Refugis del Torb: The Ultimate Hiking Trip in the Spanish Pyrenees

Spanish Pyrenees: Discover the breathtaking Refugis del Torb. An iconic multi-day hiking route through the eastern Spanish Pyrenees in Catalonia. This adventurous trek connects majestic peaks, flowing valleys, and historic trails. Choose a self-guided or organized hiking experience through our trusted local partner, which includes accommodations, itineraries, and assistance along the way. Read more about it below.

What is Refugis del Torb?

Refugis del Torb is a circular hiking trail that connects the iconic peaks of Puigmal (2,910 m) and Canigó (2,784 m). You’ll hike through valleys such as Núria and Carançà, with panoramic views of both Catalonia and France. The name “Torb” refers to the icy, swirling mountain wind that blows snow and fog through the Pyrenees.

Route Options

1. Torb Standard – 5-day tour

• Distance: 78.7 km
• Stages: 5
• Highlights:
  • Vall de Núria
  • Ulldeter
  • Merialles
  • Mentet
  • Carançà

This route is ideal for hikers in good physical condition who want to explore the Spanish Pyrenees without facing any technical challenges.​

2. Torb Altitude – 7-day trek

• Distance: 126.2 km
• Stages: 7
• Extras:
  • Climbing Puigmal and Canigó
  • Daily Top Climbs​

Perfect for the adventurous hiker looking for a more intense experience with greater elevation changes and challenging stages.

Key Milestones

• Stage 1: Núria to Ulldeter
  • Distance: 15.8 km
  • Elevation gain: +832 m / -928 m
  • Duration: 6–8 hours​
• Stage 2: Ulldeter to Merialles
  • Distance: 21.8 km
  • Elevation gain: +703 m / -996 m
  • Duration: 7–9 hours​
• Stage 5: Carançà to Núria
  • Distance: 14.6 km
  • Elevation gain: +1,168 m / -880 m
  • Duration: 5.5–7 hours​

Each stage offers unique landscapes, ranging from alpine meadows to deep gorges and historic mountain passes.

The (organized) hike offers two options:

All stages of Refugis del Torb – Pyrenees, Spain

Total distance 78.7 km, duration: 5 stages, lowest elevation 940 meters, highest elevation 2,795 meters, cumulative ascent 4,514 meters, cumulative descent 4,514 meters

The five border crossings on the Refugis del Torb hike are in Vall de Núria, Ulldeter, Merialles, Mentet, and Carançà. You’ll pass through the provinces of Ripollès, Vallespir, and Conflent (Northern Catalonia) and discover four protected nature reserves on both sides of the border.

The Torb Standard is a 5-day loop hike between the Núria Valley and the Canigó Massif, passing through Coma de Vaca, Ulldeter, Merialles, Mentet, and Carançà.

Stage 1 from Núria to Ulldeter

The two most classic hiking spots in Catalonia. A stage offering panoramic views of the Vall de Ribes.

Distance: 15.8 km, approx. 6–8 hours of hiking, minimum elevation: 1,995 m, maximum elevation: 2,529 m, total ascent: 832 m, total descent: 928 m.

Stage 2 from Ulldeter to Merialles

Due to its length, it is also known as the “queen stage” of the tour. It connects Ulldeter and the Massís del Canigó in a single run. Les Esquerdes de Rojà and Pla Guillem offer a 360-degree panoramic view: from Vallespir to the Gulf of Roses, from Carlit to the Rosselló plain, and from Garrotxa to Montserrat.

Distance: 21.8 km, approx. 7–9 hours of hiking, minimum elevation: 1,718 m, maximum elevation: 2,377 m, total ascent: 703 m, total descent: 996 m.

Stage 3 from Merialles to Mentet

Here, you’ll venture deep into the Pyrenees. The towns of Pi and Mentet offer a glimpse into life at a leisurely pace. You’ll also discover the highest inhabited villages in the Conflent region and the nature reserves of Pi and Mentet.

