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THE THREE REFUGES TRAVERSE: THE SKYLINE SPECTACULAR

A 6-day alpine journey across the roof of the Eastern Pyrenees

TRIP OVERVIEW

Immerse yourself in the alpine heart of the Eastern Pyrenees. This route is a cross-border journey linking the regions of Ripollès (Spain) and Conflent (France) via their three most iconic mountain huts: Coma de Vaca, Ras de la Carança, and Ulldeter.

 

Far from comfortable forest tracks, this itinerary seeks the skyline, defined by glacial bowls, sharp ridges, and deep valleys where silence is broken only by the whistle of marmots.

 

This route isn't just about walking; it's about bagging peaks. Over 5 days, you will summit 10 peaks above 2,500 meters, traversing the very roof of the Eastern Pyrenees.

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High Altitude Constant

You will consistently move above 2,000m, walking panoramic ridges with views extending to the Mediterranean Sea.

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Wild Frontier

Cross historic passes like Coll de Nou Creus, used by smugglers and exiles, connecting two cultures (Spain and France) in a single trip.

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Three Iconic Huts

Stay in historic refuges, from Spain's first ski-hut (Ulldeter) to the remote Coma de Vaca and the bucolic Ras de la Carança in France.

TREK DETAILS

DURATION

6 DAYS

DISTANCE

56 KM

ELEVATION

+5.219 M

DIFFICULTY

LEVEL 5/5*

SEASON

JUL - SEP

PRICE

€780 p.p.

*Difficulty level 5 (Alpine) is for experienced trekkers comfortable with some scrambling and exposed ridges

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DAILY ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arrival (Queralbs)

 

Arrive at Quealbs, a historic mountain village stones. Here, you will settle in and review your roadbook and GPS tracks, preparing your kit for the days ahead. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. 

DAY 3: Walking the Skyline (Coma de Vaca to Carança)

 15km | +1,100m / -1,250m | 7-8h 

Prepare to walk the "spine" of the Pyrenees as you ascend the ridge to the summit of Torreneules (2,713m). You will follow the crest line to the historic Coll de Nou Creus—once a path for smugglers and exiles—to cross the border into France. A long, wild descent follows through the Bacivers valley, passing the striking glacial lakes of Estany Blau and Estany Negre before reaching the bucolic Ras de la Carança refuge.

DAY 5: The Queen Stage (Ulldeter to Coma de Vaca)

 13km | +1,100m / -1,300m | 7-8h 

Today is the trek’s crowning achievement: climbing Pic de Bastiments (2,881m), the literal roof of your journey. From the summit, you will navigate a spectacular, aerial ridge line connecting Pic de Freser and the formidable Pic de l’Infern (2,869m). After completing this horseshoe of high peaks, you’ll descend a demanding path back to Coma de Vaca for a final celebratory dinner.

DAY 2: The Vertical Ascent (Queralbs to Coma de Vaca)

 12.5km | +1,450m / -650m | 6-7h 

Your journey begins in the historic stone village of Queralbs. Instead of an easy valley stroll, you’ll tackle a sustained, vertical ascent to the summit of Balandrau (2,585m), rewarding you with sweeping views of the Ripollès region. After traversing the high alpine meadows of Pla de les Eugues, you will drop into a secluded amphitheater where the Freser and Vaca rivers meet to find your refuge, a tiny green oasis hidden deep within a canyon.

DAY 4: The High Frontier (Carança to Ulldeter)

 10.5km | +950m / -550m | 5-6h 

This "recovery" day transitions from the lush, forested valleys of the French side back into the rugged mineral landscape of Spain. You will ascend the Carança valley before pushing up the steep, loose slopes of Coll de la Geganta (2,607m). The stage concludes with a descent to the Refugi de Ulldeter, a historic building known as the cradle of Catalan hiking culture.

DAY 6: The Gorges & Waterfalls (Coma de Vaca to Queralbs)

 11km | +50m / -850m | 3-4h 

A scenic and relaxing finale to rest your legs. Instead of climbing, you will descend into the Gorges del Freser, where the trail winds alongside a thunderous river. You'll pass dramatic waterfalls, including the 30-meter Salt del Grill, and emerald pools as the alpine rock gives way to pine forests. The journey ends where it began, in the cobbled streets of Queralbs.

TREK LOGISTICS

We plan. You pack.

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ACCOMODATION

Night 0: Stone Village Charm. Arrive in the historic stone village of Queralbs. You will settle into a local hotel.

 

Nights 1 & 4: The Hidden Amphitheater. Stay at the remote Refugi de Coma de Vaca, a tiny green oasis tucked away in a dramatic canyon where the Freser and Vaca rivers meet. 

