Park in the car park just north of the Embalse dam. Access is via a track suitable for vehicles. It’s best to avoid this route if you’re driving a low-slung car. The car park is small, so it’s best to set off early in the morning.
Circular route around the lakes and mountain huts starting from the Embalse de Llauset
One of the most beautiful hikes in the area, featuring a lovely, technical circular route that can be challenging at times due to steep gradients. It’s best to follow the suggested route. There are numerous mountain lakes to explore, magnificent landscapes offering varied views of the surrounding mountain ranges, and a brand-new mountain refuge (where you can enjoy a meal or stop for a picnic).
Details
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 6.34 mi -
Average duration: 5h 05 -
Difficulty: Difficult -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 2,500 ft -
Descent: - 2,500 ft -
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Highest point: 8,770 ft -
Lowest point: 7,182 ft
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Country:
Spain
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Area: Pyrenees -
City:
Montanuy / Montanui -
Start/End: N 42.581352° / E 0.696241° -
Hour-by-hour weather
Waypoints
- S/E : mi 0 - alt. 7,195 ft - Dam car park - Embalse de Llauset
- 1 : mi 0.11 - alt. 7,247 ft - Junction of the main circular loop
- 2 : mi 0.67 - alt. 7,930 ft - Collado de Anglios (2434 m)
- 3 : mi 1.37 - alt. 7,369 ft - Junction of the short circular loop
- 4 : mi 1.45 - alt. 7,352 ft - Refuge Anglios
- 5 : mi 1.51 - alt. 7,365 ft - Estany del Mig
- 6 : mi 2.13 - alt. 7,654 ft - Estanys Cap d'Anglios
- 7 : mi 2.83 - alt. 8,304 ft - Collada de los Ibones
- 8 : mi 3.43 - alt. 8,770 ft - Unnamed pass
- 9 : mi 4.22 - alt. 8,035 ft - Estany de Cap de Llauset
- 10 : mi 4.28 - alt. 8,038 ft - Unnamed pass
- 11 : mi 4.42 - alt. 7,920 ft - Refugio de Cap de Llauset
- 12 : mi 4.74 - alt. 7,671 ft - Estany de Botornés
- 13 : mi 5.31 - alt. 7,215 ft - Western Point - Embalse de Llauset
- S/E : mi 6.34 - alt. 7,188 ft - Dam car park - Embalse de Llauset
Notes
Other walks in the area
Estanys de Anglios
Visorando Member
6.72 mi
+2,789 ft
-2,756 ft
5h 35
Difficult
Departure from Montanuy / Montanui (Huesca)
This challenging hike, situated in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, takes you to discover the Estanys de Anglios, a magnificent series of high-altitude lakes located off the beaten track of the Aigüestortes National Park’s main routes. The first section, mostly through woodland, follows the GR® 11 and leads to the Estany Gran, an ideal spot for a picnic break. The rest of the route requires a good sense of direction and experience of navigating difficult terrain with few landmarks. Nevertheless, the various lakes you’ll encounter and the beauty of the scenery will easily make you forget these challenges: torrents of all sizes, lakes with crystal-clear waters, enchanting woodland and an exceptional natural cirque.
Estany de Besiberri
4.98 mi
+1,804 ft
-1,827 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Vielha e Mijaran (Lleida)
A classic in the Val d'Aran, an ascent to Lake Besiberri via the Val de Besiberri with magnificent views of the Besiberri, the Sèrra del Molar Gran and the Aneto.
Lac Redon, Tuc deth Port de Vielha, Lac de Rius from Espitau de Vielha
8.65 mi
+4,022 ft
-4,022 ft
7h 30
Difficult
Departure from Vielha e Mijaran (Lleida)
A lovely loop from Espitau de Vielha via Tuc deth port de Vielha (2,606 m), the magnificent Lac Redon (2,230 m), Coret deth Redon (2,454 m) and finally Lac de Rius (2,320 m). It goes up and down, and the slopes are quite steep. Very rocky landscape. Hike done in summer. Lac de Rius, which is pumped in summer and during periods of drought, can see its level drop by several metres, which detracts a little from its charm.
A day trip to the Aneto from Artiga de Lin
11.96 mi
+7,825 ft
-7,808 ft
10 hrs
Extremely difficult
Departure from Vielha e Mijaran (Lleida)
This is the shortest road route from France for climbing Aneto in a (long...) day, without camping or staying in a mountain hut.
The three waterfalls towards Cerier
4.21 mi
+1,106 ft
-1,099 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Benasque/Benás (Huesca)
A very beautiful hike.
There is a tricky 10-metre section at the waterfall, but there is a safety line to help you.
The outward journey is a little more difficult than the return journey, but it's worth it. And it's good to do it in this direction.
The return route crosses fields.
Val de Boí: Estanys de Llebreta and Llong
13.16 mi
+2,247 ft
-2,218 ft
8h 00
Difficult
Departure from la Vall de Boí (Lleida)
The Val de Boí is particularly well known for its many Romanesque churches, whose original frescoes are preserved at the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) in Barcelona. This valley is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But it is also the gateway to the Aigüestortes National Park. The suggested route is a discovery walk, a return trip that can therefore be adapted to suit. The scenery is breathtaking.
Almost a loop in the Encantats de Cavallers in La Molina
30.04 mi
+8,868 ft
-10,125 ft
4 days
Difficult
Departure from la Vall de Boí (Lleida)
A very beautiful hike in Spain, south of Vielha. There are numerous lakes: this is the largest concentration of lakes in the Pyrenees. The peaks are around 3,000 metres high and almost all are only accessible by mountaineering. The refuges are pleasant but small, so it is essential to book several months in advance.
Cavallers Pond - Ventosa refuge
3.19 mi
+2,067 ft
-417 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from la Vall de Boí (Lleida)
This is the first stage of a four-day circuit in the Encantats. It is the shortest stage and can be completed in an afternoon, but it is best not to arrive too late at the large refuges so that you can choose your bed and not have to wait too long for a shower.
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