Experience the breathtaking charm of the Atlas Mountains with the Villages, Valleys, and Toubkal Climb. Embark on a 6-day hiking adventure in Morocco that takes you through the unspoiled beauty of the Ousertek Valley, where the famous Berber tribes of Africa call home. Trek through picturesque walnut groves, terraced fields, and thundering waterfalls, pausing amidst the stunning landscapes to indulge in picnics in Berber villages.
Immerse yourself in the local culture by staying in authentic Moroccan-style Berber homes in Gliz and Tachdirth. Observe women at work, marvel at the groves of almond and walnut trees, and witness centuries-old terraced irrigated fields. Prepare yourself for an invigorating climb to the highest peak in the Maghreb, where you can revel in magnificent views of the Atlas Mountains.
This exhilarating tour offers you a glimpse of Morocco’s hidden gem that most tourists never have the opportunity to see.
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from Marrakech, followed by a scenic 54 km drive to Imi-oughlad. Upon arrival, you’ll meet our team of experienced carriers and a skilled cook, who will help load the mules for the hike.
The trek starts with a gradual climb towards the Imenane valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Continuing the ascent, you’ll cross the Tizi n Lbour pass before descending into the village of Imsker, where you’ll stop for a delicious lunch.
After lunch, you’ll hike across a small valley, shaded by colossal walnut trees, with an easy climb to the village of Tinghar. From here, the trail continues towards the village of Tidili, and eventually, you’ll reach the quaint village of Gliz, where you’ll spend the night in a traditional Berber-style home. The hike lasts approximately 5-6 hours, with ample opportunities to soak in the mesmerizing scenery.
After a comfortable overnight stay in Gliz, you’ll embark on a short climb to cross the Tizi-n-Oukaimeden, flanked by a dense forest of juniper trees. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Ousertek valley and the distant peaks of the mass Toubkal. Continuing the trek, you’ll pass by the mountain of Oukaimden, standing tall at 3700m.
You’ll break for lunch shortly after passing the highest ski station in North Africa. Then, continuing the journey, you’ll join the beautiful High Atlas Valley of Tachdirth via the Eddi pass. Prepare to be amazed by the splendid views of the mountains and the valley below. The hike ends with an easy descent back to our lodging in Tachdirth, where you’ll spend the night. The duration of this hike is approximately 6 hours.
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast in Tachdirth before setting off on a scenic hike down the Assif Imnane valley. The trail will take you through several Berber hamlets and up to the Tizi n’Aguersiwal pass, which stands at an altitude of 2000m. From the pass, you’ll follow winding mule tracks that lead to the picturesque village of Aguersiwal, where you’ll stop for a delicious lunch.
After lunch, it’s time to set off up the valley of Matat, allowing another hour to reach the village. The entire hike will take around 5 hours, providing ample opportunities to take in the breathtaking natural scenery of the High Atlas Mountains.
The fourth day of your adventure begins with a 6-hour trek out of the Matat Valley and into the Azzadene Valley. You’ll traverse the rugged terrain and ascend to an altitude of 2,250m as you cross the Tizi Oudite pass. Along the way, you’ll pass through several quaint villages, including Ait Aissa and Tizi Oussm, before reaching your final destination for the day: Azib n Tamsoult.
Located at an altitude of 2300m, Azib n Tamsoult is a scenic mountain refuge where you’ll spend the night. This rustic accommodation provides an authentic experience of the Atlas Mountains and offers a chance to soak up the stunning natural surroundings.
Today’s trek involves a challenging ascent through the Ighouliden waterfalls out of the Azzadene Valley and over the Tizi Agelzim mountain pass, which stands at an altitude of 3,560m. The climb is strenuous but rewarding, with breathtaking views over the Atlas Mountain Range waiting for you at the top. You’ll stop for a well-deserved lunch and a chance to catch your breath before continuing on to your final destination for the day: the Toubkal Refuge.
The Toubkal Refuge, also known as the Niltner Hut, is a popular resting place for trekkers attempting to summit the highest peak in North Africa, Mount Toubkal. You’ll likely be sharing a bunk room with other trekkers who are also preparing for an early morning start to climb Toubkal. The refuge offers basic accommodation, but the stunning views and sense of accomplishment make it a memorable overnight stay. Today’s trek is expected to take around 6 hours.
Rise and shine early to start the challenging ascent up to the summit of Toubkal, which stands at 4,167m. If the weather is clear, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views over the Atlas Range and the Sahara Desert. After soaking in the stunning scenery, begin the descent back down to the Toubkal Refuge, then continue on the well-worn path back to Imlil. This is a long day of trekking, taking around 8-9 hours and involving a climb of 900m up and almost 2,500m down to Imlil. Once you arrive in Imlil, your driver will take you back to Marrakech, with an estimated arrival time of 5:00 pm.
