THE MOROCCAN WESTERN HIGH ATLAS RANGES
The Trek of the Titans
(Tichka Plateau to Mount Toubkal)		This 'lost world' - an almost virgin territory for experienced mountain walkers is something definitely not to be missed.
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights   - ref. ITCTTM18a
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: GRADE TWO to THREE - Between moderate and strenuous. Good boots essential. We recommend that you be confident of your fitness and endurance levels; preferably having had previous experience of trekking at altitude and in variations of climate Full support team.
NB: The months from December through to mid-April could possibly preclude the Toubkal summit climb due to sudden, heavy snowfalls. We shall advise you of adverse climatic conditions and alternate nearby peak climb - Jbel Aguelzim (3547m) prior to your setting out from Marrakech.

NB: This trek is based upon including private transfers from Agadir, Taroudant or Marrakech; please contact us to arrange accommodation - we are experts for small hotels and riads across Morocco.

DAY 1:  AGADIR - TAROUDANT - ASSIF N'AÏT TAMENT - TAGMOUT.
Departure from Agadir around 8am towards the east alongside the trailing edges of the westernmost High Atlas range to arrive around 9.15am at the pre-Islamic walled town of Taroudant, also known as "Marrakech in Miniature." Built in 1030 and once the capital of the Sâadien dynasty - here we meet with our mountain guide and take a quick tour of the town walls and centre - before continuing up to the town of Oulad Berhil. On our way here we shall have an utterly awe-inspiring vista of the Tichka chain, peak after peak after peak. We change our vehicle to a local grand taxi, the main method of transport, which can take us up into this undiscovered region (or continue in our 4WD, depending on the mode of transportation selected) for at least a further 4 hour drive, way up into the upper foothills of this savagely magnificent and still virgin range of the Western High Atlas mountains, passing alongside oueds and small reservoirs, through the old Berber hamlet of Zawyatt Iguerzane, past the Oued Tamazirrt and Assif Timeselt Valley and on up through the hairpin piste finally to arrive at the Berber market village of Zawyatt Tafilalt, or Abdelah Ou Saïd as it is known to its Berber (Shleuh) inhabitants.
We shall take a break here for some photographs and our picnic amongst almond, walnut and palm trees before continuing up along the piste alongside the valley of the Assif n'Aït Tament upwards on a gruelling, winding ascent, mostly in first gear, for some 1½ hours between the upper slopes of the Ighil Lbour (2108m) and Tizi Ougouni (1856m), passing by Adrar Tazgoukht (1663) and the High Atlas Berber hamlets of Alagjana and Tazoudot, with their palmeraies and terraced, irrigated fields seeming to cling to the stark mountain slopes, over the oued of the Assif Agounsane until we finally reach the village of Tagmout, nestling way up in the stark upper foothills of the impressive Tichka Plateau. Once an important stop for the ancient caravans from Mauritania to the Mediterranean coast, there's time to stretch our bones by strolling around the hamlets of Tammart and Aït Ammar - a real experience of Berber life - dominated by the Assaouâl Mqqorn (2361m) and Tizi Igourramene (1994m), whilst our dinner is being prepared in our overnight accommodation in the home of the local caïd. These hamlets rarely see a foreigner from one year to another, so the interest will be mutual.

DAY 2:   TAGMOUT - ASSIF MEDLAWA - AWSAGHMELT - TIZI N'TARGA - TICHKA PLATEAU.
Suitably refreshed, we strike out today for our 7 hour hike up the sinuous mule trail of the Upper Medlawa Valley, passing the Shleuh hamlets of Tawart and Amghlou and their scattered groves of almond and walnut trees, terraced irrigated fields of barley, corn and potato, small waterfalls and incredible vistas. Onwards we walk up to the last village in this beautiful High Atlas valley - Awsaghmelt (or Imlaouin in Berber), where we can relax in the shadow of Ras Moulay Ali (2845m) by the pools of water created by a small waterfall, before setting out between Jbels Askouân (3078m) and Ras Awlim (3048m) to arrive, after some 4 hours along a different type of stony trail, at an âazib at the feet of Tizi n'Targa (2086m). Here we stop for our deserved picnic before striking out for a further 2 hours up some 92 hairpin bends in the faint mule trail to traverse the Tizi to continue down further faint winding tracks to finally arrive at the incredibly romantic and beautiful Tichka Plateau of a Thousand Peaks, where, after getting our breath back, we shall have dinner and bivouac for the night under a breathtaking canopy of a million stars.

