A breathtaking loop in the cirques – hike from Gavarnie to Ordesa
Hiking Collection by Julien Harté
4
days
5-12 h
/ day
60.6 km
4,470 m
4,530 m
This odyssey plunges you into the heart of glacial cirques of extraordinary scale and remarkable biodiversity. Gradually, you climb the massif, enjoying the variety of landscapes. The Brèche de Roland – a stunning gap between towering rock walls – opens the door to Spain. Next, the impressive Vire des Fleurs (flower ridge) takes you over the Ordesa canyon. Finally, you arrive at a high mountain mineral world that gives you access to one of the highest peaks in the Pyrenees, Mont Perdu.
In good weather when the trails are free of snow, this hike is quite accessible provided you are used to high mountains. I advise you to wait for the last snow to melt and to schedule your adventure between the beginning of July and mid-September.
This will allow you to take full advantage of the richness of the fauna and flora. Many chamois present themselves to the more discreet and attentive hikers. If you’re patient, it’s possible to observe the emblematic bearded vultures that fly over the massif. The marmots won’t fail to signal their presence either, so keep your eyes and ears open in the valleys.
The stages that I propose lead you to a refuge every evening. However, according to park rules, there are many bivouac possibilities in a wide variety of settings: unspoilt valleys, peaks above 3,000 metres (9,843 ft), and the edges of lakes and mountain waterfalls. You can stock up on water in the refuges, but I strongly advise you to bring filtering bottles or purifying tablets. You can also take advantage of the refuges to lighten your load with a few meals, but remember to book them in advance.
Gavarnie, the start/finish of this wonderful hike, is accessible via the 965 liO bus line. Timetables change according to the season so be sure to check their website: mestrajets.lio.laregion.fr (in French). If you come by car, don't forget to pay for parking in the village.
Have a good adventure!
PS: If you liked this Collection, think about discovering this other one: komoot.com/collection/1564174.
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Activities
- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
06:23
14.3km
2.2km/h
1,460m
290m
ExpertExpert hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
The first leg of this magnificent loop sets the bar very high. Indeed, a few kilometers after leaving the village, you reach the spectacular Cirque de Gavarnie that Victor Hugo describes as follows: “It is a mountain and a wall at the same time; it is the most mysterious edifice of the most mysterious
Translated by Google •
by Julien Harté
- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
12:21
23.6km
1.9km/h
1,510m
1,900m
ExpertExpert hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.Depending on your choice the day before, you start the day by climbing or descending the Taillon, but you can also start descending towards the Col Blanc immediately after passing the Brèche de Roland. This descent will take you to the large plateau of Llanos de Salarons, a huge cairn called Torre de
Translated by Google •
by Julien Harté
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- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
06:44
9.48km
1.4km/h
1,210m
800m
ExpertExpert hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.This third stage will take you to the highest point of Ordesa Park, Mont Perdu, at 3,448 meters above sea level. Still located in Spain, it is the third highest peak in the Pyrenees.
Leaving the Goriz refuge, a long climb awaits you. The ascent leads you to the small frozen lake which partly feeds the
Translated by Google •
by Julien Harté
- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
05:45
13.3km
2.3km/h
290m
1,540m
ExpertExpert hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.For this last step, make sure you are wide awake! Indeed, the descent to the refuge of Tuquerouye is done in a steep and unstable scree which requires to be vigilant.
From now on, it is the Estaubé circus that reveals itself to you. You will leave it after a few hours by leaving through the Hourquette
Translated by Google •
by Julien Harté
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Collection Stats
- Activities4
- Distance60.6 km
- Duration31:14 h
- Elevation4,470 m4,530 m
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