Desert Legacy Tours

High Atlas Trek from Marrakech: Ourika Valley, Oukaimeden & Imlil

A four-day walk across the High Atlas between the Ourika Valley and Imlil, over the Tizi n'Ouatar (3,223 m) and Tizi n'Adi passes and through the highest villages in Morocco. Nights in Berber mountain gîtes, mules for the luggage, a local guide and airport transfers included. Ideal for combining with a desert trip.

Circuit 3 Jours Départ Marrakech : Erg Chegaga en 4×4
Duration6 days / 5 nights
DepartureMarrakech
Group size1-8 people
Typehiking
Best seasonOctober to April

Highlights

  • Passes above 3,000 m and Morocco's highest villages
  • Ourika Valley, Oukaimeden and Imlil in one trek
  • Nights in Berber gîtes with full board
  • Mules carry the luggage
  • Airport welcome and transfers included

Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Arrival in MarrakechWelcome at the airport and transfer to your riad in Marrakech. Free evening (dinner not included).
  2. Day 2: Ourika Valley – TimichiDrive to the Ourika Valley and start walking up the valley through Berber villages and terraced fields to Timichi (2,089 m), about 4 hours. Night in a gîte.
  3. Day 3: Timichi – Tizi n'Ouatar – OukaimedenThe big day: climb to the Tizi n'Ouatar pass (3,223 m) with views over the Toubkal massif, then descend to the ski resort of Oukaimeden (2,650 m). About 7 hours of walking. Night in a gîte.
  4. Day 4: Oukaimeden – Tizi n'Adi – TacheddirtCross the Tizi n'Adi pass (2,960 m) and descend to Tacheddirt, one of the highest villages in Morocco. About 4 hours. Night in a gîte.
  5. Day 5: Tacheddirt – Tizi n'Tamatert – ImlilOver the Tizi n'Tamatert pass (2,279 m) and down to Imlil, the trekking hub of the Toubkal area. About 4 hours. Night in a gîte.
  6. Day 6: Sidi Chamharouch – MarrakechOptional morning walk to the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, then transfer back to Marrakech (lunch not included).

What's included

Included

  • Airport welcome and transfers
  • 1 night in Marrakech
  • 4 nights in mountain gîtes
  • Full board during the trek (except dinner on day 1 and lunch on day 6)
  • Mules for luggage
  • Local mountain guide

Not included

  • Dinner on day 1 and lunch on day 6
  • Drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and tips

Photos

Frequently asked questions

How difficult is this trek?

Moderate. Days are 4 to 7 hours of walking on mountain paths, with passes up to 3,223 m. A good basic fitness is enough; no technical skills are needed and mules carry the luggage.

When is the best season?

Spring and autumn are ideal. Summer is possible with early starts; in winter the high passes may be snowy, so ask us before booking.

Where do we sleep?

In simple Berber gîtes in the villages, with shared rooms and meals prepared by the team, plus one night in a riad in Marrakech.

Can I combine it with the desert?

Yes. Many travellers add a camel trek or a 4x4 tour to Erg Chigaga before or after this trek; ask us for a combined itinerary.

What should I pack?

Light, breathable clothes for the day and a few warm layers for the evening, comfortable closed shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sun cream. Blankets are provided, but bring a sleeping bag if you have one for extra comfort.

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