DAY 3:  PLATEAU OF A THOUSAND PEAKS - JBEL IMARADENE SUMMIT - TICHKA PLATEAU.
Today we shall enjoy one of the highest mountain walks in the Atlas, many of whose peaks have never been climbed and which, whilst some keep snow caps year round, have no glaciers. The virgin Plateau, with its meadows of early daffodils and alpine flowers in spring, controlled grazing, scattered forests of oak, pine and nut trees of all sorts, strangely green amidst a high altitude landscape and a dramatic panorama of so many peaks and gorges, is an absolute delight.
After breakfast and camp struck, we set out for a 7 hour hike and ridge walk - technically a tough walk over shattered rock - up to the summit of one of the highest peaks in the chain - Imaradene (3351m). From this peak we shall have a spectacular vista and sense of total isolation, with to our immediate west Jbels Moulay Ali (3349m), Aquelmoun (3251m), Tamguerd Lma'dene (3251m), Mtdadene (3366m), Adrars n'Fivil (3214m) and Tit Oulli (3247m) - amongst those that have been named. To the north the glorious valleys of the Assifs Ida Gourioun, Isquoân, Id M'Nssiren, Imi n'Tanout and Samba and the copper mines at Afensou and Aguersafane; to the east Jbels Wajir Oudadene (3139m), Akalmoumane (2901m), Awrir n'Tidar (2934m), Azrou Azdim (2934m), Amendach (3192m) and on and on. We shall picnic here on the roof of the Atlas world, finally return back down the steep slopes to our dinner and bivouac site on this beautiful and strangely-silent lost world.

DAY 4:  TICHKA PLATEAU - TICHKA VALLEY - AGHBAR VALLEY.
After breakfast and camp struck we set out on our 6 hour trek towards the east, the first 2 hours taking us down winding trails to the Tichka Valley, suddenly to come across the hidden Valley of the Oued Aghbar. Very few 'immoudoun' (outsiders) have seen this remotest of areas. Our hike continues to take us down through a beautiful holm oak forest and gentle springs, to pass by the very occasional goat herder and several snowmelt waterfalls to stop for our picnic under the canopy of pine and oak trees. We shall now continue on down in the midst high peaks through the quiet and romantic valley, leaving behind the virginal forest until we come to the Assif Yane Moula, with its ancient watermill, where we shall camp on the banks of the season river and dine in an awesome silence.

DAY 5:  AGHBAR VALLEY - AMLOUHL - TIZI N'TEST.
From the Valley of Aghbar we hike along a faint trail through some wild and gorgeous countryside, the shady walnut and almond trees on all sides of the rain-denuded upper slopes, to come across several Berber hamlets of pisé and stone clawed from the mountainsides until the ancient village of Amlouhl, to be greeted by curious children and the most-hospitable Berber mountain folk. From here we strike out further down the valley until we reach Souq Sebt, where we shall stop for our welcome picnic before continuing on winding mule trails to the feet of the Tizi n'Test (2092m) for, after 7 hours of moderate hiking, we relax for our dinner and bivvy site for the night.

