The best circular trekking routes in the Pyrenees (3, 4, and 5 days)
- Altura Expeditions
- Jun 6
- 5 min read
If you love the mountains, trekking in the Pyrenees is a must-do experience. This mountain range that separates Spain and France has it all: green valleys, high mountain lakes, rugged passes, and cozy shelters.
Whether it's your first multi-day trek or you're looking for a new challenge, there are 3-, 4-, or 5-day circular routes for all levels. And the best part: you can do them without a tent, sleeping in shelters.
Recommended areas for circular routes in the Pyrenees
Ordesa and Monte Perdido : spectacular canyons, good connections between shelters and picture-postcard landscapes.
Posets-Maladeta : impressive peaks and more technical routes, ideal for experienced mountaineers.
Benasque and Tena Valley : varied and well-signposted routes.
Aigüestortes National Park : famous for its lakes and the Carros de Foc.
Alt Pirineu and Navarra : less frequented, quieter.
Andorra : tours like the Coronallacs allow you to explore the entire country on foot.
When is the best time to go trekking in the Pyrenees?
The best time is from June to early October .
July and August : more stable weather, all shelters open, but more crowded.
June and September : Fewer people and beautiful scenery, although there may be snow on high passes early in the season. Avoid the cold months if you're new to winter mountaineering.
3-day circular routes in the Pyrenees
If you have a long weekend or want to get started with multi-day trekking, the 3-day circular routes in the Pyrenees are a perfect option. They're long enough to enjoy the high-mountain atmosphere and sleep in shelters, but without requiring complex logistics. Plus, you'll find options for all levels, from gentle treks between lakes to more technical routes in alpine environments.
🟢 Easy: Tour of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau (France)
⛰ Elevation gain: +2,054 m
📏 Distance: 29.93 km
📝 Circular route around the iconic Pic du Midi d'Ossau, with stunning scenery and no significant technical difficulties.
🟡 Moderate: Return to Posets
⛰ Elevation gain: +4,020 m
📏 Distance: 52.58 km
📝 A classic route in the Aragonese Pyrenees, with shelters and spectacular views of the Posets massif.
🔴 Difficult: Pass'Aran in 3 days
⛰ Elevation gain: +4,914 m
📏 Distance: 64.94 km
📝 A cross-border crossing between the Aran Valley and Ariège, with varied landscapes and challenging altitude.
4-day circular routes in the Pyrenees
With four days ahead, the range of routes expands considerably. You can access more varied routes, with slightly longer stages or connecting several valleys. The four-day routes in the Pyrenees are ideal for those with some experience looking for a complete yet balanced trek. There are both leisurely and challenging options, always in spectacular settings.
🟢 Easy: Circulate Cauterets Valleys
⛰ Elevation gain: +2,896 m
📏 Distance: 47.84 km
📝 Route that runs through the Cauterets valleys, with impressive landscapes and without notable technical difficulties.
🟡 Moderate: Route of the Swallows (easy version)
⛰ Elevation gain: +3,405 m
📏 Distance: 61.18 km
📝 A journey through the Western Pyrenees, crossing forests and valleys steeped in history and charm.
🔴 Difficult: La Porta del Cel (The Gate of Heaven)
⛰ Elevation gain: +5,003 m
📏 Distance: 66.63 km
📝 A challenging hike through the Alt Pirineu Natural Park, reaching the highest point in Catalonia.
5-day circular routes in the Pyrenees
The 5-day circular routes are perfect for immersing yourself in an authentic mountain experience. They traverse vast mountain ranges, cross high-altitude passes, and take you from refuge to refuge through some of the wildest landscapes in the Pyrenees. Although there are some options for intermediate levels, many of these routes require good physical preparation and planning. If you're drawn to great challenges, you'll find them here.
🟢 Easy: Cavalls del Vent
⛰ Positive elevation gain: +4,928 m
📏 Distance: 78.01 km
📝 A circular route that runs through the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park, passing eight mountain refuges. This is a challenging trek that requires high-mountain experience.
🟡 Moderate: Pass'Aran
⛰ Positive elevation gain: +6,494 m
📏 Distance: 71.5 km
📝 A circular cross-border route that runs through the Aran, Biros, and Castillonnais valleys, passing by legendary hills and peaks such as Mauberme and Mont Valier. It includes numerous lakes and beautiful landscapes.
🔴 Difficult: Coronallacs (Andorra)
⛰ Positive elevation gain: +6,386 m
📏 Distance: 93.16 km
📝 A circular route that visits Andorra's four guarded refuges, crossing alpine landscapes and glacial valleys. It's a challenging hike, but accessible for hikers in good physical condition.
📌 Summary of circular routes in the Pyrenees
If you're looking for the perfect trekking route in the Pyrenees, here's a summary of the options we've reviewed, sorted by duration and difficulty level. Ideal for choosing based on your available time, fitness level, and desire for adventure:
Days | Level | Route | Elevation difference (m) | Distance (km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3 | 🟢 Easy | Tour of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau | +2.054 | 29.93 |
3 | 🟡 Moderate | Return to Posets | +4.020 | 52.58 |
3 | 🔴 Difficult | Pass'Aran in 3 days | +4.914 | 64.94 |
4 | 🟢 Easy | Cauterets Valleys Circular | +2.896 | 47.84 |
4 | 🟡 Moderate | Route of the Swallows (easy) | +3.405 | 61.18 |
4 | 🔴 Difficult | The Gate of Heaven | +5.003 | 66.63 |
5 | 🟢 Easy | Horses of the Wind | +4.928 | 78.01 |
5 | 🟡 Moderate | Pass'Aran | +6.494 | 71.5 |
5 | 🔴 Difficult | Coronallacs (Andorra) | +6.386 | 93.16 |
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which 3-day circular route in the Pyrenees is best for beginners?
The Tour du Pic du Midi d'Ossau route. It has a moderate elevation and distance, and presents no technical difficulties, making it ideal for beginners in multi-day trekking.
❓ Do I need to bring a tent?
It's not necessary. These routes have guarded shelters where you can sleep and eat. Just book in advance.
❓ Is a guide necessary to do these routes?
It depends on the level of the route and your experience:
On difficult routes, it is advisable to go with a guide , unless you have a lot of mountain experience.
On easy or moderate routes, it depends on your level, but a guide provides you with security, guidance and teaches you a lot along the way .
If you have any questions about whether you need it? Contact us and we'll advise you without obligation.
📩 Need help choosing a route, figuring out if you need a guide, or getting the track?
If you have doubts about which route suits you or if you need a guide to do it, don't be left wondering .
👉 Write to us and we'll advise you without obligation. We'll help you find the best option for your level, your goals, and the time of year.
📬 Direct contact: write to us at info@alturaexpeditions.com or call us at +34 684 79 41 56
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