6-Day Toubkal Circuit Trek – A Complete Guide to Morocco’s Ultimate Atlas Adventure

isouktanr
Aug 16
4 min read

If you’re looking for a trek that combines adventure, high mountains, cultural immersion, and the challenge of summiting Mount Toubkal (4,167m), the Toubkal Circuit Trek is the perfect choice. Unlike the classic 2-day Toubkal climb, this 6-day itinerary gives you the chance to explore hidden valleys, cross remote high passes, camp beside the magical Ifni Lake, and visit Amazigh villages tucked deep into the High Atlas.

This trek is often described as the most complete Toubkal experience — not just a climb, but a journey through every side of Morocco’s highest mountain.

🌟 Why Choose the Toubkal Circuit?

✅ Summit Mount Toubkal (4,167m), the highest peak in North Africa.
✅ Cross some of the highest passes in the Atlas (Tizi n’Likemt 3,550m, Tizi n’Ourai 3,120m, Tizi n’Ouanoums 3,670m).
✅ Camp beside the emerald waters of Ifni Lake, one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in Morocco.
✅ Visit remote Amazigh villages, where life hasn’t changed for centuries.
✅ Sleep in Azibs (shepherd huts), mountain refuges, tents, and guesthouses for a variety of cultural experiences.
✅ Fully supported trek: mules carry your luggage, meals are cooked by our trekking chef, and camping equipment (tents, mattresses, sleeping bags) is included.

🗺 6-Day Toubkal Circuit Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech → Imlil (1,740m) → Tacheddirt (2,300m)

Morning transfer from Marrakech to Imlil (approx. 1h30 drive).
Meet your guide, muleteers, and cook in Imlil. Begin trekking through apple orchards and walnut groves.
Climb to Tizi n’Tamatert pass (2,300m) for panoramic views of the Imlil and Imnan valleys.
Descend to the picturesque village of Tacheddirt, one of the highest permanent settlements in Morocco. Overnight in a simple guesthouse.

Walking time: 4–5 hours

Day 2: Tacheddirt → Tizi n’Likemt (3,550m) → Azib Likemt (2,500m)

A long and challenging ascent to Tizi n’Likemt pass (3,550m), one of the highest passes in the Atlas.
From the top, enjoy sweeping views of jagged peaks and valleys.
Descend to Azib Likemt (2,500m) where we set up camp.

💡 What is an Azib?An Azib is a traditional summer pasture shelter used by Amazigh shepherds when they move their flocks to the high mountains. They are simple stone huts, often grouped together in seasonal settlements, giving trekkers a glimpse into the pastoral life of the Atlas.

Walking time: 6–7 hours

Day 3: Azib Likemt → Tizi n’Ourai (3,120m) → Amsouzert (1,740m)

Follow a wild valley before ascending to Tizi n’Ourai (3,120m).
Descend into the lush Aourai valley, dotted with streams and shepherd trails.
Reach Amsouzert, one of the largest villages in the region. Overnight in a guesthouse.

Walking time: 6–7 hours

Day 4: Amsouzert → Ifni Lake (2,300m)

Short but scenic walk through terraced fields and small Amazigh hamlets.
Arrive at Ifni Lake, a stunning turquoise alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks.
Afternoon free to swim (in summer), relax, or explore the shoreline. Overnight camping by the lake.

Walking time: 4 hours

Day 5: Ifni Lake → Tizi n’Ouanoums (3,670m) → Toubkal Refuge (3,207m)

The toughest day of the trek.
Steep ascent on a mule path to Tizi n’Ouanoums (3,670m), a dramatic high pass beneath Mount Toubkal.
Descend a long zigzag trail to the Toubkal Refuge, base camp for the summit climb.

Walking time: 6–7 hours

Day 6: Refuge → Toubkal Summit (4,167m) → Imlil → Marrakech

Early morning departure (around 4–5am) for the summit of Mount Toubkal (4,167m).
After 3–4 hours, reach the peak and enjoy breathtaking 360° views: the Sahara to the south, the Anti-Atlas to the far horizon, and the High Atlas stretching north.
Descend to the refuge, then continue down to Imlil (1,740m).
Private transfer back to Marrakech, arriving late afternoon.

Walking time: 9–10 hours

🛎 What’s Included

✔ Professional licensed mountain guide

✔ Muleteers & mules for luggage transport

✔ Cook + all meals during trek

✔ Accommodation (tents, Azibs, guesthouses, mountain refuges)

✔ Camping equipment (tents, mattresses, sleeping bags)

✔ Private transfer Marrakech ↔ Imlil

✔ Summit support

❌ Not Included

✘ Flights to/from Morocco

✘ Travel insurance

✘ Tips for crew

✘ Personal expenses

📅 Best Time to Go

Late April – October: Best conditions for trekking, warm days, clear skies.
June – September: Ideal for camping & swimming in Ifni Lake.
November – April: Snowy conditions, crampons & ice axe may be required.

🧭 Practical Information

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Altitude: Up to 4,167m
Daily walking: 4–10 hrs
Group size: 2–12 people
Support: You carry only a small daypack, mules carry the rest

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to be very fit for this trek? You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable walking 6–8 hours a day with sustained ascents/descents.

2. What is altitude like on this trek? The circuit helps with acclimatization before the summit. Mild symptoms (shortness of breath, fatigue) are common but serious altitude sickness is rare.

3. Where do we sleep? You’ll stay in a mix of tents, Azibs (shepherd huts), guesthouses, and mountain refuges — all arranged by us.

4. What food is served? Traditional Amazigh meals: tagines, couscous, pasta, rice dishes, salads, soup, and plenty of fresh fruit. Vegetarian options available.

5. Can I rent trekking equipment? Yes. Sleeping bags, crampons, trekking poles, and other equipment can be rented in Imlil.

6. Is this trek family-friendly? Yes, with active teenagers or families used to long hikes.