Peaks of the Alt Pirineu Natural Park

Peaks of the Alt Pirineu Natural Park


Altitude 3,143m Grade: T2

Twin centre-based trekking in the unspoilt Spanish Alt Pirineu natural park.

The Alt Pirineu natural park is the biggest natural park in Catalonia, located in the Catalan Pyrenees, east of the famous Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici national park. It is bounded by France to the north, by Andorra to the east, and by the rest of Catalonia to the south and west.

Catalonia’s highest peaks are located in this park, as well as the biggest natural lake on the southern slopes of the Pyrenees. The peak of Pica d’Estats at 3143m is the highest peak in Catalonia.

The Alt Pirineu natural park has 87 lakes (named 'estanys') and 94 small lakes (named 'estanyets') which are at least as beautiful as and far less visited than those of the more renowned Aigüestortes national park.

Our walk here will be guided by an enthusiastic local UIMLA guide an expert in the culture, geography, flora and Romanesque art of the area. His knowledge, combined with the walks and visits included in this programme will give you a most rewarding Pyrenean experience.

Dates & Prices

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All prices in Euros are guide rates, not live rates
All prices in US Dollars are guide rates, not live rates

Availability

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What's Included

  • International flights and taxes (flight inclusive package)
  • Accommodation - 5 nights in hotels and one night in a staffed mountain hut
  • Meals -6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 evening meals
  • Park fees as appropriate
  • All road transfers in country (unless indicated in 'exclusions')
  • Qualified English speaking local guide
  • Adventure Peaks logoed top
  • 24hr back-up and support from our UK staff
  • 15% discount off the RRP on equipment and clothing purchased from Adventure Peaks shop

What's Excluded

  • International flights and taxes (land only package)
  • Personal equipment
  • Travel Insurance
  • Drinks and personal spending
  • Tips for local staff
  • Meals if not indicated in 'inclusions'

Itinerary

Day 1 Fly to Barcelona. You will be met on arrival by your guide. Once the whole group has convened, you will transfer to Tavascan.
4 to 5 hours driving

Day 2 Our circular walk today takes us through conifer forests and the delightful mountain villages of Boldis Jussà, Lleret and Lladorre. In the afternoon we will visit the trout farm in Tavascan and learn how the fish (and their caviar) are farmed - as well as having an opportunity to try to catch some!
6 hours walking, 800m ascent.

Day 3 A longer walk today up to Certascan Lake, with an option to also make an ascent of Certascan Peak, which adds about 1hr 30m to the walk. This lake is the largest natural lake on the southern slopes of the Pyrenees. Up here we will come across 'Bordas', shepherds huts that were used prolifically in the days when farming was still the main occupation in this region.
7 hours walking, 1240m ascent.

Day 4 Circular route to ascent three peaks located on the same crest line: Ventolau peak (2853m), 3 Estanys peak (2,758m) and Coma del Forn peak (2,685m). Unforgettable views of the lake area which surrounds these peaks. We pass by the Mascarida de Dalt, Diable and Mascarida lakes.

Once settles in to our hotel, we will be able to try out some of the local wines, cheese and hand-made sausage.
8 hours walking, 1370 ascent.

Day 5 Today we walk from Tavascan to the Ferrera valley via the Barborte Lake, a delightful corrie lake situated in one of the most beautiful glacial cirques in the Pyrenees. The trail passes through remote alpine terrain, crossing the Barbote pass (2488m).
We stay overnight in the Vall Ferrera mountain hut.

7 hours walking, 1150m ascent.

Day 6 Our final and longest day’s walking takes us northeast from the mountain hut to the Pica d’Estats (3143m), the highest peak in Catalonia and Ariege (France). The ascent is quite long and demanding, but the rewards are the extensive views from the summit. (A shorter walk is available if either you or your guide feels this may be too long a day)A special farewell dinner with excellent local wine will be laid on in the hotel this evening.
8.5 hours walking, 1450m ascent.

Day 7 After breakfast we transfer back to Barcelona to connect with our flight home.

Insurance

It is essential for a trip of this type that you are adequately insured. When researching insurance options, please ensure the policy covers you for the following:

  • Cancellation or curtailment
  • Helicopter rescue (most insurance companies will no longer cover for ‘search and rescue’ but providing you stay with the group, they will assist with ‘rescue’)
  • Repatriation
  • The altitude that you are expected to attain
  • The location especially when travelling to Antarctica
  • Grade of trek/climb/expedition
  • Medical cover

Adventure Peaks partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading travel protection services. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue to provide our clients with medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services. Without a membership, an emergency evacuation could cost over $100,000. More than one million members trust Global Rescue to get them home safely when the unexpected happens. We highly recommend our clients enroll with Global Rescue, in particular for peaks over 7000m:
https://partner.globalrescue.com/adventurepeaks/



We are aware the following provide insurance:

For UK based clients:

Expeditions and Treks under 7000m - Campbell Irvine Direct : https://microsite.campbellirvinedirect.com/adventurepeaks/

HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK) www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
Rothwell & Towler: www.world-first.co.uk Tel: 0345 908 0161 (under 6400m)
J S Insurance: www.jsinsurance.co.uk Tel: 0844 848 1500
Snowcard: www.snowcard.co.uk Tel: 01295 660836
The B.M.C.: www.thebmc.co.uk Tel: 0161 445 6111 (call and speak to Jim. Please note the BMC cannot cover Mt Damavand)
Dogtag: www.dogtag.co.uk Tel: 0800 036 4824 (Check excess etc)

For non-UK based clients:

HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK): www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
AXA Worldwide Travel Ins: www.axainsurance.com Tel: +44 (0)844 874 0360
Ingle International: www.ingleinternational.com Tel: (USA) 1.800.360.3234
Insure for Less: www.insure4less.com.au (Australian clients)

You do not have to use any of the above, but if you make your own insurance arrangements documentary evidence of your own policy is required.

Please forward the details of your Insurance as soon as you have it: we need the insurance company’s name, their 24 hour emergency telephone number and your insurance policy number – admin@adventurepeaks.com

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