GRP ANDORRA, LA VOLTA A TOT UN PAÍS

45 - 50 HRS | 7 DAYS | 115 KM | 7.540 M | AIXOVALL [ROUND TRIP]

The GRP Andorra, La volta a tot un país, is a round trip around a whole country in only 7 days. Not an easy thru-hike but one for the collectors. A thrilling 115 km and an elevation gain of around 7.540 meters takes you around the entire country of Andorra. Starting and finishing in Aixovall, a little village just outside the capital Andorra la Vela, this circular route covers a variety of stunning landscapes, including high peaks, lush fields, pristine rivers, and serene lakes.

The journey is divided into seven stages, each offering its own unique challenges and breathtaking views. Hikers can make it more challenging for themselves by combining stages or sleeping in more unguarded huts along the trail. This route give guidance to guarded huts, but in the mountains of Andorra there are also some unguarded ones.

Circ de Pessons

The first stage is a 24.1 km hike from Aixovall to Refugi de Claror, includes a steep 2.000m climb through the La Rabassa Forest and past Pic Negre, offering stunning vistas of the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley. Refugi de Claror is one of the unguarded huts on the trail with only basic needs for hikers. There is water and a place to sleep but hikers need to bring food themselves for this first night in the mountains. On the second day the hike continous from Refugi de Claror to Refugi de l’Illa, passing picturesque mountain lakes and climbing Collado de la Maiana.

The third stage includes a climb to the GRP’s highest point at 2.829 meters before descending into the scenic Circ de Pessons towards hotel Peretol. During this descent you cross broad slopes which are used in winter for skiing. A shorter but more challenging ascent follows on the fourth day up to Refugi de Juclà, the first part goes to Port Dret and offers the chance to rest at Siscaró hut before reaching the largest lake in Andorra, Estany del Juclà. This lake is located next to the mountain hut.

Sorteny valley

During the fifth stage to Borda de Sorteny hut the route takes hikers through the Ransol Valley and up to the Collada dels Meners pass before descending into the Sorteny Valley. This valley is declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2020, because of its great diversity of flora. Most of the inhabitants of the nature park are of community interest, such as the wildflower meadow, the plains, the forests of mountain pine and the alpine meadows, some of which are priority such as the marshes with moss hillocks.

The sixth stage leads to Refugi del Comapedrosa, involving a climb to Angonella lakes and several mountain passes, ending at the highest peak of the route. The highest peak on the route is not the highest peak of Andorra as a country. But, the Refugi and national park is named after the Andorra’s highest peak, Pic de Comapedrosa (2.942m). Before the last day hikers could take a day of rest or do a day hike up to this highest peak from Refugi de Comapedrosa. More about this day hike here.

Diploma and a prize

Finally, the seventh stage is of the journey leads back to Aixovall, passing through the picturesque Port Vell and Coll de la Botella. Completing this incredible trek earns you a diploma and prize from the Ministry of Tourism, making the GRP Andorra a truly rewarding experience. For more details and planning tips, check out the Komoot collection below or the official route information and maps available here.