Tizi n'Tamatert Pass & Talamroute Summit (2,650 m) Day Hike
1 Day ( 6 hours )
The Tizi n'Tamatert and Talamroute summit day hike is the best single day in the mountains above Imlil for walkers who want a real summit without a multi-day commitment. In six hours and 15 kilometres you climb 1,070 metres out of the Mizane Valley, cross the Tizi n'Tamatert pass at 2,279 m, and continue to the top of Talamroute at 2,650 m, where the view takes in Toubkal and the whole sweep of the Imenane and Azzaden valleys. Lunch is taken at the pass, and the descent loops back to Imlil by a different route.
Highlights
- A steady climb from Imlil through Berber hamlets where stone houses cling to the hillside and mules are still the main transport
- Terraced fields, juniper and pine groves, and switchbacks that open up wide views over Imlil and the valleys beyond
- The Tizi n'Tamatert pass (2,279 m), looking down into the quiet Imenane Valley
- A steeper, more exposed push to the Talamroute summit (2,650 m) and a 360-degree panorama with the snow-capped Toubkal to the south-west
- Lunch at the pass, then a loop descent over rocky ridges, through pine forest and cultivated valley slopes
- Private hike for your group with a licensed local Berber guide
The walk starts in Imlil at about 1,700 m and gains height gradually at first. The path leaves the Mizane Valley past the last houses, where the hamlets are built from the same stone as the hillside and the sound of mule bells comes up from the terraces. The gradient steepens through juniper and pine, with switchbacks that keep turning you round to face the view: Imlil shrinking below, the Mizane Valley running up towards Toubkal, and the ridgelines of the Imenane and Azzaden valleys on either side.
At Tizi n'Tamatert (2,279 m) the ground opens out and you can look down into the Imenane Valley, quieter and greener than the Imlil side. From the pass the main trail is left behind for a more exposed climb to the summit of Talamroute (2,650 m). The final stretch is steep in places, but it is short, and the reward is a full circle of mountains: Toubkal's snow-capped summit to the south-west and ridge after ridge stretching into the distance. After a rest at the top you return to the pass for lunch, then descend by a different route, looping back to Imlil over rocky ridges, through pine forest and across the cultivated slopes of the valley.
Who is this hike for?
Graded moderate to challenging. With 1,070 metres of ascent and descent over 15 kilometres, it suits regular walkers who are comfortable with a full day on uphill terrain; no scrambling or technical skills are needed, and walking poles help on the descent. The pass on its own makes a gentler half-day for anyone who prefers to skip the summit. In winter the summit ridge can hold snow, and your guide decides on the day whether the top is safe to visit.
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Starting time 9-10
Walking grade:
Moderate To Challenging
The Route, Step by Step
6 hours | 15 km | 1,070 m ascent and 1,070 m descent | Start 9–10 am in Imlil
Imlil to Tizi n'Tamatert: 1,700 m → 2,279 m
A gradual ascent out of the Mizane Valley past Berber hamlets, where stone houses cling to the hillside and mules carry everything. The trail climbs through terraced fields and groves of juniper and pine, and each switchback widens the view over Imlil and the valleys beyond. At the pass you look down into the quieter Imenane Valley.
Tizi n'Tamatert to the Talamroute summit: 2,279 m → 2,650 m
Leaving the main trail, a more exposed climb leads to the summit of Talamroute. The final push is steep in places but short, and it ends in a 360-degree panorama: on clear days the snow-capped summit of Toubkal to the south-west, and the ridgelines of the Imenane and Azzaden valleys stretching into the distance. Time for a well-earned rest at the top.
Lunch at the pass and the loop back to Imlil: 2,650 m → 1,700 m
Back at Tizi n'Tamatert, lunch is served at the pass. The descent then takes a different route, looping back to Imlil over rocky ridges, through pine forest and across the cultivated slopes of the valley, arriving in the village in the late afternoon.
Tour Details
Depart daily
This hike runs daily, all year round, starting from Imlil between 9 and 10 am. Timings are approximate and adapt to the group, the weather and the season. In winter the summit ridge can be snow-covered; your guide decides on the day whether to go to the top.
Price includes
- Licensed English-speaking Berber mountain guide
- Lunch at Tizi n'Tamatert
You can start from Marrakech
Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech can be arranged at extra cost. The drive to Imlil takes 80 to 90 minutes each way, so allow a long day.
Not Included
Transport to and from Imlil unless arranged with us, drinks, tips and items of a personal nature.
Prices
Price: minimum 2 people
| Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 2 people | € 40 per person |
| 3 people | € 33 per person |
| 4 people | € 30 per person |
| 5 people | € 28 per person |
| 6 people | € 27 per person |
| 7 people | € 26 per person |
| 8 people | € 25 per person |
| 9 people | € 24 per person |
| 10 people | € 24 per person |
| 11 people | € 24 per person |
| 12 people | € 23 per person |
Note: Prices are Per Person
Further discounts are available for group sizes over 12 people.
Children under 14: half price (must be accompanied by 2 paying adults).
Frequently Asked Questions
It is graded moderate to challenging: 15 km with 1,070 metres of ascent and the same descent, in about six hours of walking. The climb to the pass is steady; the push to the summit is steeper and more exposed but short. Regular walkers who are comfortable with a full day uphill will enjoy it. No scrambling or technical skills are needed, and walking poles make the descent easier on the knees.
Yes. Imlil to Tizi n'Tamatert and back is a gentler walk of around four hours with about 600 metres of ascent, and lunch at the pass is still included. Tell your guide on the day, or when you book, and the route is adapted; in a group, some can go to the summit while others wait at the pass.
Sturdy walking boots, layers for the wind on the summit, a sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, at least 1.5 litres of water, and a small daypack. Walking poles are useful on the descent. From late autumn to spring add a warm hat, gloves and a windproof jacket, as the pass and summit are much colder than Imlil. See our What to Bring page for the full list.
We recommend the full loop for children aged 12 and over who already enjoy long walks. Younger children can do the pass and back at their own pace, with a mule for tired legs if you wish. All departures are private, so the day is shaped around your family.
It starts in Imlil between 9 and 10 am, so it suits anyone staying in the village or nearby. If you are based in Marrakech we can collect you from your riad or hotel and bring you back in the evening at extra cost; the drive is 80 to 90 minutes each way, with an early start to keep the full day on the mountain.
Your safety comes first. In strong wind, storms or heavy snow your guide will shorten the day to the pass, choose a lower route or move the hike to another day. In winter the summit ridge often holds snow; it is still walkable on many days, but the decision is made on the morning with the conditions in front of you.