DAY 6:   TIZI N'TEST - MOULDIGHTE - OUED N'FIS - TIN-MAL.
From our campsite on this upper slope we shall continue to the east, following the pleasing Oued N'Fis Valley down to the hamlet of Oukhoune. Once past this quiet, tiny group of pisé homes, we continue on a relatively easy hike along flatter ground down to the hamlet of Mouldighte and on down through narrow, winding paths surrounded by walnut, almond and olive trees until we reach the point where the Oued N'Fis and Assif Oughdimt meet - and where we stop for our picnic amidst some romantic vistas of towering peaks, long, dramatic valleys and swirling clouds. Our afternoon is spent hiking up and down the countours of the valley slopes until we reach the historic site of Tin-Mil, alone amidst stark mountains and luxuriant valley vegetation. Here, outside of the mosque, we set up camp after another day of 7 hours hiking and enjoy a well-earned meal.

DAY 7:   TIN-MAL - KASBAH GANDAFA - IJOUKAK.
This small, remote stronghold settlement, high up on the opposite bank of the river, gives all the appearance of a Lhasa-in-Muslim miniature, set amidst brown slopes, green shrubbery and snow-capped mountains. We are here to visit the fortress of high walls and strong towers, the sole survivor of the once holy 12th century city built by the founder of the Almohad dynasty, Mehdi Ibn Toumarte, and the only mosque in Morocco - other than the new mosque of Hassan II in Casablanca - into which a non-Muslim may enter- except on Fridays. We may enter through a small, sturdy door in the corner of the main tower. Now roofless, deep shadows thrown by the surviving bas relief pisé columns and carefully restored arcades and horseshoe arches contrast with the large sunbaked wall. Intact amongst the ruins we witness the fine examples of ancient Almohad decor. But was there ever a minaret? There are three towers, which are unusual in that they are built above the actual prayer hall, yet minarets are always free-standing. Is the final restored work going to respect the original aura of austere puritanism of that once theocratic Almohad Islam? Cedar from Azrou is now used for the ceilings; a special lime has been imported from Spain; no cement or concrete is being used and the several cupolas have been restored in some areas with richly decorated stalactite plaster work.
In the actual village there is a ruined kasbah, a Medersa and an old water tank which produces a regular supply of the French gastronomic delight - edible frogs. Suitably impressed, we now set off along a flat, easy trail through some beautiful surroundings dotted with walnut and olives trees, cross the Oued N'Fis to reach the Gandafa (or Goudafa/Goundafi) Kasbah of Talâat n'Yâcoub. This sprawling ruin is built of pisé and timber on foundations of boulders, is probably the third kasbah to have been built on the same site, the first one built in the mid 17th century by a servant of the Sultan Caïd Goudafa. This latter one, rebuilt around 1906, is quite obviously one not used for the defence of the region and served but as a palace and administrative centre for some1200 clerks, servants and slaves - and for a harem of 300 women Most of the upper stories and stairways have collapsed, but we can still amble around the columned prayer-hall and inner courtyard overhung with balconies. We continue on up to Ijoukak, where we shall overnight after a 6 hour hike in a small, basic hotel and dine for the night. Close by is a hammam, for those who'd like to enjoy this refreshing - and cleansing - experience!

DAY 8:   IJOUKAK - ALA N'OUM ZORNI - TIZI N'IGUIDI - AMSSLANE.
From this village we set out for some 6 hours towards the north-east up and down zigzagging paths through the ever-present walnut and olive trees and now through fields of barley, potato and corn to reach the hamlet of Ala n'Oum Zorni, where we shall stop for our picnic, prior to continue up to the Tizi n'Iguidi. Once this col has been traversed, we amble down along these sinuous paths through areas of startling beauty to arrive at the village of Amsslane, to set up camp and dine for the night.

