Official GR20 stage · 4/16
Stage 4: Ascu Stagnu → Tighjettu
The most alpine stage of the opening days: from Haut-Asco, the GR20 climbs to the trail's highest point, at 2,607 m, before descending to the Tighjettu hut.
Essentials
The essentials
Key facts
- Distance · 8.3 km
- Elevation gain · +1,161 m
- Elevation loss · -916 m
- Max altitude · 2,607 m
- Difficulty · Sustained (3/5)
- Estimated walking time · 4h – 6h25
- On the trail · Stage 4 / 16
Download this stage's GPX
Official OpenStreetMap track, snapped to the PNRC refuges.
On the ground
On the ground
Since the closure of the Cirque de la Solitude, the official route climbs to the Pointe des Éboulis via a path opened in 2016: a steep, mineral ascent over scree and a ridge. The exposure comes from the altitude and open terrain rather than any climbing move — take it slow and place your steps carefully on the scree. The long descent to Tighjettu, at 1,700 m, closes out a demanding day.
The Pointe des Éboulis (2,607 m) is the GR20's highest point. The Tighjettu hut that follows is built on stilts on the mountainside.
Water & resupply. No real resupply on this stage — you set off with what you topped up at Haut-Asco. The Tighjettu hut, one of the largest on the route, has a water point, a backup shop, and serves hot meals through the warden.
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