your trek
Following a stony way, you climb to En Beys lake and refuge, in the middle of Orlu National Reserve (2000m).
Famous for its wild fauna, the Reserve is a natural laboratory to study and observe isards and marmots.
You can make marvellous excursions all around the lake , looking for wild fauna but, there are too much rocks, so the donkeys can't go with you: they wait for you near the refuge, in their little cattle fence.
During the main part of this trek, the path is very steep. So, children can't ride the donkeys.
The first and the third day, slopes are rather important and the children can't ride the donkeys. That's why we recommand this trek if your chilcren are more than 7 years old.
We meet in the car park of Fanguil above Orlu. After Ax-les-Thermes, take the direction of Orgeix-Orlu on the left side. After crossing the village of Orlu, you take the road on the left after the power station which is on your right. After 4 km, at the end of the road, you will reach the Fanguil car park. We are waiting for you on the other side of the wood bridge.
A few days before your trek, you have to say us at what time you come between 9am and 11am.
Upload technical leaflet
this trek in formula "all inclusive"
steps
TRIP DESCRIPTION
D
AY 1: from FANGUIL PARKING- entrance of the Reserve (1000 m) to EN BEYS LAKE (1954 m)- 5 hours
Fairly long and difficult because of the great ascent. Fortunately,all your efforts will be rewarded when getting to Orlu National Reserve, wide natural space, privileged observation spot of wild animals. You enjoy the high mountain atmosphere: summer flocks with ringing bells, swift isards, marmot whistling, rhododendrons flowering round the lake.
Managed refuge with dormitories : 05 61.64.24.24 - Possible camping near the refuge - Possible meals but no provisions.
DAY 2: ORLU RESERVE (2000m ) Trek from the EN BEYS REFUGE
Beyond the En Beys refuge, the paths are not suitable for donkeys. So you'll leave them in the park, and wallk for a day or a few hours, discovering lakes, flora, and fauna,both particularly abundant.
DAY 3: from EN BEYS LAKE (2000 m) to FANGUIL PARKING (1000 m)-4 hours
Well, you have to walk away from those enchanted areas! You stop walking at the Fanguil Parking and you leave the donkeys in a park.
The times indicated are the time you go on hike, excluding breaks.
Dogs prohibited
We meet between 9am and 11am, in the car park of Fanguil above Orlu. After Ax-les-Thermes, take the direction of Orgeix-Orlu on the left side. After crossing the village of Orlu, you take the road on the left after the power station which is on your right. After 4 km, at the end of the road, you will reach the Fanguil car park. We are waiting for you on the oher side of the wood bridge.
A few days before your trek, you have to say us at what time you come between 9am and 11am. If you are in the valley the day before, you can come at the farm at Unac in order to take the backpacks you put on the donkeys. So you can prepare them in the evening.
accomodations
In formula "simple rent" you have to reserve yourself the accomodations.
Accommodation is available at En Beys refuge. He can welcome you in half board and even prepare your picnic for the next day.
You need a sheet sleeping bag to sleep in En Beys refuge. They have blankets. You need your towel, soap...You will slepp in small dormitories
.contact: 05 61 64 24 24 website
You can also camp in the neighbourhood of the refuge a
nd use the water point and the outside toilets of the refuge.
In Orlu National Reserve, campfires are always forbidden.
practical informations
Donkeys
They are used to carry your luggage. For that trek, childre can ride donkeys, only on the low part, during around 1 hour. Kids ride donkeys under your responsability.
The kids must be able to sit by themselves (so being over 2 years old) and must be looked after to avoid any kind of problem (being ready to fall asleep,...)
When there is a child on its back, the donkey has to be hold by an adult with the tether. For security, it's better to protect child's head with a ridehat or a mountain bike helmet. If your child is very small, you must take with you a special bag to carry the baby on your own back to put him when sleeping.
* Their équipment : each donkey wears a halter, a tether, a wooden pack-saddle, with a big bag clipped on each side.
It can carry a load of 35 kilos, that is to say the luggage for 2 or 3 walkers.
This load must be perfectly balanced (17-18 kg on each side). On top of that, only light stuff (such as matress) can be added, to avoid weariness or lack of balance.
* Food and nights of the donkey : There is a night-park for the donkey near En Beys refuge. But you have to let it graze out of the park during 3 or 4 hours each day.
Preparing your trekking
You choose your departure day.We meet between 9am and 11am, in the car park of Fanguil above Orlu. After Ax-les-Thermes, take the direction of Orgeix-Orlu on the left side. After crossing the village of Orlu, you take the road on the left after the power station which is on your right. After 4 km, at the end of the road, you will reach the Fanguil car park. We are waiting for you on the oher side of the wood bridge.
A few days before your trek, you have to say us at what time you come between 9am and 11am. If you are in the valley the day before, you can come at the farm at Unac in order to take the backpacks you put on the donkeys. So you can prepare them in the evening. In the departure morning, we share the first loading.
Period
This trek can be done from july to october
Map
This trek is partially on map IGN Bourg Madame 2249 OT 1/25000. We give you a topo-guide that is sufficient.
Accomodations
In formula "simple rent" you have to reserve yourself the accomodation in En Beys refuge.
Groceries
There is no grocery along the way. You must therefore arrive with the necessary (especially your first picnic). For the following day (s), accommodations can prepare picnics if you book them in advance.
For water, you need a gourd per person, which you can fill along the way if necessary
Your luggages
In High Ariege, the climate is irregular, proper to medium heights : bright sunshine during the day, surprising coolness at night.
Packing:
* Walking boots, and light shoes
* Change clothes, a warm pullover, a sunhat
* Rain clothing (waterproof raincoat)
* Warm coat
* Flask, torch, notepad, pen, lighter, knife, string, medecine (don't forget aspivenin), suncream, sunglasses
* Plastic bags to wap your gear within your rucksack (very efficient in case of rain) and to carry your waste back
* Stove and cooking equipment, tent, sleeping bag (if camping)
* Sheet (only blanquets are provided in refuges)
* Compas and altimeter( for higher mountain tours) Wherever you walk through a village, you'll find drinkable water. If you only walk in the mountains, you'll get water from the numerous springs. Take chlorine tablets with you.Your luggages
For certain tours, food is provided every 2 or 3 days. Others happen in very wild areas and you often are several hour walk from the first inhabited spots. Think about this while packing.
S.O.S. donkeys service
In case of a problem with one of your donkeys, we freely replace as soon as possible.
Your dog
Dogs are prohibited in Orlu National Reserve.
Your car and various things
It will stay in Fanguil parking, at entrance of Orlu National reserve.. If you have precious stuff (bicycles, computer,...), we can keep it safe at home, at Unac.
prices
Price of simple rent for 1 donkey 2024
including only the donkey, its pack-saddle and bags.
Accomodation and maps will be priced separately
2 days : 130 €
3 days : 193 €
Reductions
family and group
- second donkey:-10%
- third donkey:-15%.
Departure and arrival at Orlu, entrance of National Reserve
