Monte Perdido & Cirque De Gavarnie Europe | 3,355M

Monte Perdido & Cirque de Gavarnie Europe | 3,355m

www.360-expeditions.com Monte Perdido & Cirque de Gavarnie | Europe | 3,355m

The magnificent UNESCO World Heritage de Gavarnie. Approaching the mountain from Pyrenees National Park and the Ordesa this direction allows us to stand in awe of the wilderness area is dominated by the “Lost park’s best known features, the stupendous Mountain”, Monte Perdido. This grandiose vertical walls of the Cirque itself, the Gran mountain massif, standing at 3,335 metres, is Cascade (Europe’s highest waterfall) and the the highest limestone mountain in Europe and Brèche de Roland, a striking gap in the jagged third highest peak in the mighty Pyrenees. skyline ridge which forms the border between France and Spain and is the entrance to the From this enormous mountain plunging spectacular Perdido National Park. canyons and vast glacial cirques, some several thousand metres deep, emanate in every direction of the compass. An ascent of this remarkable mountain rewards you with a birds eye view of one of the most beautiful and unique wilderness areas in Europe.

Although the focus for this magnificent 3-day ascent will be to climb Monte Perdido, we also get the opportunity to explore France’s impressive world heritage designated Cirque

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Physical - P2 Technical - T2

Prolonged walking over varied terrain. There Consider this a trek, although there may be may be uphills and downhills, so a good solid occasion to use hands for short sections of easy fitness is required. Expect to be able to do a 6 to scrambling. No previous climbing or trekking 8 hour walk over undulating terrain with a few experience is necessary. punchy uphill climbs carrying a pack up to 6kg in weight.

Please note that the grading system used is a rough guide only.

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ITINERARY

DAY 1 : Arrive France. Toulouse - Gavarnie DAY 2 : Col des Tentes (Gavarnie, France) - Refuge Goriz (Ordesa, Spain) You will be met at Toulouse airport by your 360 guide, who will be leading you on the Monte Perdido ascent, and We start our trek at the Col des Tentes at 2,200m, a short be taken by minibus to the French mountain village of distance west of the Gavernie. Starting off by heading for Gavarnie, which sits below the enormous glacial cirque the obvious symmetrical notch in the ridge known as the that shares its name. We’ll stay at a small local hotel in Brèche de Roland, we cross a river below a thundering the village and, after settling in, we’ll get to know our waterfall and soon reach the large French mountain team with a walk in to the heart of this massive refuge named after the Brèche. From here, we have amphitheatre. Then, after a hearty traditional supper, incredible views down into the Cirque de Gavarnie with its turn in for a good night’s sleep. 1,400m high wall of cliffs. Given its perfect symmetry, it’s not hard to imagine a giant carving out this unique (D) feature with a huge ice-cream scoop! Immediately noticeable to the far end of the Cirque is the “Grande Cascade”, Europe’s biggest waterfall which plunges spectacularly from the top edge of the cliffs. A steep climb brings us to the remains of the Glacier de la Brèche de Roland where we cross the border into Spain.

The untamed wilderness of the Ordessa Perdido National Park becomes immediately tangible as we descend. Here, paths are few, and wildlife such as marmots and herds of the Pyrenean chamoix or Izard can be spotted. Occasionally the world’s largest bird of prey, the Lammergier, will glide effortlessly overhead. Following an old smugglers’ path over limestone scree and over a small saddle we descend to the high Alpine meadows that rim both the Ordesa and Anisclo Canyons. The trail here meanders through a unique and otherworldly karst landscape of dramatic rock formations and wide fissures into which surface streams disappear. Towards late afternoon we reach the spectacularly situated Goriz Refuge, our home for the next two nights, and we can relax, soak up the sunset and enjoy a tasty Spanish dinner.

