A Guide to Hiking the Carasc Tibetan Bridge in Ticino

Here is the ultimate guide when undertaking the breathtaking Carasc Tibetan Bridge hike in Ticino!

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable hiking experience as we delve into the exhilarating world of conquering Ticino’s own Tibetan Bridge.

Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring Ticino landscapes, this heart-pounding trail offers hikers the perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty.

Picture yourself surrounded by the northern hills of Ticino bravely traversing the narrow Tibetan Bridge suspended 130 metres above the ground.

Join us as we guide you through the ins and outs of this remarkable hike, providing valuable tips and insider knowledge to ensure a seamless and rewarding journey.

So, lace up your hiking boots, buckle your backpack, and get ready to experience the Tibetan Bridge hike in Ticino!

Plan your Hike to the Tibetan Bridge in Ticino

 A few things you have to know before you are heading off on your hike.

There is more than one trail leading to the Tibetan Bridge in Ticino. Below I have stated some of the different ways to hike to the bridge so choose whichever trail suits you best.

Easier option with cable car

The bridge is easily reachable thanks to the cable car Monte Carasso – Curzùtt and you can save yourself a hard climb by taking the cable car. We chose this option because we love a ride in any cable car. Further down this page you will find the full hiking description.

• Total length to the bridge from Curzùtt = 2.1 km
• Gain in Altitude – 183m
• Descent – 93m

It is then up to you whether you hike the loop down to Sementina or hike back to Curzùtt and descend with the Monte Carasso cable car.

Hike up to Carasc Tibetan Bridge – direct route

 If you are up for a bit of exercise, then start in Sementina and hike straight up through the forest.

This direct mountain path is steep and requires some level of fitness.

• Distance to reach the Tibetan bridge – 2.5 km
• Gain in altitude – 754 m
• Total distance to Curzùtt – 4.8 km

Follow the Giro del ponte Tibetano

 You start at the same point as the direct trail in Sementina, but then follow the signs for the Giro del ponte Tibetano. This route is longer but not as steep as the direct route.

• Distance to reach the Tibetan bridge – 3.4 km
• Gain in altitude – 754m
• Total distance to Curzùtt – 6.7 km

Monte Carasso Cable Car Station

 It is important to pre book your place in the 8-person cabin in advance!

During peak season and without a reservation, you risk to wait hours until a place is free. Or maybe even have to come back another day.

For transport outside of staffed operating hours the cable car runs automatically. After buying a ticket at the ticket machine, it is possible to reach the three destinations (between 06:30 and 21:30) or go downhill by simply pressing the button inside the cabin (also possible after 21:30).

Price: Adults Chf 10.- children Chf 5.- one way only.

In case you hike down to Monte Carasso cable car station from Curzùtt you need to know that it is 1.8 km with a descent of 360m.

The path zigzags under the cable car.

Parking

There are only a few parking places right at the cable car station in Monte Carasso and these places fill up quickly.

And to find places around Monte Carasso and Sementina is difficult.

Therefore, we and Ticino Tourismo advise you to arrive with public transport if possible.

Ticino Ticket

Overnight guests staying in Ticino with a participating accommodation provider (campsites included) will receive the “Ticino Ticket”. With it you can travel for free on all public transport systems (buses and trains). Plus it gives discounts on boats, mountain transport and other activities.

And it enables you to get a discounted fare for this ride. Ask your hotel, campsite or Air BnB in Ticino to issue you the Ticino Ticket.

Public transport

From Bellinzona – take the bus to Monte Carasso, Urènn/Funivia – 7 minutes ride

From Acona/Locarno – take the train first to Bellinzona and change to the Bus Monte Carasso, Urènn/Funivia – total journey time 56 minutes.

The bus stop Monte Carasso Urènn/Funiva is only 3 minutes’ walk from the cable car Monte Carasso – Curzùtt.

This is how we hiked to the Tibetan Bridge in Ticino

First we enjoyed the ride in the Monte Carasso cable car, played a bit at the playground in Curzùtt, hiked to the bridge and down the direct steep trail.

The following photos will give you a virtual feel stage by stage.

Monte Carasso Cable Car

With our tickets booked in advance we started the day with the 10:15h ride. It was perfect. To our surprise the whole day was quiet despite being a Saturday during a bank holiday weekend,  .

The cabin is, like we know from many other areas in Ticino, small and semi self-operated. Maximum 8 persons have place and your backpacks have to be in a box outside.

It is a short ride with beautiful views over the Bellinzona valley.

For the Tibetan bridge you will have to exit half way at Curzùtt.

The Hamlet of Curzùtt

Situated at 612 m above sea level is the hamlet of Curzútt, a slice of paradise on the upper hillside of Monte Carasso. Rural buildings, a restaurant and auberge are calling this tiny village their home.

You could easily spend the whole day here, have a picnic or enjoy a delicious lunch at the restaurant.

And if you would like to experience this place further, book yourself a room and stay the night.

You can see that the whole area has been renovated and enhanced by a local association – the Curzútt – San Barnárd Foundation.

Hike to the the San Bernardo church

Follow the hiking signs towards the Tibetan bridge and soon after leaving Curzùtt the Romanesque Church – San Bernardo – comes into sight. Poking out of the forest in the near distance.

It is a beautiful path with stone walls separating the trail and the fields before leading into the forest.

After less than 1 km we reached the church. Wow, such a pretty place.

