Eth Setau Sagèth: a peaceful way of touring Val d'Aran
Quick guide TREKKING SEVERAL DAYS in the Pyrenees
with everything you need to know before undertaking a multi-stage circular route.
The route of Eth Setau Sageth takes place in the Val d' Aran, where the history of the valley is also revealed through the villages that make it up. Val d' Aran, with a surface area of 620 km2, is surrounded by mountains over three thousand metres high and there are a wide variety of activities for mountain lovers.
The Eth Setau Sageth
It is mainly mining territory and consists of a circular route; normally the route will start and finish in Vielhaafter a 103 km route, passing through three mountain passes, the coll de guerra and the Torán valley, considered a paradise, with forests and hanging valleys.
The area is also home to the Liat lakes and of course the old and emblematic mines of the region. The tour culminates at the Port de Vielha which is 2,470 metres high. The valley was used by the inhabitants to transport goods, and has interesting stories about the way of life and traditions of the local people.
A medium-difficulty route, ideal for enjoying with friends or colleagues; the classic route is of 5 steps and runs in a clockwise direction. The crossing has a signposted path and easy access so that no hiker has any difficulty whatsoever and enjoys the route at all times.
Stages to be covered.
1.- First stage: From Vielha to Bossost.
It passes through spectacular Pyrenean landscapes such as the Vilacthe Montcorbau, Aubert, Pont d' Arròs until it reaches Bossost. It is 22 kilometres to cover in approximately 7 hours, and the churches and landscapes of these villages are the highlights.
2.- Second stage: Bossost to Honeria
Starts in Bossost and ends at Refugio Honeria, passing through points such as Les, Canejanor the essential stop at San Juan de Toranto the Refuge of La Honeria. In normal conditions it will take you about 6 km to cover the 16.5 km of this second part, the thermal baths of Les and the views of the plain of Bossost are obligatory stops.
3.- Third stage: From the Honeria Hut to Salardú.
Considered the best stage of the overall route because of its great natural beauty, it takes between 7 and 8 hours to cover the 27 km of beautiful scenery, Tor Plan, Borda was Lana, Bagergue and finally Salardú.
4.- Fourth stage: Salardú - Conangles
Starts in Salardúfollowing the Ribera de Valarties. Among the main attractions are the Lake and Port de Rius which was used for the passage of livestock; we then headed downhill to the Conangles Hut. Here you can see the northern part of the spectacular Montardo d' Aran and the 21 kilometres can be covered in approximately seven and a half hours.
5.- Fifth stage: Conangles - Vielha
To culminate this adventure, the journey continues from the Conangles Hut towards the south entrance of the Vielha Tunnel, it continues in Port De Vielha passing through the beautiful Ribera Riu NereYou will then return to Vielha. It will take you between five and six hours to cover the 16.5 km of the final part of the route, the view of La Val de Mulleres is one of the most beautiful landscapes of the route that ends in the main square of Vielha.
How can Eth Setau Sageth be performed?
Although there are signposts all along the route and anyone can make the journey, a map and knowledge of the location will be important, as well as good trekking boots and basic equipment for the mountain hiker.
The route has a steep gradient - 9,100 metres in total to be precise - and it is recommended to be in good physical condition, to carry hiking clothing and stay hydrated at all times, at some points there are taxis for those who have to withdraw from the route.
The majority of visitors make the journey on the 5 steps. If you wish, you can start in any town along the route, the main variants of the journey can be found in the 1st and 4th stages. The visits to the different points will also depend on the weather conditions and the physical condition you are in.
There is the option of extending the tour by one day, as an extension of stage four, to enjoy the area of the great lakes of the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.
Eth Setau Sageth Prices
There are hotels and refuges with options to cover the 5 stages and choose between 5 or 6 nights to enjoy.
Prices for the whole route vary depending on the time of year and the demand for visits, but generally range from 305 to 395 euros for double occupancy, supplements for single occupancy range from 15 to 60 euros and reductions for triple occupancy are around ten euros, all prices include taxes.
All hotel and refuge options offer the opportunity to spend the last night in Vielha, the accommodation includes dinner, bed and breakfast.
If you take out the Setau Sageth Fortait, you will have some benefits such as: medical assistance and accident insurance or luggage transport.
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