Setau Sagèth

Setau Sagèth

Technical data

Diffficulty: Difficult

Type: Hiking

Distance: 103 km

Accumulated Elevation: 9100m

Description

A hike through the history of the Aran Valley passing through its villages, valleys and saddles along the GR-211. The route is done in 5 stages. Lodging in hotels, refuges and hostels in the area.

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Pass'aran

Pass’aran

Technical data

Diffficulty: Difficult

Type: Randonnée

Distance: 64 km

Élévation cumulatifs: 10205m

Description

A high mountain border crossing trek (Couserans – Val d’Aran). The itinerary follows the GR -10 and the GR-211 trails and is designed to be done in 5 stages. Lodging in mountain “refugios” or hostels / Gîtes.

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Els Encantats

Els Encantats

Technical data

Diffficulty: Moderate

Type: Hiking

Distance: 92 km

Accumulated Elevation: 9070m

Description

Uses the trails which served as the communication lines for the villages of the Val d’Aran and which were used by the Romans to form the route. It is 150 km in length and can be done in different stages.

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The Great Loop

The Great Loop

Technical data

Diffficulty: Moderate

Type: Hiking

Distance: 140 km

Accumulated Elevation: 12900m

Description

It’s a circular itinerary which begins and ends in Vielha. It is the longest route with the most significant accumulated elevation change in all of the Pyrenean Treks – an authentic challenge for hiking lovers.

For those who wish to enjoy a unique and spectacular route, it is possible to combine the Setau Sageth and the Encantats routes, thus giving the hiker the option of experiencing both the northern and southern sides of the Pyrenees. This combination of varied landscape, the large number of mountain lakes and its pure beauty make this route unique in all of Europe. The circular itinerary begins and ends in Vielha and covers a total of 140 kms. with an accumulated elevation change of 12,900 meters. This makes it the longest route with the highest elevation change in all of the circular Pyrenean Treks. The Great Loop is an authentic challenge for hiking lovers.

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Carros de Foc

Carros de Foc

Technical data

Diffficulty: Difficult

Type: Hiking

Distance: 55 km

Accumulated Elevation: 9200m

Description

A circular route completed in different stages through the majestic Aigüestortes and Sant Maurici Lake National Park. Lodging in the mountain cabins of the National Park.

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"Santiago" way aranese

“Santiago” way aranese

Technical data

Diffficulty: Easy

Type: Hiking

Distance: 150 km

Accumulated Elevation: slopes affordable at every stage. Just over Port de Vielha +1500-900 requires more preparation

Description

Recovery of the historic way that linked Comenge territories, in southern France, with Ribagorza through the Val d’Aran. The path of Sant Bertran de Comenge goes through Vielha, and crosses the Pyrenees by the Port de Vielha, entering the Ribagorza and ending in Roda de Isábena.
You can find hotel establishments for all tastes and budgets and all sorts of services, shopping, restaurants, hospitals, internet, rescues and emergencies, public transport and taxis, links (AVE Lleida, airport Toulouse), active tourism and adventure companies.

More information: www.caminosantiago-valledearan.com

Camin Reiau

Camin Reiau

Technical data

Diffficulty: Difficult

Type: Hiking

Distance: 150 km

Accumulated Elevation: 12000m

Description

Uses the trails which served as the communication lines for the villages of the Val d’Aran and which were used by the Romans to form the route. It is 150 km in length and can be done in different stages.

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4 Peaks, 4 Languages

4 peaks, 4 languages

Technical data

Diffficulty: Moderate

Type: Hiking

Accumulated Elevation: 8942m

Description

Allows the visitor to summit the 4 most emblematic, historic and fantastic viewpoint peaks of the area that surrounds them. The 4 territories have an individual language, culture and history.

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Route The 7 lakes of Colomèrs

Estanh dera Lòssa | Estanh Major | Estanh de Colomèrs | Estanh Mort | Estanh Garguilhs de Jos | Estanh de Cabidornats | Estanh Long

Technical data

Diffficulty: Difficult

Type: Hiking

Distance: 5,7 km

Time: 5h

Elevation: 360m

Description

The lake laden Colomèrs basin is a mountain range formed in the shape of a circle which holds in its basin nearly 50 lakes (estanhs). The slow, but efficient process of erosion of ice from the glacier era left behind the legacy of an incomparable landscape. The access to the refuge is worth the effort to get there. The surroundings in this high mountain landscape with high and steep mountain peaks reaching 3000 m in altitude are simply breathtaking. The Creu de Colomèrs, the Gran Tuc de Colomèrs and the Tuc de Ratera are a few of the more emblematic peaks of this range. The proposed hike is a circular route passing by the nearest lakes to the entrance of the Colomèrs basin. You will pass by 7 completely different lakes.

