Character
An unmarked high-mountain route across the highest sections of the Pyrenees. Physically the most demanding Pyrenean traverse.
Mountain Treks
HRP Haute Route Pyrénéenne
An unmarked mountain line across the highest Pyrenean passes — a stricter and wilder alternative to GR10 and GR11.
Overview
HRP has no official waymarking but is an established route described in Kev Reynolds' guidebook. It follows exclusively the high ridges. It requires navigation experience, snow gear in July and resilience to rapid weather changes.
- Distance
- 830 km
- Time
- 40-55 days
- Difficulty
- Expert
- Total elevation gain
- 45,000 m
Route & profile
Quick orientation of the route line, start, end and elevation profile.
Elevation profileHighest 2,305 m a.s.l. · Refuge d'Arremoulit (přes Gabas)
Francie, Španělsko
830 km · 15 stages · ↑ 45,000 m
Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors, displayed via Waymarked Trails.
Planning
A mix of refuge (€15–25/night) and wild camping.
The route is only passable July–September. Snow may be present on passes above 2,800 m in July. The most stable weather is in August.
What to expect
Who it's for
Very experienced alpinists and mountain hikers with navigation skills and experience moving on snow.
Suggested pace
Stages of 15–20 km with big elevation gain (800–1,500 m per day). Total 40–55 days.
Logistics
Train or bus to Hendaye. Finish at Banyuls-sur-Mer — train to Barcelona or Perpignan. Refuges must be booked in advance.
Resupply & permits
Resupply
International refuges every 15–25 km. Carry 1–2 days of food in remote sections.
Permits & regulations
No permits. Strict nature protection applies in the national parks.
Why go
- The most beautiful and wild traverse of the Pyrenees.
- Vignemale, Balaïtous — the finest Pyrenean summits.
- Exceptional natural scenery without a fixed tourist flow.
- A Mediterranean finish.
Watch out for
- Snow on passes in July — crampons and ice axe needed for some variants.
- Rapid afternoon thunderstorms — avoid exposed ridges.
- Navigation required — GPS and IGN 1:25,000 topo maps are essential.
Sources
Maps & GPX
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for Haute Route Pyrénéenne?
The route is only passable July–September. Snow may be present on passes above 2,800 m in July. The most stable weather is in August.
How hard is Haute Route Pyrénéenne?
Haute Route Pyrénéenne is rated as Expert. An unmarked high-mountain route across the highest sections of the Pyrenees. Physically the most demanding Pyrenean traverse.
How many days does Haute Route Pyrénéenne take?
Haute Route Pyrénéenne usually takes 40–55 days. Stages of 15–20 km with big elevation gain (800–1,500 m per day). Total 40–55 days.
Do I need a permit for Haute Route Pyrénéenne?
No permits. Strict nature protection applies in the national parks.
What about resupply on Haute Route Pyrénéenne?
International refuges every 15–25 km. Carry 1–2 days of food in remote sections.
Similar treks
Photos from trekkers
Real shots from the trail by people who walked it — coming soon.