Cooking at high altitude

Set off with Karol Stella - a chef with a backpack always ready, a deep love for the mountains, and a life philosophy that smells of wood, smoke, and simplicity. Over this weekend, Karol will guide you in rediscovering the value of what truly matters: a challenging trail, a meal cooked together, shared experiences, and the silence of the forest.

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HIGHLIGHTS

• High-Altitude Trekking
  We’ll hike over 1100 meters of elevation gain, climbing up Val Darengo to reach Capanna Como at 1790 meters above sea level - one of the wildest and most fascinating mountain huts in the Larian Alps. A slow, strenuous, and authentic trek - the beauty of mountain life!
• Mountain Cooking and Togetherness
  Karol brings more than just a backpack - she carries spices and stories. At the end of the day, we’ll cook together in the hut, using gas stoves and simple ingredients that speak of the land, the season, and shared memories. No rush - just aromas, conversation, and the warmth of a wood-burning stove.
• Disconnect to Reconnect
  No 220V - only warm light, silence, and human connection. One night above the clouds, sleeping in the heart of nature, under the stars, far from notifications and daily routines.

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TRIP PURPOSE

In a world that runs fast, this trip is an invitation to slow down. It is an act of mindful disconnection from urban frenzy and a gesture of reconnection with nature and oneself. We will return to speaking the language of simple things: walking, breathing, cooking, listening. Because sustainability is not just reducing CO₂ but remembering what truly makes us feel alive.

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This trip has been designed based on the following principles:
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• Promotion of local economy
• ‍‍‍Nature and hiking

ACCOMODATION

We will sleep at Rifugio Capanna Como, a rustic hut powered by renewable energy: solar-heated showers, LED lights, and a warm welcome made of wood, stove, and silence. No 220V plugs, but USB ports to slowly recharge the essentials. A real refuge to reconnect with your body, fatigue, and breath.

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IMPORTANT INFO

What to Bring
‍For this trek, it is essential to bring appropriate clothing: although we will walk during the day, the night at the hut can be very cold. We recommend warm clothes like a fleece and a windbreaker jacket. A sleeping bag (or a sheet sleeping bag if you prefer) and a personal towel are mandatory. Shoes must be hiking boots with a good anti-slip sole, especially if it rains since the trail can become slippery in some parts. Also, bring a headlamp for moving around in the dark, and trekking poles if you are used to them. Another essential element is water: there are no water sources along the route, so it is necessary to bring at least 2 liters per person to safely face the day. The shelter has a bathroom and toilet paper.

‍Transportation
‍Departure will be from Milan, but if you come from other areas, don't worry: we can organize a meeting point easily reachable for everyone. Once the trip is confirmed, we will arrange carpooling among participants. If you have a car and can drive, let us know! ORMA Guides will cover all gas and toll expenses: no one will have to advance any money.

‍Difficulty Level
‍The route is classified as E (Hiking): suitable for those with basic fitness and willingness to walk. The climb is steady but does not present technical difficulties, exposed or dangerous sections. The trail is well marked and safe, but still requires attention: in bad weather, some parts may be slippery.

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What's included

• ‍Food: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner (cooked by Karol).
• Accomodation: 1 night at the hut.
• Transportation: Reimbursement for toll and gas expenses for drivers with other participants.
• Insurance: Medical and baggage insurance.

What's not included

• Food: Breakfast at departure and lunch on the way back.
• Other: Trip cancellation insurance.‍
• Anything not specified under "What's included".

Payment Terms

Payment must be made in full at the time of purchase.
Bank transfers or credit cards can be used to make payments.