3 Valleys Trek: Three Days through Imlil, Imnane and Azzaden
- Berber, English-speaking guide
- Mules carry your luggage
- Round-trip transport from Marrakech
Elevation profile
| Leg | Ascent | Descent |
|---|---|---|
| Imlil → Tizi n’TamatertPast Tamatert, with lunch on the col. | +539 m | — |
| Tizi n’Tamatert → TinoughrineDown through Ouanesekra-Tamguist. | — | −679 m |
| Tinoughrine → Ikkiss | +107 m | — |
| Ikkiss → Tizi n’Agersioual | +493 m | — |
| Tizi n’Agersioual → Agersioual | — | −671 m |
| Agersioual → MatateLunch with local families. | +471 m | — |
| Matate → Tizi Oudite | +219 m | — |
| Tizi Oudite → Id Aissa | — | −359 m |
| Id Aissa → Tizi Oussem | +40 m | — |
| Tizi Oussem → Tizi n’Mzik | +589 m | — |
| Tizi n’Mzik → Imlil | — | −749 m |
| Total | +2,458 m | −2,458 m |
Embark on an enchanting 3-day journey through the serene valleys of the High Atlas Mountains. Ideal for families and suitable for all ages, this trek offers a blend of easy to moderate trails that can be traversed on foot or by mule. You’ll explore traditional Berber villages, cross picturesque mountain passes, and immerse yourself in the authentic culture and stunning landscapes of rural Morocco. This trek is perfect for those seeking a peaceful yet adventurous exploration of the Atlas Mountains’ natural beauty and cultural richness.
3 Valleys Trek: A Berber Village Experience
This easy to medium trek is perfect for families, including kids and the elderly, offering comfortable routes for both walking and mule rides, with a night in a Berber house in each valley. It is also adaptable for the more adventurous, with options to extend the journey, cover more distances, and climb side peaks.
Highlights
- Explore traditional Berber villages and experience local culture.
- Traverse scenic mountain passes with stunning views.
- Discover the unique flora of the High Atlas, including juniper forests and walnut groves.
Itinerary
Day 1
walking 5 hrs, ascent +539 m, descent −679 m
Marrakech – Imlil Valley – Tizi n’Tamatert Pass – Imnane Valley – Tinoughrine Village
Depart from Marrakech and drive to Imlil, where the trek begins towards Tacheddirt, passing by Tamatert. Lunch is on the col of Tizi n’Tamatert, with views over the Imlil valley. After lunch, continue to Ouanesekra-Tamguist and arrive at Tinoughrine (1,600m) for an overnight stay in a guest house. Approximately 5 hours' walking, including stops for rest and meals.
Day 2
walking 6-7 hrs, ascent +1,290 m, descent −1,030 m
Tinoughrine Village to Id Aissa Village via Ikkiss Village and Agersioual Pass
Trek from Tinoughrine through Ikkiss, a picturesque Berber village, then cross the Agersioual Pass and descend to Agersioual village. Climb again to Matate, stopping for lunch and engaging with local families, then cross Tizi Oudite before dropping to Id Aissa, passing through scenic landscapes and traditional hamlets, and spend the night in a village gite. 6 to 7 hours' walking, with breaks for enjoying the views and cultural interactions.
Day 3
walking 5-6 hrs, ascent +629 m, descent −749 m
Id Aissa Village – Tizi Oussem Village – Imlil Valley – Marrakech
Start from Id Aissa, heading towards <a href="/imlil-and-azzaden-valleys-trek/">the largest waterfalls in the region</a>, and continue through the village of Tizi Oussem. Ascend to Tizi n’Mzik Pass, meeting your supply mule, and enjoy lunch surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. Descend to Imlil village, marking the end of the trek, then transfer back to your accommodation in Marrakech. 5 to 6 hours' walking, encompassing diverse terrains and picturesque landscapes.
Pricing
Per person — the more you bring, the less everyone pays.
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2-3 people | €245 |
| 4-7 people | €210 |
| 8-12 people | €180 |
Further discounts are available for group sizes over 10 people. You can pay in €/$/£ or Moroccan Dirhams.
What's included
Included
- Expert, Berber, English-speaking mountain guides
- Mules and muleteers to carry your luggage.
- Berber Cook
- All meals on the hike
- Accommodation in a Berber House
- Round-trip Transportation between the trek and your accommodation in Marrakesh .
Not included
- Travel insurance.
- Soft/alcoholic drinks.
- Tips and personal expenses.
Included
- Expert, Berber, English-speaking mountain guides
- Mules and muleteers to carry your luggage.
- Berber Cook
- All meals on the hike
- Accommodation in a Berber House
- Round-trip Transportation between the trek and your accommodation in Marrakesh .
Not included
- Travel insurance.
- Soft/alcoholic drinks.
- Tips and personal expenses.
Frequently asked questions
The route
Which three valleys does the trek cover?