Trekking:7-8 hours

(BLD)

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ITINERARY

DAY 3 : Climb Monte Perdido DAY 4 : Breche de Roland to Col de Tentes & Bagneres de Luchon (France)

Leaving the refuge before sunrise, we climb steadily up a clearly marked trail in a southerly direction up a wide We’ll get an early start and are sure to encounter dozens slope, before turning into the steep sided glacier valley of playful marmots, herds of Izard and hopefully spot separating the spectacular summits of Cilindro de golden eagle or the lammergier. Today our trek reverses Marbore (3,328m) and our target, Monte Perdido. As we our route from the Goriz Refuge and we climb back to the climb, the sun will begin to light up the wide chasm of Brèche de Roland and cross back into France. Our ascent Europe’s biggest canyon, the Ordesa Gorge. Crossing to the Brèche might vary on conditions and how we feel through the “city of rocks” we might encounter our first after our big climb the day before, and can be made a snow, wide drifts which we can easily cross without little less arduous by remaining in the alpine pastures crampons, and after 3 to 4 hours we reach the small before crossing a low col and then beginning our steady mountain lake of Laguna Helado, nestled below the 300 metre climb to the Brèche on a different path. Once imposing walls of Cilindro and a broad col separating in France, we stop at the refuge for a coffee before these incredible mountains. descending another hour to the vehicle at Col de Tentes.

From here, the mountain assumes a very different Once back at the vehicle we transfer 2-3 hours to the appearance to that we saw from the refuge, and at last French mountain town of Bagneres de Luchon. Here, we’ll admits superiority over the surrounding peaks as the check into a comfortable, central hotel and celebrate our terrain steepens and becomes more alpine in nature. remarkable weekend getaway with tasty French cuisine, From the lake we scramble up steeping slopes which, and no doubt a drop of fine French wine or beer! early in the season, might still be covered in snow and gain a broad gully which steepens near its top before Trekking time: 5-6 hours. reaching a saddle and the final summit ridge. The views from the summit of this incredible mountain are immense: (BL) falling below us is the summit of our closest neighbour, the incredibly precipitous Cilindro; to the south the steep DAY 5 : Depart to UK bluffs of the Sum de Ramond Canyon plunge deeply into the beautiful Valle de Pineta, while far off we can see the massive mountains of the Poset range and the highest Depending on the flight departure times, we may have a mountain in the French Pyrenees, the Vignemale. Below morning free to enjoy this beautiful mountain town. us, looking west we see the deep and mysterious Anisclo Numerous cafés and French bakeries line the main street Canyon carving deep into the earth and the vast for a leisurely start to the day, or you might want to limestone plateau empty abruptly into the mighty regain the birds eye perspective and take a paraglide Ordessa Canyon. Looking north we see the edge of the flight over the Luchon Pyrenees. Cirque de Gavernie and beyond this the impressive 3,000 metre mountains of the Spanish Pyrenees. We’ll stay on We’ll transfer to Toulouse Blagnac airport, which will take the summit for a while to soak up the grandeur of this around 2 hours, in preparation for our flights back to our immense wilderness area, before descending the same home countries. route back down to the refuge for a well-deserved supper and good night’s sleep. (B)

Trekking: 7.4 km, 8-10 hours

(Altitude gain: + 1,155m / -1,155m)

(BLD)

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KIT LIST

Bags & Packs Headwear

Daysack Warm headgear

40-60L rucksack that is well worn in and with a This can be a warm hat, beanie, balaclava, good waist belt. A waterproof cover is advisable anything to reduce the heat loss from your head (remember that these covers are not 100% waterproof but act as a barrier) Whilst on the Wide brimmed hat mountain you will need to carry all of the kit that you are not wearing. Keeps the sun off exposed areas like ears and the nape of the neck Dry stuffsacks Sunglasses Pack some fresh clothing into bags to keep them dry in the event of a total downpour that seeps Category 4 wrap around style is highly into your kitbag. Good for quarantining old recommended. These sunglasses allow for the socks highest available protection against harmful UV light found at altitude and from glare from snow Waterproof rucksack cover and sand surfaces. Worth spending money on good UV filters. Julbo is our preferred supplier To protect rucksack from rain Lip salve Sleeping Gear Sun cream will not work on your lips and they 2 Season sleeping bag are very susceptible to burn without proper protection You should get a sleeping bag rated to 5C and choose a sleeping bag that functions within the Sunblock comfort rating of this temperature. A silk sleeping bag liner will enhance this rating on the Buy the highest SPF you can find as UV coldest nights. intensifies with altitude

