PYRENEES
Thousand Lakes Trek
The ultimate Pyrenees tour
Every corner you turn, this epic trail will take your breath away. Come and experience true uninterrupted beauty on the Pyrenees Thousand Lakes trail on the trek of a lifetime.
- 6 days (4 days Leave)
- Challenging
- France & Spain
- Women-Only Thousand Lakes Trek in the Pyrenees led by local experts.
- Leave modern life behind and enjoy one of the most beautiful National Parks in Europe on a multi-day hike
- Star-gazing from remote mountain refuges
- Take a plunge into the crystal clear glacial lakes, or just sit back and admire the mountain scenery!
- Get to know the traditional mountain town of Luchon
- Learn about mountain life from the refuge crews
ITINERARY
DAY 1
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EXPLORING LUCHON
Arrival day
After being met at Toulouse airport and transferred to Luchon, you’ll have time to settle into your accommodation, and if weather and time allow there is the opportunity to go rock climbing in the afternoon. The evening is given over to a briefing covering key information for your trip such as personal equipment, weather, and food!
DAY 2
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TREK TO REFUGI DE SABOREDO
Haute Route Pyrenees
After a 1.5-hour drive to Val d’Aran in Catalonia, Spain it’s time to start the spectacular Thousand Lakes trek. As you make your way through the native black pines, these open up to lush meadows full of alpine flowers. As you take on the steady climb you’ll come to a lake where you’ll stop for lunch near the Refuge de Colomers. After your pit stop the landscape becomes progressively more rugged, and the rocky wilderness meets the Haute Route Pyrenees, climbing up the Gran de Senderosa pass and finishing at the stunning Saboredo Refuge.
Trekking time 5-6 hours
DAY 3
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REFUGE DE VENTOSA I CALVELL
Cirque de Colomers
An early start takes you around the banks of two lakes that nestle beneath the Ratera Pass and onwards to the famous GR11. You are well above the treeline on this day’s adventure as you descend to the Cirque de Colomers with its multitude of shimmering lakes and tarns whilst the wildflowers provide a riot of colour.
As you make your way north you’ll ascend the Colomers Pass at 2,400m, finally reaching the refuge of Ventosi I Cavell, a spectacularly located refuge and home for the night.
Trekking time 6-7 hours
DAY 4
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REFUGE DE RESTANCA
Pico Montardo (2833m)
Once breakfast is done, the trek winds eastwards towards Pico Montardo, which towers 2,833m above the refuge de Restanca. Following the path to the Crestada pass along the Haute Route, which is one of the three long-distance trails that traverse the Pyrenees. From here you’ll head to the summit of Montardo along the ridge which offers outstanding views over the French border and across miles of Pyrenean summits, including its highest – Pico Aneto. Once you’ve conquered the ascent you drop down to the friendly Restanca refuge at the lake of the same name.
Trekking time 5-6 hours
DAY 5
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SEVEN LAKE CIRCUIT
Col de Caldes
Today you’ll bid a fond farewell to the Thousand Lake area. A climb up the Col de Caldes (2,400 metres) is then followed by the Cirque de Travessani to join up with the GR11 and the showcase circuit of this area; the seven-lake walk. There is a seven-lake swim challenge associated with this route that the courageous might like to attempt and then you can warm up as you descend back down to where we began at Baños de Tredos for your transfer back to la belle France for a fantastic celebration meal.
Trekking time 6-7 hours
DAY 6
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LUCHON
Departure day
Spend the morning relaxing in Luchon before your flight, be that through souvenir shopping or relaxing in the spa, or a snack and a beer in a bar. If you’re feeling adventurous there are more adrenaline kicks available in the form of paragliding or mountain biking.
Transfer to Toulouse Airport.
INCLUDED
- Women-only Adventures trip led by expert guides.
- Transfers to and from Toulouse Airport, and all local transfers
- Transfers to and from mountain base
- 2 nights accommodation in Luchon based guest house with breakfast
- Refuge accommodation during trek including breakfasts, packed lunch and dinner
- Dinner on first night
INCLUDED
- Women-only Adventures trip led by expert guides.
