Menu
Alta Ruta de Los Perdidos guided hut-to-hut trekking holiday in the Spanish Pyrenees
Guided Walking Holiday

Gavarnie-Ordesa Hut to Hut

Guided hut-to-hut trekking in the
French and Ordesa National Parks

A challenging 7-day high-level journey through the Spanish and French Pyrenees

★★★★★ 5 trusted reviews from our guests
Guided hiking
7 nights
Grade 5: Very Challenging
Hut-to-hut

Two countries, high mountain passes and a spectacular hut-to-hut journey

A demanding but spectacular hut-to-hut trek through some of the wildest and most rugged terrain of the Spanish and French Pyrenees. This circular route links the great massifs of Monte Perdido and Vignemale, taking you through towering limestone landscapes, remote valleys and high mountain passes.

Along the way, discover the dramatic scenery of Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park and the French Pyrenees National Park, with the magnificent Cirque de Gavarnie among the highlights. Nights in mountain refuges are part of the adventure: sharing a hearty meal, swapping stories and waking ready for the next stage of the journey.

Graded Very Challenging, this trek is for experienced mountain walkers who relish long days, substantial ascents and descents, and rugged terrain while carrying their own kit between refuges. It’s a chance to venture further into the mountains we call home and experience the satisfaction of completing a remarkable Pyrenean circuit.

Gavarnie-Ordesa Hut to Hut

7-night hut-to-hut guided trekking holiday in the Spanish Pyrenees

From €1,899
per person

Single supplement: €139

2027 Dates & availability

This holiday runs Saturday to Saturday.
Please select the dates you would like to enquire about.

Ready to book?

You can book your Refugio Week holiday online.

Overview

  • Seven-night, fully guided hut-to-hut trekking holiday
  • Hike in bothe the French NP and Ordesa NP
  • Explore the Monte Perdido and Vignemale massifs
  • Cross the spectacular Brecha de Rolando and discover Gavarnie
  • Very challenging trekking for fit, experienced mountain walkers
  • Stay in mountain refuges, with a final night at Hotel Ordesa
  • Breakfasts and evening meals included, plus picnic lunches on walking days
  • Transfers from Zaragoza airport and train station included

A complete mountain circuit, crossing between Spain and France
and linking two of the great massifs of the Pyrenees.

The route takes us around Monte Perdido and Vignemale, through a remarkable variety of landscapes: immense limestone cliffs, high passes, green valleys and rugged mountain terrain. With six consecutive trekking days, this is a journey that lets us settle into the rhythm of life in the high mountains.

scree high in the Cirque de Gavarnie on the Alta Ruta de Los Perdidos

Starting at Refugio de Bujaruelo, we cross the Brecha de Rolando to reach Góriz, before continuing to the dramatic Pineta Valley. We then cross into France to stay at Refuge des Espuguettes and explore Gavarnie. The final stages take us beneath Vignemale to Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube, before returning to Bujaruelo and celebrating the end of our circuit with a comfortable night at Hotel Ordesa.

Very Challenging mountain trekking

This holiday is a step up from our Challenging walking trips. Expect long mountain days, substantial ascents and descents, and sustained effort over six consecutive days. A high level of fitness and previous experience of demanding mountain walks are essential.

The route includes steep, rocky paths, loose scree and exposed sections. You should be confident on this terrain and comfortable carrying your own clothing and personal kit between overnight stops. Our guides lead the trek throughout, choosing the appropriate route for the conditions and supporting the group along the way.

Breche de Rolando, Gavarnie on the Alta Ruta de Los Perdidos

Life in the mountain refuges

Nights in mountain refuges are a big part of the experience. These welcoming huts offer a meal and a bed in extraordinary settings, allowing us to continue our journey each morning without having to return to the valley. Accommodation is in shared dormitories, with communal facilities and a sociable mountain atmosphere.

After a rewarding day on the trail, there is time to settle in, enjoy dinner with the group and watch the evening light change across the mountains. Our itinerary also includes a night in a hotel in Gavarnie, with the accommodation to be confirmed, and a final night at Hotel Ordesa, where double, twin or single rooms provide a comfortable finish to the trek.