DAY 9:  AMSSLANE - TIZI TAGHDALT - TIZI OUSSEM - ÂAZIB TAMSOULT - ÂAZIB TIZIKERT
Breakfast tucked away and camp struck, we now head out across the pleasant Amsslane Plateau until we reach the Assif Takhint where we shall stop for our picnic around midday. Now we set off for about 1 hour up to the Tizi Taghdalt, from where we are afforded a tremendous panorama of the Takhint and Arzedene Valleys. Once through the col, we follow a zigzagging trail through some pretty countryside to the village of Taghdalt, to cross the Assif Arzedene to reach the village of Tizi Oussem (185m). From here, between the Jbels Tasighmout (2004m), Aguelzim (3547m) and Tazaghârt (3843m), we continue south to the Âazib Tamsoult (2145m), where, after approximately 6 hours of relatively hard trekking we recommend you hike just a little further (approx. 45 minutes) up to the Tamsoult Cascade (2204m) for a refreshing "shower" before returning down to the Âazib Tamsoult and then climbing a short(ish) switchback path up to the Âazib Tizikert to save some of the altitude gain on day 10. It is at this tranquil, elevated spot that we stop for dinner and overnight camping above the Assif n'Ouarzane Valley. NB. if you are tired or delayed for any reason on day 9 then we can modify the camping area to Aazib Tamsoult.

DAY 10:  ÂAZIB TIZIKERT - TIZI N'AGUELZIM - TOUBKAL REFUGE.
After breakfast, we now set off for some five to six hours towards the south-east on a moderately difficult hike up winding mule trails to the Tizi n'Aguelzim (3104m), to stop for a picnic high up on its slopes, thence a further 3 hours to the Toubkal Refuge, which marks the spring snowline at 3207m, where we shall have dinner and either bivouac around the mountain hut* or take cover in there for the night.
The months from December through to mid-April could preclude the Toubkal summit climb to those not used to crampons and/or ice axes. Morning fog and heavy snowfalls may also prevent ascent to the Toubkal summit. We shall advise you of adverse climatic conditions and of an alternate peak climb prior to your setting out from Marrakech.

DAY 11: TOUBKAL REFUGE - SUMMIT TOUBKAL - SIDI CHAMHAROUCH - AROUMD - IMLIL.
A very early breakfast to set out around 5am. To witness a spectacular sunrise and attain, after a three hour steep climb, the highest peak in the Maghreb (4167m). The panorama from here is simply stunning. This remarkable climb and view is what you have come so far for. The first recorded climb of this peak, in 1923, was made by the French mountaineers V. Berger, M. Doubleau and the Marquis de Segonzae; many serious trekkers since then have made the highly rewardable effort.
Whenever you are ready, we shall take the Ikkhibi Sud or South Cirque for a straightforward - with your guide - 2 to 3 hour descent back to the Refuge for a picnic. Should there be intrepid hikers who prefer to "do" this peak in winter, morning fog and snow levels might preclude reaching the summit. In this event, we shall advise you, prior to setting out from Marrakech, of an alternative peak climb nearby. We shall now set off towards the north along steeply descending, zigzagging trails of the higher slopes of the Valley of the Assif n'Isouhouanem n'Ouagounss towards the Berber village of Sidi Chamharouch. Set beside a waterfall, with its homes surprisingly built one into the other, it is yet another sight to be enjoyed. There is a pilgrimage 'marabout' shrine here, probably the remnant of a pre-Islamic culture, but forbidden to non-Muslims and, on leaving the village, we shall notice a tree, sacred to the local Berbers, where they hang strips of coloured cloth and pile up stones as we descend high above the valley of the Assif Mizane, down zigzagging trails around granite and basalt grey rocks for some 8kms. to the remarkable village of Aroumd (Aremd) (1840m), built on a spur of rock commanding one of the more fertile valleys of the High Atlas mountains with terraced, irrigated plots and fields of maize, onions and fruit trees on all sides. Here we shall stop for our picnic prior to continuing for another 4kms. along the floor of the valley, thence up a well-defined mule track zigzagging above the river to arrive, finally, by about 5pm., at the Berber village of Imlil (1740m), Morocco's 'Little Chamonix,' with its paths and streams branching off in all directions, to enjoy a glass of mint tea - or two - at the gîte d'étape of our senior guide for dinner and overnight.

