La Porta del Cel

Explore the highest peak in Catalonia, the Pica d’Estats (3,146m)!

The route also passes through the largest glacial lake in Catalonia, the Certascan lake. These summits and the numerous ponds that gave the name to the circuit. The sky, the clouds, its reflection on the ponds and the snow that are present in some sections until the month of August, create the feeling of starting the path to the Doorway to heaven.

This route is also special because it crosses the French border, without barriers or customs, because the mountain does not know those imaginary lines that have invented men.

Much of the route is located in the Natural Park of the Alt Pirineu. Created in 2003 it is the largest park in Catalonia. It is a space of high natural value and has been continuously exploited, which has generated important cultural values ​​derived from human activity.
The circuit connects 4 refuges, the one of Certascan, the one of Pinet, the one of the Vallferrera and the one of the camping country house Bordes de Graus. Pass through the town of Tavascan and take a tour of the new Alt Pirineu Natural Park. The accumulated difference is 5.550 meters in a distance of 65 km.

Price:

From 400 €/person (VAT included)

Itinerary

Day 1: Tavascan – Certascan shelter

Meeting  with the guide in Tavascan. Presentation, review of material and route start.

Distance: 15,6km | Elevation gain/loss: 1760m+/ 639m- | Effective time: 7h

Day 2: Certascan shelter – Pinet shelter

Distance: 12,6km | Elevation gain/loss: 1.258m +/ 1.249m- | Effective time: 7h

Day 3: Pinet shelter – Vallferrera shelter

Distance: 11,61km | Elevation gain/loss: 1.263m+/ 1.372m- | Effective time: 7h

Day 4: Vallferrera shelter – Tavascan

Distance: 17,7km | Elevation gain/loss: 1.174m+/ 1.967m- | Effective time: 8h

Note: The planned itinerary may vary depending on the weather conditions and shelters availability.