ROUTE DESCRIPTION
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the Moroccan High Atlas, where three of its most iconic peaks await you: Jbel Toubkal (4,167 m), Ras n'Ouanoukrim (4,083 m), and Timesguida n'Ouanoukrim (4,089 m) . This trek will take you through stunning landscapes, from verdant valleys to snow-capped peaks, and will allow you to immerse yourself in the rich Berber culture. The route begins in the picturesque village of Imlil and ascends gradually, allowing for proper acclimatization before tackling the demanding summit climbs. During the journey, you will spend the night in strategically located mountain refuges, enjoying local hospitality and panoramic views that reward every step.
Three Four-Thousanders in the Heart of the Atlas
This trek will take you to three of North Africa's highest peaks: the imposing Jbel Toubkal, Ras n'Ouanoukrim, and Timesguida n'Ouanoukrim. Each climb offers unique challenges and panoramic views that reward the effort. The route is designed to allow for gradual acclimatization, increasing your chances of success and enjoyment on each summit.
Discover Marrakech and Imlil, the Gateway to the High Atlas
The trip begins in the vibrant city of Marrakech, where you can explore its souks, palaces, and the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Afterward, we'll move on to the picturesque village of Imlil, the starting point of our journey. This combination of cultural and natural experiences enriches the trek, allowing you to connect with the essence of Morocco before embarking on our adventure in the mountains.
Toubkal in Summer and
Winter
Jbel Toubkal offers two unique experiences depending on the season. In summer, the dry trails and clear skies allow for long days of trekking through arid landscapes and endless panoramas. In winter, snow and ice transform the mountain into a more technical and demanding alpine challenge. Two distinct ways to experience the Atlas, always with the grandeur of Jbel Toubkal as the ultimate reward.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
DURATION
6 DAYS
DISTANCE
59 KM
ELEVATION
+3.300 M
DIFFICULTY
LEVEL 4/5*
SEASON
JUL - SEP
PRICE
€1.052 p.p.
4.000s
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
DAY 1: Arrival (Torla)
Arrive in Torla, a beatufil mountain village. Here, you will settle in and review your roadbook and GPS tracks, preparing your kit for the days ahead. Enjo dinner in local restaurantUpon arrival in Torla, a beautiful mountain village, you will have time to settle in before reviewing your roadbook and GPS tracks. Use this time to prepare your gear for the upcoming days. Conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY 3: Into the Wild (Torla – Bujaruelo)
8km | +350m / -90m | 2.5-3h
A transition day to leave civilization behind. You will walk directly from your hotel in Torla, descending to the river and joining the GR-11 / Camino de Turieto. This ancient path winds through lush fir and beech forests along the banks of the Ara River, avoiding the road entirely. You emerge at the stunning San Nicolás de Bujaruelo, a historic enclave with a Romanesque bridge and a medieval church ruin.
Optional Afternoon: If you have energy, take a walk into the Otal Valley (add ~2-3h), a perfect U-shaped glacial valley that branches off from the refuge.
DAY 5: The Blue Lakes (Bachimaña Loop)
9km | +620m / -620m | 4-5h
A "relax" day compared to yesterday, but still true high mountain terrain. You will leave your backpack at the refuge and hike light. The route circles the upper Bachimaña reservoir and climbs towards the Ibones Azules (Blue Lakes) at the foot of the magnificent Picos del Infierno. The intense blue color of these glacial lakes is unforgettable. You return to the refuge for a second night, perhaps enjoying a sunset beer on the terrace.
DAY 2: The Vertical Canyon (Torla Loop)
18km | +850m / -850m | 7-8h
Your adventure begins with a short shuttle bus ride from Torla to the "Pradera de Ordesa." From here, you will tackle the legendary Senda de los Cazadores (Hunters' Path). This steep ascent lifts you 650m in a single push to the Faja de Pelay, a miraculous balcony path hanging 2,000m high. You will traverse the entire valley wall with bird's-eye views before descending to the iconic Cola de Caballo (Horse Tail) waterfall. The return leg follows the valley floor along the Arazas river, passing the Gradas de Soaso waterfalls.
DAY 4: The Queen Stage (Bujaruelo – Bachimaña)
20km | +1.314m / -479m | 8-10h
The "Queen Stage" of the trek. You leave Bujaruelo following the Ara River upstream. This is one of the wildest valleys in the Pyrenees, with no roads or dams. After several kilometers of gentle ascent, you turn east to tackle the steep climb to the Collado de Brazato (2,570m). This is a tough physical challenge. From the pass, the landscape changes instantly from green valley to granite chaos. You descend past the Brazato lakes to reach your high-altitude sanctuary, the Bachimaña refuge.
DAY 6: The Descent to Wellness (Bachimaña – Panticosa)
3.5km | +110m / -650m | 1.5-2h
A short, sharp descent to finish the traverse. From the refuge, you follow the famous Cuesta del Fraile path down to the Baños de Panticosa. The path zigzags steeply next to the thundering Caldarés waterfall. You arrive at the historic Thermal Spa Resort by late morning. The rest of the day is yours: check into the 4* hotel, enjoy a nice lunch, and soak your tired muscles in the thermal circuit (included).
TREK LOGISTICS
We plan. You pack.
ACCOMODATION
Nights 0-1: Civilization & Charm. (Torla). Start in a traditional stone village in a comfortable hotel with a private en-suite bathroom. Enjoy authentic Aragonese cuisine in a local restaurant.
Nights 2-4: The Alpine Heart (Refuges). Immerse yourself in the mountaineering vibe.
Bujaruelo: A historic former pilgrim hospital by a Romanesque bridge.
Bachimaña: A modern "alpine fortress" at 2,200m where you watch the sunrise over glacial lakes.
Night 5: The Grand Finale (Panticosa). The ultimate reward at the 4 Hotel Continental*. Trade your sleeping bag for premium linens, a private luxury bathroom, and a high-quality buffet dinner.
MEALS
Half Board Included: Breakfast and Dinner are included for the entire duration (starting with dinner on arrival and ending with breakfast on departure).
Dinner: A mix of high-mountain and luxury dining. In the refuges, expect hearty 3-course communal meals designed to refuel hikers (hot soup, meat/stew, dessert). On the final night in Panticosa, enjoy a premium hotel buffet.
Culinary Highlight: On the first nights in Torla, you will dine at a traditional local restaurant (included) to taste authentic Aragonese cuisine and local wines before entering the high mountains.
Lunch: Not included, but picnic packs (~€12-14) can be pre-ordered at your accommodation the night before or supplies can be purchased in Torla.
GETTING THERE
Private Transfer: We offer a "Stress-Free" coordinated pickup service from Zaragoza (AVE Train Station or Airport) or Jaca directly to the start line in Torla.
Self-Drive: Torla is approximately 3h 45m from Barcelona or 2h from Zaragoza. You can leave your vehicle in the large public car park or hotel facilities in Torla.
Logistics Note: Since the route ends in Panticosa, we can organize a private transfer on Day 6 to drive you back to your car (approx. 45 min).
Public Transport: Take the High-Speed Train (AVE) to Zaragoza or Huesca, followed by a bus to the foothill towns of Sabiñánigo or Jaca. From there, we recommend using our private pickup service to cover the final leg into the mountains.
WHEN TO GO
Choose your season
THE GREEN SEASON
(MAY - JUNE)
Best for wildflowers and lush valleys. Be prepared for potential afternoon thunderstorms.
HIGH SUMMER
(JULY - AUGUST)
Long daylight hours and social atmosphere. Warning: Heat tolerance and "Alpine Starts" (6:00 AM) are essential.
THE GOLDEN SEASON
(SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER)
Our Top Pick. Stable weather, crisp air, vibrant autumn colors, and the "belling" of red deer.
PRICING & INCLUSIONS
Base price: €1.052 per person
What's Included:
✅ 5 Nights Accommodation: Refuges, Hotel, and Bungalow.
✅ Half Board: Breakfast and Dinner daily.
✅ Navigation Pack: Roadbook, printed maps, and curated GPS tracks.
✅ Support: 24/7 English-speaking local phone assistance for emergencies, re-planning, etc.
✅ Info Pack: Gear lists and weather guides.
Customize Your Trip (Add-ons):
➕ Single Room Upgrade: +€88 (Available for Hotel/Bungalow nights only).
➕ Pedraforca Summit Extension: +€112 (Add 1 day to climb Catalonia’s most iconic peak).
➕ Private Transfer: Price on request.
DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
LIAM M. & FRIENDS,
VANCOUVER, CA 🇨🇦
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Coming from the Rockies, we're hard to impress—but the Pyrenees were spectacular. Altura handled every annoying logistical detail, so we could just hike. Pure freedom without the stress.
ANKE & KLAUS S.,
MUNICH, DE 🇩🇪
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Caracremada is wild terrain, but the GPS tracks provided were flawless. Every transfer and hut booking worked perfectly. It was reassuring for us to have such professional support in the background.
