High Atlas Trek

On arrival at Marrakesh Menara Airport, you’ll be met by our local team and transferred to your traditional riad in the heart of the city. Depending on your arrival time, you may like to take a short walk through the nearby medina, or simply relax on the rooftop terrace and soak up views across the ochre rooftops and distant Atlas peaks. If you’re arriving earlier than Day 1, we can arrange a private airport transfer and pre-trip accommodation on request (additional cost applies). This evening offers the chance to meet your fellow trekkers and get a taste of the warm Moroccan hospitality that will characterise your journey.

Overnight: Riad Berta or similar

This morning at around 7:30am, you'll meet your guide and fellow travellers for a group briefing to discuss the days ahead and prepare for your trek. Afterwards, your expert local guide will lead you on a walking tour through the vibrant heart of Marrakesh. You’ll visit a selection of the city’s most iconic sites such as the historic palaces, mosques and the bustling souqs of the old medina. The tour culminates in the famed Djemaa el-Fna. A lively open-air square where snake charmers, spice vendors, storytellers, and food stalls create an unforgettable atmosphere. Later in the evening, you'll return to the square once it comes alive under the glow of lanterns and smoky grills. Dinner is at your leisure tonight. We highly recommend sampling one of the many traditional dishes on offer at the night market stalls. You’ll also be provided with your trek kit bag and sleeping bag today, so you can prepare and pack ahead of tomorrow’s departure into the High Atlas. Over the coming days, expect a mix of wild camping and stays in Berber houses. These village homes are often simple, shared and dormitory-style, but they offer a warm welcome and an authentic insight into mountain life.

Overnight: Riad Berta or similar

This morning we leave Marrakesh and drive into the foothills of the High Atlas to Imi Oughlad (1,500m elevation). Here we meet our trekking crew and mule team who will support us throughout the journey. After loading the gear, you’ll begin with a steady ascent along a well-used mule path towards the Tizi n’Tacht Pass (2,000m), where sweeping views open across the Ouirgane region. From the pass, we descend into the lush Azzadene Valley, passing terraced fields of maize, apple and walnut orchards, and small Berber hamlets. In late summer, yellow pumpkin flowers spill across the edges of the fields, adding bright colour to the green valley floor. Tonight’s stay is in the village of Tiziane (1,600m) in a traditional Berber house. Accommodation here is simple and communal – typically a shared room with mattresses laid out on the floor. While simple and basic, the welcome is warm and offers a genuine glimpse into mountain life in Morocco.

Overnight: Gite / Berber house (shared), Tiziane

Drive time: approx. 1.5–2 hours

Trekking: approx. 5–6 hours | 11–12 km / 7 mi

High point: Tizi n’Tacht Pass (2,000m)

Please note: All trekking timings and distances are approximate

Departing Tiziane, the day begins with a gradual three-hour ascent toward the Tizi n’Touati Pass (2,100m), climbing through a landscape dotted with holm oak and juniper trees. As you gain height, expansive views open across the surrounding valleys and ridgelines. Crossing the Tassaka Plateau, the trail flattens briefly before descending toward the summer pastures near Tizgui, where shepherds graze their flocks during the warmer months. We set up camp near Azib Assoul, a traditional seasonal grazing settlement. Expect a mix of open ridgelines and terraced paths underfoot, with changing vegetation and views throughout the day.

Overnight: Wilderness camp near Tizgui (Azib Assoul)

Trekking: approx. 6 hours | 12 km / 7.5 mi

High point: Tizi n’Touati Pass (2,100m)

Today begins with a steep three-hour ascent from Azib Assoul toward the high pass of Tizi n’Tagoudalte (2,700m) – the highest point so far on the trek. The climb is demanding but the reward is sweeping views across the surrounding peaks and valleys of the High Atlas. From the pass, the trail descends gradually for around two hours through alpine terrain rich with seasonal wildflowers. Depending on the time of year, you may spot red poppies, irises, campanulas, violets, aromatic herbs and succulents lining the trail – a striking contrast against the rocky outcrops and mountain slopes. By late afternoon we arrive in the village of Tizi Oussem (1,850m). Here we stay in a welcoming Berber house. Accommodation is simple and communal – typically a shared room with mattresses on the floor – but the experience is authentic and offers a warm connection with local life. There is also the option to enjoy a private hammam (traditional bath), a chance to relax and wash away three days of trekking in true local style.

