Lake Ibardin, Xoldoko Gaina, Manddale from the Col d'Ibardin

The hike starts from the Col d'Ibardin car park.

(S/E) Go through the red and white barrier at the end of the car park and take the wide track that leads to the lake (French side).

(1) After 2 km, cut across a large bend via the small path on the left, then, after rejoining the track, continue to the left to reach the lake shore.

(2) Continue along the track that goes around the lake on the left (south) for about 950 metres.

(3) Leave the track and take a path on the right to stay on the lakeside path. After crossing the small stream, do not take the wide path that branches off to the left, but continue straight ahead on the small path that continues around the lake: green dot on the trunk of an oak tree. Reach the dam: crossing prohibited.

(4) Continue along the path on the left bank of the Arrolako Erreka stream for about 400 metres.

(5) Leave the path that continues straight ahead and take another path on the left, marked by a slightly recessed green sign with "Biriatu" written on it next to a small barn (which can be used as a shelter if necessary). This path covers a water pipe, runs along a balcony for 900 m and comes out onto a beautiful meadow. Cross the meadow, quickly rejoin the path, then take a small road up to the left for about a hundred metres, negotiating the bend.

(6) Turn left to climb up a wide ridge, which is a little steep for the first 150 metres of elevation gain, leading to the first summit, Xoldoko Gaina (486 m), with its beautiful structure fixed on a large boundary stone: remarkable 360° panorama. The GR®10, marked in white and red, joins here.

(7) Descend to the left (south-southeast) to the Col de Pitare (elevation 316).

(8) Climb up opposite, still on the GR®10, and reach the Col des Joncs.

(9) Continue left, then turn left again a few dozen metres further on. Leave the GR®10 and follow the path that slopes to the right and leads to a small, well-marked cross-country trail.

(10) Take the path opposite and climb up to join the ridge path that leads to the summit of Manddale (573 metres). The 360° panorama from this summit is simply magnificent in all directions. This is the highest point of the hike and of the region.

(11) Continue opposite along the eastern ridge for about 300 m and descend to the right, on the Spanish side, along a wide shoulder to a crossroads.

(12) Take the left track, which leads back to the top of the ventas d'Ibardin.

(13) Descend to the right along the road past the shops to the car park (S/E).

There are no technical difficulties on this hike.

(S/E) Take advantage of the ventas to eat or do some shopping.