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We present the Trekking Pass' Aran. A cross-border circular tour that covers more than 70km in 5 days. We will climb peaks of almost 3.000m and cross beautiful beech forests a little more than 900m high. Each day we will have the opportunity to stay in isolated shelters both in Spain and in France.
We will begin our journey in the Valley of Aran, in the province of Lleida, but a large part of the route takes place in France.
On both sides of the border we find majestic lakes, peaks with icecaps and fauna from the high mountains. Undoubtedly, the perfect route to explore and get lost in this quiet corner of the Pyrenees.
The Aran Valley is located on the Atlantic side of the central Pyrenees, a fact that determines its climate, history and relationships with its neighbours. The Garonne River makes its way north by Aquitaine land, in France. In fact, and despite being administratively integrated in Spain, it was not until 1948, when the tunnel of Vielha was inaugurated, that the valley was communicated throughout the year by road with the rest of the country. All this has meant that its language and its Occitan culture have been preserved.
Another important aspect of the Aran Valley, besides its orientation, is that the 30% of the valley is above 2.000 meters in altitude.
Despite the great urban development that the valley has suffered in recent years, we can still enjoy its cultural heritage. Villages, churches, stately homes, churches, traditional public laundries and mills have lasted until our days. The village of Arties, with beautiful views of the Montardo Mountain (2.833 m), and its Romanesque church of Santa María de Arties, are just one example
This productive land has contributed to a rich cuisine with local products such as garden vegetables, game meat, mushrooms, berries (cranberries, wild strawberries, currants and raspberries) and honey. Some of their traditional dishes are the “civet” made with wild pig, “olla aranesa” and “truhada”.
It is important to carry a light backpack to walk comfortable, with light and indispensable equipment. If you don’t have all the equipment you can rent it, please consult us.
You do not have to be a super athlete, but you must be used to walking in the mountains or exercising regularly.
It does not present technical stages, but a good physical preparation is required to face the distances and the unevenness of each stage.