The distance and incline make this route a bit challenging, although it doesn´t have any technical parts. You will “jump” from valley to valley through cols. There is a chance to divide this route in two days´ journey, staying overnight in Pas de la Casa or Grau Roig.
Starting in front of the Tourist office in Encamp, follow the GR (Long-distance trail) and continue by a path that will bring you to Engolasters. After a demanding first stretch, you will get to a lake and from there it will get easier. Once you have reached Coll Jovell, continue by the GR until you get to Vall de Madriu (Biosphere Reserve). Go across this valley, moving along the Madriu river and passing by some shelters, til you find the Refugio de l’Illa.
Over this refuge you will see the Coll de Valcivera, which should be followed to start descending through Cerdanya and towards Cabana dels Esparvers. Continue by the GR to progressively ascend through Vall d’Engaït, heading to Portella Blanca d’Andorra. Continue climbing until you reach Coll dels Isards, the highest point of this route.
From that col you could sight Pas de la Casa, the next stop of this trail. To get there, you should first descend by path and then by ski track. After passing the town, go up on a steep climb towards Coll Blanc (which stands out for its peculiar buildings) and from here, there is a short descent that leads to Grau Roig.
To continue descending, keep moving by a forest track that will take you by Estany de la Cubil and will finally lead you to the Superior Station of Funicamp (Les Solanelles), at 2500 meters high. From here on, practically all the rest of the trail will be descending, first by forest track and then by path. Once you have reached the Intermediate Station of Funicamp, continue by path and going across fields, always heading towards the Funicamp Tower. Once there, simply follow the evacuation path towards Encamp, passing by the Funicamp Station before reaching the town.

WATER: All needed water facilities are available in Encamp. There are fountains in Paseo the Engolasters, Refugio de Fontverd and in Refugio de l’Illa. There are restaurants in Pas de la Casa and Grau Roig. There is access to lakes and streams along the route.

TOURISM.- Encamp. Free Shelters. Refugio de l’Illa. Pas de la Casa. Grau Roig. Cortals d’Encamp.

WARNING: There are crest stretches with IIº climbing grade.

This is a challenging Alpine route because of its distance and incline. There is no access to water between the ascent to Tossal de Braibal until Estanys Forcats.

Starting from the Tourist office in Encamp, follow the uphill GR (Long-distance trail) towards Engolasters. After you pass a dam, keep following the GR  towards  Coll Jovell. From this col, turn left to start a steep ascent across the forest and towards Tossal de Braibal, having Vall de Madriu beneath our feet.

This is the beginning of the most tricky stretch of the route, moving very carefully along the crest and towards Cap dels Agols, while enjoying the astonishing views and Alpine atmosphere. Once you have reached the col of the Cap dels Agols, descend across the fields towards Estanys Forcats. Continue by path until you meet the Refugi de l’Illa.

Go across the Coll de Valcivera and follow the GR to then cross the stream that comes down from Montmalús. Leaving the GR, continue just following the milestones that will lead you to a beautiful lake, a free shelter and straight after that you will reach the col and the peak. Come back to the col to start descending in the direction to Circ de Pessons, the largest lake basin in the region. Continue once more by the GR, ascending between lakes and streams, til you find the Collada de Pessons.

After this last demanding stretch, you can enjoy the breathtaking sights of the lake basin and the Pic de Pessons. Continue the descending trail following the milestones across the fields until you meet the Refugi d’Ensagents. Keep moving downhill by an easy to follow path, passing by Cortals d’Encamp and then crossing the road to continue moving across the fields. Keep moving parallel to the cattle fences until you get into a forest. From there, follow the yellow signs and continue by the “Camí de les Llaus”. This path will descend all the way to “les Pardines” and, from there, you will easily find your way back to the starting point.

WATER: All needed water facilities are available in Encamp. There are fountains in Paseo the Engolasters, in  Refugi de l’Illa and in Refugi de Ensagents. There is a restaurant in Estany Primer. There is access to lakes and streams along the route.

TOURISM.- Encamp. Refugio de l’Illa. Circ de Pessons.