During April 11 – 12, 2005, I trekked the beautiful Paso de Oveja (translates as  ‘sheep pass’) located in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.  This turned out to be one of the more challenging treks I have encountered, mainly due to the route finding and high amount of snow on the pass which was up to our waist in places.  I trekked with a Belgium(Thomas) and an American (Aaron) whom I bumped into in the bus ride down to Tierra del Fuego.

The trek is located close to the town of Ushuaia, we took a taxi for a short drive to the start for 10 peso, then walked up a valley following a stream, through fields of peat and beautiful trees for 3 hours.  We then turned off and headed up into the alpine environment, over the pass and camped on the other side.  The following day we walked out past beaver dams and amazing views of the Beagle channel, back down into Ushuaia.   I highly recommend this trek but be careful with route finding and the  conditions on the pass can be challenging so take the normal precautions when travelling in the mountains.

Ushuaia – the southernmost city in the world and the capital of the Argentinean province of Tierra del Fuego.

The start of the trek follows a valley through peat fields covered by snow.

Lovely river views

Horses grazing in the trees

We followed this beautiful stream for 3 hours.

Heading up towards the pass – route finding was a challenge as the snow got deeper.

The snow started to get deeper the further up we trekked and was a little cold for me wearing shorts.

The scenery changes dramatically on this trek, higher you really get the sense of being in the alpine environment.

Heading higher and higher

Thomas crossing the pass

The snow was  deepest coming down the other side.

My MACPAC tent at our campsite

View out the tent door – you can just make out the Beagle channel

Cooking dinner in the tent

Following the river out on day 2 past beaver dams.

The Beagle channel and the town of Ushuaia in the distance as we approach the end of the trek