Sleeping bag liner Upper Body

Silk is best for keeping the bag clean and you a Base layer x 2 little warmer This is the layer closest to the skin and its principal function is to draw (wick) moisture and sweat away from the skin. You can also get thermal base layers for use at higher altitudes that provide an additional insulative layer while still drawing sweat during times of high exertion

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KIT LIST

Mid layer Lower Body

These are typically lightweight microfleeces or Shorts similar technology that provide varying degrees of warmth and insulation without being overly A pair or two of shorts are advisable for this bulky or heavy to pack summer expedition – or trousers that zip off. The days can be reasonably warm, with high T-shirts temperatures at lower altitudes.

A couple of T-shirts are advisable also for this Trekking trousers summer expedition. The days an be reasonably warm (with high temperatures at These tend to be polyester so they dry quickly lower altitudes) after a shower and weigh little in your pack. Consider perhaps a pair with detachable lower Hard Shell legs as an alternative to shorts

These jackets are thin, highly waterproof and Underwear windproof and worn over all other items of clothing. You’ll find these made of Gore-Tex or Merino or wicking material, not cotton. How other proprietary waterproof yet breathable many pairs you take is entirely up to you technology. Inexpensive hard shells that aren’t breathable will prevent evaporation, making Waterproof trousers you sweat intensely and are not recommended A lightweight pair of Goretex/eVent trousers Soft Shell that will act as a great windproof too

These should be windproof (not all are) and Feet insulative. They are mostly made of soft polyester and sometimes resemble a neoprene Walking boots finish which makes them very mobile and comfortable to wear. While offering a degree of Well worn in 4 season waterproof boots with weather repellence, they are not waterproof mid to high ankle support

Gloves Spare laces

Just in case

Comfortable trainers/Crocs

For use in the evenings. With most refuges, you will need to take your boots off when you go in. Some provide croc/slippers but not all.

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KIT LIST

Trekking socks x 3 Expedition towel

Single layer or wearing 2 pairs is a personal Towels from the likes of Lifesystems are perfect choice and lighter weight merino wool is a good option Wash kit

Hydration Keep it simple on the mountain. Essentials are toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant. Water bottles / bladder x 2 Moisturiser is advisable, everything else is a luxury! 2L capacity either in a combination of bladder and Nalgene bottle or just Nalgene bottles Medications

Water purification Personal first aid kit

Although generally all water is boiled some The 360 med kits are designed to be used in prefer to double up and add purification tabs as emergencies and akin to an A&E rather than a well. Always good to have in your bag pharmacy on Expeditions so please come prepared with useful meds for yourself such as Evening Wear painkillers (Ibuprofen if you can take it and a Paracetamol) plus blister plasters, plasters, Evening clothes antiseptic, rehydration sachets and any muscle rubs you wish to use. Comfortable clothes for the evening Personal medication Toiletries Keep this in your daysack Alcohol gel Miscellaneous A must have for good camp hygiene Camera Toilet paper Bring plenty of spare batteries and memory Provided at the accommodation but a spare in cards your daysack may be useful if you need to hide behind a rock during the trekking day. Head torch

Wet wipes Bring spare batteries or a spare head torch

Helpful for washing when shower facilities are limited, one packet will suffice.

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KIT LIST

Snacks Travel insurance

Although you will be fed well we do we advise Copy of own travel insurance details. And bringing a small selection of energy bars. Have relevant contact numbers. We have a a couple per trekking day partnership with True Traveller and would recommend that you contact them when looking Ear plugs for travel insurance for your trip with 360. However, it is vital that you ensure that the For protection against the inevitable snorers! insurance cover they offer is suitable for you, taking your personal circumstances (items to be Penknife (optional) insured, cancellation cover, medical history) into account. Many other insurance providers are Swimsuit available and we do recommend that you shop around to get the best cover for you on the For the odd swim if we find a suitable mountain expedition you are undertaking. It is your lake! responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip. Trekking poles To include medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude of this trip. These tend to be a personal preference but help with your stability and can dampen the pressure EH1C (formerly E111) on the knees coming down hill While you do have travel insurance, this can Documentation save you paperwork and reduce upfront costs should you have a minor ailment or need to see Passport a local GP if you already have one

Don’t forget this! Your passport should have at least 6 months validity. With your passport expiry date at least six months after the final day of travel.

