High Atlas Mountain Treks: Toubkal, Imnane, Ourika & Valley of Roses
We offer four High Atlas treks with distinct profiles: the gentle Imnane Valley hike (3 days, for a first experience), the itinerant Ourika – Oukaimeden – Tacheddirt – Imlil trek across several passes, the cultural Valley of Roses trek (5 days from Kelaat M'Gouna) and the sporting ascent of Mount Toubkal at 4,167 m (6 days). Choose according to your level, your available time and, above all, the kind of experience you want.
All routes are organised with local mountain guides and teams, mules carrying part of the luggage, and nights in gîtes, refuges or bivouacs depending on the programme. Most start from Marrakech; the Valley of Roses trek begins in the Kelaat M'Gouna area.
Our tours
5-Day Valley of Roses & M'Goun Gorges Trek, High Atlas
High Atlas Trek from Marrakech: Ourika Valley, Oukaimeden & Imlil
Mount Toubkal Ascent: 6-Day Guided Trek in the High Atlas
Our 4 High Atlas itineraries
- 01 Imnane Valley and High Atlas villages (accessible, 3 days / 2 nights): a gentle hike for a first discovery of the Moroccan mountains. From Marrakech you reach the Imlil area, then walk between Imi Ouglad, Imesker, orchards and traditional villages of the valley. Mountain gîtes, mule portage.
- 02 Ourika – Oukaimeden – Tacheddirt – Imlil (itinerant trek): a real mountain route across several valleys and passes of the High Atlas, linking Ourika, Timichi, Oukaimeden, Tacheddirt and Imlil. Departure from Marrakech, high passes, gîtes and mule portage.
- 03 Valley of Roses trek (5 days / 4 nights, culture and landscapes): from Kelaat M'Gouna, five days between valleys, the M'Goun gorges, the villages of Aït Saïd and Boutghrar and kasbahs. Very different from Toubkal, focused on the territory and mountain life. Gîtes or bivouac, muleteers and local team.
- 04 Mount Toubkal ascent, 4,167 m (6 days / 5 nights, sporting challenge): our most demanding mountain programme. From Marrakech to Imlil and Tizi n'Tamatert, with an acclimatisation phase before the Toubkal refuge and the summit of Morocco. Good physical condition required.
Which trek matches your level?
Do not choose a destination only; choose a route that fits your experience and the way you travel.
- I am a beginner: go for the Imnane Valley: gentler walks and a gradual discovery of the mountains.
- I like walking: Ourika – Oukaimeden – Imlil is a true itinerant trek with several passes and long stages.
- I want a change of scenery: the Valley of Roses combines hiking, villages, kasbahs, gorges and cultural discovery.
- I want a goal: Toubkal is for hikers in good physical condition who want to reach the roof of Morocco.
| Programme | Style | Highlights | Recommended level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imnane Valley | Discovery hike | Villages, orchards, gîtes | Accessible |
| Ourika – Oukaimeden – Imlil | Itinerant trek | Passes, valleys, altitude | Intermediate |
| Valley of Roses | Cultural hike | Gorges, kasbahs, villages | Moderate |
| Mount Toubkal | Ascent | High mountain, 4,167 m summit | Good physical condition |
How a mountain trek in Morocco works
Unlike our Sahara treks from M'Hamid, mountain logistics rely on teams specialised in the High Atlas and on accommodation suited to each route.
- The guide: a local guide leads the hike and adapts the pace to the conditions and the group.
- Portage: mules carry part of the luggage and logistics when the programme includes it. You usually walk with a small day pack.
- Meals: meals on trekking days are organised as specified in each programme.
- Nights: depending on the route, mountain gîtes, refuges or bivouac.
The Sahara and the high mountains are two worlds that require different knowledge. That is why the mountain circuits are run with guides, muleteers and local teams who know the High Atlas routes.
From the Sahara to the Atlas, without pretending it is all the same
Our story and our core expertise remain deeply tied to M'Hamid and the Moroccan desert. Many travellers, however, want to combine several landscapes in one stay. We have therefore built a selection of mountain treks with teams suited to those territories: nomads and desert guides for the Sahara, mountain guides and teams for the High Atlas.
- Guides who know the routes offered
- Muleteers for logistics according to the programme
- Selected gîtes and refuges along the route
- Several difficulty levels
- Advice before booking
When to trek in the High Atlas
The best period depends strongly on altitude and the chosen programme.
- Spring: valleys and green landscapes; a particularly good period for valleys and mid-altitude hikes, depending on the year's conditions.
- Summer: high mountains; altitude routes are especially popular when the plains and southern Morocco are hot.
- Autumn: often pleasant conditions; a fine period for many treks before winter conditions arrive at high altitude.
Prepare your trek
Hesitating between Imnane, the Valley of Roses and Toubkal? Send us your dates, the number of travellers, your hiking experience and the type of trek you want. We will point you to the programme best suited to your level. WhatsApp: +212 607 752 872 or +212 607 752 872. Still torn between mountains and desert? See our treks overview, or discover our speciality: Sahara camel treks from M'Hamid, 2 to 7 days.
Frequently asked questions
Which trek should I choose for a first High Atlas hike?
The 3-day Imnane Valley hike is the most suitable in our selection for a first approach: moderate walks, villages and nights in gîtes.
Which trek is best for discovering High Atlas villages?
The Imnane Valley, Ourika to Imlil and Valley of Roses routes all pass through several villages and show different inhabited landscapes of the Moroccan mountains.
Do I need to be fit to climb Toubkal?
Yes, good physical condition is necessary. The ascent reaches 4,167 m and involves several days of walking at altitude. Our programme includes a gradual progression and an acclimatisation phase.
Who carries the luggage during the treks?
Depending on the programme, mules carry part of the luggage and equipment. You generally walk with a small bag containing what you need for the day.
Where do you sleep during a High Atlas trek?
It depends on the route: traditional gîtes in the villages, the mountain refuge on Toubkal and sometimes bivouac on certain programmes.
Do all mountain treks start from Marrakech?
No. Several programmes use Marrakech as the departure or transfer point, while the Valley of Roses trek starts in the Kelaat M'Gouna area. Check each programme for details.
Can I combine an Atlas trek with the M'Hamid desert?
Yes, depending on the length of your trip. The High Atlas and the Sahara offer two very different experiences and can be combined in a single stay in Morocco.