Mountains · 7 days
Atlas Lakes & Passes Trek
High passes, blue mountain lakes and Berber valleys over a week
Duration
7 days
Group size
2–10 trekkers
Difficulty
Challenging
Languages
English, French, Berber
From / person
$980
Overview
A seven-day high-level traverse linking the mountain lakes of Tamda and Ifni with a string of passes over 3,000m and an optional Toubkal summit. Challenging high-altitude trekking; mule-supported camps and gîtes.
For trekkers who love high cols and remote water, this week traverses the eastern Toubkal massif and Ourika watershed, linking the deep mountain lakes of Tamda and Ifni with a sequence of passes above 3,000m and high pastures rarely seen by other walkers. Each day crosses a tizi (pass) into a new valley, sleeping in Berber gîtes and mule-supported camps, with an optional ascent of Jbel Toubkal (4,167m) for those who want the summit.
This is sustained, scenic, high-altitude trekking — typically 5–7 hours a day with regular passes over 3,000–3,600m — best suited to fit, experienced walkers. There is no technical climbing outside winter, and mules carry all the heavy kit while a cook travels with the group.
Trip highlights
- Mountain lakes of Tamda and the remote Lac d'Ifni
- A week of high passes (tizis) above 3,000m
- Optional summit of Jbel Toubkal, 4,167m
- Remote Berber valleys and high pastures
- Mule-supported camps and village gîtes throughout
Photo gallery
Inside the trip.
Day-by-day itinerary
Marrakech → Marrakech
- 1
Day 1 · Marrakech → Oukaïmeden → Tacheddirt
Ourika watershedTransfer up to the Oukaïmeden plateau (2,600m) and trek over to Tacheddirt to begin acclimatising (about 4 hours).
Berber gîte, Tacheddirt L · D - 2
Day 2 · Tacheddirt → Lac de Tamda
via high pass 3,200mCross a 3,200m pass into a quiet valley to camp near the blue Lac de Tamda (about 6 hours).
Camp near Lac de Tamda B · L · D - 3
Day 3 · Tamda → Azib valley
High pasturesTraverse high pastures and a further col into a remote azib valley (about 6 hours).
Camp / azib B · L · D - 4
Day 4 · Over the pass to Lac d'Ifni
via Tizi 3,500m+A big pass day descending to the shores of the remote Lac d'Ifni (about 7 hours).
Gîte / camp, Lac d'Ifni B · L · D - 5
Day 5 · Lac d'Ifni → Toubkal Refuge
via Tizi n'Ouanoums 3,664mClimb the Tizi n'Ouanoums (3,664m) to the Toubkal refuges, ready for the optional summit (about 6 hours).
Toubkal mountain refuge B · L · D - 6
Day 6 · Optional Toubkal summit → Imlil
Jbel Toubkal 4,167mOptional pre-dawn summit of Toubkal (4,167m), then long descent through the Mizane valley to Imlil (full day).
Gîte, Imlil B · L · D - 7
Day 7 · Imlil → Marrakech
Atlas to Red CityRelaxed final morning, then transfer back to Marrakech by early afternoon.
B
Cities & regions on this trip
You'll experience 5 destinations.
Each stop has its own deep-dive guide — geography, history, best season, things to see, and other tours that visit it. Tap any card to open its dedicated page.
Imperial city · Central Morocco
Marrakech
The red-walled trailhead city — where every High Atlas trek begins and ends.
Open guide
High Atlas · Imlil & Toubkal
Atlas Mountains
The roof of North Africa — Berber footpaths, mule trains and the climb to Jbel Toubkal at 4,167m.
Open guide
High Atlas · Near Marrakech
Ourika Valley
The High Atlas trekking valley closest to Marrakech — Berber footpaths, the Setti Fatma cascades and the gentlest first steps onto the mountain.
Open guideHigh Atlas · Toubkal National Park
Imlil
Imlil is the High Atlas trekking village that puts North Africa's highest summit within two days' walk.
Open guide
Atlantic coast · Guelmim-Oued Noun
Sidi Ifni
Where the Anti-Atlas runs down to the surf — a faded Spanish-era Atlantic town below the southern ranges, near the red sea arches of Legzira.
Open guideThe route
Map of Atlas Lakes & Passes Trek
9 stops across Mountains. Distances and timings are flexible — every itinerary is reshaped to your pace.
- 1
Marrakech
Start
- 2
Oukaïmeden
Trailhead 2,600m
- 3
Tacheddirt
Night 1
- 4
Lac de Tamda
Night 2
- 5
Lac d'Ifni
Night 4
- 6
Toubkal Refuge
Night 5
- 7
Jbel Toubkal summit
Optional summit
- 8
Imlil
Night 6
- 9
Marrakech
End
What's included
- Private English-speaking driver-guide for the duration
- Vehicle (sedan, 4x4 or minivan) with fuel, tolls and parking
- All listed accommodation in hand-picked riads, kasbahs or desert camps
- Daily breakfast and meals as noted in the itinerary
- All listed entrance fees and guided activities
- Airport pickup and drop-off with flight tracking
- Bottled water and snacks on board
- WhatsApp support during your trip
Not included
- International flights to/from Morocco
- Travel insurance (we recommend a provider)
- Alcoholic drinks and personal shopping
- Optional activities marked “add-on” in your quote
- Tips for driver, guides and camp staff
What to bring
Pack light, pack smart.
- Broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
- Layered clothing — Atlas mornings are near-freezing, midday warm
- Insulated jacket and waterproof shell
- Warm hat, sun hat, gloves and buff
- Hiking poles (we can rent a pair in Imlil)
- Headlamp for alpine summit starts
- 1.5L+ water capacity, SPF 50, lip balm
- Small day-pack — mules carry your main bag
Frequently asked
Questions about this tour.
Is the Toubkal summit guaranteed on the lakes and passes trek?
The summit is optional and weather-dependent. After a week of high passes you'll be well acclimatised, which gives a strong chance, but we always put safety and conditions first.
How remote is this trek?
Very — several days cross high passes into valleys with only shepherds' camps and no road access. Mules carry everything and a cook travels with the group, so you are fully self-supported.
How fit do I need to be?
Moderate. Expect 2–4 hours of light walking per day and one or two longer driving days. We pace days carefully and stop often.
When should I book?
For high season (Oct–Apr) and any trip involving the Sahara or hot-air balloon, book 8–12 weeks ahead. Last-minute (under 14 days) is usually still possible with a phone call.
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