Top 20 Mountain Passes around Ochagavía/Otsagabia

Perched atop the wind-swept Col de Bagargiak at an elevation of over 1,300 meters, Les Chalets d'Iraty is a charming mountain resort nestled right at the edge of the sprawling Iraty Forest. Operating as a cozy base for winter sports and a vibrant outdoor hub during the summer months, it offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience for hikers on the GR10 or HRP. Trekkers can find well-equipped wooden chalets, dormitory-style rooms, a small grocery shop for essential resupplies, and a warm restaurant serving hearty local Basque dishes. It stands out as an inviting, comfortable oasis high in the Pyrenees where you can rest your legs, enjoy stunning mountain views, and recharge before tackling the next tough stage.

This climb saves the hardest for last. The last 4-5 km are constantly over 10%. Hang in there.

This descent has a very bumpy road surface, so that my bike computer mount broke. Luckily I had the safety line attached. The scenery, however, is very attractive and remote.

Worthwhile climb with a fantastic view from the summit.

Typical Pyrenees: super beautiful and quite strenuous

It is one of the toughest Pyrenean passes and, in general, little known by the average amateur because it has been used very little in professional cycling races. It is a spectacular port on both sides. The eastern slope, which is the one marked in this section, is completely open, with hardly any vegetation, with a wide road in perfect condition. It is 9 km from the moment you get off the town of Larrau. The first 4 km are irregular, with some ramps that take your hiccups away. The last ones are literally very hard, with an average of 3 km at 12%!!!! The last km eases up a bit because it has a rest... but it also has important ramps. In addition to being tough, this port is spectacular for its landscapes and panoramic views. You can not lose this!!!! I leave you the link for the altimetry published by @cyclingcols --> http://www.cyclingcols.com/col/Bagargui

Or “Bagargui” in its French version. A pass which constitutes a real challenge for any cyclist, because it is classified among the harshest in France, especially when the heat gets involved. The climb begins calmly with a normal slope during which you must take advantage of the opportunity to turn your legs and find your rhythm. Because the big piece soon arrives on the first bends with 5 km of extreme difficulty. Averages of 9.5 then 12, 13, 12.5 and 11% follow one another without any respite. But at the end of the effort you will finally be able to enjoy a magnificent panorama of the ridges and perhaps admire the flight of migratory birds or vultures.

The port of Larrau is one of the 5 large ports of the Pyrenees. Not only is it one of the toughest ports (on the French side); It is one of the ports with the greatest scenic beauty, enjoying the authentic wild and rugged Pyrenees. The two slopes are different in terms of hardness and landscape. You have to try both options and decide which one you like best. The Port of Larrau is included in 2 marches: IratiXtrem and Larra Larrau. I also recommend both marches: impeccable organization and hard and beautiful routes. And remember: the Pyrenees must be respected and kept clean.