Itinerary

This is a spectacular circular trek around the Monte Perdido and Vignemale massifs. Over six walking days, we cross between Spain and France, linking mountain refuges, high passes and some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pyrenees. A night in Gavarnie breaks up the mountain stages, before we complete the circuit and enjoy our final night at Hotel Ordesa.


Continuous elevation profile of the Alta Ruta de los Perdidos, showing six trekking stages from Bujaruelo through Góriz, Pineta, Gavarnie and Oulettes de Gaube

Click the profile to enlarge

This is a continuous mountain journey with accommodation booked at each overnight stop. Your guides may adapt individual stages to suit the weather, snow cover and mountain conditions. Distances and ascent figures are approximate and vary with the route taken.

Day 1 – Arrival at Refugio de Bujaruelo

Our transfer from Zaragoza airport or Zaragoza-Delicias train station brings you to Refugio de Bujaruelo. Here we meet for a welcome briefing and kit check, discuss the week ahead, and answer any last-minute questions. Dinner together at the refuge gives us a chance to get to know the group before setting off the following morning.

Bridge at Bujaruelo on the Alta Ruta de Los Perdidos

Day 2 – Brecha de Rolando to Refugio Góriz

A substantial climb takes us towards the border and the remarkable Brecha de Rolando. Passing through this great notch in the mountain wall is a memorable start to our circuit. Beyond the breach, we cross the limestone landscape towards Refugio Góriz, our overnight stop beneath Monte Perdido.

Distance: approx. 16 km · Ascent: 1,630 m · Descent: 760 m

View stage 1 elevation profile

Day 3 – Góriz to Refugio de Pineta

We continue towards the Collado de Añisclo, with wide views across the surrounding mountains. Conditions permitting, the high route follows the Faja de las Olas, an exposed traverse with sections protected by chains. Your guides will choose the appropriate variant before we make the long, steep descent into the Pineta Valley.

Distance: approx. 12.6 km · Ascent: 630 m · Descent: 1,580 m

View stage 2 elevation profile

Añisclo Canyon from the Alta Ruta de Los Perdidos

Day 4 – Pineta to Refuge des Espuguettes

One of our most demanding days takes us up to the Balcón de Pineta and towards Lago de Marboré. The planned crossing into France is via Brecha de Tucarroya, where steep, loose terrain requires care. Snow or other mountain conditions may require an alternative crossing. We continue over the Hourquette d’Alans to Refuge des Espuguettes.

Distance: approx. 17.2 km · Ascent: 1,770 m · Descent: 950 m

View stage 3 elevation profile

Day 5 – Cirque de Gavarnie

Today brings a welcome shorter stage and the chance to appreciate the magnificent Cirque de Gavarnie. We descend from Espuguettes and explore beneath the immense cliffs before continuing to Gavarnie village. Tonight we stay in a hotel, with the accommodation to be confirmed.

View stage 4 elevation profile

Waterfalls in the Cirque de Gavarnie on the Alta Ruta de Los Perdidos

Day 6 – Gavarnie to Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube

We return to the high mountains on a long stage through the Ossoue Valley. Climbing past Refuge de Bayssellance, we cross the Hourquette d’Ossoue before descending to Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube. The great north face of Vignemale provides a spectacular setting for our final refuge night.

View stage 5 elevation profile

North Face of Vignemale on the Alta Ruta de Los Perdidos

Day 7 – Return to Bujaruelo

Our final stage crosses the Col des Mulets back into Spain and descends through the Ara Valley. Arriving at Bujaruelo completes our mountain circuit. From here we transfer to Hotel Ordesa, where a comfortable room and a celebratory evening meal make a fitting finish to the journey.

Distance: approx. 16.6 km · Ascent: 590 m · Descent: 1,440 m

View stage 6 elevation profile

Day 8 – Departure

After breakfast at Hotel Ordesa, our transfer takes you back to Zaragoza airport or Zaragoza-Delicias train station for your onward journey.