Distance: 15.1 km, approx. 6–7 hours of hiking, minimum elevation: 940 m, maximum elevation: 1,761 m, total ascent: 887 m, total descent: 1,047 m.

Stage 4 from Mentet to Carançà

From one of the most isolated towns in the eastern Pyrenees, you’ll pass through a secluded, charming valley: the Vall de Carançà. From the glacial lakes at the foot of the Pic de l’Infern to the deep Gorges de Carançà, this is a unique valley that few people know about.

Distance: 11.4 km, 4.5–6 hours of hiking, minimum elevation: 1,472 m, maximum elevation: 2,321 m, total ascent: 924 m, total descent: 632 m.

Stage 5 from Carança to Núria

This is a classic route through the High Pyrenees: one you simply must experience. The Coll de Carançà and the Coll de Noucreus, a cross-border natural passage steeped in history. Pilgrims, smugglers, exiles, and hikers of all kinds have passed through here.

Distance: 14.6 km, 5.5–7 hours of hiking, minimum elevation: 1,831 m, maximum elevation: 2,795 m, total ascent: 1,168 m, total descent: 880 m

Pyrenees, Spain: Torb Altitude Trail, 7-day hiking route

Distance: 126.2 km, duration: 7 stages, lowest elevation: 922 meters, highest elevation: 2,910 meters, cumulative ascent: 7,557 meters, cumulative descent: 7,557 meters

The Torb Altitude is a 7-day trek featuring 7 peaks, covering the same stages as the Torb Standard but including a peak climb each day, plus the ascents of the two most iconic peaks in the eastern Pyrenees: the Puigmal (2,910 m) and the Canigó (2,784 m).

Price: €497 per person in 2024. Includes 7 nights’ accommodation with half-board. The first night is at a hotel in Vall de Núria, followed by stays in mountain huts in Ulldeter, Merialles, Merialles, Mentet, Carançà, and Vall de Núria. A daily packed lunch is available as an option for €90 per person.

Shepherds’ huts and monasteries

Within the Prats de Molló, Pi, and Mentet nature reserves, the shepherds’ huts—small dry-stone shelters—constitute a remarkable architectural heritage. These structures bear witness to the intense activity of the past. In addition, five large Catalan monasteries with strong historical ties surround the landscape of Refugis del Torb, as if offering protection to hikers.

Extending Your Trip After Hiking Through the Spanish Pyrenees

Would you like to keep hiking after the trek? If so, you can extend your trip with various options, such as the descent to Les Conques between Ulldeter and Mariailles, the Puigmal loop with an overnight stay at the Corral Blanc mountain hut (Planoles), or the Canigó loop with an overnight stay in Cortalets.

If you’d like to stay in the area and relax after the hike, you can book accommodations in Ribes de Freser (Vall de Ribes – El Ripollès) or in Setcases (Vall de Camprodon – El Ripollès).

Staying the Night at Refugis del Torb During Your Hiking Trip

The accommodations along the trail include mountain huts, hostels, and a gîte d’étape. If you’d like to rest in a village before or after your hike, you can spend the night in Ribes de Freser or Setcases, charming villages in the Pyrenean valleys.

Before you leave, you’ll receive the welcome packages in the mail, containing:

• Alpina Publishers 1:40,000 Map Booklet (excluding Refugis del Torb)
• Exclusive highlights of this route
• GPS track
• Pass card that must be stamped at the accommodation
• Exclusive Refugis del Torb Shirt

The entire route is marked. The summary for each stage provides a detailed overview of the existing signage—including both types and colors—which vary at certain points.

When is the best time to go hiking in the Spanish Pyrenees?

The hiking season runs from June through October. During these months, the mountain huts are open and the snow has melted.

Route to the Pyrenees in Spain

By car, Nuria (the starting point of the hike) is about 1,630 kilometers away. By train and bus to Ribes de Freser, the trip takes about 18 hours. From Barcelona, it takes about 3.5 hours by train and bus to Ribes de Freser.

Refugis del Torb in the Spanish Pyrenees on the map