Day 1.
Arrival in Marrakech
Pre-trek briefing and gear check
Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport and transfer directly to your riad in the heart of the Medina. Take the afternoon to relax and explore the vibrant souks or the lively Djemaa el-Fna square. In the evening, meet your licensed mountain guide for a thorough briefing on the trail conditions, safety protocols, and a final check of your personal gear.
Accommodation: Traditional Riad
Meals: None (Dinner independently in Marrakech)
Day 2.
Imlil to Tacheddirt Valley
Acclimatization trek via Tizi n'Tamatert (2,279m)
Depart Marrakech after breakfast for a scenic 1.5-hour drive to the mountain trailhead of Imlil (1,740m). Here, you will meet your team of muleteers and your camp cook.
After loading the pack mules, begin your trek by climbing steadily up the valley toward the Tizi n'Tamatert pass (2,279m). Pause at the pass to enjoy sweeping views of the Imlil and Imnane valleys. Descend through the terraced orchards to the ancient village of Ouaneskra, before continuing slightly uphill to camp near the village of Tacheddirt (2,300m).
Walking Time: 5 hours
Altitude Change: +560m / -150m
Accommodation: Camping (or local gîte)
Day 3.
Tacheddirt to Azib Likemt
Crossing the high Tizi Likemt pass (3,555m)
A demanding but spectacular day designed to kickstart your altitude acclimatization. You will start with an early breakfast to climb the steep, winding mule path up to the Tizi Likemt pass (3,555m).
The climb is steady and rocky, rewarded at the crest with panoramic views of the entire Toubkal Massif. From the pass, descend a long scree trail into the high summer pastures of Azib Likemt (2,600m), where local shepherds graze their flocks.
Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours
Altitude Change: +1,255m / -955m
Accommodation: Wilderness Camp by the river
Day 4.
Trek to Amsouzert Village
Crossing Tizi n'Ourai to the southern valleys
Follow the Ourai riverbed down the valley before beginning a gradual, steady ascent to the Tizi n'Ourai pass (3,100m). This vantage point provides an incredible, rare view of the sheer southern face of Mount Toubkal.
After taking in the views, descend along rocky trails through small stone hamlets, eventually reaching the lush, green walnut groves of Amsouzert (1,740m). This is one of the most picturesque traditional villages in the High Atlas.
Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours
Altitude Change: +500m / -1,360m
Accommodation: Gîte (traditional village guesthouse with hot showers)
Day 5. Hike to Lake Ifni
A short transition day to Morocco's highest alpine lake
Today is kept intentionally short to allow your muscles to recover before the final high-altitude pushes. Leaving Amsouzert, hike up the valley, passing through small Berber settlements.
The trail climbs steadily over a natural moraine barrier to reveal Lake Ifni (2,295m), a striking turquoise body of water nestled deep within giant, rugged mountain cliffs. Arrive by lunchtime to enjoy a hot meal, swim in the crisp alpine water, or simply relax along the lake’s rocky shore.
Walking Time: 4 hours
Altitude Change: +555m
Accommodation: Lakeside Camp
Day 6.
Climb to Toubkal Base Camp
Ascending the rugged Tizi n'Ouanoums pass (3,660m)
A challenging, highly technical day of climbing. You will leave the lake behind and immediately tackle a steep, narrow ravine filled with loose scree and boulders. The trail winds tightly up to the narrow gap of the Tizi n'Ouanoums pass (3,660m).
The pass sits directly between towering rock formations, offering views back down to the lake and forward into the core Toubkal valley. From the pass, make a steady, gradual descent down to the Toubkal Refuge (3,207m), the bustling base camp at the foot of the mountain.
Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours
Altitude Change: +1,365m / -453m
Accommodation: Toubkal Refuge (dormitory or camp site outside)
Day 7.
The Summit and Return to Marrakech
Alpine start to the 4,167m peak and descent to Imlil
Summit Day. Wake up at 4:30 AM for breakfast and set off by flashlight by 5:00 AM to avoid the midday mountain winds. The ascent begins with a steep climb up the eastern scree field. The altitude will make the effort feel double, but the trail is non-technical.
Reach the ridge line and step onto the summit of Mount Toubkal (4,167m). Standing at the highest point in North Africa, you can see across the entire High Atlas chain, down toward the anti-Atlas, and even see the hazy edges of the Sahara Desert on clear mornings.
After taking photos, descend back to the Refuge for a hot lunch, then continue walking down past the holy shrine of Sidi Chamharouch to Imlil. Your private vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to Marrakech.
Walking Time: 8 to 10 hours (3.5 hours up, 2.5 hours down to Refuge, 3.5 hours down to Imlil)
Altitude Change: +960m / -2,427m (Very long downhill)
Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Accommodation: Traditional Riad in Marrakech
Day 8. Departure
Airport transfer and farewell
After breakfast in your riad, enjoy a free morning in Marrakech for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a visit to the historic palaces. Your private transfer will pick you up from the riad and take you to Marrakech Menara Airport according to your flight departure details.