Copy of passport

Just in case

Dental check up

We recommend you have a dental check-up before your trip. New fillings can be an issue at altitude if there is an air pocket left in the gap

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FAQ'S

Food and Water Accommodation

Where do we get drinking water from? What is the accommodation like throughout?

Drinking water will be provided in the mornings You’ll be staying in simple but comfortable at the hotel or refuge, then throughout the day accommodation in the hotels. we pass streams in various places that you can top up from if you should run out, so do take The refuges are more basic, these are purification to add to it in the form of silver inaccessible mountain huts – albeit large. They chloride or chlorine. all have running water, so flush toilets are standard. Most will have hot showers, but on a busy day that hot water will be in high demand What is the food like? and may run out. Accommodation here is in dormitories, so earplugs are recommended if The food in the refuges are is plentiful and of snorers keep you awake! very good quality, using locally sourced ingredients – do remember that all food is Food along the way will be good with ample trekked in brought in by helicopter! You can carbohydrate content – think pasta, rice, expect hearty meals in the evenings and simple potatoes etc, but don’t expect a la carte, food but filling packed lunches. often has to be flown in by helicopter! Given we are all carrying our own kit we don’t want to be weighed down by tents and cooking equipment, Do you provide snacks during this expedition? and as the refuges have beds and washing Or do you recommend that we bring our own? facilities they are considered the sensible and more comfortable option on these routes. 360 provides some snacks for your days on the mountain, however do bring some of your favourite snacks from home, a range of fast and slow release energy snacks. The pure ‘energy’ style bars which are solid are quite tough to eat on the mountain so go with simple things. Flapjacks, shortbread, sweets, nuts and chocolate are great, snacks that you’re going to really look forward to eating and which will give you energy.

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FAQ'S

Kit Do I need a sleeping bag?

What bag do I need to bring? We recommend a one or two season sleeping bag, depending on how cold you get. We A rucksack of around 40-60L should do you just definitely recommend looking for something fine. If you are borrowing or buying a rucksack, lightweight – you will be carrying it! ask someone to help you adjust it to fit your back. And ensure you are making these Some people like to bring a light sleeping bag adjustments with weight inside it, not empty. plus a sleeping bag liner also for colder nights, Generally it should sit reasonably high on your which will save you some weight. back so that the weight is acting vertically downwards, not forcing your shoulders back or drooping past your backside. Again, it’s about how you feel comfortable wearing it and important to get right. The Trek

Make sure too that it is either waterproof or you How fit do I need to be? have a waterproof cover for your rucksack. It’s not a bad idea to pack your gear into Although we’re not at altitude, or in somewhere waterproof stuffs sacs, or even bin bags, in case like the Himalayas, don’t underestimate this of a deluge. trek. The days are relatively long with reasonable altitude gains (and losses) each day. If you make an effort with fitness before coming Do we need any technical gear for this? out you’ll enjoy it far more than if you are struggling up every hill each day barely able to No, this is a trek, so standard walking gear notice the spectacular views. outlined in the kit list should suffice.

Can we swim if we pass any lakes?

They’ll be cold but there’s no reason why not!

