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Hello gbarrabe, you don’t need any equipment other than walking shoes and poles for this hike! (And a bivouac, etc., of course...)
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Mount Perdu
To explore the Mont Perdu massif, this two-day trek starting from the Col des Tentes passes through the Brèche de Roland, crosses the foothills of the Casque, the Tour, the Cylindre and the Pic de Marboré before ascending to Mont Perdu. After a night in a bivouac or at the Goriz refuge, you’ll explore the ledges overlooking the Ordesa Canyon: the Luenga ledge, the Fleurs ledge, the Tardiador ledge and the Escuzana ledge, passing via the Mondarruego (2,845 m). A high-mountain atmosphere is guaranteed on the first day; the long second day will be more exposed on the narrow paths amidst the vertical faces of the Ordesa Canyon. The terrain is almost entirely rocky, with very few water sources. A few springs and hidden water sources are scattered here and there. The final scree slope up to Mont Perdu really gets the heart racing. Take care at the Forqueta de Gabietou – which doesn’t seem to pose a problem when approached from the other direction; we struggled to work out how to cross it on its southern face, where there is a slightly exposed section.
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 23.12 mi -
Average duration: 2 days -
Difficulty: Very difficult -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 9,262 ft -
Descent: - 9,308 ft -
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Highest point: 10,965 ft -
Lowest point: 7,198 ft
Stages of the route
This route needs several days, find the details below:
This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:
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gbarrabe
Hello,
I’m rather desperately looking for a two-day hike in the area. Like everyone else, I’m after panoramic views, lakes… But above all, we don’t have any ropes or harnesses. Is this circular route feasible without that sort of kit?
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User 22716851
A really lovely hike! We did it as a bivouac trip. On the first day, it took us 12 hours (including breaks).
On the second day, we took the Brèche trail from the Góriz mountain hut and didn’t do the ledges (too long when you then have a 3½-hour drive ahead of you). The route is technical and at times challenging — at least the one we took to reach La Brèche, as there are cairns dotted about everywhere and it’s not always easy to find the right path. We set off at 9.00 am and arrived at the Col des Tentes at 4.00 pm.
One important point to note: the final ascent of Mont Perdu (up and down) takes about 2 hours, provided you stay at the summit for a while to admire the view, of course. From the foot of Mont Perdu, the descent to the Góriz refuge takes just over 2 hours and isn’t necessarily easy, especially when you’re tired.
Another point: the section along the ledges between points 5 and 6 (Day 1) is sometimes exposed and airy. It is also not always easy to find your way.
To conclude, as stated in the guide, the hike is very difficult, although it does not involve any insurmountable technical sections. It nevertheless requires high-mountain experience and a very good level of fitness.
Thanks to the author for this guide!
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Want to climb one of the legendary "3000" peaks of the Cirque de Gavarnie with breathtaking views? The Casque du Marboré could be your next goal! The entire route offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains: Vignemale, Néouvielle, Mont Perdu, Canyon d'Ordesa. However, it is important to bear in mind that part of this hike takes place in a high mountain environment, with sometimes unstable scree and passages where you will need to use your hands.
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