Our High Atlas Trekking Summits trip is designed for those who are looking for a challenging but not too long trek around the highest peaks of the Moroccan Atlas. You will have the opportunity to reach the top of six of Morocco’s major summits, four of them over 4000m high, the final one being the highest, Mount Toubkal at 4167m. Our exclusive route weaves up and down over high passes, taking in summits as we go, and includes an ascent of the remote, seldom visited Adrar n Dern (4001m), the mythical ‘mountain of the mountains’. Half way through the trek we follow the Tinzer river upstream as it descends through narrow Kissaria gorge, a place where even the sure footed mules are not able to pass (we send them a different, much longer way round!).

After an unavoidable descent to lower altitudes at Amsouzerte, the last few days trekking will test anyone’s fitness as we climb again and take in the three highest summits in Morocco, Ras, Timesguida and Toubkal. From the summit of Toubkal we return to Marrakech for a well-deserved celebration, with some time included to explore this fascinating city.

Why not extend your High Atlas Trekking Summits trip with extra time in Marrakech in a Riad or a hotel, or take trip to the coast at Essaouira. Please contact us for more information.

FLIGHT PRICES WILL BE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER AT PEAK PERIODS (HALF-TERMS, EASTER AND CHRISTMAS)

Exclusive private departures available, min 2 people. Please call our office to book.

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Day 1 Fly to Marrakech and make your way to the hotel. Your guide will meet you at 2000 in the evening and brief you about the trip generally and the schedule for the next day.

Day 2 Heading south from Marrakech, an 80 minute drive takes you up to the mountain hub of the Atlas Mountains, Imlil. A new road sweeps above the villages nestling in the valley and we drive you up to the Tizi n Tamatert pass from where you look over into the Imenane valley and up to the village where you will spend the night. After lunch on the pass we start our trek by descending to the village of Tinerhourhine and then follow this up passing other villages on the way to Tacheddirt. 2 hours walking.

Day 3 A steadily ascending mule track sweeps around the west flank of the peak looming above the village to the pass of Tizi n’ou Addi (2960m). From the pass we ascend the SE ridge of Oukaimedene (3262m), where the chairlift from the ski station tops out. From here the views into the upper Mizane valley and to Toubkal are spectacular. The descent to the CAF refuge follows the N ridge before crossing the ski slopes and the wide grassy plain next to the village.  5 to 6 hours walking.

Day 4 A pleasant stroll along a dirt road takes us round to a small summer village (‘azib’) from where we start a zigzag ascent to the pass of Tizinou Attar (3130m). From here it is straightforward to bag our second summit, Attar (3267m). A long descent next into the upper Ourika valley for lunch above the village of Agouns (2400m). From here a pleasant walk down the valley, partly shaded by walnut trees, takes us to a spacious campsite near the village of Tiourdiou at the confluence of the Tinzer and Ourika rivers. 7 to 9 hours walking.

Day 5 A spectacular day. The mules and muleteers head off early as they go a different way today as there is no mule trail through the Kissaria gorge. We ascend the delightful Tinzer River, crossing it many times, eventually leaving all signs of habitation behind. There are many swimming opportunities in the rock pools and we have time to spare as the mules have a longer day. Eventually the walls of the valley close in and we have to wade the river bed as we pass through the Kissaria gorge towards the end of the day. We camp next to the river at Azib Tifnoute. 7 to 9 hours walking.

Day 6 A long ascent today takes us to the summit of Adrar n Dern or Iferouane (4001m), a wild and seldom visited summit well away from the tourist trails. We climb initially on a mule track, but mostly it is away from any trail across stony ground. You need to carry plenty of water today. However the rewards are immense as you sit atop this wild summit looking across to the Sahara. A pleasant descent follows to our grassy campsite at the source of the Tinzer River. 8 to 10 hours walking.

Day 7 A 20 min climb to Tizi n' Ouraine (3109m) followed by a long descent to the valley below and the village of Amsouzerte [1800m]. Civilisation, shops and cafés may appeal, but we need to press on up the Islani valley to the west, leaving the villages behind again as we climb past the 'surprising' Lac D'Ifni to our overnight camp. 7 to 8 hours walking.

Day 8 One of the best days in the Atlas as we ascend to the pass of Tizi Ouanoums [3684m], following an intricate muletrail that weaves around the complicated valley floor which steepens dramatically as it approaches the pass. We descend the wide valley below for a well-earned lunch. In the afternoon we descend easily to camp below the Neltner refuge and dinner! 6 to 8 hours walking.

Day 9 Today we climb  to the top of Toubkal’s sister peaks, the Ouanoukrim "twins", Ras [4083m] and Timesguida [4089m] the second and third highest peaks  in North Africa.  An easy path climbs to the pass of Tizi Ouagane [3730m], which may well be enough for today. To reach the summit you continue up the ridge which involves a short scramble in a couple of places. Sitting at over 4000m you will be rewarded with awesome views across to Toubkal and its neighbouring peaks. 6 - 7 hours walking.

Day 10 An early start is normal for the ascent of Mount Toubkal. The ascent is not technical, but does involve crossing some loose ground, much or which can be avoided by following the guide carefully. Three to four hours usually sees everyone on top from where you can rest awhile and take in the 360 degree panorama from the top of North Africa's highest mountain. We return to the refuge by the same route and then make our way down the valley on a well-used trail to the village of Aremd for our last night in the mountains. 7 - 9 hours walking.

Day 11 After breakfast we make the 30 minute walk down to the roadhead at Imlil to join with our vehicles that will take us back to Marrakech in time for lunch. The afternoon is free for sightseeing and shopping.

Day 12 Most of the day is again free in Marrakech. Take a taxi to the airport to connect with your evening flight back to Manchester or Gatwick.

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