your trek
First part of the trek: average heights between 700 and 1600 m on marked paths, for all walkers.
The path goes through the Ax Valleys, connecting villages. Landscapes are very varied: mountain villages with narrow streets and short grass fields, North slope forests, South slope pastures.
Last stages: through higher mountains, in Orlu National reserve, on 4250 ha, with very rich fauna (Pyrenean chamois, marmots). You stay a whole day near En Beys lake, to discover Orlu Reserve.
Dogs are strictly forbidden in Orlu Reserve, so it can’t be your companion for this trek.
It’s a sport tour because of the important height differences each day. The children can’t rise on the back of the donkey for most of this trek because paths are steep. So children over 8 years old can hike on this trek.
Upload technical leaflet
this trek in formula "all inclusive"
steps
TRIP DESCRIPTION
DAY 1: from UNAC (700 m) to CHIOULA REFUGE (1600 m) - 5 hours
You leave the bottom of the valley where Unac is sheltered to reach the first heights and discover a wonderful panorama of the Pyrenean range.
Day 2 : from Refuge du Chioula (1600 m) to Orlu (850 m) 5h
The day 2, you go down until Orlu valley. Very varied landscapes, going through typical sunny villages and forests. You will come to Orlu, small village by the side of the Oriège river.
Day 3 : from Orlu (850 m) to En Beys lake (1950 m) 6h
Fairly long and difficult step because of the big climb. 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. You stay 2 nights at En beys Refuge
DAY 4: 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 5: 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
accomodations
In formula "simple rent" you have to reserve yourself the accomodations.
Accomodation
Accomodationis possible each evening. A donkey park is set up near each of them.. In Chioula and En Beysrefuges, showers are not included in half-board.
Relais montagnard d'Orlu +33 (0)6 02 08 53 53 www.lerelaismontagnard-orlu.fr Refuge du Chioula.+33 (0)5 61 64 06 97 www.refugeduchioula.com - Refuge d'En Beys +33 (0)5 61.64.24.24 www.refuge-enbeys.com
You want to camp near accommodation :A donkey park is set up near each of them. In this case, you can take meals in the accommodation.
At refuge du Chioula : you can camp near the refuge and you have to pay something. You can use toilets and can enjoy of the common area (but you can’t cook because there isn’t common kitchen) if it’s not full.
www.refugeduchioula.com tel+33(0)5.61.64.06.97.
At Orlu : municipal campsite with swimming-pool. camping des Ioules
www.camping-chalets-orlu.com +33(0)5.61.64.30.09.
At refuge d’En Beys. You can camp near the refuge. It’s free and is not managed by the refuge guards
www.refuge-enbeys.com +33(0)5.61.64.24.24.
You want to camp on the wilderness:When we meet the day before your trek, we explain you where you can camp on the wilderness, near springs. But in Orlu, you have to camp in the municipal campsite.
You can also camp in the neighbourhood of the refuge and 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 : In case of accomodation, a donkey park is already set nearly.
If you camp in the wilderness, you'll be provided with a hike park (very light glass fiber sticks, a fence wire and a mobile battery as big as a torch).Like this, you build a fence near your tents and the donkey eat grass in this fence during the night.
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, the best way being arriving the day before, between 15pm and 19 pm. Then you'll get all the instructions concerning your tour, modify it according to your wishes or the characteristics of your group. At that stage, during one or two hours, we will talk about the details of your tour and we trace it on the map. The next morning, you are introduced to your donkey and you are tought how to load it and lead it. Then we share the first loading.
Period
This trek can be done from july to october
Map
The IGN map at 1/25000 th Ax-les-Thermes 2148 ET is compulsory. Map TOP 25 Bourg Madame 2249 OT to the 1/25000 th may be necessary for the stroll of the fourth day in the reserve..
Accomodations
In formula "simple rent" you have to reserve yourself accomodations.
Groceries
There is only a small grocery in Orlu (day 2).
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 on the church square, at Unac near from our farm. If you have precious stuff (bicycles, computer,...), we can keep it safe at home.
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
4 days : 251 €
5 days : 305 €
Transportation of the donkeys : 38 €
(from 1 à 5 donkeys)
Reductions
family and group
- donkey 2:-10%
- donkey 3 and more:-15%.
Departure at Unac and arrival at Orlu
