Estanhets deth Pòrt

Estanhets deth Pòrt are a group of small glacial lakes in the municipality of Naut Aran, in the Catalan Pyrenees, sitting inside the Colomèrs glacial cirque within the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. The Aranese name translates roughly to "little lakes of the pass" – "estanhets" is the diminutive of "estanh" (lake), while "pòrt" is the Aranese word for a mountain pass.

Where exactly are they?

The lakes lie at around 2,388 metres above sea level, on rugged granite terrain typical of the high-mountain glacial cirques of Val d'Aran. Their approximate coordinates are 42.6076 N, 0.9214 E. This is a valley shaped unmistakably by glacial action, with rock steps, moraines and numerous water-filled hollows – Estanhets deth Pòrt being one of the many small "estanys" (lakes) scattered across the Circ de Colomèrs.

How do you get there?

The Colomèrs cirque is one of the best-known trailheads for high-mountain routes on the Aranese side of the Pyrenees. Access typically starts from villages down in the Val d'Aran valley, from where marked hiking trails climb toward the cirque and its cluster of lakes. Given the altitude and rocky ground, reaching Estanhets deth Pòrt itself calls for reasonable hiking fitness and proper trekking footwear – this is not a spot you can drive up to directly.

What will you see?

The setting is defined by a stark, high-mountain landscape: granite walls, the steep flanks of the glacial cirque, and a handful of small water bodies with the intense blue-green tint typical of lakes fed by melting snow and glacial runoff. Vegetation is sparse at this altitude – mostly grasses, lichens and bare rock – which only adds to the sense of remoteness and rawness. The Circ de Colomèrs is considered one of the most scenic glacial cirques in this part of the Pyrenees, and Estanhets deth Pòrt make up its quieter, lesser-known corner, in contrast to the larger, more frequently visited lakes nearby.

When should you visit?

Because of the altitude (close to 2,400 metres), the accessible season is limited to the summer months, roughly from June/July through September. Outside that window, the area is often snow-covered and trails can be impassable or hazardous without winter mountaineering gear. The best conditions for hiking and taking in the lakes come at the height of summer, once the snow has cleared and water levels have settled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Estanhets deth Pòrt? A group of small glacial lakes located in the Colomèrs cirque, in the municipality of Naut Aran, within the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.

How high up are the lakes? At around 2,388 metres above sea level, on rocky, granite high-mountain terrain.

Is it an easy place to reach? No – it's accessible only on foot, via a mountain trail through the Colomèrs cirque, and requires reasonable fitness and preparation.

When is the best time to visit? Summer is best, from roughly June/July to September, when the trails are free of snow and the lakes show their characteristic color at their finest.