Description
The main attraction of this route is to crown the 3,143m high Pica d’Estats, the highest peak in all of Catalonia. This crossing consists of 5 stages, through which you will walk between the Catalan and French Pyrenees.
The Porta del Cel will also take us to the peaks of Certascan, La Pointe Recou, La Roca Cigalera among others, and some of the magnificent lakes of glacial origin where the sky is reflected, such as the Lake of Certascan which is one of the largest and deepest in the Pyrenees.
It is a remarkable route because of its rugged and demanding terrain, so it is recommended for well-trained people in good physical condition. It consists of 64km and 5,500m of accumulated positive slope in its entirety. The minimum daily distance is 13km and the average accumulated positive height difference is 1,100m per day.
Itinerary
Day 1
Meeting in Tavascan with the guide. Presentation and review of material.
Tavascan (1.116m) – Camping of Graus (1.360m).
Distance: 4,2 km | Slope: +290m/-50m | Effective time: 1:30h | Activity time: 3h.
Day 2
Camping of Graus (1.360m) – Peak Certescan (2.852m) – Refuge Certascan (2.240m).
Distance: 12,5 km | Slope: +1.500m/-620m | Effective time: 6:30h | Activity time: 10h.
Day 3
Refuge Certascan (2.240m) – Refuge Pinet (2.240m).
Distance: 13,3 km | Slope: +1.350m/-1.350m | Effective time: 7:45h | Activity time: 11h.
Day 4
Refuge Pinet (2.240m) – Pica d’Estats (3.143m) – Refugee Vallferrera (1.940m).
Distance: 13,3 km | Slope: +1.100m/-1.400m | Effective time: 7:15h | Activity time: 10h.
Day 5
Refuge Vallferrera – Tavascan (1.116m).
Distance: 20,3 km | Slope: +1.315m/-2.100m | Effective time: 9:30h | Activity time: 12h.
SUMMARY SHEET
Time and meeting point: At 10:00h in Tavascan (next to the Tourist Office)
Time and point of completion: 18:00h in the afternoon in Tavascan.
Duration of the activity: 5 days – 4 nights
Total Distance: 64 km
Total accumulated unevenness: +5.500m
Recommended season: From July to September.
Physical difficulty: High. This route is suitable for people with a good physical preparation who practice sports frequently or are used to walking for several days with important differences in level. It is recommended to have done some route of several days previously.
Technical difficulty: The route runs through high mountain terrain: paths, uneven terrain, fields and block areas. During the route we pass through some mountain passes at an altitude of over 2,800m and occasionally it may be necessary for us to help ourselves with our hands in order to progress with more confidence and security at some specific points. It is necessary to have done routes through high mountain terrains previously.
Individual material essential:
- Clothes: It is essential to take mountain clothes to do the route. Windproof mackintosh, warm clothes, comfortable and breathable clothing, long trousers and hiking socks, high top hiking boots to protect the ankles, gloves, scarf and hat. Spare clothes to change in the shelters.
- For the rain: Waterproof poncho/capelina and waterproof backpack cover.
- For the sun: Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection and cap.
- Backpack: Suitable mountain backpack. Frontal or torch. Canteen. Sleeping bag with sheet (there are blankets in the shelters). Shower towel. Earplugs for the nights in the shelters (optional)
- Telescopic walking sticks
Food: For the first day bring food and drink from home. Dinners, breakfasts and lunches (picnic bags) are provided by the shelters.
Profile of the guide who will carry out the activity: Qualified mountain guide with extensive experience in the sector. Knowledge of the flora, fauna and geology of the environment.
