In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelExpert
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DestinationGavarnie / Néouvielle Massif
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions37.87 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
Spanish
English
In a few words
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Monte Perdido , a jewel nestled between France and Spain . This six-day tour takes you to discover breathtaking landscapes. On the French side, you'll traverse the majestic glacial cirques of Gavarnie , Troumouse , and Estaubé , true natural treasures. On the other side of the border, immerse yourself in the immensity of the Spanish canyons: Ordesa , Anisclo , and Pineta , where nature expresses itself in all its splendor.
The ascent of Mont Perdu , reaching a height of 3,355 meters, will be the highlight of your stay. This challenging hike will reward you with breathtaking panoramas, from limestone peaks to verdant valleys. Each stage of this trek promises total immersion in a unique, mineral world, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This trip is ideal for hiking enthusiasts and lovers of wide-open spaces, seeking an authentic and rejuvenating experience. Prepare to explore World Heritage sites and embark on an extraordinary adventure, amidst spectacular peaks and canyons.
The highlights
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A UNESCO World Heritage site, straddling two national parks
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The great Cirques of Gavarnie, Troumouse, Estaubé and the Spanish canyons
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The passage through the Brèche de Roland and the summit of Mont Perdu
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
A demanding route, both technically and physically, for experienced hikers.
The stages are almost all long, with significant elevation gain that will follow one after another day, putting the body to the test. Many sections are at high altitude, which will require a good level of physical fitness.
Both uphill and downhill, many sections are steep, you need to arrive in good physical condition.
The terrain is very technical. While some sections of the trail are runnable, many parts are very rocky, and using your hands is commonplace. Some sections are exposed and require good control over your fear of heights.
Feel free to contact us for advice before registering.
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 12 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 950 m
- Average daily descent: 867 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
Spanish
English
One of our team's guides will lead you on this route. He knows this mountain range, its history, and its hidden corners perfectly. He will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trek.
Program
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From Gavarnie to the Roland's Breach refuge
- Transportation Car - 01h - 32km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 1250 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The hike begins in the mid-morning from the village of Gavarnie . The trail starts with a gradual climb leading to the Bellevue plateau , offering an unobstructed view of the north face of the Cirque de Gavarnie and its waterfalls. The path continues to ascend, gradually emerging from the forest. The meadows give way to a more rocky and glacial landscape, characteristic of the Mont Perdu massif . The day ends at the Brèche de Roland refuge , where you can enjoy dinner and a restful night.
Day 1 -
From the Roland's Breach refuge to the Goriz refuge
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 260 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a hearty breakfast at the Sarradets refuge (2587 m), a short climb leads to the famous Brèche de Roland (2807 m). This spectacular passage marks the entrance onto the Spanish side, revealing breathtaking landscapes. The descent offers a complete change of scenery with magnificent panoramas of the Ordesa Canyon , before reaching the Goriz refuge (2150 m). The day is relatively short, but it's possible to extend the experience with a 7 km option via the Vire des Fleurs , a unique route. This stage can thus be tailored to your preferences, in the heart of one of Europe's most beautiful national parks.
Dinner is served at the refuge, followed by a night in a tent at the Goriz refuge .
Day 2 -
Ascent of Mount Perdido
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 1150 m
- Negative elevation 1150 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast at the Goriz refuge, we begin the ascent of Monte Perdido , which rises to 3,355 meters. This summit, the third highest in the Pyrenees and the highest limestone peak in Europe, offers breathtaking views. From its summit, the spectacular landscapes of the surrounding canyons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretch as far as the eye can see. We then descend at a leisurely pace back to the Goriz refuge, located at 2,150 meters.
Back at the refuge, a convivial dinner awaits us to help us regain our strength. We spend the night in tents, in a unique natural setting, near the Goriz refuge.
Day 3 -
From the Goriz refuge to the Pineta refuge
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 1490 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast at the Goriz refuge, we set off at an altitude of 2150 m. The trail gradually leads us to the Goriz pass at 2343 m, where we enjoy a panoramic view. We continue along the Faja de las Olas , a spectacular route that takes us to the Anisclo pass at 2456 m. From there, the Pineta valley stretches as far as the eye can see. A long, technical descent finally brings us to the Pineta refuge, located at 1240 m. Dinner and overnight stay at the Pineta refuge.
Day 4 -
From the Pineta refuge to the Maillet refuge
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 1490 m
- Negative elevation 910 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The hike begins at the Pineta refuge , at an altitude of 1240 m. The ascent starts gently, following the valley, offering a peaceful setting to begin the day. Gradually, the trail gains altitude to reach the Larri pastoral plateau , located at 1575 m.
The landscape becomes wilder and more mountainous as you progress. A climb through a high mountain environment leads to the Port de la Canau pass , perched at 2,741 meters. This pass offers a breathtaking view of the Cirque de Troumouse . The descent then begins in a rocky valley, a welcome challenge for the legs after these intense days. The hike ends at the Auberge du Maillet , where a comforting dinner awaits.
Day 5 -
From Maillet to Gavarnie
- Transportation Car - 01h - 32km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After a hearty breakfast at the inn, the day begins with an exploration of the Cirque de Troumouse , a spectacular site surrounded by imposing peaks. The landscape then evolves to reveal the Cirque d'Estaubé , equally impressive with its distinctive rock formations. At the end of the day, a final climb leads to the Hourquette d'Alans , offering breathtaking panoramic views before the descent to the charming village of Gavarnie . The trip concludes around 5 pm .
Day 6
Note
Program content:
The program may be modified without notice by the guide depending on the conditions encountered during the stay: weather, snow conditions, group fitness, may influence the chosen itinerary.
Transportation :
We organize carpooling between the meeting point and the village of Gavarnie; some guides have minibuses: there may be space in their vehicle.
Luggage transport : There is no luggage transport on this trip as the mountain huts are not accessible by vehicle. You will need to carry your backpack each day with all the essentials for your stay. We will provide you with a packing list approximately one week before departure to help you pack light.
Accommodation
Access
End of stay on day 6 at the Pierrefitte-Nestalas school.
Go to the starting point
Lourdes train station then bus from Lourdes to Pierrefitte-Nestalas:
Bus information and timetables, line 965 to Pierrefitte-Nestalas: https://www.lio-occitanie.fr/
Tarbes-Lourdes Airport then shuttle bus to Lourdes.
https://www.tlp.aeroport.fr/page/navettes-bus
By car: Motorway to Tarbes, then departmental road D821 to the village of Pierrefitte-Nestalas.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation at the refuge
- Full board
- Supervision by a state-certified mountain guide
The price does not include
- Lunch on Day 1
- Personal equipment
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Suitable walking shoes
- 1 x 40L backpack
- 1 waterproof bag or heavy-duty bin bag to keep belongings dry
- 1 1.5L bottle
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- A sleeping bag sheet ( meat sack )
- 1 small toiletry kit
- 1 small personal pharmacy
- Toilet paper
- 1 headlamp
- 1 cap or a hat
- A snack, cereal bars, cakes, energy fruits for breaks.
- Camera
Clothing to bring
- 1 long-sleeved t-shirt
- 3 short-sleeved t-shirts
- 1 thin long-sleeved fleece
- 1 warm and thick garment
- 1 waterproof jacket
- 1 short
- 1 pair of mountain trousers
- 1 change of pants, like jogging pants or tights, for the evening
- 1 beanie
- 1 pair of thin gloves
- 2 pairs of hiking socks
They traveled with us
