Refugio Week

Hut to hut hiking on the GR11

Summit Monte Perdido

At 3355 metres the third highest summit in the Pyrenees

Four nights in mountain huts

Staying at three of the best situated huts in the Pyrenees

Refugio Week

Summit Monte Perdido

Four nights in mountain huts

Guided hiking

7 nights

Grade 4: Challenging

Hut to hut

Refugio Week

GR11 hut to hut guided hiking holiday

Staying overnight in a mountain hut or ‘refugio’ allows you to reach the wildest areas of the Pyrenees. Following the GR11 you’ll explore trails out of the reach of day hikers and make the classic ascent of Monte Perdido.

Staying at three of the best-situated refugios in the Pyrenees we’ll explore both the Valle de Tena and Ordesa National Park. The highlight of the trek is an ascent of the ‘lost mountain’ – Monte Perdido. At 3355m this is the third highest peak in the Pyrenees.

Guided walking – grade 4

This is a week of demanding hiking with long days and steep ascents. A good level of fitness and some hiking experience is essential. Trails will vary with a mixture of good paths interspersed with scree and boulderfields. There are several exposed sections.

The ascents are not technical and do not require technical experience. Crampons may be required (particularly in June) but you will be instructed on all the necessary techniques during the holiday. For additional safety a qualified local guide will join us for the ascents of Tebarrai and Monte Perdido.

We’ll send you a detailed kitlist before arrival and organise hire of crampons and ice axes if required.

A two day hike in the Valle de Tena will be followed by a three day hike in the Ordesa National Park hiking the length of both the Anisclo and Ordesa canyons.

Sunday – Biescas

Arrive in Biescas from Zaragoza late evening. Short briefing and kit check over over a light meal and wine.

Monday – Refugio Respomuso

La Sarra – Respomuso

From Sallent de Gallego we set off along one of the region’s highlights: the GR11, we follow the Pyrenean long-distance path to Refugio Respomuso, situated among 3000-metre peaks. On the way we have the option of a side trip to the spectacular Ibones de Arriel.
Distance: 14.5 km / Ascent: 900 m

Tuesday – Circo de Piedrafita

Respomuso – Tebarrai – Bachimaña

We set off early into the wild landscape of Circo de Piedrafita. Our route takes us past mountain lakes and we have the option to climb Tebarrai (2916m). We head down past the Ibones Azules and to Refugio Bachimaña to stay another night in the mountains with fantastic views.
Distance: 11.2 km / Ascent: 1000 m

Wednesday – Rest day

Bachimaña – Baños de Panticosa

Easy descent from Refugio Bachimaña taking a couple of hours. Short transfer to Hotel Tierra de Biescas. Free afternoon to relax in the village of Biescas or take a short stroll.
Distance: 3.2 km / Descent: 550 m

Thursday – The Ordesa Valley

Pradera – Faja Pelay – Góriz

The Faja de Pelay is the start of our three-day hike. After an initial steep climb we follow a wide ledge in the sheer cliffs of the Ordesa valley giving breathtaking views across the valley and of the border peaks. Spend the night at Refugio Goriz beneath Monte Perdido.
Distance: 12.5 km / Ascent: 900 m

Friday – Monte Perdido

Monte Perdido

Our objective today is the classic ascent of Monte Perdido (3335m), the highest peak in the area. The summit views overlooking the Ordesa, Pineta and Anisclo canyons and into France are stunning. Steep in places, the route crosses a snow field that often requires the use of crampons. Return to Refugio Goriz for the night.
Distance: 7.7 km / Ascent: 1554 m

Saturday – Añisclo Canyon

Góriz – Nerín

Our walk out is through the neighbouring Añisclo Canyon, another spectacular canyon carved into the limestone plateau. We pass thundering waterfalls before reaching our transport back to the 4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas with a sauna and a pool for a final night of luxury.
Distance: 17 km / Ascent: 300 m / Descent: 1000 m

Sunday

Free morning in Biescas before leaving mid-afternoon to catch the evening flight from Zaragoza.

Refugio Week

2024 Dates

Sunday 7 – 14 July 2024

Price

1599 € per person (based on two sharing a double or twin room).
59 € single supplement

Included

7 nights accommodation:
3 x 4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas (first night, middle Wednesday and final night)
1 x Refugio Respomuso
1 x Refugio Bachimaña
2 x Refugio Goriz
Breakfast each morning
Picnic lunches each walking day
3 course evening meals each night
Transfers to and from either Zaragoza airport or train station.
Transport to the walks each day.

