Overview
The Toubkal Circuit trek consists of 6 days of hiking in the Atlas Mountains, combining magnificent panoramas with time to explore the villages and Berber culture. From day one of the trek, you will be immersed in the daily life of the Berbers, observing the locals working in their terraced fields and tending to their animals. This itinerary involves early starts and challenging hiking days, with movements from one camp to another. You will have the opportunity to take beautiful photos, especially at the summit of Jebel Toubkal at 4167m altitude. At the end of the day, you can relax in the village cafes and enjoy a cup of mint tea or paddle along the refreshing rivers and the turquoise shores of Lake Ifni (2295m).
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Marrakech
Itinerary
Your program to help you envision your journey.
We leave Marrakech after breakfast and head to Imlil via Asni. Imlil is the main starting point for hikers, as well as a lively market town. There is a constant flow of people descending from the mountains, and an equivalent activity of those preparing to start their adventure. We meet our mule team, and once all our equipment is loaded, we begin the trek along the valley towards Tacheddirt, about 8 km beyond Imlil. Soon the trail starts to climb as we ascend the Tizi n’Tamatert pass (2,279 m). We then descend to the charming village of Ouaneskra and continue for about another half hour to Tacheddirt (2,300 m), where we usually camp near the river.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner. Total duration: 5 to 6 hours.
Crossing the valley, we begin a long and gradual ascent to the Tizi Likemt pass (3,555 m). The terrain is quite challenging, with lots of unstable scree underfoot. At the summit, we enjoy our first stunning view of the Toubkal massif before a long descent to the village of Azib Likemt, where we will camp for the night.
Total duration: 6 to 7 hours.
This long but relatively easy day takes us through very diverse landscapes. From Tizi n’Ourai (3,120 m), we enjoy further views of the Toubkal massif, including the summit, the east face, and the Ifni Dome (3,876 m). The trail continues to Amsouzert, one of the most remarkable villages in the region, where we will spend the night in a dormitory in a simple village guesthouse.
Total duration: 7 hours.
To the west of Amsouzert lie several small villages that we will explore as we make our way to Lake Ifni, the only lake in the massif. It is a memorable sight, surrounded by rocky mountains and large debris fields, and it is exceptionally deep. We plan to arrive around lunchtime and spend the afternoon relaxing by the lake. Tonight, we will camp in this area.
Total duration: 4 to 5 hours.
By now, we should be both fit and acclimated, ready to tackle the most challenging day of the trek. We follow a steep trail leading to an apparently endless scree slope. Eventually, we reach the Tizi n’Ouanoums pass (3,664 m), a narrow ridge between two rocky cliffs. From there, a long zigzag descent takes us to the Nelter mountain refuge, where we will spend the night (or alternatively, camp outside).
Total duration: 6 to 7 hours.
We depart before dawn, following a well-marked route to the summit. If conditions are good, it will take no more than 2 to 3 hours to reach the top, where we enjoy panoramic views of the entire Atlas range and the plains of Marrakech beyond. On the way down, we then descend fairly quickly to the villages of Sidi Chamharouch and Aremd, before following the Mizane River along a well-wooded trail back to the starting point in Imlil. If you are staying in Marrakech, a car transfer will take you back at the end of the day.
Total duration: 9 to 10 hours.
Note: The itinerary is provided for guidance only and may be modified according to local conditions.
Availability & Dates
This trek runs from March to October and can start on the date of your choice.Note: Depending on snow conditions in the high mountain passes, this trek may not be available before early June.
Accommodation
Accommodation will be a mix of camping, guesthouses, and mountain refuges. The trek is only available from March to October.Essential Equipment / Gear Rental
Good hiking shoes and socks / good sneakers for valley treks
Personal first aid kit
3–4 season sleeping bag (winter) or light sleeping bag (summer)
Lightweight waterproof pants / rain pants
Water bottle or hydration bladder (recommended)
Duffel bag (50–80 liters)
Light daypack
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Flashlight and batteries
Towel & all personal toiletries
- Most of this equipment can be rented locally at a shop in Imlil:
- Stoves: €5/day
- Crampons: €10/day/pair
- Ice axe: €5/day
- Hiking boots: €10/day
- Sleeping bags: €8/day
- Waterproof jackets: €8/day
- Trekking poles: €8/day/pair
- Backpacks: €6/day
Food During the Trek
Meals during the trek are prepared by the Berber muleteers. The food is fresh and healthy. Examples of meals:
- Breakfast: jam, bread, biscuits, fruit, juice, butter, coffee, milk
- Lunch: salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruit
- Dinner: soup, classic Moroccan tagine, couscous, olives, dried fruit, fruit
What About Luggage During the Trek?
Personal luggage, cooking equipment, and food are carried by the mules, allowing you to carry only a small daypack with what you need for the day.Note: Luggage left behind or not needed can be safely stored at our storage facility in Imlil until your return from the trek.
