Route to Herba Savina: hiking, 4×4 or a combined route

Discover Herba Savina, one of the most distinctive abandoned villages in Pallars Jussà, on an excursion adapted to the way you like to experience the mountains.

At MundoCanyon, we offer three different ways to discover Herba Savina: completing the entire route on foot, reaching the area by 4×4 vehicle, or combining an off-road approach with a trekking section.

All three options allow you to discover the landscapes of Carreu and Boumort, learn about the history of this former mountain village and explore one of the most remote and little-known areas of the Lleida Pre-Pyrenees.

The final format of the excursion is adapted to the group, the time of year, terrain conditions and the type of experience you are looking for.

Excursion to Herba Savina, an abandoned village in Pallars Jussà

Herba Savina is located in the municipality of Conca de Dalt, in a landscape between the Serra de Carreu and the Boumort area.

For centuries, it was one of the small rural settlements scattered across this part of Pallars. Its inhabitants lived mainly from farming, livestock and the resources provided by the mountains, travelling between neighbouring villages along old bridle paths.

Today, its houses stand abandoned and vegetation has gradually reclaimed the former fields and paths. Walking among the ruins offers a glimpse into life in these small, isolated mountain villages and shows how the landscape changed after they were depopulated.

Herba Savina also has a particularly dramatic history. Very close to the village, one of the best-known crimes in Pallars took place in 1943, a story later brought back to public attention by writer Pep Coll in his novel Dos taüts negres i dos de blancs.

If you would like to learn more about the history of the village, its abandonment and the events that took place in Carreu, you can read our article Herba Savina: the abandoned village of Pallars and the story of an unsolved crime.

Three ways to explore Herba Savina

Not every group is looking for the same experience. Some people prefer to spend several hours hiking and reach the village along the old trails; others want a more comfortable way to explore the area, while for many visitors the best option is to combine hiking with a 4×4 adventure.

For this reason, we offer three different options for an excursion to Herba Savina.

1. Hiking route to Herba Savina

The most authentic option for those who enjoy exploring the mountains on foot.

We follow the Camí vell d’Herba-savina, the old path that once connected Pessonada with the village. This historic bridle path runs beneath Pessonada’s distinctive rock wall before gradually entering the remote landscape of Carreu.

Along the way, we can observe changes in the vegetation, discover how the land was traditionally used and enjoy wide views over one of the least-visited areas of Pallars Jussà.

Reaching the ruins of Herba Savina is the highlight of the excursion. Here, we will have time to explore the former village, learn about the people who once lived there and discover some of the events that shaped its history.

The total duration of the activity will be longer than the actual walking time, as we will make several stops to interpret the landscape and explore Herba Savina.

2. 4×4 route to Herba Savina

For those who want to discover Herba Savina without undertaking a long hike, we also offer the option of reaching the area by 4×4 off-road vehicle.

The 4×4 route follows mountain tracks through a landscape of forests, ravines and isolated farmhouses. The journey itself is part of the experience and helps us understand the scale and remoteness of this territory.

Along the way, we will make several stops at viewpoints and places of interest, before completing the final section on foot to visit the ruins of the village.

This option is particularly suitable for families, groups with different fitness levels, or anyone who would prefer to spend more time discovering the area and less time on a long hike.

3. Combined route: trekking + 4×4

The third option combines the best of the previous two.

We complete part of the approach by 4×4 vehicle and then continue on foot along trails and old paths until we reach Herba Savina.

This option allows us to reach remote areas without having to complete the entire approach on foot, while still including a substantial trekking section so that you can fully enjoy the landscape.

It also offers plenty of flexibility: we can adapt the walking distance according to the group’s fitness level, the age of the participants, the time available and their interests.

What will we see during the excursion?

Regardless of the option you choose, the route offers an opportunity to discover different aspects of the natural and historical heritage of Pallars Jussà.

The landscapes of the Serra de Carreu and the Boumort area.
Old paths once used by local inhabitants.
Forests, ravines and landscapes of the Pre-Pyrenees.
The ruins of the abandoned village of Herba Savina.
Remains of old houses and rural buildings.
The history of the families who once lived in the village.
The changes caused by depopulation and the gradual return of nature.
The story of the 1943 Carreu crime.

Depending on the time of year and a little luck, we may also observe different wildlife species or find their tracks and other signs.

Herba Savina and the Boumort area

One of the main attractions of this excursion is the landscape surrounding the former village.

Herba Savina lies beside a territory characterised by extensive forests, rocky cliffs and a very low population density. It is one of those areas of the Pyrenees where you can still travel for kilometres while encountering very few modern buildings.

The Boumort area is particularly renowned for its wildlife and for preserving vast natural spaces that remain relatively little visited.

In autumn, the red deer rut is one of the most spectacular natural events in these mountains, while each season completely transforms the landscape and offers a different experience.

Which of the three routes should you choose?

Hiking route: recommended for those who enjoy hiking and want to follow the old paths all the way to Herba Savina.

4×4 route: ideal for those who prefer a more comfortable experience, families, or groups with participants of different fitness levels.

Combined 4×4 + trekking route: a very complete option for enjoying both off-road mountain tracks and hiking.

If you are unsure which option to choose, we can recommend the most suitable one according to the number and age of participants, previous experience, time of year and mountain conditions.

What is included in the activity?

Depending on the option booked, the activity may include:

Local mountain guide.
4×4 vehicle and driver/guide for the options that require it.
Interpretation of the landscape and the history of Herba Savina.
Binoculars.
Guidance and interpretation of animal tracks and signs.
Public liability and accident insurance.

What should you bring?

For options that include hiking, we recommend bringing:

Trekking shoes or hiking boots.
Comfortable mountain clothing.
Warm and/or waterproof jacket depending on the season.
Small backpack.
Enough water.
Some food or snacks.
Cap or sun hat.
Sunglasses.
Sun protection.

Before the activity, we will let you know what equipment and clothing we recommend according to the weather forecast and the option you have chosen.

When can you do the Herba Savina route?

The excursion can be enjoyed during much of the year, although the itinerary and format may vary depending on the weather and the condition of the tracks and trails.

In spring and autumn, temperatures are usually very pleasant for hiking. In summer, it is advisable to avoid the hottest hours in the middle of the day, while in winter the terrain conditions must be assessed before undertaking the activity.

The guide will always decide on the final itinerary according to safety conditions.

A private excursion tailored to your group

The Herba Savina route does not follow a single fixed format. We can adapt the experience for families, couples, groups of friends, photographers, nature lovers or visitors with a particular interest in the history of the area.

We can also adjust the balance between 4×4 travel and trekking to suit your fitness level and the time available.

The price is calculated individually according to the chosen option, number of participants, duration and characteristics of the excursion.

Discover the history of Herba Savina

Before visiting the village, you can discover why it was abandoned, what life was like for its inhabitants and what happened in Carreu in 1943.

Read the story of Herba Savina and the crime that marked this corner of Pallars.

Would you like to discover Herba Savina?

Tell us what kind of experience you are looking for and we will help you choose between the hiking route, the 4×4 excursion or the combined trekking and off-road route.

The itinerary and price are prepared individually for each group.