DAY 12:   IMLIL - TIZI N'TAMATERT - AGUERSIOUÄL VALLEY - TACHEDDIRT - IMLIL - MARRAKECH.
Today we have an optional circular hike or you could choose to visit the village hammam or simply relax and enjoy the Berber culture without having to carry on to the next location for once. After breakfast we shall set out towards the east on a moderate 6 hour hike up to the Tizi n' Tamatert (2280m) and on down winding tracks to the Tacheddirt Valley and thence to the Assif Aguersiouâl Valley, where we'll take our picnic. Thence, a slow, easy hike up to the village of Tacheddirt (2400m), to circle back alongside the lower slopes of the Jbel Aksouâl Range to arrive back at Imlil and our 4.30 transfer back to Marrakech.

* Please be prepared for minimal ablutions - and absolutely no "tourists" - until the Toubkal Massif that is.

NB: This trek is based upon including private transfers from Agadir, Taroudant or Marrakech; please contact us to arrange accommodation - we are experts for small hotels and riads across Morocco.

Cost for this tour:

- please call or email for a full quote - all our holidays are tailor-made and the cost of each trek is based upon the following:

* the number of people in your group (some hikes available for single travellers, one person FREE for groups of 10 or more);

* where you are starting from and to where you wish to travel at the end the hike;

* whether you are including any additional accommodation (e.g. in Imlil or Marrakech)

* extras such as WC tent or refuge accommodation, etc.

OUR PRICES INCLUDE:

Experienced bi-lingual, licensed mountain guide throughout; accommodation in the Toubkal Refuge or camping with igloo tents and undermats provided at the locations specified above; all meals during your trek (breakfast all days except first, all lunches and dinner all days except last); support team (mules and muleteers) throughout and 24hr emergency back up; private round trip transportation Agadir (or Taroudant)-Tagmout and Imlil-Marrakech. (NB. Private round trip transportation from Taroudant by light truck to and from trailhead, or 4WD as selected.)

Please ensure, at time of reservation, you advise us of your choice between camping and the Refuge.

OUR PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE:

Personal medical or accident insurance; any expenditure of a personal nature; bottled water (bottled water is available to buy in most villages and at the refuge) - nor anything not specifically mentioned in the itinerary, such as laundry, drinks, telephone calls and such like.

IT IS RECOMMENDED YOU BRING (dependent upon the season):

Stout walking boots; sleeping bag (3 seasons); waterproofs and fleece/duvet jackets, hats, balaclavas or ear muffs; gloves; rambler or ski pole; personal toiletries; small First Aid kit, thermal underwear (Dec-May); day pack; filled water bottle(s); torch and batteries (LED head torches are excellent), penknife (remember not to pack in hand baggage for flight); towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, hygienic wipes, nibbles and/or dried fruit. Drinking chocolate if preferred to tea and coffee, camping mug (otherwise it is small Moroccan tea glasses for everything), energy sweets and toilet rolls could come in handy!

** If staying in a Berber House or gite d'etap you may wish to bring some biros or other suitable gifts for the children of the house.

	Meals are normally:
	Breakfast - tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam, cheese plus porridge in the winter and cereal in summer. Picnic lunch - fresh Moroccan salad, cheese, slicing sausage, tinned tuna fish and sardines*, bread, fruit, mint tea.
	Dinner - Tajine (chicken or mutton* with vegetables), spaghetti, cous cous (main courses rotate depending on duration of trek), bread, coffee, tea, cake, fruit. * Those vegetarians or vegans amongst us need to pre-advise at time of reservation.

NB: This trek is based upon including private transfers from Marrakech; please contact us to arrange accommodation - we are experts for small hotels and riads across Morocco.

Tel: + 44 (0) 1989 730 552 (UK)

OR EMAIL US BY CLICKING HERE:

How to Book   

Back to Toubkal Treks

Back to Trekking home page