Overnight: Gite / Berber house (shared), Tizi Oussem

Trekking: approx. 5 hours | 10 km / 6 mi

High point: Tizi n’Tagoudalte (2,700m)

Leaving Tizi Oussem, the last inhabited village in this valley, we continue climbing deeper into the heart of the Azzadene Valley. The trail gradually rises through juniper and pine forests, with sweeping views of the snow-capped High Atlas peaks beginning to reveal themselves ahead. Midway through the day we reach the Cascade d’Irhoulidene, a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by alpine vegetation, where we pause to enjoy the scenery and refuel. From here, the path steepens as we ascend toward the Tazaghart Plateau. By late afternoon we reach the mountain refuge area, where we set up camp for the night surrounded by jagged peaks and the stillness of the high mountains.

Overnight: Wilderness camp near Tazaghart Refuge

Trekking: approx. 5–6 hours | 11 km / 7 mi

High point: approx. 3,000m

Today’s trek is both challenging and rewarding as we cross the Tizi n’Aguelzim Pass (3,700m) – one of the highest and most remote passes in the region. The path climbs steeply in zigzags over rocky and exposed terrain, with an elevation gain that will test our endurance. Reaching the pass is a true achievement, and from the top we are rewarded with panoramic views across the High Atlas and our first clear glimpse of Mount Toubkal, looming in the distance. From here, the trail descends steadily toward Toubkal Base Camp, where we set up camp for the night surrounded by towering peaks and alpine scree slopes. Summit day awaits tomorrow.

Overnight: Wilderness camp at Toubkal Base Camp

Trekking: approx. 6–7 hours | 12 km / 7.5 mi

High point: Tizi n’Aguelzim (3,700m)

Please note: the base camp area is designated by the National Park as the only permitted place to stay before summit day. As it is shared by many trekking groups, conditions can be more basic and less quiet than other wilderness camps. While we always aim to minimise our impact and leave no trace, some evidence of litter or overuse may be present

Today is the highlight of the trek – the ascent of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at 4,167m (13,671ft). We set off early, often before sunrise, to avoid the midday sun and make the most of the stable morning weather. The trail climbs steadily across rocky ground and loose scree, gaining height with switchbacks that lead up to the broad summit ridge. The ascent is non-technical but challenging due to the altitude and terrain. With steady pacing and the support of your guide, you’ll reach the summit in around 3–4 hours. From the top, we are rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views across the High Atlas, the Anti-Atlas, and on a clear day, even the distant Sahara Desert. After time to rest and savour the achievement, we descend carefully back to the Neltner Refuge area, where our wilderness camp awaits. For those who prefer, today can be taken as a rest day at base camp, surrounded by dramatic peaks and high-altitude silence – an opportunity to relax, read, or simply enjoy the remote mountain setting.

Overnight: Wilderness camp at Toubkal Base Camp

Trekking: approx. 6–7 hours | 10 km / 6 mi round trip

Summit altitude: 4,167m / 13,671ft

This morning we begin our descent from the high alpine landscape, following a well-worn trail down the valley toward Imlil. Along the way, we pass through the village of Sidi Chamarouch (approx. 2,300m / 7,546ft), a sacred pilgrimage site known for its white-washed shrine and spiritual significance to many Moroccans. The trail winds through pockets of wildflowers – including the striking Peony Rose in spring – and it’s common to see goat herds navigating the rocky slopes alongside the path. We enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch near the village, where we farewell our mule handlers and trekking crew, marking the end of our journey in the High Atlas. From here, a 1.5-hour drive returns us to Marrakesh, where the comfort of a hot shower and a welcoming riad bed awaits.

Overnight: Riad Berta or similar

Trekking: approx. 4–5 hours | 9 km / 5.5 mi

Drive time: approx. 1.5 hours

Your journey through the High Atlas concludes today. After breakfast at the riad, you’ll be transferred to Marrakesh Menara Airport if you are departing today on the scheduled group transfer. For departure on any other day, transfers can be arranged at an additional cost. We hope the mountains, culture and people of Morocco have inspired you. If you are staying in Morocco, we can assist with arranging private transfers and additional accommodation. You may also wish to extend your adventure with our Essaouira Sojourn – a relaxing trip to the Atlantic coast where you can unwind in the charming seaside medina, stroll along the beach, and enjoy fresh seafood and café culture by the sea