5 Days Trekking In High Atlas Discovery
Opting for a trek in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in a rich array of landscapes, ranging from snow-capped peaks and lush pastures to awe-inspiring gorges and welcoming Berber villages.
Activities
Required Gear and Attire:
- Sturdy hiking boots or trainers, accompanied by suitable socks
- Personal first aid kit for emergency situations.
- A 3- to 4-season sleeping bag to ensure comfort during varying temperatures
- Day sack or backpack for carrying essentials during daily treks.
- Ice axe and crampons if trekking in winter conditions.
- Headlamps provide adequate visibility during early morning or late-night treks.
- Lightweight waterproof over-trousers or rain-pants for protection against rain and wet conditions
- A water bottle or camelback is highly recommended to stay hydrated throughout the trek.
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech, Imi Oughlad, Tizi N'Tachte, and Tiziane
Embark on an early morning journey from Marrakech, tracing a scenic route south through the Moulay Brahim Gorge and elevated valleys. As we approach the foothills of the western High Atlas Mountains, the imposing Jbel Toubkal (4167m), North Africa's highest peak, and Aglzim (3650m) dominate the horizon. At Imi Oughlad (1450m), our starting point, we bid farewell to our vehicle and join our Berber muleteer team. A two-hour acclimatization hike leads us along switchback mule tracks, offering views of cornfields and pine and juniper forests. We pause at Tiz N’Tachete (2000m) to admire the Imlil and Azzaden valleys before continuing to Imi N’Ifri for a field picnic. A leisurely 2.5-hour hike brings us to Tiziane (1750m), a red clay terraced village, for an overnight stay in a biovac or gite.
Day 2: Tizziane, Tizi N'Taghrhourte, and D’Knt After breakfast, our trek follows the Assif N’Ait Oussaden Valley, passing walnut groves and ascending to Tizi N’Taghrhourte (1995m). A relatively flat stretch leads to Assaka Spring, where we enjoy a field picnic amid serene surroundings. The post-lunch hike takes us through forest edges to the Berber village of D’Knt (1870m) or Agouns N’Assoul. Here, we dine and spend the night in a bivouac or gite.
Day 3: D'Knt, Tizi N'Tagdalte, and Tizi Oussem
Embark on a 3-hour morning hike through walnut groves and fields, encountering herders and villagers carrying loads of grass and herbs. Traverse Tizi N’Tagdalte, descend through a juniper tree forest, and pause at a small spring for a picnic. Continue the 3-hour descent to the river at the beginning of the Assif N’Azzaden valley, reaching Tizi Oussem (1850m) and then Tamsoult for camp/hut accommodation.
Day 4: Âazbib Tamsoult—Tizi Aguelzim—Toubkal Refuge
Following breakfast, embark on a moderately difficult eastward hike up mule tracks to Tizi Aguelzim (3550m). Proceed southeast for 4 hours to reach the Toubkal Refuge at the spring snowline (3207m). Dinner and overnight stay in a bivouac by the refuge
Day 5: Toubkal Refuge, Summit Jbel Toubkal, Sidi Chamharouch, Imlil, Marrakech
Begin the day with an early breakfast and a 3-hour steep climb to the summit of Jbel Toubkal (4167m). Revel in the stunning panorama before descending the Ikkhibi Sud or South Cirque for a 2 to 3-hour journey back to the Refuge for a picnic. Post-lunch, navigate steep trails toward the Shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, set beside a waterfall. Descend for 2 more hours to the village of Imlil and take a taxi back to Marrakech, concluding the 5-day trekking adventure in the High Atlas.
More info
Period Year round
Duration 5 days/4 nights