How many days does it take to do the GR 11?

ByEduardo Azcona
GR 11. Lac Long, on the right the Tuc de Ratera.
GR 11. Lac Long, on the right the Tuc de Ratera.

The number of days or stages into which you divide the GR11 - Pyrenean Path will depend on your physical preparation and the number of days you have available to do it. If you are going to do it all at once in a classic design, for example, the one we have in Travesía Pirenaica, it will take you 46 days to do the whole route from Cape Higuer to Cap de Creus.

For most hikers, completing the GR11 can take 40-50 days.. This includes some "rest" days, some margin if the weather is bad and allows you to enjoy the scenery and villages along the route.

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Most guides, including Travesía PirenaicaWe divide the GR11 into 44 to 46 stages. This division allows walkers to complete the route in a reasonable time, with walking days varying between 4 and 8 hours.

From there, some hikers may combine stages to shorten the overall length of the walk, while others may divide longer stages into shorter sections for a more relaxed pace.

Here is our division of the stages.

STAGES - GR11 (46 days)
- Prologue: Cape Higuer - Hondarribia - Irun
- Stage 1: Cape Higuer - Bera
- Stage 1v (GR 11.3): Cape Higuer - Lesaka
- Stage 2: Bera - Elizondo
- Stage 2v (GR 11.3): Lesaka - Elizondo
- Stage 3: Elizondo - Port of Urkiaga
- Stage 4: Urkiaga Pass - Burguete
- Stage 5: Burguete/Auritz - Villanueva de Aezcoa/Hiriberri
Stage 6: Villanueva de Aezcoa/Hiriberri - Ochagavia
Stage 7: Ochagavia - Isaba
Stage 8: Isaba - Zuriza (via Belabarce)
Stage 8v (GR 11.4): Isaba - Zuriza (via Ezkaurre)
Stage 9: Zuriza - Aguas Tuertas
Stage 10: Aguas Tuertas - Lizara
Stage 10 (unaccompanied): Aguas Tuertas - Candanchú
Stage 11: Lizara - Candanchú
Stage 12: Candanchú - Sallent de Gallego
Stage 9v (GR 11.1): Zuriza - Puente de Santa Ana
Stage 10v (GR 11.1): Santa Ana Bridge - Lizara
Stage 11v (GR 11.1): Lizara - Canfranc Estación
Stage 12v: Canfranc Estación - Sallent de Gallego (via C.Izas)
Stage 13: Sallent de Gallego - Respomuso Refuge
Stage 14: Respomuso Hut - Panticosa Spa
Shortcut: Pipe from Bachimaña to Brazato
Stage 15: Panticosa Spa - San Nicolas de Bujaruelo
Stage 16: San Nicolas de Bujaruelo - Goriz Hut
Stage 17: Góriz - Pineta (Fuenblanca)
Stage 17v (GR 11.9): Góriz - Pineta (Wave Belt)
Stage 18: Pineta Cirque - Parzán
Stage 19: Parzán - Biadós
Stage 20: Biadós - Bridge of San Jaime
Stage 20v (GR 11.2): Biadós - Ref. Ángel Orús
Stage 21v (GR 11.2): Ref. Ángel Orús - Bridge of San Jaime
Stage 21: San Jaime Bridge - Cap de Llauset Hut
Stage 21v (GR 11.5): Bridge of San Jaime - Refuge of La Renclusa
Stage 22v (GR 11.5): La Renclusa Hut - Cap de Llauset Hut
Stage 22: Ref. Cap de LLauset - Conangles
Stage 23: Conangles - La Restanca
Stage 24v (GR11.18): La Restanca - Colomers
Stage 25: Colomers - Ernest Mallafré
Stage 26: Ernest Mallafré - La Guingueta
Stage 27: La Guingueta - Estaón
Stage 28: Estaon - Tavascan
Stage 29: Tavascan - Areu
Stage 30: Areu - Baiau
Stage 31: Baiau - Arans
Stage 32: Arans - Encamp
Stage 33: Encamp - Ref. l'Illa
Stage 34: Ref. l'Illa - Malniu
Stage 35: Malniu - Puigcerdá
Stage 36: Puigcerdá - Planoles
Stage 37: Planoles - Nuria Sanctuary
Stage 38: Nuria Sanctuary - Ulldeter Hut
Stage 39: Ulldeter Hut - Molló
Stage 40: Molló - Talaixà
Stage 41: Talaixà - Albanyà
Stage 42: Albanyà - La Vajol
Stage 43: La Vajol - Requessens
Stage 44: Requessens - Vilamaniscle
Stage 45: Vilamaniscle - El Port de la Selva
Stage 46: El Port de la Selva - Cap de Creus

This is a very well thought-out design, taking into account the logical stopping points according to the logistics and the services at the end of the stages, and maintaining a certain balance, both in the length of the stages and in the slope that we are going to undertake. In other words, it should be suitable for a person of average physical condition.

