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Lake Montoliu with the Tuc de Mauberme in the background, on the ascent route from Bagergue

Bagergue, Naut Aran · Guided activity

Tuc de Mauberme Ascent via Lake Montoliu

Ascent of the Tuc de Mauberme (2,880-2,881 m) on the border between Spain and France, passing Lake Montoliu. Low technical difficulty, a full day from Bagergue.

  • CategoryAdventure and nature
  • LevelModerate
  • DurationFull day
  • From€95 per person
5.0· 76 Google reviews
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Activity overview

Mauberme: the summit that marks the border

The Tuc de Mauberme crowns the natural boundary between the Val d'Aran and the French Ariège, at 2,880-2,881 metres. The route sets off from Bagergue, follows the river Unyola to the Pla deth Horn and passes Lake Montoliu before the final stretch to the summit. Despite its altitude, the technical difficulty is low, although the day is long and calls for good fitness.

Lake Montoliu with the Tuc de Mauberme in the background
  • AreaBagergue, Naut Aran
  • DurationFull day (about 8 h)
  • Altitude2,880-2,881 m
  • GroupSmall group

Route at a glance

Objective route difficulty

Estimated MIDE rating for the Tuc de Mauberme from Bagergue

MIDE is the Spanish hiking difficulty scale. This is a guide's estimate (there is no official MIDE sheet published for this particular route), based on the duration, elevation gain and low technical difficulty already described on this page.

Source: Ecotour estimate (AEGM / UIMLA-qualified mountain leader) using the MIDE method ↗
01

Severity of the environment

3/5

A little-visited border summit, with the changeable weather typical of the high Pyrenees.

02

Orientation

3/5

A less-frequented area than other peaks in the valley: it pays to know the route well beyond Lake Montoliu.

03

Terrain

2/5

Mountain terrain with no technical difficulty, but with stretches of track and uneven path.

04

Effort

4/5

A full day of about 8 hours, with the final 3 h 30 stretch from the Montoliu junction to the summit.

What does MIDE mean? MIDE is the Spanish hiking difficulty scale: Environment, Route-finding, Terrain and Effort. It isn't an overall score: each number rates a different aspect and can change with snow, ice or bad weather.

Reading the landscape

Bagergue, Naut 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.

Lake Montoliu, reference image (geology)
Lake MontoliuA glacial mountain lake at 2,373 m, a key stopping point on the way to the summit and one of the best-known postcards of this ascent.
The border summit of the Tuc de Mauberme, reference image (geology)
The border summit of the Tuc de Mauberme2,880-2,881 m, one of the natural boundaries between the Val d'Aran and the French Ariège.
01 / 02
GeologyThe Spain-France border · Naut Aran
View the documentary source ↗
Bagergue, reference image (heritage)
BagergueAt 1,419 m, one of the highest inhabited villages in the Val d'Aran and the traditional starting point of this ascent.
Traditional Aranese architecture, reference image (heritage)
Traditional Aranese architectureStone and slate houses typical of the valley, preserved in the old part of Bagergue.
01 / 02
HeritageBagergue, one of the highest villages in the Val d'Aran
View the documentary source ↗
Alpine marmot, reference image (wildlife)
Alpine marmotMarmota marmota · common in the stony pastures around Lake Montoliu.
Bearded vulture, reference image (wildlife)
Bearded vultureGypaetus barbatus · a large raptor that soars over the border crags of this part of the Naut Aran.
01 / 02
WildlifeWildlife of the Spain-France border
View the documentary source ↗
Mountain pines beside the river Unyola, reference image (plants)
Mountain pines beside the river UnyolaPinus uncinata · lines the forest track that climbs from Bagergue to the Pla deth Horn.
Pastures beside Lake Montoliu, reference image (plants)
Pastures beside Lake MontoliuHigh-mountain vegetation around the lake, on the final stretch before the summit.
01 / 02
PlantsFrom the Bagergue forest to the border crags
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.

  • Physical effort3/5
  • Technical difficulty1/5
Great fit

You'll love it if…

  • You already do full-day mountain hikes (8 hours) with sustained elevation gain.
  • You are looking for a border peak of almost 2,900 m without high technical difficulty.
Worth a second look

It might not be for you if…

  • It is your first mountain outing, or you are not used to long days of hiking.

Included

  • Ecotour mountain leader during the ascent (to be confirmed)

  • Included in the activity.

    Public liability and accident insurance

Not included

  • Transport to Bagergue

  • Personal mountain gear

Additional information

  • Access

    From Bagergue, along a forest track parallel to the river Unyola as far as the Pla deth Horn; from there, on foot past Lake Montoliu (2,373 m) to the summit.

  • Trip not yet finalised

    It is not yet in our internal product register: no price, date or guide is fixed until it is confirmed with Javi.

Before you set off

What to bring

Hiking boots

Mountain 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 full 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

01Do I need technical climbing experience?

No. The technical difficulty of the normal route up the Tuc de Mauberme is low, although it is still a long day in the mountains (about 8 hours in total) that calls for good fitness.

02What is the best time of year to go up?

It is feasible from June to October, with August the best time according to the sources we consulted.

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

We are still finalising the guide and logistics for this trip. Get in touch if you are interested and we will let you know as soon as it is available.

04Do you spend the night in France, as it is a border summit?

No, it is a full-day ascent from Bagergue, there and back on the same day, with no overnight stay.

05Is it a very lonely route?

It is a less-frequented area than other peaks in the valley, which is part of its appeal. You always go with a guide in a small group.

06What can you see from the summit?

Views over the Val d'Aran and the French side of the Ariège, with Lake Montoliu as a visual landmark for much of the climb.

Gallery

Moments from the activity

Reviews

What people who have done our activities say

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