Surrounded by large chestnut trees, a few stone houses and looking down over the Bellinzona Valley.

An incredible location with an amazing view.

Even to just hike to here is well worth it and a great family day out.

We were lucky and someone was at the church so the door was open. Amazing old frescos cover the walls in this holy place.

Art & Crafts shop

 To our surprise there is also a small art & crafts shop. Check out the beehive that is right next to the path.

The climb towards the Tibetan bridge

Ok, let’s start the real hike. Until here it was more of a stroll, but the next 1.5 km is more or less uphill through the woods.

Some great photographs of the area are placed along the trail which was a nice surprise.

We are still following the signs indicating Giro del Ponte Tibetano. And finally, we see the masterpiece between the trees.

The last few metres to the bridge are downhill.

History – Carasc Tibetan bridge Ticino

Inaugurated in May 2015, Carasc Tibetan Bridge is a unique experience and anyone visiting the Bellinzona area should take the walk across.

270 m long and 130 m high, the suspension bridge crosses the valley that separates the areas of Monte Carasso and Sementina.

Absolutely beautiful. But to be honest we missed the Tibetan prayer flags we have seen on other bridges in Switzerland. It would have given an even a more special feeling when traversing it.

Hike back to Monte Carasso – Sementina

For the next 1.8 km we climbed down large steps, rocks and narrow trails all the way to Sementina.

If you plan to hike up this way, be prepared for a good climb and make sure you have good hiking boots and probably even poles.

During rain or shortly afterwards this might not be the safest trail. For the direct route follow the signs to Sementina.

You have the option to change the route to the longer and less steep descent 700m after leaving the bridge. In this case you would follow the signs for San Defendete and then Sementina.

Alternatives when Hiking the Carasc Tibetan Bridge

 If you feel like spending the whole day on the mountain you can ride the full length of the Monte Carasso cable car all the way to Morera in 10 minutes.

Enjoy the views at the top, maybe even have lunch before riding back down to Curzùtt, and starting your hike to the Carasc Tibetan bridge.

Hiking Map Carasc Tibetan Bridge Ticino

Click on the map to get full access. You will be able to see the different hiking trails as well.

Where to stay when hiking the Tibetan Bridge in Ticino

If you wish to stay close to the Carasc Tibetan bridge hike, the best choice would be a Hotel in the Bellinzona Region.

For our 3 days Ticino itinerary we stayed in Giubiasco at the Hotel La Tureta, a side village of Bellinzona. The hotel is perfectly situated only 10 minutes walk to the train station which made it super easy for us to connect with Ascona-Locarno and Lugano, and to embark on many hikes in Ticino.

Some other great hotel suggestions in Ticino are:

Bed & Breakfast
One place we highly recommend is the B&B Ca san Matteo in Cagiallo (Capriasco). A chic quiet place you will soon call home. You do need a car to explore all four Ticino regions when staying there.

Apartments
Maybe this apartment, the GaLa Appartamento could be perfect for your visit in Bellinzona. Perfect if you like to be a bit more independent.

The Casa al Sole apartment in Morcote is a dream place to relax after your day travelling around Ticino.

Hotels
The Luganodante, located in the historic heart of the city Lugano and in the financial district. This 4-star superior hotel is located in the quiet Piazza Cioccaro. Very central and perfect to explore Lugano on Bike

For something a bit more chic and different why not stay right at Lago Maggiore in the Holiday Hotel Yachtsport Resort . Being immersed in the hills overlooking Ascona makes this hotel in Ticino a perfect retreat.

If any of these hotel suggestions in Ticino are not suitable for you browse the map below.

Our thoughts about this Hike in Ticino

We absolutely loved it and to be able to cross the bridge was great.

To do the full loop I would say you definitely need to have some level of fitness. If you are not sure whether you can manage the steep downhill or uphill make sure you follow the signs for Giro del Ponte Tibetano. This is longer but less steep.

If a long downhill hike (or uphill) is not something you would like to do, I suggest you do a there and back hike from the cable car stop. From Curzùtt to the Tibetan Bridge still has some uphill and downhill on uneven grounds, but is nothing like doing the whole loop.

Whichever option you choose, we definitely recommend to add the Carasc Tibetan bridge to your Ticino Itinerary. And another great family hike in Ticino is the Morcote hike starting from Lugano.

Ticino Moments

With these Ticino Blog Posts you should be able to plan an epic trip in this most beautiful Swiss canton.

• 11 Colourful Hikes in Ticino
• The Colours of Ticino – Visit the 4 Regions and discover its dedicated colour
• Biking or Hiking in the hidden Val Piora
• Parco san Grato to Morcote Hike
• 24 things to do and see of the best Ticino moments
• Lugano Bike routes for Families & questions answered when taking your bike to Lugano
• Ascona – Locarno. Best Places to Visit in Ticino with Kids
• Things to do in Lugano. 4 Day Travel Itinerary
• The BoBosco Trail – Verzasca Valley – Family Theme Trail
• Theme Trail – La Via Del Ceneri im Tessin

So, grab your hiking boots, embrace the vivid colours, and let Ticino’s breathtaking landscapes during the Carasc Tibetan bridge hike be your canvas for unforgettable adventures. Happy hiking!

Any questions you may have, please drop them below in the comments. This helps other readers to join in the conversation and benefit from your queries.

Thank you & Never Forget to Explore

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