Embark on Morocco's ultimate mountain adventure: the 6-day Toubkal Circuit. This challenging trek takes you on a spectacular journey around North Africa's highest peak, offering a perfect blend of wilderness exploration and cultural immersion. Wind through remote Berber villages, traverse dramatic mountain passes, and camp beside the High Atlas's only lake. Culminating in the conquest of Mount Toubkal (4,167m), this circular route showcases the raw beauty of Morocco's most magnificent mountain range whilst taking you far beyond the typical tourist trails.
Tour Highlights:
- Summit Mount Toubkal (4,167m), North Africa's highest peak, for breathtaking views stretching towards the Sahara
- Camp beside the serene Lake Ifni, a pristine mountain lake surrounded by towering peaks
- Cross three spectacular high passes, including the dramatic Tizi n'Ouanoums (3,664m)
- Experience authentic Berber hospitality in traditional mountain villages
- Trek through diverse landscapes, from lush valleys to dramatic high-altitude wilderness
In-Depth Experience:
The Toubkal Circuit is a masterpiece of Alpine trekking, carefully crafted to showcase the High Atlas Mountains' most spectacular scenery. Beginning in the bustling village of Imlil, your journey weaves through ancient walnut groves and traditional Berber settlements before ascending into the rugged high country. Each day brings new challenges and rewards, from the testing ascent of Tizi Likemt (3,555m) to peaceful evenings camping beside the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ifni.
Unlike the standard Toubkal ascent, this circuit takes you deep into the lesser-explored corners of the range, where traditional mountain life continues unchanged for centuries. You'll trek through remote valleys, share mint tea with local shepherds, and sleep under star-filled skies. The circuit culminates in a pre-dawn summit attempt of Mount Toubkal, where you'll witness a spectacular sunrise over the Atlas range – a fitting finale to this extraordinary mountain adventure.
Tour Duration: 6 days
Starting time 8/10 AM
Walking grade:
Challenging
Itinerary
DAY 1: Marrakech - Imlil - Tacheddirt (2314m)
Begin your mountain adventure with a morning transfer from Marrakech to the vibrant village of Imlil. Meet your expert guide and mule team before setting off into the heart of the Atlas Mountains. Your first day's trek takes you over the Tizi n'Tamatert pass (2,279m), through traditional Berber villages, and into the peaceful Imenane Valley. Tonight's camp beside the rushing river at Tacheddirt (3,000m) offers your first taste of High Atlas wilderness.
Walking time: 5-6 hours | Ascent: 1,200m
DAY 2: Tacheddirt – Tizi Likemt (3555m) - Azib Likemt
Challenge yourself with a demanding but rewarding ascent to Tizi Likemt (3,555m). Your efforts are repaid with magnificent views of Toubkal and the surrounding peaks. Descend through rugged terrain to reach your peaceful campsite at Azib Likemt, where you'll enjoy a hearty dinner under the stars.
Walking time: 6-7 hours | Ascent: 900m | Descent: 700m
DAY 3: Azib Likemt - Tizi n' Ououraine (3120m) – Amsourzerte
A gentler day of varied landscapes takes you over the Tizi n'Ououraine pass (3,120m), offering spectacular views of the Toubkal massif and Ifni Dome. Descend into the beautiful Tifnoute Valley to reach Amsouzert, one of the most charming villages in the High Atlas. Tonight, experience traditional Berber hospitality in a comfortable village gite.
Walking time: 5-6 hours | Ascent: 460m | Descent: 1,000m
DAY 4: Amsourzerte - Ifni Lake (2392m)
Journey through a string of peaceful mountain hamlets before reaching the stunning Lake Ifni (2,312m), the only lake in the High Atlas. Set up camp beside its deep blue waters, surrounded by towering peaks. Spend the afternoon relaxing, swimming, or exploring the lakeside trails.
Walking time: 4-5 hours | Ascent: 460m
DAY 5: Ifni Lake - Nelter Hut (3207m)
Your most challenging day begins with a steep ascent to the dramatic Tizi n'Ouanoums pass (3,664m). Navigate the narrow ledge between towering rock faces before descending a long scree slope to reach Neltner Refuge, your base for tomorrow's summit attempt. Rest and prepare for an early start.
Walking time: 6-7 hours | Ascent: 1,352m | Descent: 800m
DAY 6: Toubkal Refuge – Toubkal summit (4,167m)– Imlil - Marrakech
Set out before dawn for the highlight of your trek - the ascent of Mount Toubkal (4,167m). Reach the summit in time for sunrise, where you'll enjoy panoramic views stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Sahara Desert. Descend to the refuge for a celebratory lunch before making your final trek back to Imlil.
Walking time: 8-9 hours | Ascent: 967m | Descent: 2,217m
Tour Details
Best Time to Trek:
April to October, with July and August being the hottest months.
Recommended Fitness Level:
This challenging trek requires good fitness and previous mountain walking experience. You'll be walking 5-8 hours daily over rough terrain, with significant ascents and descents.
Included meals
Breakfast: 5
Lunch: 6
Dinner: 5
Tour staff
Local Guide
Cook
Muleteer/mules to carry your kit bags
Driver
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll experience a mix of accommodation styles on this adventure. Most nights are spent camping in high-quality two-person tents that we provide, complete with comfortable sleeping mats. In Amsouzert, you'll stay in a traditional Berber gite (mountain lodge), offering basic but clean facilities with shared rooms. At Neltner Refuge, you'll either camp or stay in the mountain refuge depending on availability and weather conditions. All camping equipment is carried by our mules, so you only need to carry your daypack.
Meals will be largely Moroccan based but are likely to be infused with a little European influence.
Example:
- Breakfast: Bread with jam, butter, boiled eggs and processed cheese, with the option of olive oil, served with mint tea, coffee and milk. And also juice, fruit and yoghurt.
- Lunch: salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, kefta (meatball tagine). fish (sardines, tuna), seasonal fruit
- Dinner: Soup, classic Morooccan tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, seasonal fruit
This is a demanding trek suitable for experienced mountain walkers. You'll be hiking 5-8 hours daily, crossing high passes up to 3,664m, and tackling some steep, rocky terrain. The summit day involves a pre-dawn start and a challenging ascent. While no technical climbing is required, good fitness, previous mountain experience, and mental preparation are essential.
The route is designed to aid acclimatisation, but you'll be trekking at altitudes over 3,000m for much of the circuit. Our guides are trained to monitor for altitude sickness symptoms and adjust the pace accordingly. We recommend arriving in Morocco at least one day before the trek to help acclimatise.
Essential items include:
- Sturdy walking boots (well broken in)
- Warm sleeping bag (3-4 season)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm layers (temperatures can drop below freezing at night)
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Personal first aid kit A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking.
