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Lake in the Colomers cirque, with pine-dotted granite crags and late-lying snow reflected in the water

Tredòs, Val d'Aran · Guided activity

Colomèrs Lakes: a hike through a glacial landscape

A glacial cirque with around 50 lakes, starting from the Banhs de Tredòs car park: a short route to 5 lakes (about 3 h) or a long route that takes in the cirque's 7 classic lakes (about 5 h).

  • CategoryAdventure and nature
  • LevelModerate
  • Duration3 h on the short route (5 lakes) or 5 h on the long route (7 lakes)
  • From€55 per person
5.0· 76 Google reviews
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Find your fit

Choose your option

Estanh dera Lòssa, the first lake on the route to the Colomers cirqueModerate

Short route · 5 lakes

Reaches 5 of the cirque's lakes (Estanh dera Lòssa, Estanh Major, Estanh de Colomèrs, Estanh Mòrt and Estanh des Garguilhs) and returns the same way. The option for those with less time or who want a shorter day.

Banhs de Tredòs

€55 per person
Upper part of the Colomers cirque, with the Pic de la Tallada Llarga in the backgroundModerate to challenging

Long route · 7 lakes

The full classic seven lakes circuit: to the 5 lakes of the short route it adds the Estanh des Cabidornats and the Estanh Long. The most complete option for seeing the whole cirque.

Banhs de Tredòs

€55 per person

Activity overview

Colomers: the cirque of glacial lakes

Formed more than 20,000 years ago, the Colomers cirque holds around 50 glacial lakes. The route starts from the Ribera de Aiguamòg car park at Banhs de Tredòs and offers two options: a short one to 5 lakes and the classic seven lakes route, with the Estanh Major de Colomers and its refuge as one of the landmarks.

Refuge and dam of the Estanh Major de Colomers beside the lake
  • AreaTredòs, Val d'Aran
  • Duration3 to 5 hours depending on the route
  • EcosystemHigh mountain glacial cirque
  • GroupSmall group

Reading the landscape

Tredòs, Val d'Aran: the landscape up close

Geology, Wildlife, Plants and Heritage: 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.

The Colomers glacial cirque, reference image (geology)
The Colomers glacial cirqueFormed more than 20,000 years ago, with around 50 glacial lakes scattered across its floor.
Estanh Major de Colomers, reference image (geology)
Estanh Major de ColomersThe largest lake in the cirque, with its refuge by the shore: the landmark of the route.
The Colomers dam, reference image (geology)
The Colomers damA hydroelectric structure that regulates the lake, crossed by the route's own footbridge.
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GeologyThe Colomers glacial cirque · more than 20,000 years old
View the documentary source ↗
Alpine marmot, reference image (wildlife)
Alpine marmotMarmota marmota · common in the stony pastures around the lakes of the cirque.
Pyrenean chamois (isard), reference image (wildlife)
Pyrenean chamois (isard)Rupicapra pyrenaica · a regular sight on the slopes and crags of the Colomers cirque.
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WildlifeWildlife of the Colomers glacial cirque
View the documentary source ↗
Mountain pines by the lakes, reference image (plants)
Mountain pines by the lakesPinus uncinata · dots the rocky slopes around the Estanh Major, where patches of snow linger well into June.
High mountain meadows, reference image (plants)
High mountain meadowsBetween the lakes of the cirque lie high pastures that fill with alpine flowers in summer.
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PlantsMountain pine in the Colomers cirque
View the documentary source ↗
The Refugi de Colomèrs, reference image (heritage)
The Refugi de ColomèrsA mountain refuge beside the Estanh Major, and the landmark of the seven lakes route for decades.
The historic Estanh Major dam, reference image (heritage)
The historic Estanh Major damThe dam that regulates the lake is a mid-20th-century hydroelectric structure, now part of the cirque's landscape.
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HeritageThe Refugi de Colomèrs
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 enjoy moderate hiking and want to discover one of the great glacial cirques of the Pyrenees.
  • You are looking for a full-day route with several hours of walking, with no technical equipment needed.
Worth a second look

It might not be for you if…

  • You want a short, undemanding walk: even the short option involves several hours of walking.

Included

  • Ecotour guide for the route (to be confirmed)

  • Included in the activity.

    Public liability and accident insurance

Not included

  • Transport to the Banhs de Tredòs car park

  • Optional National Park taxi inside the cirque (about €5-7 per person each way, paid on the spot)

  • Personal mountain equipment

Additional information

  • Access

    Ribera de Aiguamòg car park, about 8 km from Salardú towards Tredòs, up the Aiguamòg valley. Along the way there is an optional National Park taxi to shorten the approach.

  • Two routes, one cirque

    The short and long routes share the same start and the first 5 lakes; the long route adds the Estanh des Cabidornats and the Estanh Long to complete the classic seven lakes circuit.

Before you set off

What to bring

Hiking boots

Hiking boots

Warm layers and waterproofs for rain and wind

Layered clothing and protection against rain and wind

Water bottle and snacks for the route

Water and food for the day

Head torch and trekking poles

Trekking poles

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

01Why is it called the seven lakes route?

It is the popular name for the long route in the Colomers cirque, which links 7 specific lakes along the way (Estanh dera Lòssa, Estanh Major, Estanh de Colomèrs, Estanh Mòrt, Estanh des Garguilhs, Estanh des Cabidornats and Estanh Long), although the cirque as a whole holds around 50 glacial lakes.

02What is the difference between the short and the long route?

The short route reaches 5 of the cirque's lakes in about 3 hours (7 km, +250 m). The long route takes in the 7 classic lakes in about 5 hours (8 km, +360 m) and requires a minimum group of 4 people. The choice depends on the time you have and the group's fitness.

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.

04Is it suitable for children?

The short route is manageable for families with children who are already used to walking. The long route demands more fitness, more time and a minimum group of 4 people.

05Is there a refuge on the route?

Yes, there is a mountain refuge beside the Estanh Major de Colomers, a familiar landmark on both routes.

06How do I get to the start of the route?

The starting point is the Ribera de Aiguamòg car park at Banhs de Tredòs, about 8 km from Salardú up the Aiguamòg valley. Along the way there is an optional National Park taxi to shorten the approach.

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