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: Hut-to-hut hiking in the Pyrenees

Hut-to-hut guided hiking holiday along the GR11 in the Spanish Pyrenees

Experience the Pyrenees as long‑distance hikers know them best: travelling from refugio to refugio through wild, high‑mountain terrain. This trip follows some of the most spectacular sections of the GR11, linking remote huts, glacial cirques and classic passes on routes that feel adventurous yet fully supported. You’ll spend your days crossing cols, skirting high lakes and walking amongst the high peaks of the central Pyrenees, before arriving each afternoon at a welcoming mountain hut for a hot meal and a night in the heart of the range. It’s an ideal introduction to multi‑day trekking for experienced hikers who want the freedom and atmosphere of a hut‑to‑hut journey without carrying a heavy pack or committing to the full GR11.

Overview

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.

Itinerary

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 Ordesa and Anisclo 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 - Pico Tebarrai (2916 m)

Respomuso - Tebarrai - Bachimaña

We set off early into the wild landscape of Circo de Piedrafita. Our route takes us past mountain lakes and up to the col de Tebarrai, at 2782 m the highest pass on the whole of the GR11. From here, we have the option for a sidetrip to climb Pico Tebarrai (2916m). We head down through another high col, the Cuello de Infierno, the 'neck of hell', past the beautiful lakes of 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 the train or Ryan Air flight from Zaragoza to London Stansted.

Refugio Week Dates & Prices

2026

Sunday 6 - 13 September (fully booked)

Price

1799 € per person (based on two sharing a double or twin room).
139 € 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

Transfers are included from Zaragoza train station or airport. Ryan Air flies from London Stansted to Zaragoza. You can also travel via Barcelona or Madrid and catch the AVE high-speed fast train to Zaragoza Delicias where we will pick you up. The AVE is very comfortable and smooth. Travelling at nearly 300 km/h, the journey from either Barcelona or Madrid takes approximately 1 hr 40 mins and there are trains roughly every hour.

We pick up from Zaragoza Delicias train station at 12:00 midday and drop off the Sunday at 11:45 am.

12 Midday Arrival Transfer
Trains that fit well with our 12:00 transfer are:
RENFE trains – the traditional rail company
Depart Barcelona 9:55, arrive Zaragoza 11:38
Depart Madrid 10:27, arrive Zaragoza 11:47

Iryo trains – a new train service, very similar service to RENFE, website more user-friendly
Depart Barcelona 9:50, arrive Zaragoza 11:13
Depart Madrid 9:57, arrive Zaragoza 11:17

11:45 am Departure Transfer
RENFE train – Depart Zaragoza 12:52, arrive Barcelona 14:46
Iryo trains – Depart Zaragoza 12:41, arrive Barcelona 14:14
RENFE train – Depart Zaragoza 12:26, arrive Madrid 13:52

Please note train times can vary depending on the dates but these train times usually run every Sunday.

For more details of our transfers please see our getting here page. If you need help buying train tickets, please drop us an email and we can help.

There are direct flights from London Stansted to Zaragoza with Ryan Air, on Sundays and our transfers are timed top meet this flight.

Sunday flight times are as follows:
Depart Stansted 6:20, arrive Zaragoza 9:35
Depart Zaragoza 10:10, arrive Stansted 11:15

Accommodation

Refugios - Respomuso, Bachimaña and Goriz

We stay in three mountain refugios during the trip. In the Valle de Tena, our nights are spent at Refugio de Respomuso and Refugio de Bachimaña, both modern huts with hot showers and excellent facilities. In the Ordesa National Park, Refugio Góriz is our base — recently refurbished and now fully up to modern hut standards. All three refugios serve hearty three‑course evening meals along with snacks and drinks throughout the afternoon. Accommodation is in large mixed dormitories, offering the classic hut‑to‑hut experience in some of the most spectacular high‑mountain scenery in the Pyrenees.

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

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 for all of our guided trips are included in the cost of your trip. We pick up from Zaragoza Delicias train station at 12:00 (midday) and from Zaragoza airport to meet the Ryanair flight from Stansted. Return drop‑off is at 11:45am at the train station or at airport timed for the London Stansted flight. See our getting here page for more details.

Can I arrive by train instead of flying?

Yes. High‑speed AVE trains from Madrid and Barcelona arrive at Zaragoza Delicias. Please ensure you arrive in Zaragoza Delicias for the midday transfer.

Can I make my own way to Biescas?

