Upper Aspe Valley: Wild and pastoral Pyrenean hiking
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationPyrenees / Pyrénées-Atlantiques
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AgeFrom 14 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions13.82 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
Embark on a three-day trek through the heart of the wild Pyrenees , in an unspoiled region where pastoral traditions endure. Here, shepherds still craft sheep's cheese using time-honored methods, amidst a spectacular landscape sculpted by time. You'll journey between colorful ridges , high-altitude meadows , and glacial cirques , in a mineral world inhabited by agile chamois and majestic birds of prey .
This trek reveals remarkable biodiversity and landscapes of astonishing geology , with striking contrasts. Each step transports you to a world apart, punctuated by the discreet passage of wild animals and the raw beauty of the terrain.
The route, partly crossing the border, invites you to traverse the ridges and discover the Spanish slopes, offering a unique immersion in one of the most unspoiled regions of the Pyrenees. A truly refreshing adventure , perfect for lovers of wide-open spaces , authentic encounters , and pristine nature .
The highlights
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A wild and varied route between France and Spain
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The encounter and exchange with a shepherd who lives there all summer
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High-quality fauna, flora and geology
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 15 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 654 m
- Average daily descent: 654 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
English
French
You will be accompanied by a guide who knows the mountain range and its every nook and cranny perfectly. He will introduce you to the local fauna and flora, as well as the unique heritage of the area.
Program
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From Espelunguère to the Arlet refuge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 760 m
- Negative elevation 70 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Starting from a valley very close to the Somport Pass, a pleasant forest marks the beginning of the hike. We soon reach the first summer pastures and their shepherd's huts. The path then continues without difficulty to reach the Banasse mountain and the Arlet refuge.
Day 1 -
Straddling the ridge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 710 m
- Negative elevation 710 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today we'll enjoy a day full of panoramic views! Staying along the edge or on the border ridge, we'll admire the landscapes on each side with pleasure. We'll hike along a wild ridge amidst sheep and chamois. We'll also enjoy the magnificent view from the summit of La Marmida (2076 m) before descending to the Spanish summer pastures to return to the refuge in the evening.
Day 2 -
On the way along the colorful paths of the southern slope
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 490 m
- Negative elevation 1180 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A change of scenery awaits us on this final day, as we descend into the green and red valleys of the southern slopes. A short climb followed by a long descent will lead us to the stunning Aguas Tuertas plateau, with its famous meanders. Then, gentle terrain will take us to a secluded and wild lake, far from the marked trails. We'll then visit the vast Estaens lake before plunging back into the forest along a path that will bring us to the end of this magnificent loop!
Day 3
Note
The program may be modified without prior notice by the guide depending on the conditions encountered during the stay: weather, snow conditions, and the group's fitness level may influence the chosen itinerary.
Accommodation
You will be staying in staffed mountain huts.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in mountain huts and dormitories
- The trip will be supervised by a state-certified Mountain Guide.
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 3
- Professional liability insurance
The price does not include
- Day 1's picnic
- Personal equipment
- Drinks and other additional consumption
- Transportation to the starting point of the hike (carpooling organized by us )
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
Loan options available:
- Bag sheet
- Backpack of approximately 40 liters
- Headlamp
Equipment to bring
- Suitable walking shoes, preferably with very good ankle support and a lugged sole.
- 1 backpack of approximately 40 litres (possibility of loan)
- 1 waterproof bag or heavy-duty bin bag to keep belongings dry
- 1 water bottle of at least 1.5 liters (remember to fill it) + 1 small thermos (optional)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen
- A sleeping bag for the night
- 1 small toiletry kit + 1 small personal first-aid kit + toilet paper
- 1 headlamp (available for loan)
- Good quality sunglasses, a cap or hat.
- Snacks such as cereal bars, cakes, or energy fruit are recommended for breaks.
- Camera, binoculars if you wish
- Walking sticks if you wish
Clothing to bring
- 1 long-sleeved t-shirt (preferably made of synthetic material or merino wool)
- 3 short-sleeved t-shirts (preferably made of synthetic material or merino wool)
- 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 pants, like jogging pants or tights, for the evening
- 1 beanie
- 1 pair of thin gloves
- 3 pairs of hiking socks