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FAQ'S

The Weather Travel

What’s the weather like up there? Flights aren’t included what time should I arrive and depart to Toulouse? It’s likely to be lovely and sunny, and reasonably warm (pretty hot lower down). However, we’re We haven’t included flights as this gives you in the mountains, and not very far from the options from the UK. There are many flights that Atlantic, so there is every risk of rain, come to Toulouse daily from many different thunderstorms, and wind. Night time airports. temperatures high up will be decidedly chilly. We will be at the airport at 11.30 am on day one The climate of the Pyrenees is generally better of the itinerary. On the day you leave, we will than the UK, but there is still the risk of inclement be dropping the team off at Toulouse airport weather, so we advise in the kit list to pack for 2.30 pm. (These times are approximate accordingly (see above). And just like any other and are TBC.) holiday, having a quick last minute look at the forecast before you come out can be a useful Please, therefore, find flights that work for these pointer of what’s in store. timings.

If there are any issues with this please let us know and we will also try and help however it might mean in getting a hire car/train or taxi to your start/finish point.

Bagneres de Luchon is 1h 40 mins drive away.

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FAQ'S

Insurance

Do I need special insurance for this trip?

You must carry individual travel insurance to take part in the expedition. We cannot take you on the mountain without proof of insurance.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip. To include medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude of this trip.

Your insurance details are requested on the booking form, however this can be arranged at a later date. 360 Expeditions will be requesting your insurance details 8 weeks before your departure.

Electronics

Will my mobile work?

On and off, don’t rely on it but there could be exposed points where you get a signal, notable higher up. In valleys you’ll be hard pushed to get a signal unless they are populated, though in the towns at the start and end points of the trek you’ll likely get much better signal.

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TRAINING PROGRAM

To begin 6 months prior to the expedition where MONTH 1 possible. OPT 1 OPT 2

1. CVS: Cardiovascular exercise which is low impact 2 x 30 mins weekday walk 1 x 30 mins weekday walk such as swimming, cycling, cross trainer, rowing. 1 x 1 hour weekend walk 2 x 1 hour weekend walk 1 x 10 mins CVS 1 x 10 mins CVS 2. Weekend walk should be done over undulating terrain. Only a light rucksack needs to be carried. MONTH 2

3. For specific exercises it is worth doing static OPT 1 OPT 2 squats and heel raises on a regular basis to improve leg muscles prior to the trip. Static squats 2 x 45 mins weekday walk 1 x 45 mins weekday walk 1 x 2 hours weekend walk 2 x 2 hours weekend walk are especially useful to help protect the knees. 2 x 10 mins CVS 2 x 10 mins CVS Please remember that it is still important to have a well balanced workout using a variety of muscle groups. MONTH 3

4. It is worth winding down and resting in the week OPT 1 OPT 2 leading up to the trip, doing several light walks to 2 x 45 mins weekday walk 1 x 45 mins weekday walk keep things going. 1 x 2 hours weekend walk 2 x 2 hours weekend walk 2 x 10 mins CVS 2 x 10 mins CVS 5. When walking going at a pace of a brisk walk with a light sweat and enough to feel breathless is MONTH 4 recommended OPT 1 OPT 2 6. During the program, rather than step up 3 x 1 hour weekday walk 2 x 1 hour weekday walk suddenly each month (example, going for 3 one 1 x 4 hours weekend walk 2 x 4 hours weekend walk hour walks each week during the weekdays in April 3 x 15 mins CVS 3 x 15 mins CVS to 3 one and half hour walks suddenly in May) it is better to build up gradually each week so there isn't a large transition (example, going for 3 one MONTH 5 hour walks during week 1 in April, going for 3 one OPT 1 OPT 2 hour and ten minute walks during week 2 in April, going for 3 one hour and fifteen minute walks 3 x 1.5 hours weekday walk 2 x 1.5 hours weekday walk during week 3 in April, going for 3 one hour and 1 x 5 hours weekend walk 2 x 5 hours weekend walk 3 x 20 - 25 mins CVS 3 x 20 - 25 mins CVS twenty minute walks during week 4 in April)

6. It is important you seek medical advice prior to MONTH 6 starting any training program, especially if you are not used to regular physical exertion OPT 1 OPT 2 3 x 2 hours weekday walk 2 x 3 hours weekday walk All the best with your training! 1 x 6 hours weekend walk 2 x 6 hours weekend walk 3 x 30 mins CVS 3 x 30 mins CVS

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Dream it. Plan it. Live it.

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