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Hiking Trail recommended route Stage 5

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

Hiking Trail · Saint-Martin (VS)
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Valais/Wallis Promotion Verified partner  Explorers Choice 
  • Mountain lake "Lac du Louché" on the 5th stage of Tour du Val d'Hérens
    Mountain lake "Lac du Louché" on the 5th stage of Tour du Val d'Hérens
    Photo: Pascal Gertschen, CC BY-ND, Valais/Wallis Promotion
m 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 12 10 8 6 4 2 km
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”.
moderate
Distance 13.4 km
3:45 h
63 m
1,786 m
2,984 m
1,259 m

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

Author’s recommendation

Bring binoculars, not just for the wildlife but also the starry skies at the mountain refuge.
Profile picture of Delia Inniger
Author
Delia Inniger
Update: August 28, 2018
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Cabane des Becs de Bosson, 2,984 m
Lowest point
Nax village, 1,259 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Track types

Forested/wild trail 43.57%Path 51.55%Road 4.87%
Forested/wild trail
5.8 km
Path
6.9 km
Road
0.7 km
Show elevation profile

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.

Tips and hints

More information about the destination: 

Start

Cabane des Becs de Bosson (2,982 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'606'001E 1'112'514N
DD
46.164079, 7.516337
DMS
46°09'50.7"N 7°30'58.8"E
UTM
32T 385457 5113348
w3w 
///alongside.festivity.rooster
Show on Map

Destination

Nax village

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.

Note


all notes on protected areas

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

Getting there

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.

Coordinates

SwissGrid
2'606'001E 1'112'514N
DD
46.164079, 7.516337
DMS
46°09'50.7"N 7°30'58.8"E
UTM
32T 385457 5113348
w3w 
///alongside.festivity.rooster
Show on Map
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Book recommendation by the author

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

Author’s map recommendations

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

Book recommendations for this region:

Show more

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

Questions and answers

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Photos from others


Difficulty
moderate
Distance
13.4 km
Duration
3:45 h
Ascent
63 m
Descent
1,786 m
Highest point
2,984 m
Lowest point
1,259 m
Multi-stage route Scenic Fauna Family-friendly Summit route Linear route

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