Andorran Alpine Adventure Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: May to July
Andorran Pyrenees Alpine Trek
Trek Adventure
3 days of mountain walking in the Pyrenean country of Andorra, including a night's stay in a high alpine hut.
Nestled between France and Spain and hidden in the Pyrenees mountains, Andorra is a popular destination for skiing, but is often overlooked for its trekking potential. With tall peaks, pristine lakes, and rich mountain culture, we are certain it provides a fantastic walking experience.
Day One
Arrive in Barcelona or Toulouse airport and we shall collect you using private transfer. We’ll arrive in Andorra la Vella and have time to explore the town and admire the surrounding peaks. We’ll meet in the evening for dinner, to meet the leader team, and for an event briefing to set the expectations for the trip.
Day Two
After a hearty continental breakfast, we’ll pack our bags, including a provided packed lunch, and step out the hotel door to begin our first day. We’ll aim for Pic du Padern, a 1800m peak on the north-side of the valley. After admiring the views of our town, we’ll descend the other side into a steep valley. We’ll follow a raging river using ancient bridges and paths back into town.
Day Three
We’ll step out the front door and ascend on the southern side of the valley up to a high col of 2500m. We’ll drop down the other side and follow a stream up to our accommodation for the night at Refugi de L’illa. The lake sat behind the refuge is wonderful to explore as the sun sets. We’ll eat well at the hut then sleep in a shared bunkroom.
Day Four
We’ll eat a basic breakfast and meet outside the hut to begin our lasts day’s walk. We’ll ascend up to Cp dels Agols, the high point of the trip at 2650m. From here we’ll be able to see the Pyrenees mountains all the way to the horizon. Afterwards, we’ll descend into lunar-like, wind-blasted terrain and reach the woodland which we’ll follow down into the town. After a shower at the hotel, we’ll head out to a restaurant to celebrate a successful event!
Day Five
Depending on the transfer times, you may have time to explore the town in the morning before jumping on the coach back to the airport.
Accommodation
We'll stay in a hotel in Andorra la Vella on nights 1, 2, and 4. Our third night will be at Refugi de L'illa. Huts provide simple and clean accommodation for mountain walkers. There are long communal benches to eat at for dinner, where different walking groups mix to chat about their days. The menu will feature traditional hut choices such as pasta, soup, goulash, cake, and pies. The menu is often limited with choice for each day, but still caters for those with dietary requirements. Remember, the food provided will have been helicoptered in! The breakfasts will be continental style with bread, cheese, ham, fruit, and spreads.
What is a Level 4.0 Trekking Challenge Like?
You are now moving into the realms of serious challenges - where you are likely to encounter rough and steep terrain, sleep deprivation – ie very long days, or even high altitude. In any case - be prepared for an event which is going to take you well past the limits of your comfort zone. Trekking days will be up to 13 hours, or slightly less if the event stretches over several days. The severity of the challenge may be magnified by various factors - and you will need to be more resilient - variable weather conditions, simple food and maybe camping – these factors forms a part of the challenge. You need to be in good shape to undertake any of these events, and you need to be training regularly. The height gain each day is greater than for level 3 - so expect plenty of hills! A level 4 challenge would involve a very long day (in excess of 28 miles) or some serious hill climbing (multiple peaks in one day) - or possibly both!
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 4.0 ‘Trek’?
To participate in these events you need to be in very good fitness. You enjoy taking exercise, and do it regularly (a couple of times a week minimum). You may well partake in several different types of activity, possibly including the gym, swimming, running, or circuit training. You probably are capable of running up to 5 or 6 miles, but in a good steady speed (around 9-10 minute miling). If you do not run - you should be regularly undertaking challenging walks or other strenuous exercise. You should be comfortable walking 17-19 miles in the English lowland countryside.
Included In Trip
- Transfer to and from one airport (Barcelona or Toulouse)
- Accommodation
- All meals whilst on event
- Experienced Mountain Leaders and International Mountain Leaders
- Emergency response and safety management protocols
Excluded From Trip
- Personal walking equipment
- Soft and alcoholic drinks
- Additional food
- Personal activity insurance
Equipment Required
Medikit
Water Purification Tablets, 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
Kit Hire
It is possible to hire equipment via our specialist kit hire providers Outdoor Hire Ltd. We have negotiated a 10% discount for all our mountain challengers.
Notes on Trekking Events
Trek the Mountains of the World with Adventure Cafe, and our fantastic team of qualified leaders. From the UK, to the Alps, Pyrenees, Atlas Mountains, Himalayas and even Kilimanjaro. Put our International Mountain Leaders to the test! Check.
Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events