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

1/6°

Scenic route from the high alpine mountain hut into the original and wild Vallon de Réchy and to Nax, which is also called "Balcony of the Sky" because of its location.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

13.36 km

Duration

3:45 h
Bergsee Lac du Louché auf der 5. Etappe der Tour du Val d'Hérens
Wanderer auf der Tour du Val d'Hérens
Cabane des Becs de Bosson
Cabane des Becs de Bosson
Cabane des Becs de Bosson
Lac du Louché

Description

This hike is the fifth and final stage of the multi-day hike through the Val d’Hérens (Tour pédestre du Val d’Hérens).

The hike starts at the Cabane des Becs de Bosson at 2985 m above sea level, located below the summit of the Becs de Bosson (3149 m above sea level). The hut, renovated in 2012, offers dormitory accommodation and panoramic views of numerous 4000-meter peaks in the Valais.

The starting point can be reached via the preceding stage of the Tour du Val d’Hérens from La Sage. Alternatively, the ascent to the Cabane des Becs de Bosson can also be made from the west from St. Martin or Evolène or from the east via the Val d’Anniviers (e.g., from Grimentz).

From the hut, the path leads down into the Vallon de Réchy, an inconspicuous valley between the Val d’Hérens and the Val d’Anniviers. The wild, protected landscape is home to numerous wild animals. The path runs along moors and follows the winding mountain stream, which shortly afterwards disappears underground.

The second part of the path runs along the southern flank of Mont Noble into the Val d’Hérens: first along alpine pastures and then through the forest down to Nax. Nax lies on a terrace above the Rhône valley and impresses with breathtaking views.

The hike is part of the five-day Tour du Val d’Hérens but can also be completed as a two-day route from La Sage to Nax.

Highlights of the route:

  • An overnight stay in the Cabane des Becs de Bosson – a real highlight almost 3000 m above sea level on a starry night.
  • Vallon de Réchy, a very wild and pristine valley ideal for wildlife observation.
  • Nax with its fantastic view of the Rhône valley and beautiful sunsets.

Turn-by-turn directions

From the hut on the southern flank of the Becs de Bosson, the path gently descends to the Col de la Tsevalire. From there follows the descent into the Vallon de Réchy. The path then winds up along the western flank of the valley again towards the Col de Cou, the passage into the Val d’Hérens. Upon arrival, the path runs along the southern flank of Mont Noble before turning northwest and descending to Nax.

Start

Cabane des Becs de Bosson (2982m)

Destination

Nax (1259m)

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Author's recommendation

Bring binoculars and observe the wildlife as well as the starry sky at night from the mountain hut.

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

  • Linear route
  • Multi-stage route
  • Scenic
  • Fauna
  • Summit route
  • Family-friendly
Getting there
Information

Public transport

The Cabane des Becs de Bosson is only accessible on foot. Hike from La Sage in the Val d’Hérens or from the Val d’Anniviers to the hut. These starting points are accessible by post bus.

At the end of the hike, the post bus will take you from Nax to Sion. Train and post bus schedules can be found at sbb.ch.

Approach

Motorway A9, exit 27 Sion Est. Then via Route d’Hérens into the Val d’Hérens. If the starting point is in the Val d’Anniviers, take exit 29 Sierre-Est and then drive south into the valley.

Parking

Parking is available in both valleys. Follow the local parking guidance system at your chosen starting point.

Equipment

We recommend:

  • Good footwear
  • Weather-dependent clothing: always carry a waterproof vest
  • Headgear
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle
  • Picnic
  • Camera
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Trekking poles (optional)
  • Printout of the hiking trail (click "Print" to download)

For certain hikes:

  • Swimsuit

Safety information

The mountains, a place of joy to share and respect. The mountain world is a place to meet and experience unforgettable moments together – whether by bike or on foot. To ensure everyone can benefit from it, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour allows everyone to pursue their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules. Assess your own abilities and fitness well. Using the various routes is always at your own risk.

For all hikes:

  • Carry a map with you. Download the complete description of the hiking trail with a large-scale map by clicking "Print" at the top right of the page.
  • Use only marked hiking trails and observe all signposts and instructions – for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and out of respect for wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through them.
  • Be considerate towards other trail users, plants, and animals.

For mountain hikes:

  • Carry additional sun protection. UV rays at high altitudes can be very strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan your hike carefully: take into account the required fitness level of all participants, weather forecasts, and seasonal dependencies.
  • Weather conditions in the mountains can change very quickly and without warning. Appropriate clothing and sufficient supplies (food and drink) are very important. In unstable weather, it is better to turn back early.

For high alpine hikes:

  • Inform your family about your hiking route. Avoid being alone if possible.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Observe warning signs that indicate hazards at riverbanks, along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and without warning.

Travel safely

Preparation for a hike

Additional information

More information about the destination:

Literature

The tourism offices in Val d'Hérens provide informational material and brochures about hiking in the destination.

Maps

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

Source

This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion

The Swisspeak Resort in Vercorin in a winter setting

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