- Transfers to and from Toulouse Airport, and all local transfers
- Transfers to and from mountain base
- 2 nights accommodation in Luchon based guest house with breakfast
- Refuge accommodation during trek including breakfasts, packed lunch and dinner
- Dinner on first night
- Financial Protection on your payments
- Trip logistics taken care of
NOT INCLUDED
- International flights to Toulouse
- Local mountain taxi (if missing transfer)
- Personal equipment
- Travel insurance
- Alcohol, laundry and other items of a personal nature
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Any optional activities mentioned within the itinerary are an additional cost, please ask us for more details
- Any additional costs associated with leaving the expedition early
NOT INCLUDED
- International flights to Toulouse
- Local mountain taxi (If missing transfer)
- Personal equipment
- Travel insurance
- Alcohol, laundry and other items of a personal nature
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Any additional costs associated with leaving the expedition early
- Any optional activities mentioned within the itinerary are an additional cost, please ask us for more details
YOUR GUIDE
Your adventure will be led by 360 Expeditions. Since 2008 the 360 team have been leading adventure junkies to remote corners of the globe and bucket list summits. 360 Expeditions was founded by Marni, Rolf and Raj who came together with their decades of experience to craft the most memorable trips imaginable.
360 Expeditions share our ethos of caring for the local communities that they work with, and have donated over a million pounds to charities.
PYRENEES
The Pyrenees straddle the border between France and Spain for 400+km and rise to 3,400m. The stunning 1000-lakes route through the Parc National d’Aigüestortes i Sant Maurici in Catalonia weaves between winding rivers, sheer ravines, cool lakes, raging waterfalls and fertile marshes, and reaches some of the range’s highest summits, fittingly, ‘Aiguestortes’ means ‘twisted waters’ in Catalan – you’ll see a lot of them! This majestic 4-day trek explores these hidden beauties and embraces the unique camaraderie and warm hospitality of the remotely located mountain refuges. Europe doesn’t have to be tame. This is an absorbing trek of extreme contrasts, taking in Catalonia’s iconic peaks and entering lush worlds rarely seen by travellers. It will challenge everything you thought you knew about European mountains.
THE IMPORTANT STUFF
Yes. At Adventuress in the Wild we work with tour operators who are providing trips for anybody who identifies as a woman. We have found that women are more likely to step out of their comfort zone and try new activities when they are surrounded by other supportive women. All of the tour operators we work with believe that adventure is for every woman no matter your background, ability, body type, or orientation.
Where we endeavor to work with tour operators who provide female guides and ground crew, this isn’t always possible for all trips. Therefore your guides and staff on this particular trip will be male. All staff are highly respectful and have worked with 360 Expeditions for many years.
Although you will not be at altitude, don’t be fooled into thinking this is an easy option. A good fitness level is required for this trip. Prolonged walking over varied terrain with reasonable altitude gains and losses carrying a 6kg pack for 6-8 hours is no small feat. Making an effort with your fitness levels before you join the trip will have a positive impact and we’re sure you’ll enjoy it a lot more.
Where do we get drinking water from?
All drinking water is from the refuge or can be bought at various stops for the first day’s walking.
Please bring your own bottle, to reduce plastic waste where possible. While you’re trekking you’ll pass streams you can top up from so make sure to bring purification tablets with you.
What is the food like in the refuge?
The food is generous and of very good quality and uses locally sourced ingredients where possible. Pastries, fresh bread, and jams are the usual fare for breakfast and the packed lunches will be simple, but filling. Evening meals will be more substantial affairs, preparing you for a day full of activity. Food will be good with ample carbohydrate content – think pasta, rice, potatoes, etc, but don’t expect a la carte, food often has to be flown in by helicopter!
Do you provide snacks during this expedition? Or do you recommend that we bring our own?
Some snacks are provided while trekking but feel free to bring some from home. Flapjacks, shortbread, sweets, nuts and chocolate are all useful additions as they travel well and you’ll look forward to the energy boost!
What are the accommodation – refuges like? Is it better than camping?
The mountain refuges we stay in throughout the trek are basic but large. Running water and flush toilets are as standard and hot showers are provided although the hot water may run out if demand is high.
You’ll be sleeping in dormitories, so earplugs are recommended if you’re a light sleeper!
Given you are carrying your own kit you don’t want to be weighed down by tents and cooking equipment, and as the refuges have beds and washing facilities they are considered the sensible and more comfortable option on these routes.
What? No porters?! Do I need to carry my gear?
This style of expedition involves a lot less lugging of kit due to the nightly refuges. Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner are provided at the refuge each day. You will be carrying your bag for these two days so don’t overpack, take just what you need for the 2 days and all other kit and clothing can be stored in the minibus.
