Gavarnie-Ordesa-Vignemale 13-day guided trek in the Pyrenees

Discover the mountainous delights of the Pyrenees with me, and witness giant waterfalls, antique parks, beautiful glaciers and green-covered canyons, as we trek across the UNESCO-listed region.

Far out of eyesight from the streams of tourists, we head to the heart of the richly biodiverse reserve of Gavarnie-Ordesa-Vignemale, located in the little-known border zone.

Along the trek we will pass magnificent gorges, spectacular paths and passes, through cliffs and sleepy mountain villages in remote valleys. And after good day of trekking we will stop in hotels when we can, otherwise relaxing in mountain huts.

Watch the gushing water drop from Cirque de Gavarnie, the highest free-falling waterfall in the Pyrenees, and described in German-Jewish writer Kurt Tucholsky’s 1927 book Ein Pyrenäenbuch.

We cross a high pass (2,465m) over to Spain in the Ordesa National Park in Aragon, the oldest national park in Europe. From here we descend into the valley of Pineta, continuing past lesser known areas and beyond beautiful canyons and sleepy villages until we reach the spectacular Anisclo Canyon, a tough and rewarding canyon that’s clothed in greenery.

Once here we have another climb into the high mountains to reach Goriz hut (2,195m), resting at the foot of Monte Perdido, the third highest peak of the Pyrenees (3,555m).

Next we will walk through the Ordesa Canyon, which gives the national park its name, before staying overnight in a medieval mountain village of Torla. We then travel through the neighbouring valley of Bujaruelo, following the watercourse to the source of the Rio Ara.

We will continue on a high pass (2,591m) back to France, before spending the night at the foot of the spectacular summit of Vignemale along with its glacier.

On the final day we follow the drain of the Vignemale glacier on the Lac de Gaube, beyond the waterfall path and down to tranquil commune of Cauterets.

On 3 occasions, we will stay 2 nights in the same spot so that you can enjoy a few days of trekking without carrying your bags and also wash and dry some clothes. The tour ends in Cauterets from where you can reach Lourdes and Toulouse the same day by public transport.

Due to the level of difficulty involved, such as trekking with 9-11kg backpacks, up to 7-hour daily hikes, ascents and descents up to 1,200 meters, potential participants are expected to have a good level of fitness. In addition, some passages, such as the crossing between Spain and France, require sure-footedness and not to be afraid of heights.

Reserve your place now to surround yourself in the pristine wonders of the Pyrenees on this 13-day guided trek. Through the UNESCO-listed region, experience lush parks, sparkling glaciers, and colossal canyons.