Tikjda in winter: snow, hiking, access and where to stay in the Djurdjura

As soon as the first snow falls on the Djurdjura, "Tikjda" climbs back to the top of searches in Algeria. This mountain resort in Bouira province is the best-known snow trip in central Algeria: people drive up for the day from Algiers, Boumerdès or Bouira, or stay for a weekend in the mountains. Here is what you need to plan a winter stay: where Tikjda is, what to do, how to get there and where to sleep.

Tikjda, the Djurdjura resort on the Bouira side

Tikjda lies in Bouira province, about thirty kilometres from the provincial capital, high in the Djurdjura range, at more than 1,400 metres above sea level. The range stretches between the provinces of Bouira and Tizi Ouzou, and the resort sits in the heart of Djurdjura National Park. It is the park's main visitor area, with accommodation, restaurants and leisure spaces, including play areas for children.

Above the resort rises Lalla Khedidja, the highest summit of the Djurdjura at 2,308 metres. The slopes are covered with cedar forests, and the park is home to the Barbary macaque, a protected species: please do not feed the monkeys, it harms their health and the forest.

Tikjda in winter: central Algeria's snow trip

In winter, Tikjda is covered in snow and draws visitors from all over central Algeria, especially at weekends. Families come for snow play, snowmen and photos among the snowy cedars. Weekdays are much quieter: if you can, avoid Friday and Saturday, when the crowds are biggest.

Bring warm, waterproof clothing, boots, gloves and a change of clothes for the children. Even in full sun, temperatures can stay low and drop fast in the late afternoon.

Hiking: cedars and summits

Outside the snow season, Tikjda is a starting point for hiking: trails through the cedar forest, views over the valley and, for fit walkers, the climb to Lalla Khedidja. It is a long mountain route, best done with a local guide and outside the snow period. Ask on site, at the park or at your accommodation, before setting out on a trail.

How to get to Tikjda

You reach Tikjda by road from the Bouira valley, along a winding mountain road. In heavy snow, the authorities may temporarily close the access roads for safety, and traffic can become difficult on slippery surfaces, as reported in previous winters.

Before you leave, check the bulletins of Algeria's national weather office and the road information from the National Gendarmerie and Civil Protection. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition, carry snow equipment and allow extra time: driving up at night in snowy weather would be unwise.

Where to stay in Tikjda

Accommodation on site is limited and goes quickly during snow periods and school holidays.

• [Hôtel Djurdjura](/en/hotel/hotel-djurdjura), in Tikjda itself, is the resort's best-known address, next to the Tikjda National Sports and Leisure Centre, which welcomes families, groups and athletes. It is in the Nreservi catalogue: on its page, enter your dates and the number of guests to see the available rooms and rates in dinars. Book early for a snowy weekend.
• In Bouira, down in the valley, you will find town hotels where you can sleep in peace and drive up to Tikjda for the day: see our hotels in Bouira.

Looking for another mountain resort? On the other side of the range, on the Tizi Ouzou side, Tala Guilef also welcomes visitors all year round, with the hotels of the El Arz complex. For a stopover town in Kabylia, see our hotels in Tizi Ouzou, and for more trip ideas, our article on weekend getaways in Algeria.

Our tips for a good stay

• Book your night before you drive up: looking for a room in the snow at night is not a good plan.
• Leave early in the morning, especially at weekends, to avoid traffic jams on the road to the resort.
• Keep water, a snack, a charged phone battery and a blanket in the car.
• Respect the park: take your rubbish home, do not light fires and do not feed the monkeys.

Book and pay in dinars

On Nreservi, you book your hotel online. From Algeria, you pay in dinars, without a bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly agency. Living abroad? You can also pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you after payment. Travelling as a couple? Read our article on the family booklet at Algerian hotels before you go.

See Hôtel Djurdjura in Tikjda

Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.