Endurance athletes and very experienced hikers can complete the route in less time. For example, there are those who have completed the GR11 in 20 - 30 days, taking on a certain sporting challenge. You can consult the GR11 FKTwhich is currently at 16 days.

From there the division can go, as I said, from 46 days to 30 days, 25 days... But I advise that, if we are not taking on a sporting challenge and we are not going in the mode of fastpacking (very ultralight and fast), enjoy the route and don't obsess about the number of stages or days on the trail, just go by what your body asks for.

A sporting challenge.

Kilian Jornet managed to link the Cantabrian Sea with the Mediterranean in just over eight days, from Hondarribia to Llança. A total of 830 km and a positive difference in altitude of 40,000m. More than 100 km and 13 hours of running per day.

Earlier I told you about the Fast Known Time in unassisted mode, which is now documented at 16 days. You can consult the page here.

At this moment (summer 2024) Geert van Nispen is going to make a second attempt to lower the FKT mark of the GR11.

A few years ago we published this article interviewing Nico Fernandez He is still an inspiration for many mountaineers who are thinking of tackling a great solo route. He made the GR11 in 25 days. Here you have link to the interview.

Only the strongest and most motivated hikers can complete the GR11 in 30 days. If the distribution of the stages is well prepared and injuries and the weather allow us to keep to the schedule, it is possible to finish all the stages in sheltered refuges or hotels, which will undoubtedly contribute to lighten our backpack, dispensing with the tent, the sleeping bag (a sleeping bag would be sufficient) or the cooker.

In this forum thread you have a division of the GR11 in 30 days.

Planning the Stages of the GR-11

As we said, the number of stages on the GR11 can vary, but on average it is considered to be between 44 and 46 stages. Careful planning, adequate preparation and flexibility are key to enjoying this spectacular route through the Pyrenees.

  • Before starting the GR-11, it is crucial to assess your physical preparation. This will help you determine how many kilometres you can comfortably cover in a day and what type of terrain is most suitable for you.
  • Adapt the stages according to your level of fitness, experience and the equipment you carry. It is crucial to consider weather conditions and the availability of shelters and refuges.
  • Build rest days into your planning to recover and enjoy the sights along the route.

Do you want to enjoy the scenery, take pictures and rest at each stage, or do you prefer a sporting challenge with a focus on completing the route in the shortest possible time?

We have discussed this extensively throughout the article.

  • Classic Route: We divide the classic GR-11 route into 46 stages, which is a balanced plan for most hikers.
  • Alternatives: You can opt for shorter or longer schedules, depending on your time availability, physical condition and modality (see below).fastpacking(the more classic trekking). For example, some complete the GR-11 in 25 days, while others may extend it to 40 days.
  • Accommodation: Research and plan where you are going to stay at each stage. There are refuges, hostels and campsites along the route.
  • ReservationsDuring the high season, the shelters can fill up quickly. It is advisable to book in advance when possible.
  • Supplies: Make sure you know the food and water resupply points. Plan your stops so that you can replenish supplies smoothly.
  • Take the necessary high altitude equipment, including clothing for variable weather, bivouac gear if you plan to camp and navigation devices.
  • Lightweight equipment: Consider carrying light equipment to make it easier to get around, especially if you want to do the route in less than 40 days. Well-selected equipment can make all the difference to your experience of the route.
  • Maps and guides: Carry up-to-date information and maps with you. Knowing the terrain will help you avoid surprises and plan each day better. You will find everything you need in our guide. The GR11 is signposted, but that doesn't mean you won't need information and tips for each stage.
  • Climatic conditions: Find out about the expected weather conditions during your trek. This is especially important on the higher mountain stages, where the weather can change rapidly. Do not underestimate the route.
  • Emergency contacts: Keep emergency contacts handy and make sure someone knows your itinerary.
  • Communication devices: Carry a mobile phone and, if possible, a GPS device or personal locator in case of emergency.

The GR-11 hike is not only a physical challenge, but also a mental one. Be prepared for long and sometimes difficult days. Keep a positive attitude and enjoy the journey. Here are some tips.

Quick guide
GR 11

with everything you need to know before undertaking the Pyrenean Path