So what bag do I need?
A rucksack of around 40-60L should be fine and you should aim not to carry more than 10kg. We find it is better to have a bigger bag with space, than a smaller one that you have to fight to get everything in! Your daypack only needs essential items for the day and activities so try to keep it as light as possible.
You will need a warm layer, waterproof jacket, packed lunch, snacks, spending money, water, camera, sun cream, and personal medication.
If you are borrowing or purchasing a rucksack, ask someone to help you adjust it to fit your back properly and make the adjustments with the rucksack loaded, not empty. It should sit high on your back with the weight distributed vertically, rather than pulling your shoulders back or sagging below your waist. Take the time to get it right to ensure it is comfortable. A waterproof rucksack or one with a waterproof cover is worth considering as is packing your gear in waterproof stuff sacks in case of heavy rain.
Do we need any technical gear for this?
No, this is a trek, so standard walking gear outlined in the kit list should suffice. Walking poles are optional.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
No, but we would recommend packing a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth, comfort, and hygiene (silk or cotton). Blankets will be provided at the refuge.
I’ve skied in the Alps, and I’ve seen how busy it can get in winter, is summer there the same?
Summer in the Pyrenees can be busy at the main parking areas and chair lifts but once you’re trekking you’ll pretty soon feel like you have the whole mountain range to yourself. There will occasionally be people following the same path as you but it is an enormous area and there is normally more wildlife to be spotted than people.
The huts can get busy in the evenings as people tend to hone in on them having joined from all directions, but the next morning they all disappear as quickly as they appeared.
Can we swim in the lakes?
Sure! Why not? It’ll be chilly though!
What’s the weather like up there?
It should be sunny and warm (actually getting pretty hot lower down). However, being in the mountains, and not very far from the Atlantic, means there is a risk of inclement weather. So while the Pyrenean climate is generally better than the UK, pack accordingly and check the forecast for a rough indication.
Flights aren’t included, what time should I arrive and depart to Toulouse?
Flights are not included on this trip to leave your options open for leaving the UK.
Before confirming a pickup time flight schedules will be checked, as your guides would want to make sure you can make it to Toulouse on time. Confirmation on what time you should aim to arrive in Toulouse will be sent.
We will also check flight schedules before deciding what time we do an airport drop-off. Once we have told you the transfer times, please find flights that work for these times, or arrange a night at either end in Toulouse. If there are any issues with booking your flights, please let us know and we will try and help. This may involve a hire car or train or taxi to your start/finish point. Bagneres de Luchon is 1h 40 mins drive away.
What happens if I miss the pickup time?
We suggest that you get as early a flight as possible from the UK to Toulouse. This gives you options if your flight is delayed to get to the starting point. When signing up for the trip you will be given a pickup and drop off time. If flight delays mean you are seriously out of your allocated time slot, your guides will always do what they can and have on occasion personally done the pick-up. If all else fails, car hire is an option.
Do I need special insurance for this trip?
Individual travel insurance is compulsory on this expedition, and you will not be permitted on the trip without it. Your insurance details will be requested 8 weeks before your departure.
Will my mobile work?
In the cities. In the countryside it will probably be sporadic. Most UK providers have coverage throughout France and Spain, but you may want to check with your provider before you travel.
Who is the guide for this trip?
The operator of this tour is 360 Expeditions
BAGS & PACKS
Daypack: Bring a well worn in 40-60L rucksack with a good waist belt. We also advise a waterproof cover. (remember that these covers are not 100% waterproof but act as a barrier).
Dry stuff sacks: Bags that keep clothing and important items like your passports and electronics dry are useful and they are great for quarantining old used socks! Please note that France has banned supermarket plastic bags so you might want to bring them with you. We always advise buying reusable and sustainable nylon roll top bags to keep kit dry.
Waterproof rucksack cover
Sleeping bag liner: Bedding is provided at the hotels and guest houses but some people prefer to bring a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth or comfort. Silk is best if it is the warmth that you are after.
Warm Headgear: A warm hat, beanie, balaclava, or anything that will reduce heat lost from your head is a good idea. Obviously, we’re hoping for sun, but it can get chilly and you may need it if you go for a swim.
Wide-brimmed hat: Keeps the sun off exposed areas like ears and the nape of the neck
Sunglasses: Category 4, wrap-around style sunglasses are highly recommended. These sunglasses allow for the highest available protection against harmful UV light found at altitude and from glare from the snow, if there is some at the higher altitudes. It’s worth spending money on good UV filters.