TOM W. & FRIENDS,
LEEDS, UK 🇬🇧
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A proper adventure without the admin. The Ordesa High Route was breathtaking, and the hotel choices in the villages were spot on. Great food, great hiking, and zero hassle for our group.
YOUR PYRENEES TREK STARTS HERE
Simple steps to secure your trip
STEP 1
CHECK AVAILABILITY
Select your preferred route and start date. We recommend providing a ±5 day flexibility window to maximize your chances of securing the best mountain huts.
STEP 2
WE SECURE LOGISTICS
We manually contact every refuge to confirm availability. Once confirmed, we send you a custom itinerary and payment link to lock in your beds.
STEP 3
PACK & GO
Receive your digital Roadbook, GPS tracks, and confirmation vouchers. All you have to do is train, pack, and show up at the trailhead.
CHECK AVAILABILITY
JOIN THE ROUTE
What are the payment terms?
We operate with a transparent two-step payment process. Once we have manually confirmed availability with all mountain huts for your dates, we require a 20% deposit to secure the booking. The remaining balance is due 2 months before your trip begins.
1.
How far in advance should I book?
As soon as possible. High-altitude refuges have limited capacity and sell out months in advance (especially July/August). We recommend booking 3 to 5 months ahead to ensure we can secure your beds.
3.
Do I need a mountain guide?
Our standard trips are self-guided, giving you the freedom to hike at your own pace using our professional navigation tools. However, if you prefer the safety and knowledge of a certified local guide, we can arrange one for you! Just email us at info@alturaexpeditions.com with your request.
5.
Can I trek solo?
Yes, you are welcome to book as a solo hiker. However, for our High-Altitude and Alpine routes, we strongly recommend hiking with at least one partner for safety reasons. If you do choose to go solo, strictly following our GPS tracks and safety protocols is mandatory.
7.
What happens in an emergency?
You will have access to our 24/7 Support Line. We can help coordinate logistics or advise on weather. For medical emergencies, we provide the direct protocols for the local Mountain Rescue services, which are world-class in the Pyrenees.
9.
What is the food like?
You won't go hungry! Your booking includes Half-Board at the refuges. This means a hot, hearty 3-course dinner upon arrival and a breakfast buffet the next morning. For lunch, you can buy picnic packs at the huts or bring your own snacks.
11.
Can I do a route that isn't listed here?
Absolutely. We know the Pyrenees inside out. If you have a specific route in mind or need a custom itinerary to fit your schedule/fitness level, just write to us at info@alturaexpeditions.com. Tell us what you are looking for, and we will help design a bespoke adventure just for you.
13.
What if I need to change my dates?
We understand life happens. If you need to move your dates, we will do our best to find alternative availability in the refuges. If we can successfully move your booking, we do not charge a penalty fee—you will only pay the direct costs charged by the accommodations to make the change (if any).
2.
Is luggage transfer included?
No. We believe in leaving the mountains better than we found them. To minimize vehicle traffic in fragile ecosystems, we do not use luggage transport vans. Since the refuges provide warm beds, dinners, and breakfasts, you only need to carry a medium-sized pack (30-40L) with personal essentials. It is a lighter, purer way to experience the Pyrenees.
4.
What insurance do I need?
You need specific insurance that covers hiking above 2,500m and helicopter rescue. Don't worry about finding the right policy now—after your reservation is confirmed, we will send you a guide with the best insurance options for this specific region.
6.
Am I fit enough?
We use a 5-Level Scale to guide you. Levels 1-2 are moderate trail hikes, while Level 3 (Challenging) requires endurance for steep, rocky paths with significant elevation (+1,000m). Level 4 (Strenuous) involves long days on rugged, pathless terrain, and Level 5 (Alpine) is strictly for experienced mountaineers comfortable with scrambling and exposed ridges. Check the specific rating on each route page to match your ability.
8.
Is there phone reception on the trail?
Reception is spotty. You will have signal in the villages and often on high ridges/peaks, but valleys can be dead zones. Most refuges have Wi-Fi or emergency radios. Our GPS tracks work offline with most of the comercial apps.
10.
What happens if the huts are full for my dates?
We manually check availability with the wardens before confirming your trip. If a specific refuge is full, we will propose the closest alternative dates or a slightly modified route variant. We never charge you until we have secured your bed.
12.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
THE THREE REFUGES: ALPINE VARIANT
6 DAYS | Peak Bagging | Cross-Border
Traverse the very roof of the Eastern Pyrenees. Summit 10 peaks above 2,500m in 5 days.
Difficulty:
Alpine
Season:
Jul - Sep
MADE WITH PASSION IN THE PYRENEES®
© Altura Expeditions 2026
+34 684 79 41 56
