6-Day Mount Toubkal Circuit Trek: From Imlil to the Summit and Back
- Berber, English-speaking guide
- Mules carry your luggage
- Berber cook on the trek
Elevation profile
| Leg | Ascent | Descent |
|---|---|---|
| Imlil → Tizi n’TamatertOver the pass into the Imenane valley. | +539 m | — |
| Tizi n’Tamatert → Tacheddirt | +12 m | — |
| Tacheddirt → Tizi Likemt | +1,264 m | — |
| Tizi Likemt → Azib LikemtA demanding climb. | — | −895 m |
| Azib Likemt → Tizi n’Ououraine | +460 m | — |
| Tizi n’Ououraine → AmsourzerteDown into the Tifnoute valley. | — | −1,268 m |
| Amsourzerte → Ifni Lake | +460 m | — |
| Ifni Lake → Tizi n’Ouanoums | +1,352 m | — |
| Tizi n’Ouanoums → Refuge du ToubkalA narrow ledge, then a long scree descent. | — | −457 m |
| Refuge du Toubkal → Toubkal SummitAn early start for sunrise on the summit. | +960 m | — |
| Toubkal Summit → Imlil | — | −2,427 m |
| Total | +5,047 m | −5,047 m |
Embark on a 6-day trek around Mount Toubkal, experiencing the diverse landscapes of the High Atlas. This trek offers a blend of challenging ascents, scenic passes, and cultural insights into the Berber way of life.
Toubkal Circuit Trek
This comprehensive 6-day journey takes you through the heart of the High Atlas Mountains, culminating in the ascent of Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak. Starting from Imlil, trek through traditional Berber villages, cross high mountain passes like Tizi Likemt and Tizi n’Ouanoums, and camp beside the tranquil Ifni Lake. Experience diverse terrains, from lush valleys to rocky scree slopes, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Morocco’s most famous mountain range.
Highlights
- Rural Berber Life: Immerse yourself in the culture and hospitality of the Berber people in Amsourzerte village.
- Ifni Lake: Relax by the serene, high-altitude lake, a unique feature in the Atlas Mountains.
- Mount Toubkal Summit: Achieve the highlight of the trek by reaching the summit of North Africa’s highest peak, with spectacular views extending to the Sahara Desert.
Itinerary
Day 1
walking 5-6 hrs, ascent +551 m
Marrakech – Imlil – Tacheddirt
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 (2,291m) offers your first taste of High Atlas wilderness. Walking time: 5-6 hours.
Day 2
walking 6-7 hrs, ascent +1,264 m, descent −895 m
Tacheddirt – Tizi Likemt – 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.
Day 3
walking 5-6 hrs, ascent +460 m, descent −1,268 m
Azib Likemt – Tizi n’Ououraine – 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 Amsourzerte, 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.
Day 4
walking 4-5 hrs, ascent +460 m
Amsourzerte – Ifni Lake
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.
Day 5
walking 6-7 hrs, ascent +1,352 m, descent −457 m
Ifni Lake – Tizi n’Ouanoums – Refuge du Toubkal
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 the Refuge du Toubkal (3,207m), your base for tomorrow’s summit attempt. Rest and prepare for an early start. Walking time: 6-7 hours.
Day 6
walking 8-9 hrs, ascent +960 m, descent −2,427 m
Refuge du Toubkal – Toubkal Summit – 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.
Pricing
Per person — the more you bring, the less everyone pays.
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2-3 people | €495 |
| 4-7 people | €425 |
| 8-12 people | €385 |
Further discounts are available for group sizes over 10 people. You can pay in €/$/£ or Moroccan Dirhams.
What's included
Included
- Expert English-speaking mountain guides
- Mules and muleteers to carry your luggage
- Berber Cook
- All meals on the hike
- Accommodation
- Round-trip Transportation
- Camping Materials (tents and mattresses)
Not included
- Travel insurance.
- Soft/alcoholic drinks
- Tips and personal expenses
Included
- Expert English-speaking mountain guides
- Mules and muleteers to carry your luggage
- Berber Cook
- All meals on the hike
- Accommodation
- Round-trip Transportation
- Camping Materials (tents and mattresses)
Not included
- Travel insurance.
- Soft/alcoholic drinks
- Tips and personal expenses
Frequently asked questions
On the mountain
Where do we sleep on the circuit?
The nights vary with the route: camping at Tacheddirt and Azib Likemt, a village gîte at Amsourzerte, camping beside Ifni Lake, and the Toubkal Refuge at 3,207m before the summit day.
