Route of the 7 Lakes Hike in the Pyrenees, Val d'Aran

Discover one of the best hiking routes in the Pyrenees, the Route of the 7 Lakes in the Circ de Colomèrs. With your private expert guide, you'll follow this partially circular itinerary through the head of the Aiguamòg River and lake area of Colomèrs, a beautiful alpine area dotted with numerous glacial lakes. Some of the scenery you'll enjoy along the way includes a refuge cabin, waterfalls, mountain peaks, high-alpine forests, and, of course, the lakes. As a moderate hike, you'll complete the trail in just about four hours of hiking across a little over 6 miles (10 km).

When in the Vall d'Aran region, you'll quickly understand why this is a favorite escape for nature enthusiasts. The tall, jagged Pyrenees Mountains, with lush forests, alpine lakes, and remnants of ancient glaciers, make the area perfect for a day hike. After meeting your guide, you'll set off on a trek through a crescent-shaped valley.

The trail starts with a path leading to Colomèrs Refuge, passing by a waterfall and through the Aigües Tòrtes area, where you'll find the lake-ridden valley Pletiu dera Montanheta and visit your first lakes, Lac Major and Lake dera Lòssa. Remember that all these lakes were carved by retreating glaciers, so they're high in elevation and surrounded by rocky ridges and plateaus. The scenery is truly memorable, with water babbling through the valleys thanks to snow melt and the mountains and forests offering a picture-perfect backdrop. 

From the refuge, you'll embark on a short journey to see more lakes, including Esthan Mòrt, where you'll notice several peaks: Tuc deth Port and Tuc de la Ribereta front and center, plus Tuc Serreta and Tuc de la Tallada Llarga off to the side. Next is Garguilhs de Sus, another beautiful lake surrounded by mountain peaks. Though the hike's name indicates seven lakes, you'll see plenty more, with some others being Cabidornats, Long, Obago, and Clòto. Once past Lac Long, you'll be on a saddle with views back to Lac Major and the Colomèrs Refuge.

Finally, you'll take the descent variant that brings you back to Lake dera Lòssa. This is a must-see destination for nature lovers, offering breathtaking views and a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Vall d'Aran region. Your guide will drive you back after the hike ends.