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AAWT Guided Hiking Tour: Kiandra to Dead Horse Gap

AAWT Guided Hiking Tour: Kiandra to Dead Horse Gap

Trip Duration
7 Days
Distance
113km
Group Size
6 Persons
Activity Level
Difficult

Overview

The Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT) is Australia’s premier long-distance alpine bushwalk. At 680km in length, it traverses Australia’s finest high country between Tharwa (ACT) and Walhalla (VIC).

Passing through terrain that is inaccessible by vehicle, the track offers the potential to explore some of the most remote and rugged areas within Victoria, NSW, and the ACT. Unlike the standard tourist hikes of Australia, the remote nature of this route provides an authentic wilderness experience without the crowds.

This trip tackles 113km of the AAWT, from Kiandra (NSW) to Dead Horse Gap (NSW). Traversing the high plains of the Snowy Mountains, explore historic alpine huts, spot native wildflowers and summit Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko.

On this trip you have the opportunity to develop your outdoor skills and knowledge. Our world-class guides are passionate about sharing their experience. Learn how to lighten your pack, nail your nutrition and navigate in the backcountry. Have the confidence to pursue unguided multi-day hiking trips or even take on a thru hike like the Pacific Crest Trail!

    Group Discount Available
    From $3,495.00
    / Adult
      • Intimate group size - ( Guide to guest ratio of 1:3 )
      • Exceptional pre-trip guidance and support - ( Be confident tackling the AAWT )
      • Approximate pack weight below 10kg - ( Avoid sore shoulders and hips )

    Key Features

    Highlights

    • Summit Mt Jagungal (optional side trip).
    • Visit the head of Valentine Falls, which has a total drop of 120m (optional side trip).
    • Traverse the Rolling Grounds.
    • Walk past Australia’s highest alpine lakes including Lake Cootapatamba, Club Lake, Blue Lake, and Lake Albina.

    Itinerary

    Meet your guides in Canberra the afternoon before the tour starts. You will receive all your gear (tent, sleeping bag, pack etc.) and we will do a final clothing check.

    Days 1-4: Kiandra – Whites River Hut, ~18.5km per day

    We start by climbing out of Kiandra into the heart of Australia’s high country. Passing many historic huts, we travel along grassy, open fire roads and take in the extensive views of the surrounding Snowy Mountains. The well-formed track makes for quick progress, providing ample opportunity to explore some of the most remote side trips of the tour. This includes summiting Mt Jagungal and visiting the head of Valentine Falls. Alternatively, relax at the campsite and enjoy the tranquility of Jagungal Wilderness.

    Popular side trips:  

    • Tabletop Mountain (1.3km return) 
    • Mt Jagungal (5.2km return) 
    • Valentine Falls (0.8km return)

    Elevation Profile

    Climbing up onto the Main Range, we traverse the Rolling Grounds and explore the pristine alpine environment of Kosciuszko National Park. We pass Australia’s highest alpine lakes including Lake Cootapatamba, Club Lake, Blue Lake, and Lake Albina. This section offers the widest range of available side trips throughout the tour. This includes the option to summit Mt Kosciuszko, the highest point in Australia. Ending our trek at Dead Horse Gap, we head into Jindabyne for some hot food and drive back to Canberra. 

    Popular side trips:  

    • The Sentinel (3.3km return) 
    • Blue Lake (3km return) 
    • Mt Townsend (5km return) 
    • Mt Kosciuszko (2km return)

    Elevation Profile

    Please note that the listed itinerary is a guide. Due to many circumstances including those beyond our control (e.g. weather, park closures etc.), the route may need to be altered and/or side trips not offered.

    Inclusions

    Virtual interactive map​

    First Tour Special

    To celebrate our first tour (December 14, 2024), we are offering guests a free bespoke oil painting based on a photo of their choice taken on the trip. This commission will be produced by local Canberra artist Ineka Voigt (valued at $550). You can find out more about this offer here.

    For all other trips, participants who choose to purchase a commission painting will receive 20% off.

    The Adventure Gene, Ineka Voigt 2024. Oil on canvas board, 30cm x 40cm. The Sentinel, Kosciuszko National Park.

    Tour Dates

    TRIP DATESAVAILABILITYPRICESPACE LEFT
    February 2, 2025 - February 8, 2025Limited $3,495.00
    4 Available
    February 16, 2025 - February 22, 2025Limited $3,495.00
    5 Available
    October 26, 2025 - November 1, 2025Limited $3,495.00
    6 Available
    Note: Chrome provides the smoothest booking process.

    Other Information

    Preparation Package

    This tour includes an extensive preparation package filled with gear suggestions and techniques designed to help you thrive in the Australian Alps. Additionally, you will receive a detailed trip itinerary 8 weeks before the trip starts.

    Contact

    We encourage you to reach out and ask questions at any time. You can contact us via email (contact@theadventuregene.com), social media or through the website.

    Insurance Coverage

    All participants are required to have adequate travel insurance that covers the following: 

    1. Medical evacuation by air, land, or sea. Please note that any evacuation deemed necessary by the guides will be the financial responsibility of the guest.  
    2. Potential losses, damages, or injuries, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.  

    Note that The Adventure Gene’s cancellation fees apply and cannot be waived. 