Gavarnie-Ordesa Hut to Hut
2027 Dates & Prices

This holiday runs Saturday to Saturday
28 August – 4 September 2027

Price

1899 € per person, based on shared dormitory accommodation in the mountain refuges and two people sharing a double or twin room at the hotels.

139 € single room supplement for hotel nights only, subject to availability. Accommodation in the mountain refuges remains in shared dormitories.

Included

  • 7 nights accommodation:
    • 1 night at Refugio de Bujaruelo
    • 1 night at Refugio Góriz
    • 1 night at Refugio de Pineta
    • 1 night at Refuge des Espuguettes
    • 1 night in Gavarnie — hotel to be confirmed
    • 1 night at Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube
    • 1 final night at Hotel Ordesa
  • Six days of guided mountain trekking
  • Breakfast each morning
  • Evening meals each night
  • Arrival and departure transfers from Zaragoza Airport or Zaragoza-Delicias train station
  • Transfer from Bujaruelo to Hotel Ordesa after the final walk

Not included

Not included: flights, insurance, drinks with evening meals, picnic lunches (can be ordered at huts approx. 16€ per picnic or can also just buy snacks)

Getting to the Pyrenees

Transfers are included from Zaragoza Airport or Zaragoza-Delicias train station on the arrival and departure days.

The travel information below is based on the 2027 train and flight schedules. It is provided as a guide to help you understand how our transfers usually work.

By train – Zaragoza-Delicias

Zaragoza is well connected by train from both Madrid and Barcelona. You can travel via either city and catch a high-speed train to Zaragoza-Delicias, where we will pick you up. The journey from either Barcelona or Madrid usually takes around 1 hour 40 minutes.

For the 2027 season, our arrival transfer from Zaragoza-Delicias train station is at 12:00 midday, and our departure transfer drops off at Zaragoza-Delicias at approximately 11:45.

2027 arrival transfer – trains that fit well with our 12:00 midday pick-up:

From Barcelona:
RENFE – Depart Barcelona 9:55, arrive Zaragoza 11:40
Iryo – Depart Barcelona 10:08, arrive Zaragoza 11:34

From Madrid:
RENFE – Depart Madrid 9:27, arrive Zaragoza 11:02
Iryo – Depart Madrid 9:59, arrive Zaragoza 11:36

2027 departure transfer – trains that fit well with our 11:45 drop-off:

To Barcelona:
RENFE – Depart Zaragoza 12:04, arrive Barcelona 13:44
Ouigo – Depart Zaragoza 12:12, arrive Barcelona 13:50
Iryo – Depart Zaragoza 12:58, arrive Barcelona 14:39

To Madrid:
Ouigo – Depart Zaragoza 12:05, arrive Madrid 13:53
RENFE – Depart Zaragoza 12:31, arrive Madrid 14:17
Iryo – Depart Zaragoza 12:53, arrive Madrid 14:42

Please note: train times can still vary depending on the date and may be changed by the train operators. We recommend checking the latest timetable on the RENFE, Iryo or Ouigo websites before booking your tickets.

By air – London Stansted to Zaragoza

There are also direct flights from London Stansted to Zaragoza with Ryanair on Saturdays, and our 2027 transfers are timed to meet this flight.

2027 Saturday flight times:
Depart Stansted 11:30, arrive Zaragoza 14:45
Depart Zaragoza 15:20, arrive Stansted 16:25

For more details of our transfers, please see our getting here page. If you would like help choosing suitable flights or trains, please drop us an email and we’ll be happy to help.

Accommodation

Mountain refuges – part of the adventure

Our journey links five mountain refuges in Spain and France, each with its own character and setting. From riverside meadows at Bujaruelo to the immense north face of Vignemale at Oulettes de Gaube, these overnight stops are an essential part of the experience. They allow us to stay among the mountains, enjoy dinner together and set off straight onto the trail the following morning.

Expect welcoming valley refuges and simpler high-mountain huts, with communal dining areas and an atmosphere shaped by the walkers passing through. Breakfasts and evening meals are included, along with picnic lunches on walking days.

