× title-placeholder message-placeholder 🛖 TakeYourBackpack.com find your next backpacking destination covering all countries in the world extensive info per country personal stories and photos learn how to backpack like a pro Skip to main content home advisor destinations Africa Asia Europe North America South America Oceania All countries Where to go? inspiration Photos & stories World cities Famous hikes National parks Best beaches Famous festivals World wonders UNESCO sites All highlights planning search bucketlist Algeria 🇩🇿 Atlas Mountains Hike the Atlas Mountains, Algeria. Check things to see along the trail and best time to go Explore Djurdjura Mountains Explore Djebel Chelia Intro | Highlights | Map | Best time to go | Where to stay? | Details | Guide | Algeria | FAQ | What to expect when backpacking in Atlas Mountains Hiking the Atlas Mountains in Algeria is a mixed bag that can really make or break your experience. The scenery is stunning, with rugged peaks and lush valleys that’ll have you reaching for your camera more than once. The trails vary in length and difficulty; some routes can be pretty challenging, especially if you’re not used to altitude. Getting to the trailhead by public transport can be a bit of a puzzle, but it’s doable if you’re patient. Compared to other hikes in Algeria, like the stunning Tassili n’Ajjer, the Atlas Mountains offer a different vibe—less touristy, but you might find yourself battling with navigation and local transport. So, if you’re up for an adventure with breathtaking views and a bit of a logistical challenge, this hike might just be your jam. Discover everything you want to know in the 📖  Algeria Travel Guide . Best time to go: March – May, September – October Duration: 10 to 15 days Distance: 20 to 30 kilometers Total ascent: 800 to 1,500 meters Get your Algeria Travel Guide 💡 Top Highlights Best things to see along Atlas Mountains Algeria Grab your own Travelguide for only Djurdjura Massif — Lalla Khedidja & Tikjda ridges : High limestone ridges with sheer cliffs and deep gorges that give you an almost alpine hike within sight of the Mediterranean. Trails switch between rocky arêtes, cedar-clad hollows and panoramic belvederes (Tikjda’s viewpoints are famous), and in winter you’ll often be walking on snow — dramatic, exposed and very different from lowland North Africa. Chréa National Park : One of the few high cedar forests in Algeria, famous for shady trails, wildflowers in spring and a decent chance to see the local Barbary macaques. Close to Algiers, it’s an easy overnight or day-hike option where forest paths, cool springs and even a small ski area make for varied terrain and a surprising change of scenery. Babor Mountains (Djebel Babor) : Quiet, biodiverse beech-and-oak forests with steep ridgelines and remote meadows — prime habitat for the dwindling Barbary macaque and lots of endemic plants. Hikes here feel off-the-beaten-track: you’ll pass shepherd tracks, scattered hamlets and find viewpoints that rarely have more than one or two other hikers. Aurès Mountains — Jebel Aurès & Mount Chelia : Rugged, sun-baked slopes, deep canyons and traditional Chaoui Berber villages make this a cultural as well as scenic trek. Routes climb past terraced farms and grazing flocks; expect warm hospitality, ancient stone villages perched on ridges, and a real sense of remoteness compared with the northern Tell Atlas. Belezma Massif : A mix of high plateaus, rocky summits and hidden valleys that bursts into color in spring with carpets of wildflowers and herbs. The trails are varied — from plateau walks with huge views to narrow gullies and caves — and you’ll often hike alongside shepherds and grazing herds, which keeps the landscape lively and grounded in daily mountain life. Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact me. To view the map, please enable javascript Loading the map 🌍 CLICK TO FILTER city town unique site national park hike beach festival show all 🌤️ When to Go? Best Time to visit Atlas Mountains Hiking the Atlas Mountains in Algeria is a fantastic adventure, but timing is everything. The best months to hit the trails are generally from May to October. During this period, temperatures are more pleasant, ranging from about 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). In the spring, especially May, you’ll catch the mountains in full bloom, and the weather is usually mild, around 20°C (68°F) during the day. By July and August, it can really heat up, hitting highs of around 30°C (86°F) or more, especially in the lower elevations. Just make sure to start your hikes early in the morning to avoid the midday heat. As you move into September and October, temperatures start to drop again, making it a great time for hiking, with daytime highs around 20°C (68°F) and cooler evenings. Just be prepared for the chance of rain as you get into late fall. Pro tip: Always carry extra water and snacks, especially in the hotter months. Dehydration can sneak up on you, and trust me, there’s nothing fun about hiking when you’re feeling parched. Enjoy the views! JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 🛏️ Where to Stay? Best Places to Stay in Atlas Mountains If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option. Best hostels in Algeria Best quality hotels in Algeria 🥾 Get Your Walking Shoes Trail Details of Atlas Mountains Total Distance: Approximately 100 kilometers, depending on the specific route taken through the Atlas Mountains. Estimated Duration: Typically, it takes about 5 to 7 days to complete the hike, allowing for breaks and exploration of the area. Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging, with some steep ascents and rocky paths. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, especially for longer sections. Starting Point: The trail often starts in the town of Tizi Ouzou. Public Transport: You can take a bus or shared taxi from Algiers to Tizi Ouzou, which is about 100 kilometers away. The journey … read more 👉 Total Distance: Approximately 100 kilometers, depending on the specific route taken through the Atlas Mountains. Estimated Duration: Typically, it takes about 5 to 7 days to complete the hike, allowing for breaks and exploration of the area. Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging, with some steep ascents and rocky paths. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, especially for longer sections. Starting Point: The trail often starts in the town of Tizi Ouzou. Public Transport: You can take a bus or shared taxi from Algiers to Tizi Ouzou, which is about 100 kilometers away. The journey usually takes around 2 to 3 hours. Major Landmarks Along the Route: Djurdjura National Park: A stunning park filled with diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. Mount Lalla Khedidja: The highest peak in the region, offering breathtaking views. Berber Villages: Traditional villages where you can experience local culture and hospitality. Type of Terrain and Scenery: The trail features a mix of rocky paths, grassy meadows, and forested areas. Expect stunning vistas of rugged mountains, deep valleys, and occasional waterfalls. The scenery changes as you ascend, offering new perspectives at every turn. Typical Vegetation and Wildlife: Vegetation: You’ll encounter a variety of flora, including oak and cedar trees, as well as wildflowers in spring. Wildlife: Look out for species like the Barbary macaque, various birds, and maybe even the elusive wild boar. The area is rich in biodiversity, so keep your eyes peeled! This trail is a gem for independent hikers, offering a blend of adventure and cultural experiences. Just remember to pack enough water and snacks, and you’ll be set for an unforgettable journey! ⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that’s off, I’d love to hear from you,so I can update it for fellow travelers. ✈️ Get your own digital guidebook Algeria Travel Guide Discover the best Algeria has to offer — handpicked hikes, must-see cities, hidden gems, local festivals, and more. All in one handy downloadable pdf Algeria 166 pages full of highlights ✅ Why visit & When to go ✅ 79 must-see highlights ✅ 21-day country itinerary ✅ Top hikes & National parks ▼ More inside ✅ Best areas to stay ✅ History of country & cities ✅ Essential phrases & customs ✅ Key festivals & Events ✅ Money, food & transport Get your Guide Now Start planning today! 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Explore Algeria Atlas Mountains isn’t the only highlight in Algeria. Explore all what Algeria has to offer. 🌆 Cities        Compare the top best cities : Algiers, Oran, Constantine , see all 🏡 Towns        Compare the top best towns : Djanet, Timimoun, In Salah , see all ⭐️ Unique sites        Compare the top best wonders : Sahara Desert, Kasbah of Algiers, Ancient ruins of Djemila, see all 🏞️ National parks        Compare the top best parks : Ahaggar, Tassili n’Ajjer, Djurdjura , see all 🚶‍♀️ Hikes        Compare the top best hikes : Hoggar Mountains, Djebel Chelia, Djurdjura Mountains, see all 🏖️ Beaches        Compare the top best beaches : Plage de Tipaza, Plage Clovis, Plage de Sidi Fredj, see all 🎎 Festivals        Compare the top best festivals : International of the Sahara, DimaJazz, Timgad International Music , see all Explore Algeria ✈️ Ready to Go? Atlas Mountains FAQ Get your own 2025 guide book for Algeria The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure. Algeria Grab your own Travelguide for only How do I find the best and cheapest places to stay in Atlas Mountains? Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus. Best hostels in Algeria Best quality hotels in Algeria What should I pack for a backpacking trip to Algeria? Algeria’s climate can be a bit of a rollercoaster, so pack with variety in mind. In the north, expect Mediterranean vibes—hot, dry summers and rainy winters. But if you’re heading south to the Sahara, brace for extreme heat during the day and surprisingly chilly nights. Terrain-wise, you’ll find everything from beaches to mountains, so sturdy footwear is a must. Culturally, modest dress is key, especially in rural areas and religious sites. Think long sleeves and pants or skirts that cover the knees. Apart from this country specific advice, I have also crafted a general packing list that should help on any trip. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere. Money & Documents Passport, visa (originals + some photo copies) Passport photographs Credit and debit cards (on world profile) Cash (US$ or €) Money belt Vaccination proofs Clothing Light, quick-dry clothing No jeans, too heavy Ultralight rain/wind jacket Thermo underwear Quick-dry towel Sunglasses Electronics Mobile phone + charger Power bank Travel adapter Local sim card (buy it on arrival) Health Toothbrush Deo Sunscreen, lips sunburn Anti-diarrhea Paracetamol Vitamin C Blister plasters Iodine (for desinfecting wounds) Anti-mosquito (DEET) Bit of emergency toilet paper Nail scissors Others Small number lock Waterproof packing cubes (for dirty clothes) Deck of cards(!) Ear plugs Travel pillow Spare glasses/contacts Kobo reader Moneybelt “Best way to carry your important documents” Light Backpack “Handy, lightweight backpack, excellent for backpackers who travel light” Large Backpack “Waterproof large lightweight backpack, excellent for backpackers who want to bring a lot” Outlander daypack “Handy Lightweight Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack, available in many colours” Carry on Backpack 40L “Whenever you can, travel with just carry-on luggage, saves costs and makes traveling much easier” Quick dry pant “Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling” Light rain jacket “Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry” Thermo underwear “Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets” Quick dry towel “Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling” Travel adapter “Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs” Number lock “No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories” Packing cubes “Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest” Travel pillow “Light and great for flights and long bus journeys” Lightweight, small mosquito net “Easy to carry, great for those nights where mosquitos are all around you” Kobo Reader “For reading 1.000s of books while carrying only one” Power bank “Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more” DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlogging Camera “The camera for quick videos while traveling” Waterproof action camera “Great action camera for outdoor active enthousiasts” Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D Compact Camera “When you need a large optical zoom (e.g. for safaris), look no further. The Lumix has a massive 20-1200mm zoom lens” Go Pro “The absolute champion in action videos” Ultra light tent “With only 1.08kg (2.38 pounds) this one is just the best you can get.” Ultra light sleeping airbed “Ultra light, still very comfortable and isolating!” Vitamin C “Vitamin C pills to compensate for less balanced food” Blister Plasters “Blister plasters for those long hikes” Iodine “Iodine for self desinfecting small open wounds” Mosquito repellant “Let‘s give those mosquito‘s no chance with 98% DEET” Got more questions? See the FAQ for all questions and answers for backpacking in Algeria. I 💚 feedback Final Thoughts As you wander the Atlas Mountains, don’t rush—breathe in the fresh air and soak up the laid-back vibe. The best surprise? Stumbling upon a local café where the mint tea flows like water and the hospitality feels like a warm hug. Just a heads-up: the trails can be tricky, so good shoes are a must. Trust me, you’ll want to explore every hidden nook! 🫱 Share this page 🙋‍♂️ Give feedback last page update: 23 November 2025 Take  Your  Backpack Home Advisor Destinations Inspiration Planning Search To sign up for the nesletter, please enable javascript STAY UP TO DATE Sign up for the newsletter Africa Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) Cameroon Central African Republic Chad Côte d’Ivoire Dem. Rep. of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Ivory Coast Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Republic of the Congo Réunion Rwanda São Tomé and Príncipe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Western Sahara Zambia Zimbabwe Asia Afghanistan Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia China Georgia Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Macau Malaysia Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Nepal North Korea Oman Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Türkiye (Turkey) Turkmenistan United Arab Emirates Uzbekistan Vietnam Yemen Europe Albania Andorra Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia & Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czechia (Czech Republic) Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France Germany Gibraltar Greece Guernsey Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Jersey Kosovo Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands North Macedonia Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Svalbard Sweden Switzerland Türkiye (Turkey) Ukraine United Kingdom Vatican City State North  America Antigua and Barbuda Aruba Bahamas Barbados Belize British Virgin Islands Canada Cayman Islands Costa Rica Cuba Dominica Dominican Republic El Salvador Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guatemala Haiti Honduras Jamaica Martinique Mexico Nicaragua Panama Puerto Rico Saint Barthélemy Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Sint Maarten Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos Islands United States United States Virgin Islands Oceania American Samoa Australia Cook Islands East Timor Fiji French Polynesia Guam Kiribati Marshall Islands Nauru New Caledonia New Zealand Palau Papua New Guinea Samoa Solomon Islands Timor-Leste Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu South  America Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Curaçao Ecuador Falkland Islands French Guiana Guyana Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies | About me To use these links, please enable javascript © takeyourbackpack.com | Contact To contact me enable javascript