Discover the rugged beauty and rich culture of Morocco on this 7-day trek through the High Atlas Mountains, where breathtaking landscapes and authentic Berber experiences await at every turn. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure that blends nature, tradition, and exploration.
Get up and close with Morocco’s unique Berber culture and this is what really brings the trip together. Oh and don't get us started on the food, people lose weight on expeditions but don’t expect that here. If you want a step up from the average hike and want a new challenge, then this trek is for you.
A great start for beginners but enjoyable for experienced mountaineers as well. This trek has a little something to offer for everyone.
Upon arrival at Casablanca airport, you will be greeted by our team and transported to Marrakech. After checking in at your hotel or riad, you will have the evening to relax or explore the vibrant city of Marrakech at your leisure. Whether you choose to wander through the bustling souks, visit the historic medina, or enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal, the city offers a rich cultural experience. We’ll spend the night in Marrakech, preparing for the adventure ahead.
Start your adventure with an early morning drive from Marrakech through Moulay Brahim Gorge to the Western High Atlas Mountains, reaching Imi Oughlad (1,450m). Admire the peaks of Jbel Toubkal (4,167m), Aglzim (3,650m), and Aksoual (3,847m).
Meet our Berber muleteer crew and begin a two-hour acclimatization hike along switchback mule tracks through cornfields and pine and juniper woodlands to Tizi n'Tachte pass (2,000m). Enjoy the views of Imlil and Aït Oussaden valleys before a field picnic at Imi n'Ifri.
In the afternoon, take a two-and-a-half-hour hike southwest along a dirt track to the terraced village of Tiziane (1,750m), where we’ll spend the night in a bivouac or gîte.
After breakfast, we continue our trek, following the Assif n'Aït Oussaden Valley through walnut groves, making our way up to the Tizi n'Taghrhourte pass (1,995m). The landscape flattens out as we approach Assaka Spring, a serene spot where we’ll pause for a field picnic, surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature.
In the afternoon, we descend along the edges of the forest, trekking until we reach the Berber village of D’knt (1,870m) or Agouns n’Assoul. Here, we’ll have dinner and spend the night in a bivouac or gîte.
We start with a three-hour hike through walnut groves and corn and barley fields, meeting local shepherds and villagers along the way. We cross the Tizi n'Tagdalte pass and descend through juniper forests to a spring for a lunch break. Afterwards, we continue our descent for another three hours along winding tracks to a small river at the entrance of Assif n'Aït Oussaden Valley, reaching the village of Tizi Oussem (1,850m). From there, we hike up to the summer village of Tamsoult, where we'll camp or stay in a gîte for the night.
Today’s trek takes us to a small waterfall at Azib Tamsoulte, followed by a return hike to cross the Tizi n’Mzik pass (2,500m). From here, we descend into the main Toubkal Valley, arriving at Imlil (1,900m) for lunch. We’ll spend the night in the charming Riad Oussagou or a similar guesthouse.
On our final day, we embark on a six to seven-hour trek through Berber hamlets and across two mountain passes, with Jbel Oukaïmeden (3,268m) in view. The circular route offers stunning scenery and natural beauty.
Starting east from Imlil (1,740m) through the Tamatert Valley, we pass north over the Tizi n’Tamatert pass (2,279m) and descend through the Berber village of Tinerhourhine into the Imenane Valley. We follow mule trails through almond, walnut, and apple groves, passing Ikiss and Amssakrou, where we enjoy a picnic lunch with views of Jbel Oukaïmeden and the Tizi n’Ou Arg (2,258m) and Tizi n’Tiratene (2,268m) passes.
Our return route goes west through the Tizi n’Aguerssiouâl pass and the Assif n’Aït Mizane Valley, back to Imlil. We then head east through Aguerssiouâl and south up the valley toward Jbel Toubkal, Aguelzim, and Aksouâl, concluding at Taddart and Aït Souka before driving back to Marrakech in the afternoon.
On the final day, we depart from Marrakech and drive back to Casablanca. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time in Casablanca before your departure. We will ensure you arrive at the airport with ample time for your onward journey.
Overall Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging This trek through Morocco's High Atlas Mountains involves diverse terrain and significant elevation changes. It requires a good level of physical fitness and stamina due to: Elevation Gains: Multiple ascents and descents ranging from 1,450 meters to over 2,500 meters. Duration: Long hiking days with up to 7 hours of trekking on the most demanding days. Terrain: Varied landscapes including mountain passes, valley descents, and rugged trails. The trek is suitable for those with some trekking experience or a high level of fitness. It offers stunning scenery and cultural immersion but requires preparation for its physical demands.
In the High Atlas, the tallest and most well-known range, the weather is characterized by its stark contrasts. Summers are generally warm, with daytime temperatures often reaching into the high 20s and low 30s Celsius (80s to 90s Fahrenheit). However, the high altitude means that nights can be quite cool, sometimes dropping below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). This diurnal temperature variation requires visitors to pack layers, even in the height of summer. Winters in the High Atlas can be harsh. Snow blankets the higher peaks, turning the area into a winter wonderland that attracts skiers and mountaineers. Temperatures can plummet below freezing, and snowfall is frequent, particularly from December to February.
One of the ultimate highlights of this trip is the food which is sure to give you comfort after a long hiking day! The Moroccan cuisine is extremely flavorful, filling and delicious and on this trip you will be fortunate enough to eat food cooked by locals which gives you an even more intense experience. Breakfast is usually basic including all the nutrients you need to give you energy such as eggs, porridge, jam, butter and amazing Moroccan bread. Lunch and diner include meat/chicken, vegetables, rice/pasta fruits and sometimes desert.
You will experience 3 types of accommodation on this trip each with its own charm and feel. In Marrakesh, you will be staying in a traditional Riad which is a small boutique hotel built in the islamic colorful design making you feel like royalty. In Imlil, you will stay in a much basic Riad which is family run and cosy. On the mountain you will be staying in the refuge which is dorm style rooms with bunk beds that take up to 12 people. The common room where you will be having your meals and socialise is heated to keep you warm during your stay.
$970
Meet Adam Selim, the passionate and knowledgeable guide leading our journey through this remarkable adventure. With years of experience, Adam brings a wealth of expertise and a genuine love for the local culture and landscapes. Their dedication to sharing the rich heritage and natural beauty of our destination will enrich every moment of your trip, Adam will be your bridge to a deeper understanding and appreciation of this unique and vibrant culture.