Refugio de Bujaruelo

Refugio de Bujaruelo makes a lovely starting point for our journey. Set beside the River Ara, near the old stone bridge, it is surrounded by open meadows, woodland and steep mountain slopes. There is time to appreciate the valley setting before we head into the rocky high country the following morning.

The refuge has a restaurant and bar, and brings together overnight guests, walkers and visitors exploring the valley. Dinner here marks the beginning of our adventure: a chance to meet your fellow trekkers, talk through the route and enjoy our first evening in the Pyrenees.

Refugio de Bujaruelo, first night of the Alta Ruta de Los Perdidos

Refugio Góriz

At around 2,200 metres, Refugio Góriz stands above the Ordesa Valley beneath the great limestone massif of Monte Perdido. Reaching it after crossing the Brecha de Rolando gives a real sense of having arrived in the high mountains, with rocky slopes and vast expanses of limestone replacing the green valley landscapes below.

Góriz is an important meeting point for walkers traversing the massif and mountaineers preparing for its summits. Its recent refurbishment has improved the facilities, including hot showers, while it remains very much a working mountain refuge. The setting and the shared anticipation of the next day’s routes make it a memorable overnight stop.

Refugio de Pineta

Refugio de Pineta offers a striking change of scene after our descent from the high passes. Here we are back among trees and greenery, surrounded by the steep walls of a valley shaped by glaciers. Looking up towards the mountains gives a wonderful sense of the terrain we have crossed—and the climb still ahead.

It is a valley refuge with a more sheltered feel than our high-altitude stops. After a demanding day of descending, it is a welcome place to settle in, have dinner together and prepare for the following day’s crossing into France.

Refuge des Espuguettes

Set in open mountain pasture above Gavarnie, Refuge des Espuguettes enjoys an extraordinary outlook towards the Cirque de Gavarnie and the Brecha de Rolando. The broad views and the contrast between grassy slopes and immense cliffs make this one of the most memorable settings of the journey.

This is a simpler mountain hut, where the pleasure lies in its location and the chance to spend an evening high above the valley. Facilities are basic and there are no showers, but stepping outside to take in the surrounding mountains is a highlight in itself.

Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube

Our final refuge night is at Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube, facing the immense north face of Vignemale. The mountain dominates the view, with its sheer walls rising above the open basin in front of the hut. It is a spectacular place to pause after the long stage from Gavarnie.

The refuge has a communal dining room and a south-facing terrace looking towards the massif. There is something particularly satisfying about spending our last mountain evening here, sharing dinner with the group before the final crossing back into Spain.

Refuge des Oulettes de Gaube, on the Alta Ruta de Los Perdidos

A night in Gavarnie

Between our mountain stages, we spend a night in a hotel in Gavarnie. After exploring the cirque, returning to the village gives us a change of pace before we head towards Vignemale the following morning.

Hotel Ordesa – a comfortable finish

After completing the circuit at Bujaruelo, we transfer to Hotel Ordesa for our final night. A comfortable room, a pool, a proper rest and an evening meal together make a fitting end to six rewarding days in the mountains.

Double, twin and single rooms are available, with single rooms subject to availability and a supplement.

Hotel Ordesa, Torla

Frequently Asked Questions

Hike Pyrenees Trip Guarantee

Are your trips guaranteed to run?

Yes — all Hike Pyrenees holidays are guaranteed to run. Once you book, your trip is confirmed.

Travel & Transfers

Where do you pick up from, and what time are your transfers?

Transfers are included from Zaragoza-Delicias train station and Zaragoza Airport on the arrival and departure days. We pick up from Zaragoza-Delicias at 12:00 midday and from Zaragoza Airport to meet the Ryanair flight from London Stansted. Return drop-off is at approximately 11:45 at the train station or at the airport, timed for the London Stansted flight. See our getting here page for more details.

Can I arrive by train instead of flying?

Yes. Zaragoza-Delicias is served by high-speed trains from Madrid and Barcelona and is one of our included pick-up points. Please check the confirmed transfer time with us before booking your train tickets.

