Three Days of Wild Backpacking in the Hidden High Atlas Mountains: Angour Plateau and Anrhemer Summit
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
By Radouane – Founder of Talamrout Summit and Local Mountain Guide from Imlil
Introduction
When most hikers think about trekking in Morocco, their attention immediately turns to Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. While Toubkal is undoubtedly a magnificent mountain, some of the most rewarding adventures in the High Atlas Mountains are found far from the popular routes.
Recently, a friend and I set out on a three-day backpacking journey through one of the most remote and beautiful corners of the Toubkal Massif. Carrying everything on our backs, we crossed hidden mountain terrain, camped on the spectacular Angour Plateau at 3,660 meters, summited Anrhemer Peak at 3,892 meters, and explored rarely visited ridges overlooking some of Morocco's highest mountains.
This adventure offered everything we love about the High Atlas: solitude, wild camping, breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, unforgettable sunsets and sunrises, and the feeling of true exploration.
Day 1: From Tachedirt Village to the Angour Plateau
Our adventure began in Imlil, the heart of mountain tourism in Morocco and the gateway to countless High Atlas adventures.
After a short morning drive through the beautiful Imnane Valley, we arrived in Tachedirt, one of the highest inhabited villages in the Atlas Mountains. From there, we shouldered our backpacks and began our ascent toward the hidden Angour Plateau.
The trail climbed steadily above the valley, leaving behind traditional Amazigh villages and cultivated terraces. As we gained altitude, the landscape became increasingly wild. The mountains opened around us, revealing vast ridges, rocky slopes, and endless horizons.
Unlike the busy trails leading to Mount Toubkal, we encountered almost nobody throughout the day. The silence was remarkable.
After several hours of climbing, we reached the immense Angour Plateau at approximately 3,660 meters above sea level.
Standing on the plateau felt like entering another world.
The landscape stretched endlessly in every direction. Rolling alpine terrain, dramatic ridges, and distant peaks created a feeling of complete freedom. There were no roads, no buildings, and no signs of modern life, only mountains and sky.
It was the perfect place to spend a night in the wilderness.
Camping Above the Clouds
We chose a sheltered location to pitch our tent and settled in for the evening.
As the afternoon light softened, the plateau revealed its true beauty. The surrounding mountains slowly changed color, glowing in shades of gold and orange as the sun descended toward the western horizon.
The silence was profound.
Far below, valleys disappeared into shadow while the higher peaks remained illuminated by the final rays of sunlight.
Moments like these remind us why we venture into the mountains.
That evening became one of the highlights of the journey.
As darkness fell, thousands of stars appeared overhead. With no villages nearby and no artificial light pollution, the night sky was extraordinary. The Milky Way stretched from horizon to horizon, creating one of the finest stargazing experiences imaginable.
Camping on the Angour Plateau is not simply spending a night outdoors, it is an opportunity to reconnect with nature in one of Morocco's most remote mountain environments.
A Surprisingly Green Plateau at 3,660 Meters
One of the most remarkable aspects of this trip was seeing how alive the plateau felt.
Thanks to the exceptional snowfall and rainfall that the High Atlas received this year, Angour looked completely different from what many people would expect at such altitude.
Instead of a dry and barren landscape, much of the plateau was covered in green vegetation and alpine grasses.
The extra moisture had transformed the area into a thriving mountain ecosystem.
Even more surprising was the abundance of wildlife.
Hundreds of ladybirds covered the ground and rocks around our campsite. Butterflies drifted through the mountain breeze while countless insects took advantage of the short alpine summer.
Perhaps the most fascinating discovery was the network of delicate white spider webs spread across sections of the plateau. In the morning light, these silk-like carpets shimmered across the landscape, creating an almost surreal scene.
At nearly 3,700 meters above sea level, witnessing such biodiversity was unexpected and unforgettable.
Another pleasant surprise was finding a reliable water source directly on the plateau.
Fresh mountain water flowing at this altitude made our camp even more enjoyable and added to the feeling that Angour is a hidden alpine paradise rarely experienced by visitors.
Day 2: Sunrise on the Plateau and the Ascent of Anrhemer Summit
The following morning began before sunrise.
Stepping outside the tent, we were greeted by complete silence and cool mountain air.
Slowly, the first light appeared above the eastern horizon. The surrounding mountains emerged from darkness as the sky transformed through shades of blue, pink, and gold.
Watching the sunrise from Angour Plateau was one of the most beautiful moments of the entire adventure.
After breakfast, we packed our camp and followed the ridge toward Tizi Tachedirt.
The ridge walk offered continuous views across the surrounding mountain ranges and gave us a true sense of the scale of the High Atlas.
Upon reaching our campsite area near Tizi Tachedirt, we left our heavier backpacks behind and continued with lighter loads toward Anrhemer Summit.
Reaching the Summit of Anrhemer (3,892m)
The ascent to Anrhemer follows a magnificent ridge and remains one of the lesser-known mountain objectives in the Toubkal region.
Unlike many famous summits, Anrhemer receives very few visitors.
The climb itself was enjoyable and rewarding, with spectacular views accompanying us throughout the ascent.
Finally, after a steady climb, we reached the summit at 3,892 meters.
The panorama was extraordinary.
To the west stood the mighty Toubkal Massif, home to North Africa's highest peaks. To the south and southeast, the distant Siroua Massif rose above the horizon.
Mountain after mountain stretched endlessly into the distance.
Standing on the summit, surrounded by silence and wilderness, was one of those moments that makes every step worthwhile.
After spending time enjoying the views, taking photographs, and appreciating the solitude, we descended back to our campsite for our second night in the mountains.
Why This Trek Is So Special
What makes Angour Plateau and Anrhemer unique is not only their beauty but their remoteness.
These mountains remain largely unknown, even among experienced trekkers.
For those seeking:
True wilderness
Hidden trails
Wild camping
Incredible sunsets and sunrises
Star-filled nights
Solitude and silence
Authentic mountain adventure
this route offers an experience that is increasingly difficult to find.
In a world where many mountain destinations have become crowded, Angour and Anrhemer still provide a genuine feeling of exploration.
Day 3: Through the Imnane Valley Back to Imlil
On our final morning, we packed our camp and began the descent.
Returning to Tachedirt, we followed the beautiful Imnane River downstream through traditional Amazigh villages and fertile mountain terraces.
The contrast between the high alpine world we had explored and the vibrant valley below was striking.
Following the river toward Ouaneskra and eventually back to Imlil, we reflected on three unforgettable days in the mountains.
Though the journey lasted only a short time, the memories will remain for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Some adventures are remembered for their summits.
Others are remembered for their moments.
The silence of the Angour Plateau. The glow of sunset over the mountains. The countless stars above our tent. The wildlife thriving at nearly 3,700 meters. The first light of dawn touching the ridges. The vast panorama from Anrhemer Summit.
These are the moments that make the High Atlas Mountains truly special.
For those willing to venture beyond the well-known routes, Morocco still offers places where adventure feels genuine and discovery remains possible.
Angour Plateau and Anrhemer are among those rare places.
And that is exactly why we will return.
Join Us for Future Adventures
Are you looking for a real mountain adventure in Morocco?
Whether you dream of wild camping beneath the stars, exploring hidden valleys, crossing remote mountain passes, or reaching little-known summits far from the crowds, our local team would be delighted to guide you.
At Talamrout Summit, we specialize in authentic trekking experiences led by expert local mountain guides born and raised in the High Atlas Mountains.
Follow us for more adventures, stories, and hidden routes from the mountains of Morocco.
Contact us today and discover the High Atlas beyond the crowds. The best adventures are often found where the trails become quiet.