Tour du Val d’Hérens: Cabane Becs de Bosson - Nax (stage 5)
Nax
-5/1°
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
IntermediateLength
13.36 kmDuration
3:45 hDescription
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
Start
Cabane des Becs de Bosson (2982m)
Destination
Nax village (1259m)
Author's recommendation
Technical information
Altitude
2984m
1259m
Ascent
+63m
Descent
-1786m
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
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
Parking
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion