Avoid The Busiest Trails And Meet The Berbers
A trek to the summit of Jebel Toubkal is the main, but by no means the only, objective of this fantastic High Atlas trekking holiday. While some trekkers may be content simply to ‘bag’ North Africa’s highest peak, our unique itinerary takes you away from the busiest trails and deep into the spectacular landscapes and traditional communities of the High Atlas.
Leaving Marrakech, we make a short drive into the heart of the High Atlas, where we begin our traverse of the Toubkal Massif. Our route approaches from the east, taking us through remote and isolated valleys, across high mountain passes and into peaceful high pastures. Along the way, we’ll camp beside rushing mountain streams and experience the dramatic scenery of this rugged region.
In the village of Amsouzerte, we enjoy the added comfort of a local gîte before continuing our High Atlas trek towards the turquoise waters of Lac d’Ifni. From here, we cross the spectacular Tizi n’Ouanoumss Pass (3,664m / 12,010ft), surrounded by impressive high-altitude landscapes.
By now, we’ll be fit and well acclimatised, making the ascent of Jebel Toubkal (4,167m) a relatively straightforward climb. From the summit, we’re rewarded with spectacular views across the High and Middle Atlas Mountains and, on exceptionally clear days, towards the Sahara beyond.
Over the following two days, we complete our traverse westwards through the High Atlas, enjoying a traditional Moroccan mechoui feast and perhaps relaxing in a traditional hammam (steam bath) before leaving the mountains behind. We then return to Marrakech to enjoy the city’s vibrant sights, sounds and atmosphere.
This trek runs from May to October and can depart on any date of your choice.
We usually have several treks departing each week that you can join if you wish, so please get in touch!
All of our mountain treks can be combined with other Morocco tours and experiences, including trips to the Sahara Desert, the Imperial Cities or the Atlantic Coast.
Pick Up & Drop Off
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech city, many riads don't have access via car so the driver will park nearby and come to get you.
You will be dropped off at the nearest point to your riad/hotel. Our driver can call your riad to meet you if needed.
Route Details
Day 01
Marrakech- Asni- Imioughlad-col Tacht
Travel from Marrakech into the High Atlas Mountains, passing through Asni and the mountain village of Imi Oughllad. Walk over the Tacht Pass at 2,000m before descending towards Tiziane, where you spend the night camping or staying in a traditional local gîte. Enjoy your first taste of Atlas Mountains trekking, with beautiful mountain scenery and views across remote Berber villages. Approx. 4 hours’ walking.
Day 02
Tiziane (1800m) - col Téouti (2 400 m) - camp Tizgui'n Tikkent (2250m)
Our trail leaves the Azzadene Valley and climbs steadily to the Tizi ‘n Touati Pass, where magnificent views open across the High Atlas Mountains. We then descend through peaceful oak woodland, passing remote villages and traditional stone-walled sheep pens. Overnight camping near Tizgui at Azib Assoul (2,300m), surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Approx. 6 hours’ walking.
Day 03
Azib n Tikkent - col Tougdalt (2 700 m) - Azib n Tamsoult (2 250 m) camp
We cross the Tizi ‘n Tagoudalte Pass (2,700m), where spectacular views stretch across the western High Atlas Mountains. A long descent then takes us through alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers and aromatic herbs, before following a river past terraced fields and shady walnut groves. We continue to Azib n Tamsoult (2,250m), where we spend the night in a traditional gîte. Approx. 6 hours’ walking.
Day 04
Azib Tamsoult (2250m)-Col Mezzik- Imlil gite (1750m).
We trek to a beautiful waterfall at Azib Tamsoulte before retracing our steps to cross the Tizi ‘n Mzik Pass (2,500m). From the pass, enjoy superb views across the High Atlas Mountains before descending into the main Toubkal Valley. We continue to Aremd (1,900m), a traditional mountain village, where we spend the night in a comfortable local gîte. Approx. 5 hours’ walking.
Day 05
Imlil- Armed- Sidi Chemharouch - Refuge Nelter (3200m):
Today we gradually ascend deeper into the spectacular Toubkal Valley, following the mountain trail towards the pilgrimage hamlet of Sidi Chamharouch. Set among dramatic High Atlas scenery, this remote settlement provides a fascinating glimpse into traditional mountain life before we continue our ascent towards the higher valleys and trails of Mount Toubkal. Approx. 5½ hours’ walking.
Day 06
Refuge Nelter- summit Toubkal -back to refuge - camp
An early start begins our challenging ascent to the summit of Mount Toubkal (4,167m), the highest mountain in North Africa. The route climbs through spectacular High Atlas mountain scenery, with increasingly impressive views as we gain altitude. After reaching the summit and taking time to enjoy the breathtaking panorama, we descend to our base camp near the refuge for an overnight stay. Approx. 5 hours’ walking.
Day 07
Refuge nelter- col Ounamous (3664m) - lac Ifni (2400m) - camp
We climb steadily towards the Tizi Ouanoums Pass (3,600m), one of the highest points on our High Atlas trekking route, before descending towards the beautiful Lake Ifni in the Tifnoute Valley. Surrounded by rugged mountain scenery, the lake provides a spectacular setting for our overnight camp, offering a peaceful evening beneath the High Atlas skies.
Day 08
Today is a more leisurely day of our High Atlas trek. After breakfast, we descend into the beautiful Tifnout Valley, following the trail to the traditional Berber village of Amsousart (1,730m). We spend the night in a welcoming Berber house, with a free afternoon to relax or explore the surrounding village and mountain scenery. Approx. 4 hours’ walking.
Lac Ifni- Amsouzart - camp
Day 09
Amsouzart - col 2900m- Azib Likkemt
We set off early to climb towards Ighir n’Tgnit, continuing to the Tizi Ouraine Pass (3,120m). After a well-earned rest, we descend towards the Assif n’Ourai River. A long and scenic descent through the rugged High Atlas landscape brings us to Azib Likkemt (2,600m), where we camp for the night. Approx. 5½ hours’ walking.
Day 10
After breakfast, we follow the mule trail towards the Tizi Likkemt Pass (3,600m), climbing steadily through the spectacular High Atlas landscape. From the pass, enjoy stunning panoramic views across the Imnane Valley before taking a well-earned 30-minute break. We then descend towards F’Ousarou, where we set up camp for the night. Approx. 6 hours’ walking.
Azib Likkemt (2600m) - col Likkemt (3600m) - camp Amagdoul (2300m)
Day 11
We set off at around 8.00am, trekking from Tachdirt Village towards the Tizi n’Eddi Pass (2,900m). From the pass, enjoy spectacular panoramic views across the High Atlas, including peaks rising above 4,000m. After a short rest, we continue towards the Oukaimeden ski resort, crossing the beautiful Oukaimeden meadows. We camp overnight, with a free afternoon to explore ancient rock carvings or climb Oukaimeden Mountain (3,273m).
F'Ousarou- col Eddi (2900m) - Oukaimden (2600m) night at Ousertek (2100m
Day 12
Today is the final walking day of our High Atlas trekking adventure. We set off at around 8.00am, following the trail over Tizi n’Ousertk and through a series of traditional Berber villages. The route offers a final opportunity to experience the peaceful mountain landscape, remote communities and spectacular scenery of the High Atlas before completing our trek.
Ousertek- Arg Imeskar- Imoughlad - end of the trek
Equipment
Please ensure you have packed all safety essentials. See the Equipment List here if you're unsure of what to bring. Our guides will conduct a final gear check in Imlil before we commence the ascent to the higher altitudes of the Toubkal massif.
Tour Rates
Flexible Pricing
1 person : 1500€
2 -3 people : 1110€ / person
4 - 7 people : 900€/ person
8 - 12 people: 790€ / person
What Is Included?
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Expert, Berber, English-speaking mountain guides
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Mules and muleteers to carry your luggage
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Berber Cook
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All meals on the hike
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Accommoadtion in a Berber village (gite)
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Round-trip Transportation between the trek and your accommodation in Marrakech .
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Camping Materiels ( Tents & Mattress) for summer treks.
What Is Not Included
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Travel insurance.
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Soft/alcoholic drinks
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Tips and personal expanses
Accommodation & Shelters
The accommodation will be in Berber gites & mountain huts. Camping is possible during the summer months
NB : If accommodation is required in the Atlas Mountains either before or after the trek, we can always book you in at our Guesthouse Dar Adrar in Imlil
Clothing & Essential Equipment
Essential Equipment
Can Be Hired From Us
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Good walking boots and socks / good trainers for valley treks
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Personnel First aid Kit
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Ice axes and crampons ( winter)
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3 to 4 season sleeping bag ( winter) or light Sleeping bag ( Summer)
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Lightweight waterproof over-trousers / rain-pants
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Water bottle or camel back (recommended)
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Soft-sided bag (50-80 litres)
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Lightweight daypack
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Sunglasses
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Sunscreen
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Torch and batteries
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Towel & all personal toiletries
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Crampons : 5 €/ Day/pair
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Ice Axe : 3 €/day
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Walking boots : 5 €/day
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Sleeping bags : 2.5 €/day
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Rain Jackets : 3 €/day
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Walking Poles : 3 €/day/pair
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Back packs : 3€/day
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Stoves : 2€/day
What Is Appropriate Attire In Morocco?
Morocco is a conservative and religious country, which means you always need to be mindful of your clothing choices. This is especially true in the country’s more rural areas, which include the Sahara Desert and its surrounding villages. As a general rule of thumb, you should always attempt to cover body parts considered “private”. For women, this means covering the arms (or at least the shoulders) and the knees up. For men, it requires covering up the shoulders and above the knee.
High Energy Meals
Meals on the trek are cooked by the Berber muleteers. The food is fresh and healthy. Example meals:
Breakfast: Jam, bread, cookies, fruit, juice, butter, coffee, milkLunch: salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruit
Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, fruit
Can my dietary requirements be catered to?
Absolutely. Just let us know about your catering preferences when you confirm your booking to ensure any dietary requirements are met. Please remind as well your guide and cook on first day of the trek.
Start Your Journey
Ready to explore the Atlas Mountains? Reach out to us for detailed trek inquiries, tailor-made itineraries, or any questions about our Berber-led adventure tours.
Email: aztat.trek@gmail.com
Phone: +212 668-760165
Location: Imlil, Morocco
Personal baggage, cooking equipment and food are carried by the mules, leaving you to carry only a rucksack with whatever you need close at hand for the day. NB: Left luggage or unnecessary luggage can be left safely in our storage in Imlil till you come back from the trek.