectacular and challenging walking
  • Unsurpassed views of the entire World Heritage Wilderness
  • Endemic sub-alpine flora
  • Extraordinary side trips to high peaks
  • Discover the history and hard work behind this epic track
  • Summit the iconic quartzite peak of Frenchmans Cap

The spectacular Frenchmans Cap rises 1446 metres out of the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, dwarfing everything and everyone lucky enough to be in its presence. The south-east face of the peak is home to Tasmania's oldest rock, a 300 metre high cliff of gleaming white Precambrian quartzite. From the summit the views are simply unbeatable – taking in a vast expanse of Tasmanian wilderness including the Arthur Range, Mt Ossa and Macquarie Harbour.

This superb trek to Frenchmans Cap is a 46km return journey over varying terrain including open button grass plains and dense rainforests with steep ascents. Amidst this truly wild area you will discover an abundance of wildlife including many endemic bird species. By allowing five days of walking and camping under the summit, the carefully thought out itinerary allows a greater chance of visiting the peak in fine weather.

Trip Code: FFT

Our adventure begins early when we pick you up from your Launceston CBD accommodation at approximately 6am and travel 3 hours south-west to the start of the Frenchmans Cap Track. This scenic drive is the perfect opportunity for your guides to introduce the region to you as you watch the landscape change from the historic buildings of Launceston to the rugged wilderness of the Tasmanian Highlands. Reaching the trail head, we enjoy our packed lunch before we wave goodbye to the bus and start walking! We cross the Franklin River then climb gently through the tea tree forests of Mt Mullens. If the weather is clear we will be given our first stunning views of Frenchmans and the surrounding peaks. Tonight we camp by the picturesque Lake Vera, where your guides will whip up a hearty evening meal and brief you on the next exciting day. Walking distance: 16 km | Walking time: 6-7 hours

Meals:  L,D

From Lake Vera we head toward tonight’s camp at Lake Tahune, nestled below the summit of Frenchmans Cap. The track takes us steeply up through Barron Pass where unsurpassed views of Frenchmans can be enjoyed from a distance. The sight of the epic, quartzite peak rising up and out of the surrounding dense wilderness is breathtaking and gives even the most experienced bushwalker an invigorating jolt of excitement. We sidle Sharlands Peak and pass through the Artichoke Valley before descending into camp. Walking Distance: 6 km | Walking Time: 8 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we ascend the imposing summit of Frenchmans Cap. The climb is challenging and immensely rewarding; an absolute highlight of Tasmanian bushwalking. The ascent is approximately 1.7 km in distance and takes roughly 2 hours. The views from the top are incomparable, taking in a vast expanse of the wild and rugged south-west. After time to completely absorb the scenery, we have the option of taking a track through the saddle and North Col and sidle past Lion Head to Lake Nancy where we can have a well deserved lunch while enjoying the views north-west towards Mt. Mary and the mighty Franklin River. In the afternoon we return to our comfortable camp at Lake Tahune and enjoy another hearty meal high up in the Tasmanian wilderness. Walking Distance: 3 km | Walking Time: 4-7 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning gives us the opportunity to summit Frenchman's Cap once more if inclement weather held us back yesterday. We then return on rough track through diverse forests and mountain passes to the stunning camp at Lake Vera. Our packs are feeling lighter today and we have a spring in our step that only a Tasmanian bushwalker truly understands; There's nothing like five days in the wilderness to clear your head and energise your soul! It is well worth returning to Lake Vera, a magical campsite nestled below the dominating forested heights of the White Needle and Philps Peak. Tonight your guides will prepare our last evening meal in the wilderness, and we enjoy our final night out under the stars. Walking Distance: 6 - 9 km | Walking Time: 3-5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we pack up camp and return across the Loddon Plains to the trail head. This morning's walk enables us to take in the epic mountainous landscape we have explored over the last five days, and reflect upon all we have achieved. We clean our bushwalking gear at the wash down station – to prevent the spread of plant diseases – then board our awaiting bus. We drive back to Launceston, via the scenic Central Highlands and Great Lake, stopping for lunch along the way reaching your Launceston accommodation by approximately 5:30 to 6:30pm. After a hot shower and donning fresh clothes, you may like to meet up with your fellow bushwalking companions at one of Launceston's great eateries for a celebratory dinner. Walking distance 16 km | Walking time 6-7 hours

Meals:  B,L


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.


Inclusions

  • 2 professional wilderness guides
  • 4 nights camping
  • 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, snacks and hot drinks
  • Transport by private minibus
  • National Park fees
  • Tent and inflatable sleeping mat
  • Group camping equipment including all cooking and eating equipment
  • Emergency communications and group first aid kit

  • Travel to and from Launceston
  • Accommodation prior to and after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, car parking in Launceston etc
  • Travel insurance
  • Sleeping bag, back pack
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser

Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
Note:
A high season supplement applies from 1 December to 15 February, and for any trip that overlaps a public holiday.
DN2
Please note that permits for dates from 1 December 2024 have not yet been released. The dates are tentative based on permits being secured.

Dates don't fit?
Create a Private Trip

If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

Priceper person from

$1950USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single Tent SupplementUSD$34
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Frenchmans Cap Trek trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


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