Lach dei Negher / Lech dei Giai (Dolomiti)

Lach dei Negher – Lech dei Giai

A wonderful alpine lake in the heart of the Marmolada Group

The Lach dei Negher (toponym used in Val Biois) or Lech dei Giai (name used on the Val Pettorina side) is a stunning alpine lake in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Dolomites, certainly one of the most famous in the Agordino area.

Located near the alpine pass of Forcella dei Negher (or Forcella di Lech dei Giai in Val Pettorina), the lake sits at an altitude of 2,205 meters a.s.l. in the heart of the Cime d’Auta sub-group (Marmolada Group), in the Province of Belluno.

🏔️ SUMMARY HIKING FACT SHEET

Altitude: 2,205 m a.s.l.
Mountain Group: Cime d’Auta (Marmolada Group)
Positive Elevation Gain: Approx. 1,000 m (depending on the starting point)
Difficulty: E (Hiking) — Requires good physical fitness
Starting Points: Feder in Canale d’Agordo (Val Biois) or Sottoguda / Malga Ciapela (Val Pettorina)

Lach dei Negher, or Lech dei Giai, alpine lake in the UNESCO Dolomites — Lach dei Negher or Lech dei Giai from Forcella dei Negher

This beautiful natural body of water is particularly appreciated for its gorgeous emerald hues: the Lach dei Negher / Lech dei Giai features a chromatic range from emerald green to dark blue, shades that stand out brilliantly against the surrounding landscape in all seasons.

Lach dei Negher / Lech dei Giai in Agordino, the Heart of the Dolomites — Lach dei Negher (Lech dei Giai) looking towards Val Pettorina

The lake is set within the context of the Marmolada Group, Auta Chain Sub-group, in a specially protected area belonging to the Natura 2000 Network and protected by UNESCO (System 2 of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Dolomites).

Wonderfully nestled between Crepa Rossa (2,360 m), Mont Alt d’Auta (2,545 m), and Cima d’Auta Orientale (2,645 m), it is located in a spectacular setting with 360-degree views of the most famous peaks of the Dolomites: Pelmo, Civetta, Antelao, Tofane, Marmolada, and Pale di San Martino.

View from Lach dei Negher Lech dei Giai — The “Silver Wall” of the Marmolada from Mont’Alt di Auta

Geology and Wildlife

In addition to its scenic appeal, important geological curiosities can be observed on-site: the white dolomite towers contrast in many points of the Auta Chain with dark volcanic rock formations. To learn more about the geological history of these places, check out our article on the Falcade Geological Trail.

The area also offers excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife: marmots and ibex populate the surroundings of the lake. Ibex can easily be observed in large herds, but they must be treated with the utmost respect: they should not be approached, frightened, or disturbed with shouts and whistles, and feeding them is illegal.

Panorama from Lach dei Negher — The Aute near Lach dei Negher

How to Reach Lach dei Negher / Lech dei Giai

The hike to Lach dei Negher does not present technical mountaineering difficulties, but it requires good physical preparation due to the elevation gain of about 1,000 meters. The lake can be accessed from two distinct sides:

From Val Biois: The main routes start from the hamlet of Feder in Canale d’Agordo via CAI Trail 687 or by following the Shepherds’ High Route (Alta Via dei Pastori).
From Val Pettorina: You ascend from the village of Sottoguda in Rocca Pietore along CAI Trail 1688 (which connects to trail 687), or from Malga Ciapela via CAI Trail 687.

These are well-marked, well-maintained, signposted, and widely known trails. For questions or updates on trail conditions, the Tourist Offices of Val Biois and Val Pettorina are at your disposal.

⚠️ Respect and environmental protection: Maintain responsible behavior by avoiding swimming in the lake so as not to alter its delicate biological balance. Do not leave litter behind and always bring all types of waste back down with you.

Lach dei Negher Lech dei Giai Dolomites — The peaks of the Auta Chain with Pelsa, Civetta, Pelmo, and Antelao in the background

Legends and Trivia

A local legend tells of a chance encounter between a young man from Rocca Pietore and the mythological Eivane (or Ondine), beautiful and shy creatures that appeared at sunset, protected by rough-mannered dwarves. Read the complete legend of the Eivane of Lech dei Giai by clicking here.