An Amazing 6 Days Of Trekking In the High Atlas
The Toubkal Circuit Trek is a spectacular six-day trekking adventure through the High Atlas Mountains, combining breathtaking mountain scenery with opportunities to discover traditional Berber villages, local culture and everyday mountain life. From your first day on the trail, you’ll experience the authentic side of Morocco, passing terraced fields where local farmers work the land and seeing villagers tending their livestock.
This is a challenging trek, with early starts and strenuous walking each day as you move between camps and mountain villages. The effort is rewarded with spectacular panoramas and countless opportunities for memorable photographs, particularly from the summit of Jebel Toubkal (4,167m), the highest peak in North Africa.
At the end of each day, there is time to relax and experience the slower pace of mountain life. Enjoy traditional mint tea in a village café, cool your feet beside a mountain stream or take time to appreciate the turquoise waters of Lac d’Ifni (2,295m). The combination of challenging trekking, dramatic landscapes and authentic Berber culture makes this an unforgettable Atlas Mountains adventure.
This trek runs all year round 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 tours and experiences, including trips to the Sahara Desert, Morocco’s 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 - Imlil - Tacheddirt
After breakfast, we leave Marrakech and drive towards Imlil via Asni. Imlil is the principal trailhead for trekking in the High Atlas Mountains and a lively mountain village, with a constant flow of people arriving from the surrounding mountains and others preparing to set off on their next adventure.
On arrival in Imlil, we meet our mule team and, once all our luggage and equipment has been loaded, begin walking along the valley towards Tacheddirt, around 8km beyond Imlil. The trail soon begins to climb as we make our way towards Tizi n’Tamatert Pass (2,279m).
From the pass, we descend to the picturesque Berber village of Ouaneskra before continuing for another 30 minutes or so to Tacheddirt (2,300m). Here, we will usually camp beside the river and enjoy our first evening in the mountains.
Approx. 5–6 hours walking.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 02
Tacheddirt - Azib Likemt
Crossing the valley, we begin a long and steady ascent towards Tizi Likemt Pass (3,555m). The climb becomes increasingly challenging as the trail passes over loose scree and rocky terrain, but the effort is rewarded when we reach the pass and enjoy our first spectacular views of the Toubkal Massif.
From the pass, we begin a long descent towards the remote mountain settlement of Azib Likemt, where we’ll camp for the night and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the High Atlas.
Approx. 6–7 hours walking.
Day 03
Azib Likemt - Tizi n'Ourai - Amsouzert
This long but relatively easy day takes us through a wonderful variety of contrasting landscapes in the High Atlas Mountains. From Tizi n’Ououraine (3,120m), we enjoy further spectacular views of the Toubkal Massif, including the summit, its eastern face and the impressive Ifni Dome (3,876m).
The trail continues towards Amsouzert, one of the most striking villages in this remote mountain region. Here, we’ll spend the night in a simple village gîte, with dormitory-style accommodation.
Approx. 7 hours walking.
Day 04
Amsouzert - Ifni Lake
West of Amsouzert lie several small traditional villages, which we explore as we make our way towards Lac d’Ifni, the only lake in the Toubkal Massif. The lake is a spectacular and memorable sight, surrounded by rugged rocky mountains and vast slopes of scree and rubble. Its unusual depth adds to the sense of mystery and drama of this remote mountain landscape.
We expect to reach Lac d’Ifni around lunchtime, giving us the afternoon to relax beside the water and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. After a rewarding day in the mountains, we’ll spend the night camping in the area around the lake.
Approx. 4–5 hours walking.
Day 05
Ifni Lake - Nelter Hut
By now, we should be well acclimatised and ready to tackle the most challenging day of the Toubkal Circuit Trek. We leave Lac d’Ifni and follow a steep trail upwards, climbing through a seemingly endless field of loose scree towards Tizi n’Ouanoums (3,664m).
The climb is demanding, but reaching the pass is a rewarding achievement. Tizi n’Ouanoums is a narrow mountain col set between two dramatic rocky ridges, with impressive views across the surrounding High Atlas landscape. From the pass, we begin a long, zigzagging descent towards the Toubkal Refuge (Neltner Hut), where we’ll spend the night. Camping outside the refuge is also an option.
Approx. 6–7 hours walking.
Note: This itinerary is a guideline and may be changed to suit local conditions.
Day 06
Mt. Toubkal Summit - Imlil
We leave before dawn and follow the well-worn trail towards the summit of Jebel Toubkal (4,167m), the highest peak in North Africa. Weather and mountain conditions permitting, the ascent should take around 2–3 hours. From the summit, we’ll be rewarded with expansive panoramic views across the High Atlas Mountains and towards the Marrakech Plain beyond.
After enjoying the summit, we retrace our route back to the Toubkal Refuge before beginning the long descent towards the villages of Sidi Chamharouch and Aremd. From Aremd, the trail follows the Mizane River along a beautiful, forested route towards Imlil, the main trailhead for trekking in the Toubkal Massif.
On arrival in Imlil, we’ll meet our vehicle for the transfer back to Marrakech, where you’ll arrive at the end of the day.
Approx. 9–10 hours walking.
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 : 750€
2 -3 people : 500€ / person
4 - 7 people : 420€ / person
8 - 12 people: 370 / 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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Accommodation 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
Accommodation during the Toubkal Circuit Trek will be a mix of camping, traditional Berber gîtes and mountain huts.
This trek is available from May to October.
NB: If you require accommodation in the Atlas Mountains before or after your trek, we can arrange a stay at our Dar Adrar Guesthouse in Imlil or our Ouirgane Ecolodge in Ouirgane.
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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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.