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This is where the GR11 really gets going - heading into the high mountains, and through some of the famous sights and landscapes - such as the Ordessa Gorge, and the Monte Perdido National Park. Our route is challenging - involving some serious ups and downs, and we shall be self supporting throughout this challenge - carrying sufficient clothing and personal supplies to be independent. We shall reach hotels or guesthouses at least every other day - meaning we can get cleaned up and enjoy a tasty meal!

Our daily treks vary from around 6 hours up to 12.5 - so we shall have some leisurely days, followed by some where we shall need to be underway early to give ourselves every chance of completing the trek before sundown. The trek will take us through some sublime scenery, but will also help us along our ultimate aim - the crossing of the Pyrenees from Coast to Coast, from Atlantic to Med. Our planned schedule takes us via several mountain refuges - but we shall only use one during this trek - most planned days taking us on and down into valleys where we can find small hostals, lodges or hotels. 

Itinerary

Day 1 Travel from UK to Pau and transfer to Candanchu

Day 1 Trek - Candanchu to Sallent. Duration = 6 hours
Day 2 Trek - Sallent to Banos de Panticosa. Duration = 10 hours
Day 3 Trek - Banos de Panticosa to San Nicolas. Duration = 6.5 hours
Day 4 Trek - San Nicolas to Refugio Goriz. Duration = 6 hours
Day 5 Trek - Refugio Goriz to Parzan. Duration = 12.25 hours
Day 6 Trek - Parzan to Refugio d'Estos. Duration = 10 hours
Day 7 Trek - Refugio d'Estos to Hospital de Viella. Duration = 12.75 hours

Day 8 - After overnight in either Viella or Tarbes, depart on flight home!

Accommodation

We shall be using a mixture of simple guesthouses and mountain refuges for this challenge. We shall try to use comfortable places where it is possible - however, we are constrinaed by the accommodation available to us each evening.

Medical Issues

You should be in good health, and used to walking good long distances each day to contemplate this trek. It requires stamina and good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Please ensure that you fill in the medical forms please - as accurately as you can. Failure to dis close medical conditions is a serious omission - that could have serious repercussions in the high mountains.

Special Notes

Note this is a trekking trip which does not involve scrambling. However, it does involve significant climbing and challenging walking. You are required to carry a medium sized pack which will contain your overnight clothing, washkit and sleeping bag.

Please note there are several days that are greater than 10 hours in duration - so be ready for a physical challenge! This part of the Pyrenees is remote, and we need to be sure of reaching our destination each day - so we shall need to be fully self reliant, and confident in our own abilities for this trek… please discuss with Adventure Café if you have any doubts!

Included In Trip

Expedition planning, hotel / refugio reservations, expedition leadership.

Excluded From Trip

International Flights, Taxi Transfers.

Equipment Required

Medikit Water Purification Kit
Suncream
Blister Repair Kit
Plasters
Vaseline
Rehydration Salts
Painkillers
Sunbloc
Insect Repellant

Washkit
Pack Towel (lifesystems recommended)
Soap (small bar)
Shampoo (not a full size bottle!)
Toothbrush
Toothpaste (small size)

Hill Walking Items
Sleeping Bag - 2/3 season rated to 0° C comfort rating or sleeping bag liner (silk or cotton)
Medium Sized Rucksack - lined with waterproof bags
Rucksack Liner(s) / Plastic Liner(s) for Rucksack
Bladder System (highly recommended - or other water bottles e.g. exercise bottle/Nalgene bottle)
Walking Poles (highly recommended)
Sun Hat (wide brimmed)
Neck Scarf
Snack Foods - we recommend good slow burning items - nuts, dried fruit, cereal bars etc.

Warm Clothing
Lightweight Fleece
Medium Weight Fleece
Lightweight Gloves
Heavy Gloves (mitten type recommended)
Fleece Hat

Trek Clothing
Long Cotton Trekking Trousers
1 Pair Tracksuit Bottoms
Comfortable Trekking Shirts (long/short sleeved)
Walking Boots (broken in with ankle protection)
Walking Socks
Liner Socks
Underwear
1 Change of Casual Evening Wear

Waterproofs
Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (Gore-tex, E-vent)
Outer Waterproof Bottoms

Other
Toilet Roll / Pack of Travel Tissues
Spare Lace
Camera
Film / Memory Card / Spare Battery
Travel Documents
EHIC Travel Card
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Passport
Wallet
Credit Cards
Cash
Sunglasses
Spare Comfortable Shoes
Penknife
Mobile Phone (packed in a plastic bag deep inside your day pack!)
Emergency Rations (energy foods - for the tough days on trek)
Head Torch with spare batteries and bulb

Transport / Transfer

We shall be using taxi transfers to go from the arrival airport (Pau) to the start of the trek at Candanchu, and from Vielha at the end of the trek back to the airport at Tarbes.

Safety Information

By nature all activities contain an element of risk.Your leader will be first aid qualified and will carry the appropriate safety kit for the activity, such as mountain safety shelters, walking rope and from time to time mobile radios. Safety equipment carried will be appropriate to trip. The leader's primary role is to ensure your safety, but it is your responsibility to listen to their guidance and instructions. This trek carries a full Adventure Café risk assessment which is available for inspection, and details out our identified hazards, and control measures that are employed on this event.

Weather

Expect the weather to be pleasant with daily temperatures into the twenties - although we could experience colder temperatures at higher altitudes. You will need to be prepared in case of rain (just in case) - hot and sunny weather - and colder temperatures. The mountains always have a fickle weather pattern and hence we need to make sure we prepare for all eventualities.