Yes — you’re welcome to drive or arrange your own transport. We’ll confirm check‑in times and parking options, there is free, safe parking at the hotel.

Accommodation

Where will I stay during the holiday?

For the first, fourth and final nights, you will enjoy the comfort of the 4★ Hotel Tierra de Biescas, a modern hotel with indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, gardens, and comfortable en‑suite rooms. Shops, banks, bars and restaurants are all within a short walk of the hotel. For the rest of your holiday, you will be spending one night in both Refugio Respomuso and Refugio Bachimaña and two nights in the recently renovated Refugio Goriz. All of these mountain huts are spectacular locations. You will sleep in mixed dorms, and all have hot showers available.

Can I book a single room at Hotel Tierra de Biescas?

Yes. Single rooms are available for a supplement. Unfortunately, in the refugios, only dormitory accommodation is available.

Is there Wi‑Fi at the hotel?

Yes — free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the hotel, but not in the refugios. Some refugios do have mobile phone signal.

Meals & Dietary Requirements

Which meals are included in the price?

Breakfasts, picnic lunches on walking days, and three-course evening meals are included. The only meal not included is lunch on the rest day.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes — vegetarian, gluten‑free and other dietary needs can be catered for with advance notice. Unfortunately, the refugios do NOT cater for vegan diets.

What are the evening meals like in the refugios?

The three-course evening meals are basic, yet tasty and filling, you'll enjoy them after a big day in the hills. It's a set meal, with no choices.

Walking Levels & Fitness

How difficult are the walks?

This is a week of demanding hiking with some long days, taking in Pico Tebarrai (2916m) and Monte Perdido (3335m). Expect 8-17 kilometre days, steeper terrain, rough rocky paths, and occasional easy scrambling. You may also encounter patches of snow, for which we will provide crampons and an ice axe. Full training on how to use this equipment will be given and previous crampon experience is not essential. The distances on some days are not huge, but don't be fooled, these days are on rocky bouldery paths that don't make for quick progress. This is a perfect itinerary for walkers with walking experience, that are looking to take the next step into more mountaineering type adventurous routes.

How fit do I need to be?

You should be a regular walker with a good level of fitness and used to long days in the hills. Routes require good stamina and confidence on uneven terrain.

What distances and ascents should I expect?

Typically 14-20km of distance and 700–1400 m ascent. Walking time ranges from 7–9 hours depending on the route.

Group & Guiding

How big are the groups?

Groups are small and friendly, usually around 6-8 people, which allows flexibility and a relaxed atmosphere.

Who leads the walks?

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

Is this holiday suitable for solo travellers?

Yes — many guests come alone, and the small‑group format makes it very sociable.

Packing & Equipment

What should I bring?

Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots, waterproof jacket, warm layers, sun protection, a large day pack, and a refillable water bottle. The water in the hotel and refugios is safe to drink. You will also need minimal overnight gear, a sleeping bag liner, small travel towel, head torch and ear plugs.

Can I borrow trekking poles?

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

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.

Booking & Practicalities

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes - insurance to cover accidents in the mountains and illness is compulsory. The insurance must cover mountainous terrain and hiking. We also recommend general travel insurance to cover flight delays, lost luggage and for cover if you need to cancel your trip due to injury/illness before you travel.

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. Remember, most travel insurances will cover this cost if you need to cancel due to injury.

Can I extend my stay?

Yes — let us know when booking and we can help arrange extra nights either in Biescas or in Zaragoza, which is a lovely city to visit with lots to see and a fascinating history.

Trip-Specific Questions

What makes the Refugio Week special?

This is a true high‑mountain adventure, following classic sections of the GR11 and crossing some of the most spectacular passes in the central Pyrenees including the Col de Tebarrai, at 2782 metres, the highest point on the whole GR11 route. Staying in refugios gives the week a real sense of journey, immersion, and camaraderie.

What are the typical routes?

Routes will include classic stages of the famous GR11 and take in a number of high passes, peaks and canyons along the way. The terrain on these routes is rockier and more alpine. Some routes have short sections of easy scrambling but nothing that requires the use of ropes.

Will we see wildlife?

Yes — expect griffon vultures, bearded vultures, marmots, sarrios (Pyrenean chamois), and a wide variety of alpine flowers

Private Group Bookings

Can you run this itinerary for a private group?

Yes, we can run this itinerary for as a bespoke trip for private groups with dates to suit the group. Drop us an email with approx. numbers and dates if you are interested in a private group trip.