6 Days - Toubkal Ascent and Berber Valleys Traverse

overview

On this 6-day trek, you’ll explore the heart of Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, combining cultural immersion in traditional Berber villages with the thrill of climbing North Africa’s highest peak. You’ll trek through lush valleys, walnut groves, and terraced landscapes, passing villages like Gliz, Tachdirth, Ikiss, and Mattat. Each night is spent in welcoming mountain villages or refuges, offering an authentic experience of Berber life. The journey culminates with the ascent of Mount Toubkal (4167 m), where panoramic views stretch across the Atlas Mountains and surrounding peaks.

ITINERARY

• 01 Marrakech – Imi Oughlad – Gliz

  Our adventure begins in Marrakech with a transfer to Imi Oughlad, a 1.5-hour drive. Here, we’ll meet our support team of muleteers and cook. Once our gear is loaded, we start trekking towards Tizi Lbour before descending to Imsker for lunch. In the afternoon, we continue along the Ousertk Valley, shaded by walnut groves, and pass through the villages of Tinghar and Tiddli. We arrive in Gliz for an overnight stay. (5–6 hours walking)

• 02 Gliz – Oukaimden – Tizi n’Addi – Tachdirth

  We begin with a short hike out of Ousertk Valley, ascending through juniper forests and beautiful Atlas landscapes to Tizi n’Addi. The route continues up Oukaimden Mountain (3,700 m), reaching the ski station where we stop for lunch. From here, we cross toward the ridge of Eddi, gateway to the stunning Imnan Valley. Overnight in Tachdirth, the highest and largest village of the valley. (6 hours walking)

• 03 Tachdirth – Ikkis – Tizi n’Aguersioual – Matat

  After breakfast, we descend into the Imnane Valley, passing through traditional Berber villages such as Ouneskra, Tingherine, and Ikkis. We then turn westward toward the Tizi n’Aguersioual Pass (2,000 m). After crossing, we descend to Agersioual village for lunch by the river, under the shade of walnut trees. In the afternoon, we continue for about an hour to the Mattat Valley for our overnight stay. (5 hours walking)

• 04 Matat Red Village – Tizi Oudite – Azib n’Tamsoult

  Today’s trek leads us from Mattat Valley into the Azzaden Valley. We cross Tizi Oudite (2,250 m), pass through the village of Ait Aissa, and continue via Tizi Oussem before reaching Azib n’Tamsoult. We spend the night in a mountain refuge at 2,300 m. (6 hours walking).

• 05 Azib n’Tamsoult – Tizi Agelzim – Refuge du Toubkal

  The climb begins with a steady ascent out of Azzaden Valley, passing by the Ighouliden waterfalls. We continue over the Agelzim Pass (3,560 m) before reaching the Toubkal Refuge (also known as Neltner Hut). Here, we share bunk cabins with other trekkers preparing for the summit attempt. (6 hours walking).

• 06 Refuge du Toubkal – Sommet du Toubkal – Imlil – Marrakech

  We start early for the ascent of Jebel Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak at 4,167 m. Conditions permitting, the summit offers breathtaking views stretching from the High Atlas Mountains to the edge of the Sahara. After enjoying the panorama, we descend to the refuge, then continue down to Imlil. It’s a long and active day, with a 900 m ascent and a 2,500 m descent, totaling 8–9 hours of trekking. From Imlil, we transfer back to Marrakech, arriving around 5:00 p.m.

GALLERY

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