GR 11 Trek

GR 11 Trek


Altitude 2,782m Grade: T3

Backpacking Fully guided with light backpacking in the quiet side of the Pyrenees - The Ordessa Canyon

This trip will operate with a minimum of 6 participants using a UK leader.

The GR 11 Trek snakes its way along the southern side of the Pyrenees

From the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean our GR 11 Trek fully guided walk takes you through the central section from Candanchu to Benasque, passing through the spectacular Ordessa Canyon and giving you the option to make an ascent of Monte Perdido (3355m). This is a journey through a true mountain wilderness known for its wide green meadows, craggy limestone summits, green forests and mountain lakes. Along the way most nights are spent in mountain refuges, many of which are located in delightful settings, plus a few hotels where we can fully refresh ourselves!

Dates & Prices

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All prices in Euros are guide rates, not live rates
All prices in US Dollars are guide rates, not live rates

Availability

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There are currently no available dates for this trip. Please contact us if you are interested in this trip.

What's Included

  • International flights and taxes (flight inclusive package)
  • Accommodation - 14 nights in a mixture of hotels and mountain refuges
  • Meals -14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 10 evening meals
  • Park fees as appropriate
  • All road transfers in country (unless indicated in 'exclusions')
  • Qualified UK group tour leader
  • Adventure Peaks logoed top
  • 24hr back-up and support from our UK staff
  • 15% discount off the RRP on equipment and clothing purchased from Adventure Peaks shop

What's Excluded

  • Travel to Pau and from Barcelona
  • International flights and taxes
  • Personal equipment
  • Travel Insurance
  • Drinks and personal spending
  • Tips for local staff
  • Meals if not indicated in 'inclusions'

Itinerary

Day 1 Fly to Pau and a take a taxi to the hotel. Alternatively you may fly to Toulouse or Lourdes/Tarbes and travel to Pau on public transport. The group will meet up for dinner in the evening.

Day 2 After breakfast we travel by private vehicle to Candanchu, a drive of 2.5 hours. Here there will be time for a walk in the afternoon in the local area.

Day 3 We follow the Rio D'a Canal Roya from Candanchu, climbing steadily to the lakes of Ibons d'Anayet, from where there are superb views to the Pic du Midi d'Ossau across the border in France. A steady descent now takes us down to the Culiballas valley and on to tonight’s village. 6 to 7 hours.

Day 4 A half day, but nevertheless a long climb up into the mountains. Our route crosses a ridge coming down from the Grande Fache (in France), before climbing up past the Respomuso dam and on to the refuge perched high above the lake for the night.  4 hours.

Day 5 We climb to the 'knife edge' Cuello de Tebarrai (2782m), the second highest point on the GR11. From here there is the option to ascend Pico de Inferno before making a long descent to the ski resort of Banos de Panticosa. 6 to 7 hours.

Day 6 Another high mountain day. A steep climb takes us through the granite wilderness to the Brazato pass from where there are splendid views of Vignemale and the d'Ossoue glacier in France. A long descent then brings us down into the remote Ara valley. 7 hours.

Day 7 A pleasant short day, with time to bathe in the pools near the refuge before setting off, takes us down the Ara valley to the busy mountain village of Torla. Free afternoon in Torla. 2 to 3 hours.

Day 8 A short bus ride takes us into the spectacular Ordessa National Park whose centrepiece is the Ordessa Canyon. We follow the canyon upstream, exiting at its head using metal spikes in the rock to assist progress onto a broad plateau and or refuge for the night. 5 to 6 hours.

Day 9 A day to explore this high mountain area with an ascent Monte Perdido or a walk up to the renowned 'Breche de Roland'. 4 hours +

Day 10 A long undulating day. Initially we descend the Anisclo Canyon, and leaving this via a side valley we ascend again up a side valley to the Collata Anisclo. A steep descent then takes us down into the Circa de Pineta and our refuge for the night. 7 to 8 hours.

Day 11 As we cross the valley ahead and climb to its northern edge we are rewarded with views back to the Perdido massif which we passed (or maybe climbed) the previous day. We descend through forests to Parzan, and on to the border village of Bielsa. 6 to 7 hours.

Day 12 We retrace the route we took in yesterday (maybe using a taxi along the road section) and then ascend the Barranco de Urdiceto. After passing a lake we descend into the picturesque Es Plans valley with views to the Posets massif, the second highest in the Pyrenees. After crossing the Zinqueta River a short climb takes us up to the refuge. 7 to 8 hours.

Day 13 Our final day's walk takes us along the Zinqueta River to Plan d' Arles and on to Port d'Ethos. A long beautiful descent down the Ethos valley follows where the terrain changes from barren rocks to meadows and forests, thick with Alpine flowers in the springtime. A short road section brings us to our destination of Benasque. 6 to 7 hours.

Day 14 Bus transfer to Barcelona. We will arrive at about lunchtime so the afternoon is free to explore this cultural city.

Day 15 Transfer to the airport to fly home, or extend your stay in Barcelona.

Insurance

It is essential for a trip of this type that you are adequately insured. When researching insurance options, please ensure the policy covers you for the following:

  • Cancellation or curtailment
  • Helicopter rescue (most insurance companies will no longer cover for ‘search and rescue’ but providing you stay with the group, they will assist with ‘rescue’)
  • Repatriation
  • The altitude that you are expected to attain
  • The location especially when travelling to Antarctica
  • Grade of trek/climb/expedition
  • Medical cover

Adventure Peaks partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading travel protection services. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue to provide our clients with medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services. Without a membership, an emergency evacuation could cost over $100,000. More than one million members trust Global Rescue to get them home safely when the unexpected happens. We highly recommend our clients enroll with Global Rescue, in particular for peaks over 7000m:
https://partner.globalrescue.com/adventurepeaks/



We are aware the following provide insurance:

For UK based clients:

Expeditions and Treks under 7000m - Campbell Irvine Direct : http://www.campbellirvine.com/AdventurePeaks

HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK) www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
Rothwell & Towler: www.world-first.co.uk Tel: 0345 908 0161 (under 6400m)
J S Insurance: www.jsinsurance.co.uk Tel: 0844 848 1500
Snowcard: www.snowcard.co.uk Tel: 01295 660836
The B.M.C.: www.thebmc.co.uk Tel: 0161 445 6111 (call and speak to Jim. Please note the BMC cannot cover Mt Damavand)
Dogtag: www.dogtag.co.uk Tel: 0800 036 4824 (Check excess etc)

For non-UK based clients:

HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK): www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
AXA Worldwide Travel Ins: www.axainsurance.com Tel: +44 (0)844 874 0360
Ingle International: www.ingleinternational.com Tel: (USA) 1.800.360.3234
Insure for Less: www.insure4less.com.au (Australian clients)

You do not have to use any of the above, but if you make your own insurance arrangements documentary evidence of your own policy is required.

Please forward the details of your Insurance as soon as you have it: we need the insurance company’s name, their 24 hour emergency telephone number and your insurance policy number – admin@adventurepeaks.com

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