The refuge is shared dormitory bunks with blankets, cold running water, flush toilets and a communal dining room. Bring a sleeping bag liner, earplugs and a head torch. Our cook prepares your meals throughout.
Is Mount Toubkal safe to climb?
Yes, with a licensed guide and the right kit for the season. The normal route has no technical difficulty in summer, the descent to help is quick, and mountain rescue operates in the park. The genuine risks are altitude, winter conditions on the upper mountain, and weather moving in fast — all of which are what your guide is there to manage.
Do I need crampons and an ice axe?
From roughly November to April, yes — snow and ice sit on the upper gully and the summit plateau, and a slip there is serious. From late May to October the normal route is usually clear and none of it is needed.
Tell us your dates when you enquire and we will confirm what the conditions call for, and what you should bring. For a climb in full winter conditions, see our winter Toubkal climb.
Booking
When should I book?
For July, August and the Easter and Christmas holidays, book six to eight weeks ahead — refuge beds are limited and sell out. For the rest of the year two to three weeks is usually enough, and we can often arrange a trek at a few days notice outside peak season.
The route
Why take the summit last?
Because by day six you are ready for it. The circuit spends five days walking between 1,700m and 3,700m, crossing Tizi Likemt, Tizi n’Ououraine and Tizi n’Ouanoums before you ever set foot on Toubkal itself. That is a far better preparation than arriving from Marrakech and going straight up.
If you only want the summit and have two or three days, the two-day climb and the Azzaden route do that instead.
What is Ifni Lake?
The only lake in the High Atlas, at 2,312m, reached on day four from the village of Amsourzerte. It sits in a bowl of scree below the southern side of the massif, deep green and completely still. Day five climbs from the lake up to Tizi n’Ouanoums at 3,664m, the highest pass of the trek, and drops to the Toubkal Refuge.
How much walking is there each day?
Five to seven hours most days. Day one is five to six hours from Imlil over Tizi n’Tamatert to Tacheddirt, day two six to seven over Tizi Likemt, and the middle days similar. Summit day starts before dawn from the refuge and finishes all the way down in Imlil, which is the longest day of the six.
The route table above gives the ascent and descent for every leg.
Before you go
How fit do I need to be?
This is the most demanding trek we run in the Atlas. Six consecutive days at altitude, several passes above 3,000m, and a 4,167m summit on the last morning. Nothing is technical outside winter, but you should be a regular hill walker comfortable with long days on rough ground.
The compensation is that the gradual build makes the summit itself easier than it is on the short climbs. Read our note on acute mountain sickness before you come.
When does this trek run?
May to the end of October only. The circuit crosses several passes above 3,000m, including Tizi n’Ouanoums at 3,664m, and stays out for six days between them, so it needs the snow-free months. We do not run it outside that window.
If you want Toubkal in winter, the three-day winter climb is the trek for that, with crampons, an ice axe and porters from the snowline.
What does the price include?
Your English-speaking mountain guide, a Berber cook, mules and muleteers for the luggage, all meals on the hike, every night's accommodation, camping equipment where the route camps, and return transport between Marrakech and Imlil.
Not included: travel insurance, soft and alcoholic drinks, tips and personal expenses. A 40% deposit confirms the booking and the balance is paid in Morocco; the full terms are on our booking terms page.
What our guests say
The entire climb was meticulously planned and executed. From the initial communication to the final descent, every detail was taken care of with professionalism and attentiveness. The equipment provided was top-notch, the itinerary was well thought out, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the mountains without any worries.
James F · Toubkal Climb guest
I had an extraordinary experience climbing Toubkal with Imlil Morocco Explorers. Our guide, Ibrahim, was knowledgeable and attentive, ensuring a safe and enjoyable climb. The food provided was a highlight – delicious, nutritious, and a great introduction to Moroccan cuisine. Every aspect of the trip was well-organized, from the equipment to the itinerary. Highly recommend for anyone looking to explore the Atlas Mountains!
Anna K · Toubkal Climb guest
Mohammed guided my friend and me to the summit of Mount Toubkal, showcasing outstanding guiding skills. His friendly demeanor, immense patience, and calming presence greatly enhanced our journey. He consistently ensured our well-being and hydration throughout the trek.Additionally, the muleteer, who was responsible for preparing our meals, was equally amiable and proved to be an excellent chef, serving delightful breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.
John Carter · Toubkal Climb guest
We had an amazing experience climbing Mount Toubkal with Hussein as our guide. He made the whole trip unforgettable always positive, encouraging, and full of energy…
Craig Phelps · Google review · Toubkal Climb guest
Google reviews were left for High Atlas Hiking, our sister company run by the same Imlil team.