Chaining 3000s: Hell's Peak, Arnales, Black Garmo, Pondiellos Needle...

Read all the programme details and contact us if you are unsure whether your experience matches the route. The main challenge is sustained effort and accumulated ascent and descent, particularly on the way down. Altitude can increase fatigue, while wind and low temperatures add to the difficulty.

Previous mountain walking and summit experience are recommended. If you are new to this type of outing, the guide can assess your level or suggest a preparatory ascent.

Prepare with endurance exercise and mountain walks, carrying a loaded backpack and using the footwear and equipment you will take on the trip. Break in new boots beforehand. The route does not require technical rock-climbing skills, but you must be comfortable with heights and exposed passages.

Included

• Two days with a high mountain guide.
• Accommodation booking arrangements.
• Shared safety equipment, including ropes and anchoring systems.
• Technical equipment from the general information list that you do not own.

Not included

• Return travel to the meeting point.
• Accommodation and meal expenses for both participants and the guide.

What you need to bring

• Gore-Tex or equivalent waterproof jacket and trousers.
• Hiking trousers and a 200-weight fleece or equivalent.
• Thermal base layer.
• Gloves and a spare pair.
• Headtorch.
• Warm hat, sun cap, sunglasses and ski goggles.
• 45–50 litre backpack.
• Sun protection.
• Food you enjoy for the practical outings and 1.5 litres of water.

Footwear

• Mountain boots suitable for snow, preferably semi-rigid, and gaiters.

Personal first-aid kit

• Pain relief medication.
• Anti-inflammatory medication.
• Sunscreen.
• Lip protection.

Equipment we can lend you

• Ice axe and crampons.
• Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.
• Helmet.
• Harness.
• A large backpack if you do not have one.

Food and drink

• Bring food for the route: energy bars, chocolate and nuts, or a sandwich or cured meat if you prefer something savoury.
• At least 1.5 litres of water per person is essential. We will bring water-purification tablets, as water will be collected from natural sources.
• Dinner and breakfast will be cooked at the bivouac and provided by the guide.

Day 1: Meet at Baños de Panticosa car park. Climb the Picos del Infierno and Arnales, then descend to spend the night by the Pondiellos lakes.

Day 2: Start at 06:00 and climb Aguja de Pondiellos, Garmo Negro, Algas and Argualas.