Passo di Publino, Mountain pass in Lombardy, Italy.
Passo di Publino is a mountain pass at around 2,400 meters (7,900 feet) that connects the upper Val Brembana with the Val del Livrio valley in the Italian Alps. The pass sits on exposed ridgelines where Alpine meadows meet rocky outcrops, with trails leading to several nearby peaks and refuges.
The pass evolved over centuries as a vital route between isolated Alpine valleys, allowing herders to move livestock and communities to exchange goods and knowledge. While modern transport routes have changed, the path remains a direct connection across the high divide.
Local mountain communities have built their lives around these high valleys and still use the terrain for grazing and seasonal activities. You can see this connection to the land reflected in how people move through and care for the landscape.
The climb requires mountain experience and sturdy boots, particularly when wet or during early season when snow may linger. Plan your route early in the day and check conditions before starting, as weather at the pass can shift quickly.
A side route heading east to Pizzo Zerna lets visitors climb that summit and descend toward Lake Publino and the Caprari shelter area nearby. This detour offers fewer crowds and a chance to see how the valleys look from the opposite direction.
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