Refugi de Montmalús: A Mountain Haven

The Refugi de Montmalús is a welcoming, unmanned mountain refuge situated at 2,445 meters altitude, next to the picturesque Estany de Montmalús (Montmalús Lake) in the parish of Encamp, Andorra. This provides a base for exploring the southern slopes of the Montmalús peak. The refuge is open year-round, offering a place to rest for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the high mountain trails. The refuge itself is equipped with basic amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, including bunk beds, a table, benches, and a fireplace. Water is accessible nearby from a natural source. Note that there is no mobile phone coverage at the refuge. The refuge is generally maintained during the summer months with cleaning, firewood stocking and first aid kit. To reach the Refugi de Montmalús, one can drive to Soldeu and then hike along the ski track towards Coma Estremera Lake at 2,392 meters. From there, ascend through La Coma to La Collada, located to the left of the Pic de Soldeu, passing Fontanals, Port Dret, and following the Sant Josep River to the refuge. The hike takes approximately 2 hours with an elevation gain of 810 meters and is considered of medium difficulty. The area surrounding the Refugi de Montmalús is part of the Circ de Pessons, a collection of around 40 glacial lakes unique to Andorra, offering breathtaking views and a chance to immerse oneself in nature.