Hike to discover the Encantats lakes in Val d’Aran
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationPyrenees / Val d'Aran
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions124.46 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on an immersive journey into the heart of Aigüestortes National Park , a true jewel of the Catalan Pyrenees in Val d'Aran . In this preserved natural sanctuary, the mountains express themselves with power: wild valleys , verdant pastures , deep forests and majestic peaks create magnificent panoramas at every turn.
Renowned as the largest lake complex in Europe, the park boasts an exceptional concentration of high-altitude lakes and ponds , offering landscapes of rare harmony. Every hike is an invitation to contemplation, between crystal-clear waters and soaring ridges.
Nestled in a charming Aran village , our base camp is an ideal starting point for exploring these high-altitude landscapes, backpacking in complete tranquility. Day after day, the trails reveal unspoiled nature, perfect for rejuvenation and escape.
This stay in the heart of an exceptional environment promises an authentic experience, combining disconnection , wide open spaces and constant wonder for all mountain enthusiasts.
The highlights
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The discovery of a Pyrenean jewel and its nature reserves
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A gradual journey of discovery through this magnificent mountain area
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Accommodation in a superb, very comfortable 3-star hotel with quality dining
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 634 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
A qualified mountain guide with extensive knowledge of the region, the mountain range, and the trails. An enthusiastic professional, he will share his knowledge and passion for the natural environment with you, all while ensuring your safety. His dedication to his work compels him to adapt to weather conditions, terrain constraints, and other unforeseen circumstances, managing the pace and physical condition of each participant, while remaining readily available.
Program
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Around the Baciver lakes
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 80km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet at Saint-Gaudens train station at 9am, then transfer to our hotel, high above a pretty valley.
After a quick setup, we will begin our first hike to Baish Pond, a small lake that precedes a high-mountain setting.
Day 1 -
The Saboredo Circus
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After ascending into the Val de Ruda, we will discover the great Cirque de Saboredo. Nestled between the peaks of the Pic de Ratera and the Tuc de Saboredo, the cirque reaches an altitude of 2300 meters and shelters several lakes.
Day 2 -
The Hidden Lakes of Cabanes
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today we will discover a superb, wild and unspoiled valley. We will hike amidst natural lakes and the streams that flow from them, with imposing peaks as a backdrop.
Day 3 -
The Gerber Lakes
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A slightly easier hike is on the agenda for this fourth day. From the Port de la Bonaigua, we'll hike through a beautiful pine forest to the Gerber lakes. If we're feeling energetic, we'll continue to the Mataro refuge, from where we'll have a view of the Pic d'Amitges.
Day 4 -
The Conanglès Valley
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 25km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From the hotel, we'll head south past the Viehla Tunnel into the Conangès Valley. We'll follow the paths to Lake Redon, then a short detour off the marked trail will allow us to stop for a picnic by the water. On the return journey, we'll follow the famous GR11 long-distance hiking trail.
Day 5 -
The Great Circus of Colomers
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For this last day of hiking, we will visit the majestic Cirque de Colomers, which contains around thirty glacial lakes. We will take the time to admire these exceptional natural formations.
Day 6 -
End of the stay and return to Saint-Gaudens
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 80km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, we will resume our journey towards Saint-Gaudens, the stay will end around 10:30 am.
Day 7
Note
Regardless of his wishes, your guide may have to modify the indicated routes somewhat depending on weather conditions, the level and fitness of the participants or other unforeseen circumstances… In order to preserve the ecosystems, swimming is now prohibited in all lakes in the park area as well as in its peripheral zone.
Accommodation
A 3-star family-run hotel in an authentic mountain village: double rooms with carefully prepared local cuisine. A peaceful and tranquil setting with magnificent views of the high mountains from the restaurant. One of the highlights of this superb stay. Private and public parking in front of the hotel.
Access
Saint-Gaudens SNCF train station at 9:00 AM
Go to the starting point
There is free parking at the train station.
Free parking at the hotel during your stay.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a qualified mountain guide who knows the area, the mountain range, and the routes well.
- Accommodation in a 3-star hotel in a shared twin room
- Full board from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- Return transfers from Saint-Gaudens station
- Daily transfers to reach the starting points of the hikes
- The tourist tax
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Transportation to get you to the meeting point
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Single room supplement : CHF192.11 / person
- Additional night with half-board the night before the stay (single room) : CHF68.61 / person
- Additional night with half-board at the end of the stay (single room) : CHF68.61 / person
- Additional night with half-board the night before the stay (twin/double) : CHF64.04 / person
- Additional night with half-board at the end of the stay (twin/double) : CHF64.04 / person
- 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
For the hotel
• A travel bag or suitcase for your belongings for the 6 days (no overly bulky luggage)
• Your spare clothes
• A toiletry kit
• A pair of light, slipper-type shoes for the evening
• A swimsuit (optional)
• For prescription glasses, remember to bring a spare pair.
For hiking
• A 30/40 litre backpack with a waist belt (you will need to carry the safety kit, shovel and probe in your backpack…)
• A protective cover for the backpack (often integrated into it)
• A pair of waterproof shoes with good ankle support (No boots or après-ski boots)
• A pair of gaiters (if not integrated into the trousers)
• A waterproof pouch for your documents, phone, etc…
• A plastic pocket to protect your belongings inside the backpack
• Sun protection (cream and lip balm)
• Category 3 or 4 sunglasses
• Ski mask
• A container with an airtight lid (like Tupperware) for the picnic
• Cutlery, knife and cup
• A water bottle
• Small floor mat (for sitting during your lunch break)
• Toilet paper
• Lighter
Clothing to bring
The 3-layer technique helps to keep you warm and dry.
1. Breathable layer
2. Insulating layer
3. Protective layer
To apply this method, you will need
• Thermal and breathable long-sleeved T-shirts (no cotton)
• Lightweight warm jacket (down jacket or micro-puff type)
• Polartec-type fleece sweatshirt
• Waterproof, breathable, and windproof jacket with a hood. (Gore-Tex remains the standard material)
• Warm, breathable and water-repellent softshell hiking trousers with, if possible, integrated snow gaiters (ski trousers are not recommended)
• Waterproof, lightweight and compressible over-trousers (Gore-Tex type)
• Pairs of warm, knee-high socks (Merino wool)
• Beanie
• Warm, waterproof gloves, silk liner gloves (2 pairs if possible)