Not included

Flights, insurance, drinks with evening meal and lunch on the rest day

Getting to the Pyrenees

From the UK

There are direct flights from London Stansted to Zaragoza. Flight times are as follows:
Depart Stansted 13:50, arrive Zaragoza 17:05
Depart Zaragoza 17:40, arrive Stansted 18:45

You can also fly to Barcelona or Madrid and can catch the AVE fast train to Zaragoza. We pick up at 12:00 midday from Zaragoza train station. Zaragoza has regular direct trains from both Barcelona and Madrid. Trains are roughly every hour and the journey takes 1 hour 30 minutes from either.

Trains that fit well with our arrival transfer are:
Depart Barcelona Sants 10:00 am, arrive Zaragoza Delicias 11:42
or depart Madrid Atocha 10:30 am, arrive Zaragzoa Delicias 11:44

On the return journey, we drop off at the train station at 11:45 am, for the following trains:
Depart Zaragoza Delicias 12:37, arrive Barcelona Sants 14:19
or depart Zaragoza Delicias 12:26, arrive Madrid Atocha 13:45

From outside Europe

Most of our guests from outside of Europe fly via Barcelona or Madrid, combing a stay in one of these two excellent cities with their walking holiday. From either city there are excellent rail links to Zaragoza.

See more travel options and details on our getting here page.

Refugios – Respomuso, Bachimaña and Goriz

For the hike in the Valle de Tena (Tena Valley) we will stay at Refugio de Respomuso y Refugio de Bachimaña. In the Ordesa National Park, Refugio Goriz wil be our base. Both serve three course evening meals as well snacks and drinks. We’ll sleep in large mixed dorms. The facilities at Goriz are fairly basic but Respomuso and Bachimaña are more modern with hot showers.

4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas

When not in the mountains we stay in Hotel Tierra de Biescas for a bit luxury.

The four star Hotel Tierra de Biescas is in the heart of the old village, set in lovely grounds with an indoor and outdoor pool.

Each of it’s 51 stylishly furnished rooms have an en-suite bathroom. It has a bar, lounge area with sofa’s, a restaurant and gardens with loungers and tables.

Each morning a breakfast buffet is served with cooked and continental options. Three course evening meals are taken in the hotel restaurant with a choice of starters, main courses and dessert. Please note wine is not included.

Guests can relax in the the hotel’s spa facilities which include a small indoor swimming pool and sauna. A full range of massage treatments are available. In July and August the outdoor swimming pool is open.

Read more about Hotel Tierra de Biescas.

Frequently asked questions

Where do you pick up from?

Pick ups are from either Zaragoza train station at 12 midday or Zaragoza airport to meet the Ryan Air flight from Stansted. We drop off the following Sunday at either 11:45 am at Zaragoza train station or at the airport for the flight to Stansted. See our getting here page for more details.

Which meals are included in the price?

All meals are included apart from the lunch on the Wednesday when you hike down from Refugio Bachimaña in the morning. The refugios provide breakfasts and evening meals and packed lunches will be carried with us.

Can i borrow crampons and ice axe?

Yes – we provide crampons and ice axe if required. This is included in the price and no extra charge is made. The crampons are C1 flexible crampons and fit B1 hiking boots.

Do I need to have previous experience with crampons?

No – the terrain is perfect for crampon training and we will teach you all of the techniques that you will need during the week. You need to have mastered the basic skills before tackling Monte Perdido – particularly in June when there is likely to be significant snow and ice.

What level is the walking holiday?

This holiday offers a challenging grade. Tough overnight hikes staying in mountain huts. These routes take you into high mountain terrain on steep rocky paths.

Here’s feedback from guests on our Refugio Week guided walking holiday. Thanks to everyone that has sent feedback – if you’ve not mailed us any comments yet please do and we’ll add them.

My second trip with Hike Pyrenees and very well organised from start to finish. Excellent walking and the hotel was very comfortable – great place to relax.
Jeremy, Refugio Week, September 2018.

Beautiful hikes with great guides! We learned new techniques and pushed ourselves and were able to do these challenges and enjoyed it!
Anne, Refugio Week, July 2018.

Fantastic hikes in truly stunning scenery. Well organised and with knowledgeable guides and support. Couldn´t have asked for more. A big thank you for a memoreble vacation.
Susane, Refugio Week, July 2018.