6 Days High Atlas Valleys & Berber Homestay Trek

Highlights

• Trek through authentic Berber villages untouched by mass tourism
• Sleep in family houses, a mountain refuge, and a traditional Berber-style riad
• Explore the Azzaden Valley with its walnut groves & red-earth landscapes
• Visit the stunning Ighouliden waterfalls
• Cross spectacular mountain passes like Tizi Oudid (2,200 m) & Tizi n’Mzik (2,489 m)
• Reach the holy shrine of Sidi Chamharouch (2,350 m) with views of Mount Toubkal
• Enjoy traditional Moroccan meals prepared with fresh mountain ingredients

Day by day

1. 01
   Day 1Marrakech → Moulay Brahim Gorges → Asni → Imi Oughlad → Gliz+

   Your adventure begins with a morning transfer from bustling Marrakech (450 m) into the foothills of the Atlas. You’ll drive through the winding Moulay Brahim Gorges and the lively town of Asni (1,150 m), famous for its weekly Saturday Berber market.

   On arrival at Imi Oughlad (1,450 m), you’ll meet your local muleteer crew and set off on your first hike. The trail climbs steadily through pine, juniper, and terraced farmlands to Tizi N’Elbour Pass (1,700 m). From here, enjoy sweeping views of the valleys below. Continue through tiny hamlets like Imsker and Tinghar, before descending gently to Gliz village (1,650 m).

   Picnic lunch en route under walnut or pine trees.

   Dinner with a Berber family offers your first taste of Atlas hospitality.

   Hiking: 4–5 hrs | Ascent: +500 m | Descent: -250 m

   Overnight in a Berber family house in Gliz.

2. 02
   Day 2Gliz → Amssakrou → Tizi N’Ougrssioual → Matat+

   Today’s trek takes you through some of the most beautiful farmlands in the region. Walk along walnut groves and terraced fields in Amssakrou Valley, following shepherd paths that link remote villages.

   Picnic lunch along the trail near riverside fields.

   The highlight is the climb to Tizi N’Ougrssioual Pass (2,000 m), where the red clay villages of the Azzaden Valley come into view against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

   After descending into the valley, stop for lunch near Agrssioual village before continuing to Matat (1,800 m).

   Dinner in a guest house, with hearty tagine and fresh bread baked in a clay oven.

   Hiking: 5–6 hrs | Ascent: +400 m | Descent: -500 m

   Overnight in a Berber guest house in Matat.

3. 03
   Day 3Matat → Tizi Oudid → Id Issa → Tizi Oussem → Azib Tamsoult+

   After breakfast, climb gradually towards Tizi Oudid Pass (2,200 m), a balcony with magnificent views of the High Atlas. Descend through juniper forests and traditional Berber hamlets to reach Id Issa village.

   Continue deeper into the Azzaden Valley, known for its dramatic red-earth landscapes and walnut groves. Pass through Tizi Oussem (1,850 m), one of the valley’s largest villages, before reaching Azib Tamsoult (2,250 m), a summer pasture hamlet where shepherds graze their flocks. Lunch with views of terraced walnut groves.

   Enjoy a hot meal in the evening surrounded by high peaks.

   Hiking: 6 hrs | Ascent: +700 m | Descent: -400 m

   Overnight in Refuge Tamsoult (2,250 m).

4. 04
   Day 4Azib Tamsoult → Ighouliden Waterfalls → Tizi Mzik → Imlil+

   A spectacular day! Begin with a short hike to the Ighouliden waterfalls (2,400 m), cascading down rocky cliffs – one of the most beautiful spots in the Atlas. From here, climb steadily to Tizi Mzik Pass (2,489 m), offering panoramic views of the Azzaden and Imlil valleys. Picnic lunch at the pass or during the descent.

   Descend on mule tracks lined with juniper and wildflowers until you reach Imlil (1,750 m), the main trailhead village of the High Atlas.

   A traditional dinner awaits you at Riad Berber Towers, with warm Berber hospitality.

   Hiking: 6–7 hrs | Ascent: +600 m | Descent: -950 m

   Overnight at Riad Berber Towers, Imlil.

5. 05
   Day 5Imlil → Sidi Chamharouch → Imlil+

   Today’s hike leads you towards the holy site of Sidi Chamharouch (2,350 m), known for its white-painted shrine dedicated to the “King of the Devils.” Pilgrims come here seeking blessings and healing. The trail climbs steadily along the Mizane Valley, passing streams, walnut groves, and views of Mount Toubkal (4,167 m).

   Have a picnic lunch by the river before descending back to Imlil.

   Hiking: 4–5 hrs | Ascent: +600 m | Descent: -600 m

   Overnight at Riad Berber Towers, Imlil.

6. 06
   Day 6Imlil → Short Hike with Lunch→ Marrakech+

   After breakfast, enjoy a gentle hike around Imlil’s surrounding villages – Aremd, Tamatert, or Mzik – to see traditional stone houses, terraced fields, and local life.

   Lunch with a Berber family, tasting freshly baked bread, olive oil, and homegrown vegetables.

   Afternoon transfer back to Marrakech (~1.5 hrs).

   Arrival in the early evening, with memories of valleys, villages, and waterfalls.

   Hiking: 2–3 hrs | Easy walk

What to bring

Photos