Saar day is one of the longest riding days of the tour: 7–8 hours in the saddle, a steep descent and terrain that needs attention. In return you see the most impressive waterfall on the route.
How the Day Goes
On the 7-day tour the Saar Waterfall is day 2, our first full day in the saddle. We set off early, while it is still cool. The first hours cross open steppe at a calm pace.
The hard part is the descent into the Saar valley. The trail drops about 400 metres over a few kilometres, and some sections are narrow. It is not a technical route, but it needs a rider who can stay in the saddle for a long time and is used to uneven ground. As you go down the valley narrows and the sound of water grows.
The Waterfall
Saar Waterfall is a wide sheet of water falling over a rocky face into a pool. In early season, when snowmelt is high, the flow is very strong. The group stops here for about an hour: food, rest and photos. You can go into the water if you dare.
Who This Day Is For
Saar day is long and tiring. On riding days you spend about 8 hours in the saddle, and stamina for long days is enough to get through it. We are finalising the exact level requirement, so ask us before booking if you are unsure.
Other days on the route are also long, but Saar is a good first day to settle into the saddle, and many riders call it the best day of the tour.
Practical Information
- Difficulty: Hard, 7–8 hours riding and a steep descent
- Start: Early morning
- Bring: Water, rain jacket and camera. The spray at the falls is heavy
- Footwear: Water-resistant boots; the trail may include stream crossings
- Altitude: About 2,800 m at the start, dropping towards the valley floor
- Conditions: In May the trail can be muddy from snowmelt