Welcome to the Top End! After all the preparation and fundraising, your adventure begins. On arrival in Alice Springs make your way to the Mercure Hotel for overnight (breakfast included). At 3:30pm this afternoon, there is a compulsory pre-trip briefing with your guides at the Lone Dingo Camping and Outdoor Store on the corner of Todd Mall and Gregory Terrace. Overnight Mercure Alice Springs

Meals:  Nil

Our walk begins at the official eastern trailhead of the Larapinta Trail - the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station. This is where the trail truly starts, and from here, you'll walk westward, all the way to the summit of Mt Sonder. Few itineraries cover this much of the trail - from its symbolic beginning through to its most iconic finish. You’ll be picked up from your accommodation between 7:00-7:30am. Please ensure you’ve had breakfast beforehand, as most cafés will be closed before departure (pre-purchasing is recommended). The first section of the Larapinta Trail sets out through witchetty bush, mulga scrub and bird-filled shady woodlands before climbing onto the exposed spine of Euro Ridge - offering sweeping views back toward Alice Springs and the surrounding desert ranges. From here, the trail leads into Wallaby Gap - one of the first of many natural highlights. After a short vehicle transfer, you’ll arrive at Nick’s Camp - one of the three exclusive, architect-designed Eco-Comfort Camps you'll experience along the trail. Set among desert oaks with commanding views of the Heavitree Range, this is where you’ll settle in, enjoy bush-style hospitality, and sample native-inspired cuisine prepared by local specialist Rayleen Brown. Walking time: 5-8 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today you have the choice of two walks, each highlighting Larapinta’s natural beauty and cultural significance. The shorter option is the Standley Chasm Loop (Section 3, 10km). From Nick’s Camp, walk west through shady Bloodwoods and tall Ironwoods across the narrow alluvial plains, with the chance to spot Black-footed Rock Wallabies near Simpsons Gap. A short transfer then takes you to Standley Chasm, where you’ll enjoy a cultural talk and walk within this privately managed reserve on Arrernte country. After exploring the Chasm and a relaxed picnic lunch, return to camp. Walking Time: 3-5 hours Alternatively, the more challenging Brinkley Bluff return (Section 4, 20km) is a full-day hike with a steady climb to one of the highest points on the Larapinta Trail. The summit rewards you with sweeping panoramic views across the West MacDonnell Ranges before returning to Nick’s Camp. Walking Time: 7-9 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today’s highlight is the 5km walk along the crest of the high ridge leading to Counts Point. From here we have clear views of Central Australia’s western horizon to Mt Zeil (1531m), the highest peak in the Northern Territory, and Mt Sonder which marks the end of the Larapinta Trail. We can also see the huge comet crater of Gosse Bluff, a feature of the landscape for the next few days. We descend from the high ridgetop though mysterious stands of mulga trees. At the base of the ridge we follow a track of dolomite limestone toward camp; keep your eye out for fossil stromatolites under foot, one of the most ancient forms of life. Stepping off the main trail, we follow our private track to Charlie’s Camp, named in honour of pioneering Larapinta guide Charlie Holmes. Tonight’s camp is nestled in secluded wilderness at the foothills of Counts Point. Spend the evening relaxing around the campfire while your guides prepare a scrumptious dinner. Walking Time: 5.5-6.5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we enjoy the best side walk of the entire Larapinta Trail: Ormiston Pound. The Pound offers an immense variety of extraordinary scenery and is the perfect walk to complete our journey. We explore the upper reaches of the Gorge where we may see Rock Wallabies scamper about the imposing cliffs, and follow the track through scrub filled with native birds: Spinifex Pigeon, Budgerigar and Mistletoe Bird. Keep an eye out overhead for the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle, Australia’s largest raptor. This walk includes an unavoidable water crossing, through still, cold water. The water level varies throughout the season but can be up to 1m deep in the early season. The water crossing is about 20m across, and your guides will be there to assist. After lunch we transfer to Fearless Camp for a relaxed afternoon in preparation of our early start tomorrow. Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Weaving your way up to the 1380m summit of this majestic mountain following only the glittering light of your head-torch, surrounded by deep and peaceful darkness, is a truly inspiring experience... and watching the sunrise from the top is unforgettable! Mount Sonder is the official end and highest point of the entire Larapinta Trail and as such we have expansive views across the entire vast landscape we have been exploring over the last few days. It is a spectacular way to end this iconic desert walk and it is also a cooler time to do it. We descend to Redbank Gorge and can enjoy a great brunch back at camp. After an optional swim in the Finke River we board the bus and transfer back to Alice Springs. Sitting back and watching the now familiar ancient desert landscape slide by the bus window gives most trekkers a sense of awe and satisfaction. Congratulations on all you have achieved over the last five days! We will drop you at the Mercure Hotel at approximately 4-5pm. This evening your group may like to arrange a celebratory dinner together at one of Alice’s great eateries. Walking Time: 7-8 hours

Meals:  B,L

Arrangements conclude after breakfast with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.

Meals:  B