Detailed Route:

From the taxi stop at Montanheta a sign indicates a trail which goes up until reaching the first lake, Lòssa Lake. Once you have arrived to the river take the trail to the right (without crossing the river) until you reach the Colomèrs refuge (1). Leave the dam on your left and follow the trail nearest to the Major Lake of Colomèrs (2) until the refuge. You will go around the lake on a somewhat uncomfortable trail which becomes quite slippery and steep when it rains. You will continue on until reaching the Mòrt Lake and will go around it on the left side. After going up a small canal the yellow marks separate from the red ones. (3) Follow the yellow marks to the left which will take you to the Garguilhs de Jos Lake. You will go around and over the stream coming from the lake. The trail goes up, down and around another stream. To the left below a chasm there is an area of stagnant water. You will go down a small basin and then go up a small hill which will lead you to the Cabidornats Lake. Go around the lake on the left side following the yellow marks until you reach the Long Lake (4). Continue along on the left to the beginning of Estanh Lake (5) and later turn left on the GR which leads to the Còth de Clòto pass where you will see the Clòto de Baish Lake. After passing over the saddle you will descend until the trail splits. Take the trail to the right until it joins the first crossing next to the river. Walk the last part of the trail until the stating point.

Curiosities:

The glacial lakes were formed when the glaciers withdrew from the great basins leaving behind large chasms in the earth which have now converted into lakes. The stones and boulders scattered throughout the landscape were at once part of great slabs of granite which were moved by the retreat of the glaciers. The gentiana flowering plant (genciana acaulis) with is violet blue colour is a plant which buries its roots underground and from one plant spring forth a number of flowers scattered about. It is interesting to note that the first flowers take 12 years to bloom. Another plant from this area known as aconite (aconitum napelus) is one of the more toxic plants known to be mortal even in small doses. It is used as a painkiller in cataplasms for gout or rheumatism.

Restanca Lake

Pontet de Rius | Restanca | Raspes de Rius | Barranc de Rius | Pontet de Rius

Technical data

Diffficulty: Difficult

Type: Hiking

Distance: 5,5 km

Time: 3h

Elevation: 440m

Description

In the village of Arties the Valarties valley begins. Its green fields contrast with the coniferous forests and the imposing peak of Montardo. The itinerary is a introduction to hiking in the high mountain region between precipitous peaks, rock fields and lakes. It is part of the hike up the Montardo Mountain. You will hike through fir and black pine forests laden with intermittent berry bushes and red elders. Plants such as the rhododendron stand out with their red flowers at the beginning of the summer and the blackberry and raspberry bushes also flourish in this area. These are a favourite for the local fauna. The forests are full of animals such as the wild boar, the roe deer, fox and the marten. Outside of this area and at a higher altitude the most abundant animal is the chamois (a goat like animal). Next in number are the marmot and these are followed by the restless stoat or short tailed weasel.

Detailed Route:

Starting point is the Pontet de Rius passing by the cabin turn left following the GR-11 marks. The trail ascends an irregular path although well defined which sweeps through the thick forest of pine and fir trees. Upon reaching the top of the first ascent take the trail leading to the right and continue along progressively gaining altitude. The dam of the Restanca lake becomes visible once the forest opens up and you reach the lake itself. The Restanca refuge is on the other side of the dam (1). Behind the refuge you will see the steeps cliffs of Agulhes deth Montardo. The itinerary continues without crossing over the dam. The GR 211 goes to the right and goes over a small pass. The trail follows the base of the Tossal del Mar. There is a descent of about 100 meters to reach a small valley where you can see the exit point. You will hike along a small rock field still following the GR marks and you will traverse alongside the Raspes de Rius. Where the trail approaches the river leave the GR (2) to go to the right looking for the Barranc (ravine) de Rius. Cross the river on a large stone slab and continue along a trail at times well marked and other times covered with grass and flowers while descending the Rius Valley. Passing the Rius cabin the cairns (rock markers) are more visible taking you finally to the starting point.

Recommendations:

Take the time to reach the Mar Lake or the Cap deth Port Lake. Consult with the refuge keepers before beginning these excursions.

Curiosities:

The remains of buildings and tunnels from the past are remnants of constructions begun in the 40’s to bring the mountain’s waters to the hydroelectric centre of Valarties. This was an immense project with dams and 19 km of tunnels and galleries connecting the lakes to the heart of Valarties and neighbours of Colomèrs and Saboredo. The rhododendron (rhododendron ferrugineum) produce irregular shapes yellow in colour called “agallas”. They are like tumours provoked by insects, fungus or bacteria and serve as the plants’ defence against intruders. The “marmot oil” is the oil from the macerated rhododendron. It is often used as an anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory medicine. The chamois is the most characteristic mammal of the Aran Valley. It lives between 1000 and 3000 meters above sea level. In the winter they descend to the top border of the forest and in the summer they go up the mountain in search of the best pastures and snow covered areas.