Can I make my own way to Bujaruelo?

Yes — you’re welcome to make your own way to Torla, where we can pick you up and take you to Refugio de Bujaruelo. If you’re driving, you can leave your vehicle free of charge at Hotel Ordesa, where you’ll spend the final night of the holiday. Please let us know in advance so we can confirm the meeting point and pick-up time.

Accommodation

Where will I stay during the holiday?

Our planned itinerary includes one night each at Bujaruelo, Góriz, Pineta, Espuguettes and Oulettes de Gaube, plus a night in a hotel in Gavarnie and a final night at Hotel Ordesa. This gives five refuge nights and two hotel nights.

What are the mountain refuges like?

The refuges are an important part of the journey, providing meals and overnight accommodation in memorable mountain settings. Bujaruelo and Pineta are valley refuges, while Góriz, Espuguettes and Oulettes de Gaube let us stay higher among the mountains. Facilities vary between huts, and accommodation is in shared dormitories with a sociable atmosphere around the dinner table.

Are there showers at every refuge?

Facilities vary, and you should not expect hotel-style facilities throughout the trek. Espuguettes has no showers. Góriz and Bujaruelo have hot showers, while arrangements at the other refuges will be detailed in your pre-trip information.

Can I book a single room?

Single rooms are available at Hotel Ordesa and teh hotel in Gavarnie for a supplement, subject to availability. Mountain refuge nights are in shared dormitory accommodation.

Will I have Wi-Fi or mobile phone coverage?

Please expect periods without a reliable connection during the trek. Mountain terrain can interrupt mobile reception, and Wi-Fi should not be relied upon at the refuges. Espuguettes has no Wi-Fi. We recommend letting family and friends know that you may be out of contact during parts of the journey.

Meals & Dietary Requirements

Which meals are included?

Breakfast is included each morning and an evening meal each night. Picnic lunches are NOT included but c.n be ordered and paid  or at the huts. Drinks and additional snacks are not included. It is a good idea to bring cash for payment in the huts.

What are the evening meals like?

Meals in the refuges are generally served at a fixed time, with a set menu rather than an extensive choice of dishes. Dinner is a chance to sit down with the group after a rewarding day and enjoy the mountain atmosphere. Hotel meal arrangements will be confirmed before departure.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Vegetarian, gluten-free and other dietary requirements can normally be catered for with advance notice. Unfortunately, the mountain refuges are not able to cater for vegan diets.

Walking Level & Fitness

How difficult is High Pyrenees Odyssey?

This holiday is Grade 5 — Very Challenging, a step up from our Challenging walking holidays. It involves six consecutive trekking days, substantial ascents and descents, rough mountain paths and exposed sections. You also carry your own clothing and personal kit between overnight stops. It is intended for fit, experienced mountain walkers.

How fit do I need to be?

You should be accustomed to long mountain days and confident walking on steep, rocky, uneven ground. You need the stamina to repeat demanding walks on consecutive days while carrying your trekking pack. Preparation should include back-to-back hill walks with sustained climbs and descents, using the pack and boots you intend to bring.

What distances, ascents and walking times should I expect?

The reference circuit is approximately 94 km, with around 6,500 metres of total ascent. Several stages involve roughly 1,500–1,800 metres of climbing, and the longer days can take 9–11 hours.

Are there exposed or technical sections?

Yes. Whilst this route doesn't involve technical scrambling, it includes steep, loose, and exposed terrain. The Faja de las Olas has sections protected by chains. You should be comfortable with exposure.

What happens if the weather or mountain conditions are unsuitable?

Your guides may change a route variant, crossing or stage when conditions require it. Snow, storms and poor visibility can affect the high passes, even during the trekking season. Any changes will be guided by the conditions and the practical options available along the route.

What happens if the route is too challenging for me and I can't complete it?

The Pintea hut and the Gavarnie hotel are reachable by road. If you feel at these points you can't continue the route, we can arrange a taxi for you but this is at YOUR OWN COST.

Group & Guiding

How big are the groups?

We run this holiday as a small guided group of 6 to 8 people.

