Hikes

Tour du Val d’Hérens: Cabane Becs de Bosson - Nax (stage 5)

Bergsee Lac du Louché auf der 5. Etappe der Tour du Val d'Hérens

Nax

2/12°

Panoramic hike from a high-altitude mountain cabin into the pristine Vallon de Réchy, a haven for wildlife, and down to the village of Nax, known as “heaven’s balcony”.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

13.36 km

Duration

3:45 h

Description

This hike represents the fifth and final stage of the “Tour pédestre du Val d’Hérens” (“Val d’Hérens Hiking Tour”). The hike starts at the Cabane des Becs de Bosson (2,985 m), located just below the summit of the Becs de Bosson (3,149 m). The refuge, renovated in 2012, offers guests dormitory accommodation and a cosy dining room; the views to the south take in many of the Valais’ 4,000-metre peaks.

Hikers can reach the refuge by following the previous stage of the long-distance trail, from La Sage. Alternatively, take one of the scenic paths up either from the Val d’Hérens to the west (e.g. from St. Martin or Evolène) or from the Val d’Anniviers to the east (e.g. from Grimentz).

From the refuge, the trail leads down into the Vallon de Réchy, a remote valley hidden between the Val d’Hérens and the Val d’Anniviers. The pristine, protected landscape is home to a wealth of wildlife: you may be lucky enough to spot a golden eagle. The trail leads past marshes and along a river that plays hide-and-seek, disappearing and reappearing suddenly a few metres later.

The second part of the trail leads around the southern flanks of the Mont Noble into the Val d’Hérens: first across open pastures and then through woodland down to Nax. Located on a high promontory, this village offers spectacular views of the Rhône valley and glorious sunsets.

NB SwitzerlandMobility features just a 2-stage version of the “Tour pédestre du Val d’Hérens” from La Sage to Nax.

Highlights:

A night at the Cabane des Becs de Bosson – star-filled skies at nearly 3,000 m
Vallon de Réchy – pristine valley, paradise for wildlife
Nax – superb views of the Rhône valley and spectacular sunsets, the latest in the region

Turn-by-turn directions

From the cabin, located on the southern flanks of the Becs de Bosson, the trail leads gently downhill to the Col de la Tsevalire, where it drops into the Vallon de Réchy. The path winds along the western flank of the valley before climbing to the Col de Cou and crossing into the Val d’Hérens. It then sweeps westwards across the southern slopes of Mont Noble before turning north-west for the final descent through forest to Nax.

Start

Cabane des Becs de Bosson (2982m)

Destination

Nax village (1259m)

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Author's recommendation

Bring binoculars, not just for the wildlife but also the starry skies at the mountain refuge.

Technical information

Altitude

2984m

1259m

Ascent

+63m

Descent

-1786m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

The Cabane des Becs de Bosson is accessible only on foot. Hike up from La Sage (starting point of the previous stage of 2-day and 5-day hikes) or from other villages in the Val d’Anniviers or Val d’Hérens. All accessible by postal bus from Sion railway station.

At the end of the hike, take a postal bus from Nax to Sion railway station. Find full timetable information for postal buses at sbb.ch

Approach

A9 motorway: exit 27 (“Sion-Est”) for the Val d’Hérens or exit 29 (“Sierre-Est”) for the Val d’Anniviers.

Parking

Available at villages in both valleys, follow the local car park routeing.

Equipment

We recommend:

good footwear
clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
hat or cap
sunscreen
bottle for water
picnic
camera
binoculars (optional)
hiking poles (optional)
printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, to download)

For certain walks:

Swimwear

Safety information

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.

For all hikes:

Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on “Print” icon, top right of this page.
Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Close gates after passing through.
Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
Do not leave any waste in nature.

For mountain hikes:

Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.

For high-altitude hikes:

Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.

Additional information

More information about the destination:

Literature

The tourist offices in Val d'Hérens have got brochures and information material about hiking in the region.

Maps

SwissTopo maps 1:25’000: 1306 Sion / 1307 Vissoie

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion