A grand traverse of the Encantats mountains, staying in mountain huts, between lakes and peaks.
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationPyrenees / Occitanie
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions50.89 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Discover the Encantats massif , a natural gem nestled at the gateway to the Val d'Aran . This protected area, designated a National Park , is home to a myriad of high-altitude lakes , remnants of Quaternary glaciers, which reflect the iconic peaks of the massif. A true sanctuary for hikers , this wild haven offers a breathtaking spectacle, where shimmering waters blend with granite landscapes.
In this unique European setting, let yourself be amazed by these vast lakes , some so immense they resemble high-altitude seas . This complete trek, with full pack carrying , promises total immersion in the heart of unspoiled landscapes. An authentic, challenging, and unforgettable adventure for mountain lovers seeking freedom and pushing their limits .
The highlights
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A paradise for hikers: Numerous high-altitude lakes and varied landscapes
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An exceptional natural setting: Trekking in the heart of a preserved and wild national park
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An authentic sporting challenge: A demanding experience for serious trekking enthusiasts
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Regular walker, in good physical condition with experience in mountain hiking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 14 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 800 m
- Average daily descent: 800 m
Management
French
English
Guided by a qualified mountain guide (state-certified) specializing in the Encantats massif
Program
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From the Baths of Tredos to the Ventosa y Calvell refuge
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 90km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 950 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The hike begins in a bucolic setting, winding through meadows and pine groves alongside a pleasant mountain stream. Higher up, you reach the Colomers cirque and its lakes, before beginning the ascent towards the Port de Caldes (2567m). This is followed by a descent to the Ventosa y Calvell refuge (2214m), with the towering peaks of the Besiberri range, over 3000m high, reflected in the various lakes dotting the valley.
Day 1 -
From Ventosa y Calvell to the Estany Long refuge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h15
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From the Ventosa refuge, a long climb awaits you along the valley leading to the Contraix pass (2749m). As you ascend, the slope steepens and the landscape becomes more rocky. The reward at the top is a beautiful view from the pass. Descend to the large Contraix lake and then on to the Estany Long refuge, not far from the lake of the same name. Since the stage is short, you can lighten your load at the refuge and complete a loop via the Portarro d'Espot and Estany Redo (distance: 16.5km, duration: approximately 7 hours, elevation gain: +1100m, elevation loss: -1300m).
Day 2 -
From Estany Long to the Josep Maria Blanc refuge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A long and beautiful stage, which, like the previous one, begins with the ascent of a valley adorned with several lakes, up to the Dellui pass (2577m). A vast lake district stretches across the gentle hills on the other side of the pass. You traverse this area, skirting these large, blue-tinged expanses where the Colomina refuge (2425m) stands. From there, a climb leads to the Saburo pass (2668m) before a final descent, again alongside numerous lakes, to the Maria Blanc refuge (2320m), magnificently situated on a peninsula.
Day 3 -
From Josep Maria Blanc to the Amitges refuge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After leaving the enchanting setting of Maria Blanc, the route ascends to the Monestero Pass (2716m), accompanied, as is always the custom (and as you will have noticed), by beautiful mountain lakes in the Encantats region. From the pass, a long descent leads to Estany de Sant Maurici at the foot of the twin peaks of Petit and Grand Encantat, iconic summits that gave their name to this unique region of the Pyrenees. You then climb again to the Amitges Refuge (2370m), still surrounded by a stunning landscape of mountains and lakes.
Day 4 -
From the Amitges refuge to the Bains de Tredos
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h45
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For this last day, you will return to the northern part of the Encantats after quickly reaching the Port de Ratera (2543m). For those who wish, it will then be possible to make the round trip ascent of the Tuc de Ratera (2862m) and its incomparable viewpoint (distance: 14km, duration: approximately 6h30, elevation gain: +650m, elevation loss: -1250m).
From the summit, you'll be able to count more than 50 lakes! Then, we'll descend into the Colomers cirque and its multitude of lakes. You'll enjoy these enchanting places one last time before reaching the Tredos Baths and completing the loop! We'll spend a convivial "closing" evening in Salardu.
Day 5 -
End of stay
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 80km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Early morning transfer (1 hour 30 minutes) to Saint Gaudens train station, and end of the stay. Arrival on site around 10am.
Day 6
Note
The programs were established based on the latest information available at the time of writing; however, unforeseen circumstances are always possible, and situations beyond our control may alter the itinerary. Our guides are the best judges on site and may modify the route depending on the weather or if the safety of the group requires it.
Accommodation
4 nights in a mountain refuge in a shared dormitory
1 night in a shared dormitory in a guesthouse
Access
Arrival at Saint Gaudens station around 10:30 am, after your transfer.
Go to the starting point
Vehicle parking in St Gaudens : Free and unsupervised parking at the train station
If you are leaving your vehicle for the entire duration of your stay, please check with the tourist office to find out if any events (festivals, markets, etc.) will be organized at your parking location.
If you are coming by car:
It is possible to arrive by car at the meeting point on the first day (Saint-Gaudens train station), then follow our vehicle to Salardu (77 km) to park your car (village parking lot). On the last day, you can leave directly from Salardu whenever you wish.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation
- Full board from picnic lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6
- Supervision by a State-certified Mountain Guide specializing in the region
- The two transfers to and from St Gaudens train station
The price does not include
- Transfers not included in the program
- Drinks
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- A sleeping bag liner (blankets provided)
- Earplugs
- Cutlery (fork, folding knife)
- Water bottle 1.5 L minimum or CamelBak
- A pair of sneakers, or sandals for the evening
- A pair of telescopic poles (highly recommended)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Hat, cap or bucket hat
- Camera (optional)
- External battery
- A small toiletry bag, with a towel
- A flashlight or headlamp
- Toilet paper
Clothing to bring
Clothing specifically designed for hiking:
- Hiking shoes
- A waterproof windproof jacket
- A fleece jacket or sweater
- Trousers for walking, shorts, t-shirts (preferably breathable materials)
- Change of clothes and personal linen
- A microfiber-type towel
- For the beginning and end of the season, bring thin gloves and a hat for hikes at altitude.
