8-days hiking tour from Marrakech to Toubkal Summit the Atlas Mountains offer superb trekking and a wonderful respite from the madness, heat and noise of Marrakech. This is a very special hike in the high Atlas Mountains. It is a 8 days circular trek around Mt Toubkal. With a number of fabulous passes, stunning campsites and of course the peak of Toubkal to contend with, this isn't a trek for the light hearted.
Arrive to the Red City Marrakech, a cultural melting pot of the Berbers, Arabs and western cultures blessed with some of the most stunning architecture in Morocco, its mix of traditions, colors and history makes it the ideal starting point. For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception for welcome meeting. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Marrakech at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Marrakesh Menara Airport which is around 20 minutes' drive. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to relax at the hotel or take a stroll around Djemma El Fna Square. Spend the overnight with dinner at the hotel or Riad.
Today we leave Marrakech after breakfast towards the Imlil Valley and the craggy peaks of the Toubkal Massif. At the village of Aquersioul (1,600 m) we begin our climb, hiking up into the Matate Valley and then on to Tizi n'Oudite (2,200 m), where we stop to enjoy a picnic lunch. Descending through a juniper forest into the Azaden Valley, we then continue towards Id Aissa, enjoying the views out towards the colorful Mountain villages of Tizi Zougaghen and Tizaine as we make our way towards our final stop in Tizi Oussem (1,850 m). Here we stay in a traditional Berber-style mud-brick building built into a hillside. The rooms are two-four bed with large and very thick mattress on the floor. It's a rustic property with shared facilities but it is charming and you'll receive a warm welcome. Today's moderate eight-and-a-half kilometer walk is expected to take around six hours with a total ascent of 750 meters and a descent of 500 meters. You will spend the overnight with dinner in the Berber guest house.
After an early breakfast we continue walking along the valley before beginning a steady ascent up towards Tizi Mzik (2,489 meters). From this high Mountain pass we then begin our descent towards the village of Aremd (1,950 m). Built on a moraine spur overlooking the valley floor, Aremd is the largest village in the valley which provides a fascinating insight into Berber life. This afternoon we have a chance to take a walk around the village, taking in its captivating mix of terraced farming, traditional gites and Mountain landscapes. In Armed we stay in a traditional Berber village house with shared facilities, hot showers and a communal area for eating. Today's moderate seven kilometer walk is expected to take around five hours with a total ascent of 429 metres and a descent of 539 meters. Spend the overnight with dinner at the Berber house.
Today we cross the flood plain along the Mizane Valley and the mule tracks up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river we eventually come to the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, set beside a small waterfall and a jumbled cluster of village houses clinging to the rock face. From here the trail continues to climb steadily towards the snow-line and the welcoming sight of the Neltner Refuge (3,207 m). At the base of Toubkal we stay at Mountain Refuge. The rooms are basic dorm rooms with bunk beds. There are shared toilets and showers, a dining room and large lounge area with a wood burning stove where everyone gathers and socializes in the evening. It's a great way to meet like-minded trekkers from all over the world. Today's moderate nine-and-a-half kilometer walk is expected to take around five hours with a total ascent of 1,257 meters. Spend the overnight with dinner at the Mountain Refuge.
Today early morning we make our attempt to achieve the summit of Jebel Toubkal (4,167 m). Our hike takes us up the south cirque, a steep climb across scree and rock that leads eventually to the Tizi N'Toukbal (3,975 m). Cresting the ridge it is then just a short walk to the summit. On a clear day the views from up here take in the Marrakech Plain and the High Atlas Mountains and stretch as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. From the summit we head back down to the refuge where you will spend the overnight with dinner.
Today if conditions proved unfavorable yesterday, we will take a second attempt on Jebel Toubkal. Alternatively there is an option for us to try an ascent of Ouanoukrim (4,089 metres) or to take a short walk out to Tizi Ouanoums to take in the views of Lake Ifni. This afternoon we then head back down to Aremd to spend another night in the village before we leave these Mountain landscapes behind. Ouanoukrim and back to Armed- challenging 15.5 kilometer walk is expected to take around 10-11 hours with a total ascent of 882 meters and a descent of 2139 meters Tizi Ouanoums and back to Armed - challenging 13.5 kilometer walk is expected to take around seven hours with a total ascent of 393 meters and a descent of 1650 meters. Spend the overnight with dinner in a Berber guest house.
After breakfast we walk back to the village of Imlil where we will meet your driver to drive back to Marrakesh where, on arrival, we have some free time to explore the city's colorful souks and perhaps take a stroll around its celebrated Djemma El Fna Square. A feast for the senses, the square is a wonderful confusion of noise and color, where you will find the streets alive with storytellers, musicians, jugglers and water-sellers: the perfect place to haggle for some last minute presents, or just sit at a cafe and watch the spectacle unfold before you. Today's easy one-and-a-half kilometer walk is expected to take around 45 minutes with 210 meters of descent. Spend the overnight with dinner at the hotel.
The trip ends after breakfast at the hotel in Marrakech. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Marrakech at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Marrakesh Menara Airport. Depending on the schedule of your flights, you may have some additional time to wander in the souks of Marrakech or buy your last souvenirs before departure.
These are sample of Mountain hike itineraries, customizable for each customer, prices are on request and depend on dates, accommodations level and activities.