Lip Salve: Sun cream is not suitable for your lips and they will burn without protection.
Sunblock: Buy the highest SPF you can find. The UV intensifies as you climb especially when it reflects off the water nearby.
2x Baselayer: The function of your closest layer is to draw (wick) moisture and sweat away from the skin. Thermal base layers for use at higher altitudes will provide an additional insulative layer while drawing sweat away.
Midlayer: Lightweight micro fleece or similar will provide warmth and insulation without being overly bulky or heavy to pack.
T-shirts: A couple of T-shirts are advisable as the days are reasonably warm with high temperatures at the lower altitudes.
Hard Shell: These jackets are thin, highly waterproof and windproof and you can wear them over all other items of clothing. You’ll find these made of Gore-Tex or other proprietary waterproof yet breathable technology. Inexpensive hard shells that aren’t breathable will prevent evaporation, making you sweat intensely and, as such, are not recommended.
Soft Shell (Optional): These should be windproof (not all are) and insulative. Normally made of soft polyester and sometimes resembling a neoprene finish, they are flexible and comfortable to wear but they are usually not waterproof although they do offer some light protection from rain..
Gloves
Shorts: A couple of pairs of shorts are advisable for this summer expedition. The days can be reasonably warm, with high temperatures at lower altitudes.
Trekking trousers: Polyester trousers are the norm, these dry quickly and don’t weigh much. Consider some with detachable lower legs as an alternative to shorts.
Underwear: Merino or another wicking material, not cotton. Quantity at your discretion!
Waterproof trousers: A lightweight pair of Gore Tex/eVent trousers are also great against the wind.
Hiking boots: Well worn in 4-season waterproof boots with mid to high ankle. Spare laces and Comfortable shoes
Most refuges need you to take your boots off when you go in. Some provide croc/slippers but not all.
3x Trekking socks: Whether you wear a single layer or double them is up to you. Lighter-weight merino wool is a good option.
Comfortable evening clothes
Water Bottles/Bladder: You’ll need enough to carry 2 litres, either in a combination of bladder and Nalgene bottles, or just Nalgene bottles
Water purification: Although generally all water is boiled or brought filtered from the hotel or refuge in the morning, some trekkers prefer to double up and add purification tabs as well and we find that they are useful to keep in your bag.
Wash kit: Keep it simple! A toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant are the essentials. Moisturiser is recommended and everything else is a luxury!
Alcohol Gel
Toilet paper
Provided at the accommodation, and at public toilet facilities, but keeping a spare handy can’t do any harm.
Microfibre towel: Packable & Lightweight!
Personal First Aid Kit: A small kit with painkillers (Ibuprofen if you can take it and a Paracetamol) plus blister plasters, plasters, antiseptic, rehydration sachets, and any muscle rubs you wish to use is a good idea. Your guide will have a comprehensive kit for bigger problems.
Personal medication: Kept in an accessible location in your pack
Camera: Bring spare batteries and memory cards. A power pack is always handy for keeping things charged in the case of no charging points available in the refuges
Head torch + A Spare or spare batteries
Snacks: Although you will be fed well, we do advise bringing a small selection of energy bars or your favourite snacks.
Ear Plugs (Optional)
Penknife (Optional)
Swimwear: For any other opportunities that present themselves.
Trekking poles: Can help with your stability and can take some of the pressure off your knees on the downhill bits.
Passport: Your passport should have an expiry date at least six months after the final day of travel. Please bring a copy of your passport / saved image of passport
Dental checkup: We recommend you have a dental check-up before your trip. New fillings can be an issue at altitude if there is an air pocket left in the gap
Travel Insurance:
It’s your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip.
You must carry a copy of your individual travel insurance to take part in the expedition EH1C (formally E111). You will not be permitted in the park without proof of insurance and we will be requesting your insurance details 8 weeks before your departure.
There are many insurance providers available and we do recommend that you shop around to get the best cover for you on the expedition you are undertaking. You must check that the insurance cover they offer is right for you, including medical evacuation and coverage up to the maximum altitude of this trip, taking your circumstances (items to be insured, cancellation cover, medical history) into account.
This booking will be subject to The Operators Booking Conditions, and Adventuress in the Wild Booking Conditions.
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