On the first day, you will depart from Marrakesh around 9:00 AM in private transport. The journey takes about 1 and a half hours and passes south through the Moulay Brahim Gorges to Imlil. Imlil is a village set in the upper level foothills of the Western High Atlas mountains, a main trail-head with streams and paths branching out in all directions. Here, enjoy a welcome glass of mint tea in the village and meet your local guide prior to setting out for a four kilometre excursion. The purpose of the first day is to acclimatize to the high altitude of the region.
Travel south to the Berber village of Aroumd (Aremd), passing the hamlets of Ait Souka, Targa, and Imoula, situated along the slopes. Gaze upwards at the jagged Western High Atlas peaks of the Toubkal Massif along the way. Once in Aroumd, watch over the ancient irrigated terraced fields of barley, corn and vegetables surrounded by almond and walnut trees. Travel onwards to lunch which will be served by a Berber family in the village of Ait Souka, where you will stay in a guest house for the night.
On the second day continue eastwards, crossing the flood plains as the route winds along mule tracks up into the high rocky cliffs above the valley. Crossing the river you will arrive at Sidi Chamarouch, which attracts tourists and pilgrims. From here the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up to the snowline to the Toukbal Refuge (3206m), which is the stop for the second night. The second day comprises of about five hours of trekking.
On the third and final day, rise early for the climb up Mount Toubkal. This is a fairly long day with 8-9 hours of trekking, involving 900m up then almost 2,500m back down to Imlil. At the summit of Mount Toubkal, catch wonderful views over the Atlas mountain range and the Sahara Desert. Then, make the long journey back down past the refuge and the well-worn path back to Imlil. Then be picked up by private transport to be taken back to Marrakesh, arriving back at approximately 5:00 PM.
Leave a reply