 

Night 2: The French Frontier. Cross the border into France to sleep at the bucolic Refuge du Ras de la Carança. This rustic, communal base offers an authentic mountaineering experience.

 

Night 3: The Cradle of Hiking. Rest at Refugi de Ulldeter, a historic building known as the birthplace of Catalan hiking culture. 

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MEALS

Half Board Included: Breakfast and Dinner are included for the entire duration. 

Dinner: The "main event" each evening. Expect a hearty 3-course set menu—typically including vegetable soup or pasta, a meat stew, and dessert—designed to refuel hikers after significant elevation gains. 

Culinary Highlight: On your arrival night in Queralbs (Day 0), you will enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant to sample the flavors of the Ripollès region before starting the trek.

Lunch: Not included in the base price. You can pre-order daily picnic packs (~€10–€15) from the refuges each evening or add them to your reservation beforehand for convenience.

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GETTING THERE

By Train (Eco-Friendly): This route is uniquely accessible by rail. Take the R3 Line (Rodalies) from Barcelona to Ribes de Freser (~2.5 hours), then transfer to the Vall de Núria Rack Railway (Cremallera) and get off at the first stop: Queralbs.


Self-Drive: Queralbs is approximately a 2-hour drive from Barcelona via the C-17 highway. Free public parking is available at the entrance of the village or near the rack railway station, where your car can remain for the duration of the trek.


Private Transfer: For a stress-free start, we can organize a private pickup directly from Barcelona Airport (BCN), Girona Airport (GRO), or your hotel in Barcelona city center to drive you straight to the trailhead in Queralbs.

WHEN TO GO

Choose your season

HIGH SUMMER
(JULY - AUGUST)

This is the primary window for the traverse, as snow has generally melted from the high passes like Nou Creus and technical ridges like Bastiments. Moving between 2,200m and 2,900m is safer and more accessible without winter gear during these months.

Vibe: A striking contrast between rocky, mineral high peaks and the lush green valleys of Carança and Coma de Vaca.

Trade-off: Afternoon thunderstorms are common, requiring early starts to complete technical sections safely.

THE GOLDEN SEASON
(SEPTEMBER)

As the season transitions, the route remains a true high-mountain itinerary with clear paths through the "Granite Pyrenees". The weather often becomes more settled, though the air remains thin and fatigue can set in quickly at these altitudes.

Vibe: Exceptional clarity for panoramic ridge views that extend all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.

Trade-off: Cooler nights at altitude and a shorter daily window of sunlight for the long 7–8 hour stages.

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PRICING & INCLUSIONS

Base price: €780 per person

What's Included:

5 Nights' Accommodation: 1 night in a Queralbs hotel plus 4 nights in high-mountain refuges.

Half Board: Restaurant dinner in Queralbs plus daily breakfast and dinner at every hut.

Navigation Pack: Digital roadbook, physical map (1 per party), and curated GPS tracks.

Support: English-speaking phone assistance for real-time logistics and emergency backup.

Info Pack: Comprehensive pre-departure guide, snow condition updates, and high-altitude safety tips.

Customize Your Trip (Add-ons):

Picnic Pack: Pre-book 5 daily trail lunches to be picked up at your accommodations each morning.

Private Transfer: Door-to-door shuttle service from Barcelona Airport (BCN), Girona Airport (GRO), or your city hotel directly to Queralbs.

Post-Night Stay: Add an extra night in a hotel in Queralbs or Ribes de Freser to end your journey in comfort.

DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

Select Route
Are Your Dates Flexible?
Experience Level

Looking to customize your trek? Let us know if you require airport transfers, extra nights at a specific mountain hut or before/after the trek, itinerary extensions, or have specific dietary requirements.

FAQ

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.

What if weather turns bad?

We handle the logistics so you stay safe. We will provide alternative routes, book safe accommodation, and organize transport back to your car if needed. You simply cover the direct cost of these new services (accommodation, food, taxi) at standard market prices, with no inflated fees.

14.

OUR CURATED MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES

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CARACREMADA: THE PATH OF RESISTANCE

 6 DAYS | History | Rugged | Solitude 

Walk the wild heart of the catalan pre-pyrenees. A trek defined by silence, solitude, and history. 

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Difficulty:

Strenuous

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Season:

May - Oct

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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.

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Difficulty:

Alpine

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Season:

Jul - Sep

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ORDESA HIGH ROUTE: CANYON TO SPA

 7 DAYS | National Park | Thermal Spa 

From vertical limestone cathedrals to granite sanctuaries, ending in healing thermal springs.

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Difficulty:

Strenuous

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Season:

Jul - Sep

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