    FAQs

    Previous hiking and camping experience is not required. Our guides are experts and can teach you everything you need to know. Additionally, we provide you with all the information you need to prepare for the trip. However, it is essential that you have the required level of fitness and a willingness to learn.

    You need the fitness required to carry a ~10kg pack for extended periods of time and for multiple days in a row. This includes walking off-trail and up and down steep terrain.

    We recommend that all participants engage in regular weekly aerobic activity 3+ times per week. This could include activities such as hiking, cycling, swimming, running, or a team sport with lots of activity (e.g. soccer, AFL, rugby, basketball). Walking on flat concrete paths is not adequate preparation for this trip.

    For a multiday hike with camping, we rate this tour as moderate to challenging. You can see the distance and elevation details in the table below:

    Trip statistics (without side trips)
    AverageMinimumMaximum
    Distance (km)16.61022
    Elevation gain (m)500200885
    Daily walking times are generally between 4-8 hours. We can tailor the difficulty of the trek by adjusting which side trips each person does. If you are unsure whether this tour is appropriate for you, please contact us. We are more than happy to have a chat and answer any questions you have. We support all our guests in preparing for their trip.

    We estimate that you will be able to keep your pack weight below 10kg for nearly the entire trek. Gear provided will equate to 3.5-4kg. This leaves clothing, personal items, food and water making up the rest of the weight.

    Food:

    All food carries are 3 days or less, with the exception of one 5 day food carry in the second half of the trip. For the shorter resupplies, this equates to roughly 2.5kg of food per person. For the longer food carry, each person will initially have to carry up to 4.5kg of food.

    Water:

    Whilst water is generally readily available in this region, it is highly dependent on recent rainfall. It is uncommon to carry more than 2L of water, and the longest water carry for this trek could be up to 22km.

    We are experienced in catering for a wide range of dietary requirements, provided you let us know in advance. If we are unable to cater for your dietary needs, we will contact you and find an alternative solution.

    All meals, snacks and hot drinks are provided, excluding breakfast on the first day. Breakfast and dinners are hot meals, cooked and enjoyed whilst relaxing at camp. Lunches and snacks will be eaten during breaks throughout the day. All food is designed as part of our nutrition program to ensure high energy levels for the duration of the trip.

    The following are some examples of our favourite trail meals and snacks.

    Breakfast:

    • Trail oats with mixed nuts, dried fruit, chia seeds and maple syrup.
    • A breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, bacon, refried beans, spinach, cheese and tomato sauce wrapped in a soft tortilla.
    • Buckwheat pancakes with Nutella, dried fruit and nuts.

    Lunch:

    • A backcountry charcuterie board! Consisting of a selection of cheeses, crackers, cured meats and hummus.
    • Pitta pockets filled with olives, sundried tomatoes, cheddar, spinach and cured meat.
    • Creamy pumpkin soup with sourdough bread.

    Dinner:

    • Trail-made gnocchi in a tomato and herb sauce.
    • Cumin, lentil and apricot dahl.
    • Nachos; refried beans, corn, avocado and cheese served on crispy corn chips.

    After your place on the tour is confirmed, you will be sent a detailed packing list of required clothing and personal items. We also provide tailored recommendations based on our 30,000+km of experience!

    If you are unsure what to pack, make sure to reach out and ask questions at any time.

    We have both one person and two person tents available. Whilst we recommend sharing a tent to reduce pack weight, it is not a requirement. If you choose to use a one person tent, this will equate to carrying roughly an extra 325g.

    Telstra provides the best mobile phone coverage on the AAWT. Whilst not always guaranteed, we have found that we have had service at some point almost every day along the tour (most consistently at high points and mountain passes). Please note that the reception may not always be good enough to hold a phone conversation, however text messages will generally send with time.

    Additionally, both guides will be carrying devices with inReach satellite technology to always have an open line of communication.

    The Australian Alps Walking Track offers a diverse range of terrains and track qualities. We will spend time walking along well-formed tracks, as well as navigating off trail. Hikers will experience steep ascents and descents, river crossings and trekking through uneven terrain.

    All participants must be over the age of 18. Participants over the age of 65 require medical clearance from their doctor to partake in this tour.

    The entire group will meet in Canberra the afternoon before the tour starts. We will issue your gear and perform a mandatory final gear check. All participants must attend. This is a safety measure to ensure everyone is carrying the appropriate gear for the remote, alpine environments we will encounter.

    All participants are required to have adequate travel insurance that covers the following: 

    1. Medical evacuation by air, land, or sea. Please note that any evacuation deemed necessary by the guides will be the financial responsibility of the guest.  
    2. Potential losses, damages, or injuries, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.  

    Note that The Adventure Gene’s cancellation fees apply and cannot be waived. 

    You may change your trip start date, or transfer to another trip, if you notify us more than 90 days before departure. 

    If you wish to cancel your trip and cannot transfer to another trip, we will charge the following per person: 

    • 60-90 days before departure: 25% of trip price 
    • 30-59 days before departure: 50% of trip price 
    • 15-29 days before departure: 75% of trip price 
    • 14 days or less before departure: 100% of trip price 

    No refunds will be given for unused services after the trip starts. Full payment is required 90 days before trip departure. If payment is not received by the due date, we reserve the right to cancel your booking. 

    For more information about the AAWT, please see our AAWT Track Guide. Alternatively, feel free to send us a message and we will be able to help you out!

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