Refugio Week - 7 night guided walking holiday - Grade 4: Challenging hiking - Climb Monte Perdido (3355m) - 4 nights in mountain huts Staying 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.
Challenging hiking 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 highlight of the trek is an ascent of the ‘lost mountain’ - Monte Perdido. At 3355m this is the third highest peak in the Pyrenees. 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. We’ll send you a detailed kit list before arrival and can provide crampons and ice axes if required.
Ramond & Monte Perdido
Accommodation
Ramond de Carbonnieres made Monte Perdido famous when he exclaimed: “When you've seen the most beautiful of the granite mountains (Mont Blanc), You must see the most beautiful of limestone mountains: Monte Perdido”
For the hike in the Valley de Tena we will stay at Refugio Respomuso & Refugio Bachimaña. In the Ordesa National Park, Refugio Goriz will be our base. Both serve three course evening meals as well as 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.
Ramond is widely credited with the first ascent of the summit in 1802 but in fact the two guides he sent ahead to scout the route reached the peak four days earlier. They in turn were shown the way by a shepherd from the Valle de Pineta who is thought to have known the route from a previous ascent.
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When not in the mountains we stay at 4* Hotel Tierra de Biescas for a bit of luxury. It’s sauna and pool are a perfect way to end a great weeks hiking.
"The organisation and guiding were superb. The guides Hannah, Ken and Arkaitz were friendly, professional, helpful and understanding. I would love to walk with them again." Mike