Lakes to Summits - Pyrenees
From alpine lakes to the highest peak in Catalonia in one unforgettable week
Lakes to Summits – Pyrenees is a week-long journey through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Catalan Pyrenees, culminating in the ascent of Pica d’Estats, the highest peak in Catalonia.
Over seven days, you’ll travel from turquoise alpine lakes and forested valleys in Aigüestortes National Park, through the spectacular Congost de Mont-rebei gorge, before heading deep into the high mountains for the final summit push. The terrain is varied and wild: glacial basins, high passes, rugged ridgelines, with views across the Pyrenees into France.
This is a balanced big-mountain adventure — challenging where it matters, with time to recover and enjoy the journey — led by a fully qualified UIMLA International Mountain Leader, and designed for those who want a true Pyrenean experience in one unforgettable week.
Highlights
Distance: ~60 km
Elevation Gain: ~4,300 m
Summit: Pica d’Estats (3,143 m)
Optional Congost de Mont-rebei day
Style: Hotel + 1 night hut.
Grade: T4
Included
Guide: UIMLA International Mountain Leader
Stays: 5 nights in hotel, 1 mountain hut
Transfers: Barcelona Airport
Meals: All breakfast & packed lunches
Dinners: First night, hut night, final celebration dinner
Excluded
Flights: Not included
Upcoming Events
12-18 Sept 2026
With: @trekking.tom.experiences
£1,225 per person
£300 deposit to secure your spot
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Barcelona – Transfer to the Pyrenees
We’ll pick you up at Barcelona Airport and drive you to the stunning Pyrenees region. After the scenic journey, you can unwind and prepare for the adventure ahead in a comfortable hotel.
Day 2
Cabdella to Espot
Distance: 21 km | Ascent: +1000 m | Descent: -1500 m | Duration: 8-9 hours
From Cabdella, we head straight into rugged high-mountain terrain, climbing past a series of beautiful alpine lakes before crossing a high col with wide views back across the upper valley.
From the col, the route drops into the Aigüestortes side of the range, descending towards the stunning JM Blanc refuge, set above the valley floor in a dramatic alpine bowl. We continue down through forest, following the course of the river as the landscape softens and the trail leads us all the way to Espot.
A varied and memorable mountain day — wild, scenic, and a true transition into the heart of the national park.
Day 3
Sant Maurici Lake Circuit
Distance: 12 km | Ascent: +800 m | Descent: -800 m | Duration: 5 hours
Today we explore the heart of Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, following a circular route through one of the most iconic lake landscapes in the Pyrenees.
Well-graded trails take us past a chain of turquoise alpine lakes beneath the dramatic spires of Els Encantats, with time to pause, take photos and enjoy the scenery. The terrain is gentler than previous days, making this a more relaxed outing and a chance to recover while still covering beautiful ground.
After completing the loop, we return to Espot for the evening, with time to rest and prepare for the next stage of the journey.
Day 4
Active Recovery / Mont-rebei
Distance: 11 km | Ascent: +900 m | Descent: -900 m | Duration: 5 hours
(Or full rest day at the hotel pool — your choice)
A lighter day between big summits.
Choose a scenic half-day hike through the Congost de Mont-rebei gorge, or enjoy a full rest day exploring Tremp and relaxing by the pool.
Day 5
Approach to Refugi Vallferrera
Distance: 4 km | Ascent: +350 m | Descent: 0 m | Duration: 1.5–2 hours
We transfer deep into Vall Ferrera and follow a gentle mountain trail up to Refugi de Vallferrera — our hut base for Pica d’Estats.
A cosy communal dinner under the stars sets the scene for the big summit push.
Day 6
Pica d’Estats Summit(3,143m)
Distance: 17 km | Ascent: +1,300 m | Descent: -1,650 m | Duration: 9–10 hours
An early start for Catalonia’s highest peak. We follow a classic high-valley trail with one short, straightforward ladder section before climbing to the main col.
A steady scree ascent leads us to the summit, with far-reaching views across Spain, France and Andorra.
We descend the same route, return to the minibus, and drive back to Tremp for a well-earned celebration dinner.
Day 7
Return to Barcelona
After breakfast, we’ll drive you back to Barcelona Airport, leaving you with incredible memories from this unforgettable Carros de Foc adventure.
