ORDESA GAVARNIE TREK
From France to Spain, and back again
This 4-7 day trek takes you to the Ordesa Canyon and the glacial cirques of the Mont Perdu World Heritage Area, Gavarnie, Estaubé and Troumouse. The incredibly contrasting landscapes on the north and south sides of the Pyrenees, and the overwhelming beauty of it all, are the highlights of this trek.
Tour details
The Mont Perdu World Heritage Area covers an area taking in parts of both the French Pyrenees National Park and the Ordesa-Monte Perdido Spanish National Park. It is only one of only a very few trans-boundary sites listed on the World Heritage register for under more than one criteria.
Budget
495€ - 930€ per person (min 2 people, 3-7 nights)
Price depends on itinerary decided with clients and depending on number of days, accommodation and number of taxis.
There are options and the best itinerary really depends on your level of fitness and the type of accommodation you would prefer.
Include :
- Marked maps & walks notes for each day with GPS tracks
- Full briefing prior to departure
- Transfers where no public transport is possible
- B&B hotels 2 nights, 5 nights full board hostels
- General assistance during your stay
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Luz on the bus from Lourdes and walk 2 mins to reception at Hotel des Cimes to check in. Organise a time for your briefing. We can suggest a walk around the town or valley depending on the time you have. Choose from one of the restaurants around town for dinner if you are staying in the hotel. Shop for picnic supplies for your first day.
Day 2
After breakfast we transfer you up to Col des Tentes at 2200m, nearly on the Spanish border. From here you have a longish descent to Torla, past the mythical Bujaruelo Refuge and through the wonderful forest next to the river along the GR11. You will be glad to arrive in Torla and the comfortable hostel there for the night. Dinner and bed in preparation for tomorrow's walk in the Ordesa Canyon.
Day 3
A good breakfast ensures you are ready for a big day today. Collect your picnic lunches, and set off for the bus which will take you up to the Ordesa carpark. From here you climb steeply up one side of the canyon to a ledge path leading along one side. Wonderful views from here and then a traverse towards the head of the canyon and its waterfall. Descend via the valley bottom and return to the bus and Torla for the night. This is a big day and a shorter alternative is possible.
Day 4
We've booked a taxi to Bujaruelo for you, to make the day a reasonable length. You climb from there back up to the border and descend to Gavarnie village for the night. Wonderful views of the Gavarnie Cirque as you descend.
Day 5
Today you have an classic walk around the Gavarnie Cirque, and if you'd like, an extension to the foot of the Grand Cascade. Spectacular all round. You'll spend the night perched high above the cirque in a refuge at 2000m.
Day 6
From the heights above Gavanrie Cirque you climb to the pass above and head over into the Estaubé Cirque. Walk down towards the Gloriettes dam and across a high plateau before your descent to a lovely auberge in Héas.
Day 7
A spectacular last day allows the possibility for a day walk around the Troumouse Cirque. Our alternative path takes you through a natural doorway, giving a spectacular entry. This finishes your discovery of the three glacial cirques of the World Heritage Area. Collection and return to Luz for the night.
Notes
- We have organised this itinerary to make it accessible to most mountain walkers. It remains however, relatively challenging.
- It is possible to split the week into two parts