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Baciver lake reflecting the mountains, with a dead tree on the shore

Pla de Beret, Val d'Aran · Guided activity

Baciver Lakes: hiking and nature in Val d'Aran

A semicircular route of about 5 km to the glacial lakes of Baciver, at the source of the River Garonne, suitable for beginners and families who are already used to walking.

  • CategoryAdventure and nature
  • LevelEasy
  • DurationHalf day
  • From€60 per person
5.0· 76 Google reviews
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Activity overview

Baciver: the lakes where the Garonne is born

From the Pla de Beret, the route follows the Dolent river along a valley of high-mountain meadows to the glacial lakes of Baciver, at the source of the River Garonne and at the foot of the Marimanya massif. A semicircular route of about 5 km, suitable for beginners and families with children who are already used to walking.

Baciver lake reflecting the mountains, with a dead tree on the shore
  • AreaPla de Beret, Val d'Aran
  • DurationHalf day
  • EcosystemGlacial lakes and high-mountain meadows
  • GroupFamily

Reading the landscape

Pla de Beret, Val d'Aran: the landscape up close

Geology, Heritage, Wildlife and Plants: a closer look at the setting of this activity. Documentary images of species or places not taken at the exact point of the route are shown for reference only, and sightings are not guaranteed.

Baciver lakes, reference image (geology)
Baciver lakesLakes of glacial origin at the foot of the Marimanya massif, on the border between the Val d'Aran and Pallars Sobirà.
Tuc de Baciver, reference image (geology)
Tuc de BaciverThe peak that crowns the cirque, with snow lingering well into summer.
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GeologyGlacial lakes of Baciver · source of the Garonne
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The Garonne source stone, reference image (heritage)
The Garonne source stoneA traditional marker showing the point where the Garonne begins to flow, on the Pla de Beret.
The Pla de Beret watershed, reference image (heritage)
The Pla de Beret watershedThe Pla de Beret itself marks the boundary between the Atlantic basin of the Garonne and the Mediterranean basin of the Noguera Pallaresa.
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HeritageSource of the River Garonne, Pla de Beret
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Alpine marmot, reference image (wildlife)
Alpine marmotMarmota marmota · common in the high-mountain meadows beside the Dolent river, given away by its alarm whistles.
Pyrenean chamois (isard), reference image (wildlife)
Pyrenean chamois (isard)Rupicapra pyrenaica · present on the slopes of the Marimanya massif that surrounds the cirque.
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WildlifeWildlife of the high-mountain meadows of Baciver
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Meadows of the Dolent river, reference image (plants)
Meadows of the Dolent riverThe route follows a valley of high-mountain meadows, with no dense woodland, up to the Baciver cirque.
Cottongrass in the boggy areas, reference image (plants)
Cottongrass in the boggy areasEriophorum · common in the wet areas near the source of the Garonne.
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PlantsHigh-mountain meadows of the Pla de Beret and Baciver
View the documentary source ↗

Local photos: Ecotour archive. Documentary images: free-licence image banks or Wikimedia Commons, used under licence or with permission. The species and features shown are documented in the area, but seeing them during the activity is not guaranteed.

Before you book

Is this activity right for you?

Check at a glance.

Great fit

You'll love it if…

  • You are coming as a family, with children who are already used to walking.
  • You want a route of low to moderate difficulty, with no need for mountain experience.
Worth a second look

It might not be for you if…

  • You need a fully marked path: the cirque section is walked over grassy terrain, with no defined trail.

Included

  • Ecotour guide for the route (to be confirmed)

  • Included in the activity.

    Public liability and accident insurance

Not included

  • Transport to the Pla de Beret

  • Personal equipment

Additional information

  • Access

    From the Pla de Beret, following the Dolent river (Malo) along a valley and high-mountain meadows to the Baciver lakes.

  • Activity not yet finalised

    It is not yet listed in our internal product register: price, date and guide will not be fixed until confirmed by Javi.

Before you set off

What to bring

Hiking boots

Comfortable hiking footwear

Warm layers and waterproofs for rain and wind

Layered clothing

Water bottle and snacks for the route

Water and a snack

Once your date is confirmed, you'll receive the final kit list, adapted to the forecast and ground conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What people ask us

01Is it suitable for children?

Yes, it is suitable for beginners and families with children who are already used to walking; the difficulty is low to moderate.

02Is the path marked all the way?

Not through the cirque itself, which is walked over grassy terrain with no defined trail. The rest of the route follows the valley of the Dolent river (Malo).

03When will it be available with a fixed price and date?

We are still finalising the guide and logistics for this activity. Write to us if you are interested and we will let you know as soon as it is available.

04How far do you walk in total?

The circular part of the cirque is about 5 km, to which you need to add the approach from the Pla de Beret to the start of that area.

05What is there to see in the area?

The glacial lakes of Baciver, at the source of the River Garonne, on the natural border between the Val d'Aran and Pallars Sobirà.

06Is it a well-known route?

Less so than other routes in the valley, which makes it a good choice if you are looking for a quieter corner of the Val d'Aran itself.

Gallery

Moments from the activity

Reviews

What people who have done our activities say

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