The 6-Day Toubkal Circuit Trek is the classic loop around Mount Toubkal — the route that serious trekkers consider the ultimate High Atlas experience. Instead of going straight to the summit and back, this circuit takes you on a complete circumnavigation, crossing three high passes above 3,100 m, camping beside the turquoise Lake Ifni (2,295 m) — the only lake in the Toubkal massif — and passing through remote Berber villages on the mountain’s rarely-visited southern flanks before the summit push on Day 6.
Starting from Imlil, the route heads east over Tizi n’Tamatert (2,279 m) to Tacheddirt, then crosses the demanding Tizi Likemt pass (3,555 m) to reach the high pastures at Azib Likemt. From there it traverses to the southern village of Amsouzert via Tizi n’Ououraine (3,120 m) with views of the Ifni Dome (3,876 m) and Toubkal’s east face. Day 4 is a relaxed walk to Lake Ifni, followed by the toughest stage — the ascent of Tizi n’Ouanoums (3,664 m) to the Toubkal Refuge (3,207 m) — before the final summit day.
The entire route lies within the Toubkal National Park (established 1942). This is a challenging trek, recommended for fit hikers who want far more than a summit — they want the full mountain experience. For the direct summit route, see our 4-Day Toubkal Ascent. For a villages-first approach to the summit, see the 6-Day Villages, Valleys and Toubkal trek.
In short: The complete loop around North Africa’s highest mountain — three high passes, the only lake in the massif, remote southern villages, and the Toubkal summit.
Imlil Trek operates under Extra Mile Travel (License #16D/19), a licensed Moroccan tour operator based in the Imlil valley with over a decade of experience organizing treks in the Toubkal National Park.
Note: Prices are for the 2026 season and may increase during winter months and periods of snow. Additional costs may apply due to extra logistics, including the use of porters, crampons, ice axes, and additional mountain guides.
Transfer from Marrakech to Imlil (1,740 m). Trek east through the valley, ascend to Tizi n’Tamatert pass (2,279 m), descend to Ouaneskra village, continue to Tacheddirt (2,300 m). Camp by the river.
The first serious mountain day. Long ascent to Tizi Likemt pass (3,555 m) over loose scree. Views of the Toubkal massif from the top. Descent to Azib Likemt (~2,500 m). Camp at the high pastures.
Ascend to Tizi n’Ouraï (3,109 m) with views of the Toubkal summit, east face, and Ifni Dome (3,876 m). Descend through the Aourai valley to Amsouzert — one of the most striking Berber villages in the region. Overnight in guesthouse.
Relaxed day through small Berber hamlets to Lake Ifni (2,295 m) — the only lake in the Toubkal massif. Afternoon free at the shore. Camp beside the lake.
Toughest day of the circuit. Steep scree ascent to Tizi n’Ouanoums (3,664 m) — a narrow ledge between two rock pillars. Zigzag descent to the Toubkal Refuge (3,207 m). Settle in for summit day.
Pre-dawn departure. Summit Mount Toubkal (4,167 m) in 3–4 hours. 360° panoramic views. Descend past the refuge, via Sidi Chamharouch and the Ait Mizane Valley to Imlil (1,740 m). Transfer to Marrakech.
Season: Best from late April to October. High passes are generally snowbound November–March.
Morning : Pickup from Marrakech (~8:30 am), drive to Imlil (1,740 m). Meet guide, cook, and mule team. Trek east toward Tacheddirt. Ascend to Tizi n’Tamatert (2,279 m) with views over the Imenane Valley.
Afternoon : Descend to Ouaneskra village, continue to Tacheddirt (2,300 m).
Evening : Camp by the river. Dinner under the stars.
Overnight : Camping at Tacheddirt (2,300 m)
Morning : Cross the valley and begin the demanding ascent to Tizi Likemt (3,555 m) — steep, loose scree requiring concentration.
Afternoon : First dramatic view of the Toubkal massif from the pass. Long descent to Azib Likemt (~2,500 m) — a high pasture settlement where nomadic Amazigh shepherds graze flocks in summer.
Evening : Camp in the high pastures. Extraordinary silence and remoteness.
Overnight : Camping at Azib Likemt (~2,500 m)
Morning : Ascend to Tizi n’Ououraine (3,120 m) — panoramic views of the Toubkal summit, its east face, and the Ifni Dome (3,876 m).
Afternoon : Descend through the green Aourai valley, following shepherd paths and streams. Arrive at Amsouzert — one of the largest and most striking Berber villages on the southern slopes, rarely visited by tourists.
Evening : Dinner in a village guesthouse — dormitory-style but authentic.
Overnight : Berber guesthouse in Amsouzert
Morning : Relaxed trek west through Berber hamlets and the Islani valley toward Lake Ifni.
Afternoon : Arrive at Lake Ifni (2,295 m) — turquoise water in a dramatic cirque. Swim (in summer), explore, or rest.
Evening : Camp beside the lake — the most memorable night of the circuit.
Overnight : Camping at Lake Ifni (2,295 m)
Morning : Toughest day. Steep scree ascent to Tizi n’Ouanoums (3,664 m) — a narrow dramatic ledge between two rock pillars.
Afternoon : Long zigzag descent to Toubkal Refuge (3,207 m) — the Neltner Hut.
Evening : Summit briefing. Early night.
Overnight : Toubkal Mountain Refuge (3,207 m)
Pre-dawn : Departure ~4:30–5:00 am. Ascend to Mount Toubkal (4,167 m) in 3–4 hours. 360° panorama at the summit.
Afternoon : Descend via refuge, Sidi Chamharouch, Aremd, and the Ait Mizane Valley to Imlil (1,740 m).
Return : Transfer to Marrakech (~1h30), arrival ~5:00–6:00 pm.
Trek ends — the full circuit of North Africa’s highest mountain completed.
