Distance

7.5 km to summit

15.0 km total

Elevation

2,208 m start

Vertical

970 m gain

Time

9 hr 0 min total

From the Col de Tentes 2208m above Gavarnie. From the car park, took the trail to the Port de Boucharo 2270m, then path along the northern flank of the mountain through the cascade from the Glacier du Taillon (cross with care) and steeply up to the Col des Sarradets 2589m. Then a short descent down to the Refuge des Sarradets. From there the trail leads steeply up a lateral morraine to a plateau. The trail continues over and up the glacier (ice axe and crampons not needed in high summer, but treat with care as a slip could be dangerous) to the amazing Brèche de Roland 2807m. From there the trail leads west on the Spanish side under the cliffs of Pointe Bazillac 2975m to another col by the finger of rock known as le Doigt. The route is a bit exposed at this point, but not too bad. Then the ascent is tedious but easy to the summit. It took us 9 hours in the heat, but could be done in far less time by a younger fitter walker. Returned by our outward route. Saw many choughs, a kestrel, and a marmot. With ALT to the refuge, and with TST to the summit. 15.0 km, with 970m of ascent.

Route name

From Col des Tentes

out-and-back
Obstacles

stream crossing, weather

Key gear

trekking poles