Ascent of Mont Perdu and high-altitude bivouac
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 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-Emissions3.24 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
Spanish
In a few words
Reaching the summit of Mont Perdu at 3,355 meters requires significant effort, but the emotions felt at the end of the climb will be a reward worthy of the feat! You're embarking on an extraordinary hiking adventure , climbing the Brèche de Roland and traversing the ridges overlooking the Cirque de Gavarnie . Set up your bivouac at 3,000 meters altitude and contemplate the largest canyons in Europe before conquering the highest limestone mountain on the continent! An exceptional route, in the heart of the Mont Perdu National Park, for two days of hiking and a wild, sporty adventure in a unique setting !
The highlights
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A wild and unique route, a UNESCO-listed site, straddling 2 national parks.
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The ascent of Mont Perdu at 3355 meters altitude in a limestone desert.
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A view of the Ordesa and Anisclo canyons, among the deepest in Europe.
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Sporty
Two physically demanding days at altitude with a lot of length, significant elevation changes, and an altitude constantly around 3000 m., including at night.
Many rocky off-trail sections, some easy climbing sections but which require a good level of fitness.
You're sure to sleep well tonight!
The weight of the bag (10 to 12 kg) is an element not to be overlooked.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 9h
- Average distance/day: 14 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 900 m
- Average daily descent: 900 m
- Maximum altitude: 3355 m
Management
French
English
Spanish
A specialist guide in the field, who knows the classics and variations like the back of his hand!
With the added advantage of being able to provide you with a wealth of information on the fauna, flora, and history of the valleys like you couldn't find anywhere else!
Supervised by a state-certified mountain guide who knows the area perfectly.
Program
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Crossing the Brèche de Roland, climbing the Tour du Marboré and setting up camp
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Maximum altitude 3009 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Starting from the Col des Tentes and passing through the Brèche de Roland. Ascent to the summit of La Tour (3009 m) followed by a wild and panoramic route along the ridges of the Cirque de Gavarnie, until reaching the Col de la Cascade where we will spend the night bivouacking. A magnificent first day where it is not uncommon to observe numerous birds of prey.
Day 1 -
Ascent of Mont Perdu
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 10h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 1700 m
- Maximum altitude 3355 m
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We'll set off with light packs towards Mont Perdu, then begin our trek across a vast, desert-like landscape of contrasting colors at the foot of Marboré. We'll climb 400 meters to reach the summit of Mont Perdu. The return journey will follow the same route, crossing the French border to reach the Col des Tentes, where we started the day before.
Day 2
Note
The program may be modified without prior notice by the guide depending on the conditions encountered during the stay: weather, group form, may influence the chosen itinerary.
Accommodation
One night bivouacking in a 3-person tent (to be shared with another participant), self-inflating mattress.
Access
Meet in Soulom, then carpool to the Col des Tentes pass in Gavarnie, the starting point of the hike. Pick-up is possible in one of the villages along the route: Luz-Saint-Sauveur, Gèdre, or Gavarnie. Please let us know where you are staying the night before.
Go to the starting point
Plane or train to Lourdes.
Then take the Lio bus, line 965 to Pierrefitte-Nestalas (village next to Soulom), or Luz-Saint-Sauveur or Gavarnie.
https://www.lio-occitanie.fr/
Then Taxis, Lio transport to the meeting point.
Free parking at Place de la Fête in Soulom (1st meeting point), free at Col des Tentes in Gavarnie if you take your vehicle to go to the start of the hike.
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a state-certified mountain guide
- Loan of camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, backpacks)
The price does not include
- Meals
- Insurance
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 provided on site
BIVOUAC EQUIPMENT (all equipment can be borrowed):
- 1 backpack of approximately 50 liters
- 1 tent,
- 1 floor mat
- 1 sleeping bag liner or "meat sack"
- 1 duvet (comfort temperature 5°C)
- 1 headlamp (available for loan)
Equipment to bring
- 1 backpack of approximately 50L
- 1 tent
- 1 floor mat
- 1 sleeping bag sheet or "meat sack"
- 1 duvet (comfort temperature 5°C)
- 1 headlamp (available for loan)
- 1 waterproof bag or heavy-duty bin bag to keep belongings dry
- 1 water bottle of at least 1.5L (remember to fill it) + 1 small thermos (optional)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm
- 1 small toiletry kit + toilet paper
- Hiking boots, preferably high-tops with excellent ankle support and a lugged sole.
Possibility of lending all bivouac equipment (backpack, tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag sheet, sleeping bag, headlamp).
Clothing to bring
- 1 long-sleeved t-shirt (preferably made of synthetic material)
- 2 short-sleeved t-shirts (preferably made of synthetic material)
- 1 thin long-sleeved fleece
- 1 warm and thick garment (sweater, thick fleece, down jacket...)
- 1 waterproof jacket
- 1 short
- 1 pair of mountain trousers
- 1 change of jogging pants for the evening
- 1 beanie
- 1 pair of thin gloves
- 1 cap or a hat
- 2 pairs of hiking socks
They traveled with us
