Elevation gain: 727 m
Elevation loss: 952 m

Alpine pastures with breathtaking panorama of the surrounding peaks, avalanche barrier tunnels and well-maintained, cobbled/paved mule-tracks are all set to feature along this high-altitude and expansive section, enhanced by the heady fragrance of blooms as we move up from Splügen (1480 m) on the northern slope of the Pass (2115 m) prior to the descent on the Italian side to the village of Montespluga (1911 m), where you can breathe in the atmosphere of times past.

From the village of Montespluga the route takes on the right side of the reservoir in order to reach one of the two dams and to appreciate some spectacular views over the Cardinello Gorge (1899 m): this is one of the most dramatic sections guaranteed to linger long in the memory.
It’s a route which was not created without considerable exertions over the years, with the imposing rock faces to the left and up above and the steep gorge plunging away to the right where the torrent itself courses. The descent requires a certain amount of caution but it’s not demanding and leads us gently towards the typical wooden mountain dwellings (baite) of Sosta, Mottaletta (1366 m) and finally to Isola (1255 m).