Estanh des Trueites

Estanh des Trueites is a small glacial tarn in the municipality of Vielha e Mijaran, in the Val d'Aran valley of the Spanish Pyrenees. Sitting at roughly 2,307 metres above sea level, its Aranese name translates to "trout lake" — trueites being the local word for trout.

Where is Estanh des Trueites located?

The lake sits high in the Pales dera Pincèla massif, surrounded by rocky ridges and alpine meadows. Its coordinates are approximately 42.7458°N, 0.8692°E. The tarn itself is modest in size, measuring around 115 metres in length and 98 metres across, giving it a surface area of roughly 0.9 hectares. It is a classic Pyrenean estanh — a high-altitude pool carved out by glacial action in a rocky basin.

How do you reach the lake?

Starting from Bagergue

The most common starting point is Bagergue, one of the highest villages in Val d'Aran. From the village, a track heads toward Santa Margalida and then on to Era Borda Era Lana, where it joins the Varradòs route. After parking, hikers follow a marked path up the slope of Pales dera Pincèla, passing smaller ponds and winter-route markers along the way. The path runs alongside the Pincèla stream, with the final stretch climbing steeply right beside the watercourse before opening onto the lake.

From the parking area, the walk up typically takes around one hour and ten minutes. The route is rated medium difficulty — no technical gear is required, but the steep section beside the stream calls for reasonable fitness and sure footing on loose rock.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

The area around the lake offers views of Maubèrme, one of the recognisable peaks in this stretch of the Pyrenees. A short distance further, and higher up than Estanh des Trueites, sits a second, smaller pool: Estanh dera Pincèla. Hikers who want to extend the walk can push on to the summit of Tuc dera Pincèla, which rises above 2,500 metres. From the top, across alpine pastures, the panorama takes in Aneto and Maladeta, Maubèrme, the Val d'Unhòla valley, and Val d'Aran spread out below.

Who is this route suited for?

This is a hike for people used to high-mountain terrain — the ground is rocky and the final approach to the lake is steep. It is not a route for families with young children, but experienced Pyrenean hikers should manage it comfortably in a few hours round trip, longer if the summit is included.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high up is Estanh des Trueites? The lake sits at roughly 2,307 metres above sea level, in the high-mountain section of Val d'Aran.

Where's the best place to start the hike? Most hikers begin in the village of Bagergue, following the track through Era Borda Era Lana and the Varradòs route toward Pales dera Pincèla.

How long does it take to reach the lake? From the parking area, the climb takes about one hour and ten minutes, mostly along a steep stretch beside the Pincèla stream.

Is there anything else to see nearby? Above Estanh des Trueites lies a second, smaller pool called Estanh dera Pincèla, and the trail can be extended all the way to the summit of Tuc dera Pincèla for views of Maubèrme and Maladeta.