Plan lake
This spectacular corner of the Aragonese Pyrenees is located in the Posets Maladeta Natural Park, surrounded by imposing three thousanders such as the Posets (3,375 m) or the Bachimala peak.
It stands out for the great beauty of its landscape, the preservation of its traditional architecture and the preservation of its own language, Chistabin.
The entrance to the valley is already awe-inspiring, as you pass through several tunnels carved into the rock. After the last tunnel on the right hand side there is a bird observatory. It is easy to spot vultures and vultures, so don't forget your binoculars.
Plan
Plan, San Juan de Plan and Gistaín are the main towns where you can enjoy good traditional food and ancestral customs such as the one that takes place in San Juan de Plan (la Falleta) with the descent of torches from a spot near the village known as the "planeta de la falla" to the church cemetery on the night of San Juan.
San Juan de Plan cemetery
In Plan, the church of San Esteban (16th century), the defensive tower and several buildings of carved stone stand out.
San Esteban church
The swimming pools (entrance fee 3€) on the outskirts of the village are run by a very nice woman and overlook the river.
Swimming pool bar
In the Fantova supermarket you will find everything you need, very friendly people and good prices. To eat at the swimming pools, Casa Ruche or La Capilleta. If you have a van or camper van there is a car park next to the swimming pools which is perfect.
Plan
In San Juan de Plan (one kilometre from Plan) you can visit the Ethnological Museum, the hermitage of San Mamés, the church of San Juan Bautista and the Park Interpretation Centre.
If you have a van or campervan, there is a private car park next to the river and the Regancho picnic area (4€/night), just call the telephone number on the sign at the entrance. The Regancho bar is perfect for lunch or dinner.
San Juan de Plan
Gistaín. This small village at the end of the road offers spectacular views of the area. From the Gistaín viewpoint you have a beautiful panoramic view of the village. It is known as the village of the Three Towers. Highlights include the Tardán tower, the church of San Vicente and the hermitage of San Fabián. There are several lodgings and restaurants.
Gistaín
Gistaín
Ascent to Ibón de Plan or Ibón de Basa de la Mora
We start our route from the village of Plan. You can leave your car in the village or in the car park at the swimming pools.
Follow the vehicle track to the right of the swimming pools for approximately one and a half kilometres until you reach a crossroads on the left with a sign indicating the path to the Ibón de Plan.
Plan
Path
You can't get lost, it is very well marked. For the first few kilometres we cross a fairly dense beech forest that will open up as we gain altitude.
We cross the Ibón ravine twice, which does not carry much water. A bridge is being built at one of the crossings.
Path
Path
We continue climbing until we reach the crossroads of the path that goes to the Lavasar Refuge. From here, after a 10-minute walk through some beautiful green meadows, we reach the lake. The place is beautiful, the rock formations that surround it take your breath away.
Meadow
This lake of glacial origin is a beauty. Situated at an altitude of almost 2,000 metres, it is surrounded by imposing mountains of great geological value. It is a jewel that we must take care of and preserve. Please remember to take everything with you, do not leave any rubbish.
Plan lake
Plan lake
We return by the same route.
Tip: get up early. We were lucky enough to be able to enjoy this place on our own, but as we were leaving, people started to arrive, and access by private vehicle has its pros and cons.
Meadow
Route: linear
The route is very well signposted and is not technically difficult.
Distance: 14 kms (round trip, it is not circular)
Difference in altitude: 900 metres
For those who do not want to walk from Plan, there is the option of arriving by car along a track (14 kms) to the Lavasar Refuge and from there walk about twenty minutes to the Ibón. The track has a cost of 3 € (dedicated to its conservation).
Be informed before going up it in Saravillo, as although it is in good condition, there may have been landslides or avalanches cutting off access.
It is preferable to go up with a 4x4 or at least a tall car.
We recommend you follow this wikiloc link if you are going up from Plan.
Whoever uses and follows all or part of this track and its additional information, assumes full responsibility for the risks inherent in the practice of the activity, this information is for guidance purposes only.
Chistau Valley
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