Who leads the walks?

All walks are led by one of the Hike Pyrenees guiding team. They are experienced, fully qualified English-speaking guides who know the Pyrenees, their wildlife, history and local culture.

Is this holiday suitable for solo travellers?

Yes — solo travellers are welcome. Walking together and sharing meals makes a hut-to-hut journey particularly sociable. You’ll share accommodation in the mountain refuges; hotel room-sharing and single room options can be discussed when booking.

Packing & Equipment

What should I bring?

You’ll need suitable mountain walking boots, waterproofs, warm layers, sun protection, water bottles and a comfortable trekking pack. You’ll also carry a small amount of overnight clothing and personal equipment for the refuge stays. We’ll send a detailed kit list before departure so you can prepare without carrying unnecessary weight.

Do I carry my own equipment between refuges?

Yes. You carry the clothing, toiletries and personal equipment needed for the trek, together with your lunch and water. You do not need to carry camping or cooking equipment.

Can I leave a separate bag for the final hotel night?

Yes, you can leave luggage that you do not need at the huts with us. We’ll explain the arrangements before departure so you know what to carry on the trek and what you can leave for the final night.

Will I need crampons or an ice axe?

For the dates that the trip is running, we are NOT expecting to need crampons and ice axes. If there are some sections of the route that still have snow, we will modify the route accordingly to avoid them, however we think this is unlikely.

Can I borrow trekking poles?

Yes. We can lend you trekking poles for no extra cost.

Booking & Practicalities

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. You must have insurance appropriate for the planned mountain trekking, including the altitudes and activities involved and mountain rescue or evacuation. Check the itinerary and equipment requirements against your policy before travelling. We also recommend cancellation and travel disruption cover.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel your trip, the deposit of 125 € per person is non-refundable. If you have paid your balance and cancel with 7 weeks’ notice or more, we will refund 50%. If you cancel with less than 7 weeks’ notice, no refund will be made. Travel insurance will often cover cancellation costs when you need to cancel because of illness or injury. Please read the booking conditions before reserving your place and arrange suitable cancellation insurance.

Can I extend my stay?

Yes — get in touch if you would like extra nights before or after the trek. We can discuss options in Zaragoza or the Ordesa area and explain how these fit with the group transfers. Additional accommodation and transport are subject to availability and extra cost.

About the Route

Which places are the main highlights?

Highlights include the Brecha de Rolando, the high limestone landscapes around Góriz, the Pineta Valley, the Cirque de Gavarnie and the views of Vignemale from Oulettes de Gaube. Our final stage returns to Spain through the Ara Valley to complete the circuit at Bujaruelo.

Will we see wildlife?

The areas we walk through are home to bearded vultures, griffon vultures, marmots and sarrios — Pyrenean chamois — alongside a variety of mountain birds and alpine flowers. Your guide will help you look out for them.

Private Group Bookings

Can you arrange this trek for a private group?

If you’re interested in travelling with your own group, contact us with your preferred dates, approximate numbers and mountain walking experience so we can discuss the options.

Gavarnie-Ordesa Hut to Hut

7-night hut-to-hut guided trekking holiday in the Spanish Pyrenees

From €1,899
per person

Single supplement: €139

2027 Dates & availability

This holiday runs Saturday to Saturday.
Please select the dates you would like to enquire about.

Ready to book?

You can book your Refugio Week holiday online.

Prefer to talk?

We’re happy to help with availability, travel plans or choosing the right holiday.

Call us +34 974 495 401 WhatsApp us Send us a message Email us info@hikepyrenees.co.uk

Hiking days

Kilometers

Meters Ascent

Nights in mountain huts

Photos from our Refugio Week holiday:

Check availability or book your holiday:

Location:

Tierra de Biescas

4* hotel with pool, sauna, bike storage and maintenance facilities

Hotel Tierra de Biescas garden and outdoor pool Hotel Tierra de Biescas

Refugio Respomuso

Refugio Respomuso

Refugio Goriz

Refugio Goriz

Refugio Bachimaña

Refugio Bachimaña