The 3-Day Traverse Trek from Imlil to Setti Fadma is a unique linear crossing of the High Atlas Mountains — starting on the western side at Imlil (1,740 m) and finishing on the eastern side at Setti Fadma in the famous Ourika Valley. Unlike circular treks, this traverse takes you through constantly changing landscapes and villages you would never see on a return route.
The trek crosses three distinct mountain zones: the Imenane Valley on Day 1, the dramatic Tizi n’Tacheddirt pass (3,200 m) on Day 2 — the highest point of the route with panoramic views of Jebel Bouiguenouane (3,882 m) and Jebel Aksoual (3,842 m) — and the scenic descent through terraced Berber villages toward the Ourika Valley on Day 3, ending near the famous Seven Waterfalls of Setti Fadma.
The entire route lies within the Toubkal National Park (established 1942). This is a moderate trek with one demanding high-altitude pass on Day 2. It’s ideal for hikers who want a real mountain crossing experience rather than a loop, combining High Atlas scenery with an authentic immersion into Berber village life. For an easier alternative, see our 3 Valleys 3-Day Trek which stays at lower altitude.
In short: A true mountain crossing from the Toubkal side of the Atlas to the Ourika Valley — three days of constantly changing landscapes, high passes, and traditional Berber villages, ending near the famous waterfalls of Setti Fadma.
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 the winter season and in periods of snow. Additional costs may apply due to extra logistics, including the use of porters and additional mountain guides required for safety and equipment transport.
Transfer from Marrakech to Imlil (1,740 m). Trek east through Tamatert village, ascend to Tizi n’Tamatert pass (2,279 m) with views over the Imenane Valley. Continue through Ouanesekra and Amagdoul villages to the ancient mountain village of Tacheddirt (2,300 m). Overnight in guesthouse.
Day 1 Stats:
The most demanding day. Ascend steadily to the Tizi n’Tacheddirt pass (3,200 m) with panoramic views of Jebel Bouiguenouane (3,882 m), Jebel Aksoual (3,842 m), and Jebel Angour. Descend northeast through Iaabbassen village (2,030 m) to the ancient terraced village of Timichi (2,000 m). Overnight in Berber family home.
Day 2 Stats:
Descend eastward through corn fields and walnut groves, passing through Tadrart, Anfli, and Agadir n’Ait Boulmane villages. Enter the Ourika Valley. Picnic lunch near Setti Fadma. Optional visit to the Seven Waterfalls. Transfer back to Marrakech.
Day 3 Stats:
Seasonal note: The Tizi n’Tacheddirt pass (3,200 m) may have snow from November to April — warm layers and micro-spikes recommended in winter. This trek is best from April to October.
Morning :
Pickup from your Marrakech accommodation (~8:30 am) and drive (~1h30) to Imlil (1,740 m). Meet your mountain guide and mule team, organize equipment, and begin trekking east through barley fields and orchards of cherry, walnut, and apple trees toward Tamatert village.
Afternoon :
Ascend to the Tizi n’Tamatert pass (2,279 m) with panoramic views over the Imlil and Imenane valleys, with Berber villages tucked into the slopes below. Picnic lunch on the pass. Continue through the hamlets of Ouanesekra and Amagdoul on a plateau, then descend to the ancient village of Tacheddirt (2,300 m).
Evening :
Dinner and relaxation in a mountain guesthouse. The village sits high above the valley with views of the surrounding peaks.
Overnight : Berber guesthouse (gîte) in Tacheddirt (2,300 m)
Morning :
Early breakfast to prepare for the most demanding stage. Ascend steadily for ~2.5 hours to the Tizi n’Tacheddirt pass (3,200 m) — the highest point of the entire trek. At the top, enjoy an extraordinary panoramic view: Jebel Bouiguenouane (3,882 m) and Jebel Aksoual (3,842 m) on one side, Jebel Angour on the other, and the lush Verdant Valley stretching out below.
Afternoon :
Descend northeast along a rocky trail for ~2 hours to Iaabbassen village (2,030 m). Picnic lunch by the spring outside the village. Continue for another 2 hours down the valley to Timichi (2,000 m) — a remarkable multi-layered terraced village surrounded by ancient walnut trees.
Evening :
Dinner in a traditional Berber family home — an intimate cultural experience unlike a standard guesthouse.
Overnight : Berber family home in Timichi (2,000 m)
Morning :
After breakfast, begin the scenic descent eastward through corn fields and walnut groves. Pass through the villages of Tadrart, Anfli, and Agadir n’Ait Boulmane — each offering a glimpse of traditional agricultural Berber life in the Ourika Valley.
Afternoon :
Enter the picturesque Ourika Valley — one of the most popular excursion destinations from Marrakech. Picnic lunch near Setti Fadma** village. If time allows, optional visit to the famous Seven Waterfalls cascading above the village. Meet your driver for the return transfer.
Return :
Transfer from Setti Fadma back to Marrakech (~1h30 drive), arrival around 4:00–5:00 pm.
Trek ends in Marrakech — a true High Atlas crossing from Imlil to the Ourika Valley completed.