The Imlil valley, where you start and finish; the Imnane valley, reached over the Tizi n’Tamatert pass on day one; and the Azzaden valley, which you drop into on day two at Id Aissa. Day three climbs back out over Tizi n’Mzik at 2,489m, the high point of the trek, and down into Imlil.
It is a loop, so you sleep in a different valley each night and never retrace your steps.
How is this different from the 3-Day Atlas Valley Trek?
They are the same length and grade but not the same walk. This one is a loop out of Imlil, crossing four passes and taking in three valleys, with two nights in village gîtes.
The 3-Day Atlas Valley Trek starts further west at Imi Oughlad, spends its first day in the forested Ouirgane park, and traverses through to Imlil rather than looping. Pick this one for the variety of valleys and villages, that one for the gentler first day and the forest.
What are the waterfalls on day three?
The D’Irhoulidene waterfalls in the Azzaden valley, which run year-round. Day three heads for them from Id Aissa before continuing to Tizi Oussem and the climb to Tizi n’Mzik. The 2-day Azzaden trek passes them from the other direction.
Families and fitness
Is this trek suitable for children?
Yes — this is the route we recommend for families. It is graded easy to moderate, the days are five to seven hours at a gentle pace, and the passes are all well under 2,500m, so altitude is not a factor. Children from about seven manage it comfortably.
We can arrange an extra mule and muleteer so younger walkers can ride when they tire, and any section can be shortened. All children need a responsible adult with them throughout.
Can we ride mules instead of walking?
In part, yes. The route was chosen because it stays on tracks a mule can follow, so stretches of it can be ridden rather than walked — useful for children, for anyone who tires, and for the longer second day. Your bags travel by mule regardless, so you only carry a daypack.
How hard is it?
Easy to moderate. Day one is about five hours, day two six to seven, day three five to six. The biggest single climb is 589m from Tizi Oussem up to Tizi n’Mzik on the last morning, and the biggest descent is the 749m off that pass into Imlil.
Nothing is technical and there is no exposure. If you walk regularly at home you will find it comfortable, and it can be extended with side peaks if you want more.
Practical
Is transport from Marrakech included?
Yes. We collect you from your Marrakech hotel or riad on the morning of day one and bring you back from Imlil at the end of day three. Imlil is about 65 km from Marrakech, roughly an hour and a half by road.
Where do we sleep?
Two nights in village accommodation: a guesthouse at Tinoughrine in the Imnane valley after day one, and a gîte at Id Aissa in the Azzaden valley after day two. Both are simple, family-run and comfortable, with shared rooms and home-cooked meals — see our note on the Berber home for what to expect inside.
When is the best time to go?
April to November. Spring brings wildflowers and mild temperatures, autumn gives the most stable weather and the clearest views, and summer is hot in the valleys by day but pleasant on the passes. Snow can close Tizi n’Mzik in winter, so tell us your dates and we will confirm. Our seasonal guide to Imlil has more.
Is food included?
Yes — two breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners, all cooked by the Berber cook who travels with you. Day two's lunch is taken with local families at Matate. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other diets are easy to cater for; tell us when you enquire.
Can you accommodate solo travellers?
Yes, we welcome solo travellers. You may be asked to share a room with another trekker of the same gender unless you opt for a single supplement (subject to availability).
What our guests say
Our trekking experience was exceptional from start to finish. Hussein, our guide, along with our mule driver and cook, made our journey truly memorable. Hussein’s proficiency in English and his willingness to answer countless questions greatly enriched our experience. He tailored the route to suit our preferences, making our four-day adventure both enjoyable and engaging.
The hike itself was a journey through stunning landscapes, providing us with a daily dose of exercise. The luxury of having our gear transported by mule and enjoying Moroccan-style lunches in locations with awe-inspiring views was a highlight. Additionally, the comfort of hot showers in each lodge added a touch of indulgence to our adventure. We are already looking forward to our next trek!
Richard W · Atlas Treks guest
Our four-day trek in the High Atlas Mountains was a journey I’ll always remember. Accompanied by a Berber guide and a mule, we were exceptionally well cared for. Our adventure began in Ouirgane, ascending through the Azzadan Valley towards a trekking lodge. From there, we climbed towards the breathtaking Cascades d’Irhoulidene, or Azib Tamsoult, followed by a challenging descent and then another ascent over the Imlil Pass. Our trek concluded with a rewarding journey down to Imlil, and then we traversed the ups and downs towards Ikkis before catching our bus back.The meals were a highlight, with the Berber lunches being particularly memorable for their magnificence. Rachid, our guide, was outstanding, offering assistance whenever the path became slippery or when the heat became intense. His expertise and support were invaluable throughout our trek.
James F · Atlas Treks guest
We made today a hiking daytrip around Imlil with transport from and to Marrakech… It was a great experience through the tranquility and stunning scenery in the high Atlas.
J S · Google review · Atlas Treks guest
Google reviews were left for High Atlas Hiking, our sister company run by the same Imlil team.