The trip

LEVEL ***

Elevation: +/- 700m approximately per day.
Walking time: 4 to 7 hours per day.
Type of trek: mountain hike on marked trails including gravel paths.

You have to be in a general good fitness level. Please practice a cardio sport such as hiking, running, cycling, from 3 to 4 hours a week.
Your physical preparation will enable you to enjoy your trek to the maximum.
Please find the description of the levels by clicking here: levels of difficulty

GUIDING 

Number in a group between 5 and 14 people supervised by a qualified professional mountain leader.

It is usual to tip your guide at the end of the trek, according to your satisfaction. It is not mandatory but, it is very appreciated.

ACCOMMODATION

6 nights in dormitory in refuges.

MEALS

Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation.
Picnics are included and are carefully prepared daily by your mountain leader, comprising a variety of healthy salads and local products.
or they are ordered in the refuges.

Please inform us about your food allergies and special diets at the time of booking.
We do our best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring some additional products for your own picnics.

Practical information

ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT

Meeting at 9am in Cauterets.                                                                       

BY TRAIN / BUS
Cauterets TER station. Main line to Lourdes then TER or bus to Cauterets.
Times should be verified at a train station or on the SNCF website.

BY CAR    
Toulouse - Lourdes - Cauterets https://www.viamichelin.fr/ 

End of the hike in the afternoon in Cauterets.

ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER

Tourist office Cauterets

INSURANCE

In accordance with regulations, we are covered by Professional Liability Insurance. Under no circumstances, we can replace your personal civil liability.
The repatriation insurance EUROP ASSISTANCE that we offer is dedicated to French speaking people living in Europe. If it is not your case, we advise you to subscribe to another travel insurance which will cover you in case of injury and repatriation during your trek.

If you chose to take out repatriation insurance with EUROP ASSISTANCE whom we propose, Altitude Mont Blanc will only serve as an intermediary between the client and the insurer. We cannot influence either party. We adhere to strict conditions of sale. You are responsible for compliance with the reporting procedures of any incident.

Before making any decision, contact EUROP ASSISTANCE.

CONTACT US

If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07

Equipment & luggage

EQUIPMENT LIST

Clothing

• Walking trousers
• Shorts (Bikini/swimsuit, just in case!)
• Breathable or merino wool t-shirts
• Breathable or merino wool leggings
• Fleece or jumper
• Wind stopper or Gore-Tex jacket
• Waterproof poncho + gaiters or Gore-Tex trousers + waterproof rucksack cover
• Pair of gloves and a warm hat
• Sun hat or baseball cap
• Walking socks (1 pair per day)
• Sturdy walking boots with a good sole, already broken in
• 1 change of clothes for the evening
• A pair of comfortable shoes for the evening

Other Equipment

• Toilet bag
• Quick drying towel
• Sunglasses and sun cream
• Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
• Knife, fork and spoon
• Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches
• Plastic cup for coffee
• Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
• Survival blanket
• Head torch or hand torch
• Sleeping bag liner sheet and pillowcase (blankets provided at accommodation)
• Two adjustable walking poles (highly recommended)
• Identity card or passport

BACKPACK

Pack a comfortable 40-50 litre rucksack for your personal belongings for the week (including warm clothing, rain cape, water bottle, picnic box and cutlery, sun protection and identity papers) and a little room for a picnic and snacks.

In the 'weight is the enemy' section, here are some tips on how to save a few hundred grams. For example, for your toiletries: a simple plastic zip bag or a small plastic box to avoid accidental crushing.

• Hotel-size soap is generally enough for a week.
• A tube of toothpaste 3/4 full will do the trick
• Shaving foam: a small sample can
• A small microfibre towel
• A small bottle of shampoo
• A travel toothbrush

Pharmacy: in addition to your personal medicines, bring :

• Elastoplast or hook-and-loop tape
• "second skin" tape to protect against blisters, such as Compeed
• A small pair of scissors, thread and needle
• A small tube of sun cream and lip balm

Now all you have to do is apply this recipe to your entire bag!