Complete Toubkal Circuit Trek

Welcome to Morocco! Salam Alaikum! Arrive at the Marrakesh Menara International Airport where a transfer is waiting to take you to your hotel. If you can arrive early, you get the rest of the day to explore this legendary city. Get a good night’s rest to prepare you for your trekking adventure!

After breakfast, leave Marrakesh for the drive to Asni then on to Imlil. The town of Imlil is the main trailhead area for treks in the Atlas Mountains, as well as a popular market town. This bustling town is full of trekkers beginning and ending their mountain adventures. Meet the mule team here, load up the gear, and hit the trail. You’ll begin by climbing up to cross the Tizi n’Tamatert Pass (2,279 m/7,477’), then descend again to the lovely Ouaneskra village. Continue hiking for about 30 minutes past Ouaneskra to reach Tachedirt (2,300 m/7,546’), where you’ll camp for the night by the river. The trail from Imlil to Tacheddirt is about 8 km and the trek takes about 5-6 hours.

Leave Tacheddirt and cross the valley to begin the long and slow climb up to the Tizi Likemt Pass (3,555 m/11,663’). This trail is challenging due to the loose scree that covers the ground. From the top of the pass, you’ll get your first stunning views of the Toubkal massif. Pause to enjoy the view, then begin the long descent down to Azib Likemt village and set camp.

Today’s hike is long but not strenuous and you’ll experience the contrasts of this region’s varied landscapes. At the top of the Tizi n’Ououraine Pass (3,120 m/10,236’) you’ll find more incredible mountain vistas of the Toubkal massif. Look for the summit and eastern face of Mount Toubkal and the Ifni Dome (3,876 m/12,717’). Follow the trail to Amsouzert, which is a remarkable village where you will spend the night in an authentic local gite.

As you leave Amsouzert, head west to explore a series of small villages that are along the way to Ifni Lake. This beautiful lake is surrounded by rugged mountains and large piles of rubble. It is the only lake in the Toubkal massif, and it is remarkably deep. Arrive at Ifni Lake (2,295 m/7,530’) in time to eat lunch, then enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the shores before camping nearby for the night.

By this point of the trip, you should be well adjusted to the altitude and ready for the most strenuous day of the tour. Make your way carefully up a steep trail that leads you up a very long scree slope. You will finally reach the Tizi n’Ouanoums Pass (3,664 m/12,021’), which is a very narrow ledge that passes between two shafts of rock. Then descend down a long path that zigzags its way to the Neltner Hut at the Toubkal Refuge. Spend the night at this mountain refuge or choose to camp outside of it.

Finish your trek with a long day of hiking. Hit the trail before dawn, trekking for about 2-3 hours along a well-traveled route to reach the summit of Mount Toubkal (4,167 m/13,671’). On a clear day, you’ll enjoy beautiful and extensive views of the Atlas Mountains and beyond to the Marrakesh plains. Return to the base, then descend quickly through the Sidi Chamharouch and Aremd villages. Follow the Mizane River through a lovely forest until you reach Imlil. Your trek ends here, but transportation back to Marrakesh is included if desired. If you have the energy, explore the Jemaa el-Fnaa central square and enjoy a memorable open air meal.

Sadly, your adventure in Marrakesh just came to an end. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight.