Hiking in Morocco’s High Atlas: A Toubkal Day Trek & Amazigh Village Stay

Compared to the Sahara Desert, few travelers choose to trek and stay overnight in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains.

And those who do head to Imlil and Aroumd—the quaint Amazigh (Berber) gateway villages to Toubkal National Park—usually go with one goal in mind: summiting Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak.

But for my women’s blog retreat to Morocco this winter, we did something a little different.

With only 24 hours to spare between Marrakesh and our onward journey to Aït Ben Haddou, we decided to hike a little beyond Imlil, stay overnight in a quiet, family-run guesthouse, and spend our afternoon hiking into the Toubkal valley.

Kickstarting your Morocco itinerary with an overnight trip in the High Atlas—only 1.5–2 hours outside of Marrakesh—is a wonderful way to unplug from the chaotic city streets and seep into the slow mountain life of the Amazigh people and culture.

I recommend spending one night in the High Atlas, especially if you want a nature escape but don’t want to summit Mt Toubkal.

Here’s what our short trek was like, and how to plan a similar overnight stay and day hike in Toubkal!

Why Choose a Short Trek in the High Atlas

For starters, this guide only talks about a 3–4 hour day hike in Toubkal National Park—I won’t go into detail about summiting Toubkal or even reaching base camp.

So, why choose to do a short overnighter in the High Atlas?

Coming from Marrakesh, the High Atlas is easily accessible. It’s only some 40 miles from the city, but it takes roughly 1.5–2 hours by car to reach due to curvy roads.

If you have a limited itinerary or are short on time, a day hike in Toubkal is enough. Otherwise, definitely go for the two-night base camp trek!

But if you don’t want to summit Mt Toubkal on this trip, read on.

How to Get to Imlil/Aroumd From Marrakesh

Because of its remote location, the best way to reach Imlil and Aroumd villages and Toubkal National Park from Marrakesh is to drive there with a rental car via P2005 road.

Other than driving yourself, you can:

• Hire private transport (through your hotel in Marrakesh)
• Take the bus or taxi (not direct) to Asni, then to Imlil

Guided High Atlas day trips with early pick-up in Marrakesh are also possible.

Note: There are also two other entry points for Toubkal National Park, but they don’t go through Imlil.

One-night trips aren’t as popular, which is why you’ll be better off organizing it on your own if you want to stay overnight and wake up in the High Atlas for sunrise! Don’t worry, it’s doable!

From Imlil, our group hiked on foot 30–45 minutes to Aroumd (also spelled Armed / Aremd), where we stayed in a local guesthouse. You can also reach it by car, but it’s way more fun on foot!

On your way to Aroumd, you can stop by and visit the Imlil waterfalls, located right nearby the village.

Best Accommodation in Imlil & Aroumd Villages

While you can stay in Imlil, the quieter village with prettier High Atlas Mountain views will be Aroumd.

This is where I recommend you stay for easier foot access to Toubkal National Park.

My group simply walked out the doors of our guesthouse and were already on the dirt and gravel trail!

Accommodation in these villages is comfortable and ranges from basic to comfort+!

Aroumd Guesthouses:

Imil Guesthouses:

Packing Tips for an Overnight Stay & When to Go

In winter, Imlil and the villages of the High Atlas get very cold. Temperatures can drop 15°C below the temperatures of Marrakesh.

Even inside the lodging with an open fire, expect to wear layers.

Here’s what I packed and prepared for one night in Imlil/Aroumd:

• 1 medium-thick down winter jacket
• Hiking boots/shoes + wool socks
• Warm beanie + gloves
• 2 pairs of leggings
• 2 long sleeves
• 1 medium-thick pajama pants
• Body wipes
• Camera gear
• Battery pack
• Trekking poles (optional; would have helped my knees!)

Again, note this was what I packed and carried overnight to Aroumd. I was able to leave my heavier 40L backpack in our group’s private vehicle.

If you are carrying everything on your own, pack light, and don’t forget to layer up in winter. Our trip was end of January.

That said, the best time to hike in Toubkal is later in the spring and fall months. In spring and summer, the riversides are lush and plump with apple trees, and the waterfall volume more abundant.

For us, we had brick-brown scenery covered with a light snow dusting! I also really loved seeing the chimney smoke in the air during fresh mornings and evenings.

Do You Need a Guide or Porter to Hike Toubkal?

You won’t need a porter or guide for this trip unless you plan to summit Mt Toubkal.

The hiking includes an easy 30-minute walk beyond Imlil to reach Aroumd to your hotel or guesthouse.

Then, from Aroumd, it takes around 3–4 hours round-trip to complete the day hike to Sidi Chamharouch inside Toubkal National Park.

If you prefer, instead of doing all of this on your own (recommended to rent a car in Marrakesh), you can organize this overnight trip as a full-day trip from Marrakesh.

Trekkers who want to summit Toubkal will need one night in Imlil/Aroumd and then one night at base camp.

You can also do this alone (but hire a local guide in Imlil) or book a private guided 3-day trek to summit Mt Toubkal.

From Aroumd to Shrine Sidi Chamharouch: Hike in Toubkal National Park

As mentioned, it takes around 2 hours one-way from Aroumd to the pilgrimage site and shrine of Sidi Chamharouch inside Toubkal National Park.

It’s a good resting point for mint tea and cookies for a scenic day hike from Aroumd/Imlil!

Along the way, you’ll pass by the gendarmerie checkpoint. Day hikers shouldn’t need to check in.

💡 However, if you’re planning to summit Mount Toubkal, note that hiring a certified local guide is mandatory. This regulation is enforced at various checkpoints along the trail to ensure safety and proper conduct within the park! The cost for a guide typically ranges from 100 to 150 MAD per day, depending on the season and the guide’s experience.​

Either way, gear up for the day hike with plenty of water.

The first half of the hike is fairly steep and steady. It’s best to go early afternoon so you have enough time to get back before sunset. Once the sun goes down, the wind chill picks up drastically!

During this day hike, you’ll see the High Atlas ridges in all their splendor.

I will never forget the feeling of inhaling the crisp, sunny air, as it was my first time hiking in the mountains after my laser eye surgery. Getting to see the snowy peaks in basically 4D was just stunning.

Back to the trail—reaching Sidi Chamharouch is straightforward. You can’t take a wrong turn.

You’ll know you’ve arrived when you come to a few tea stalls perched riverside by a small waterfall.

Behind the first stalls and chairs stands the Sidi Chamharouch Shrine, marked by a giant white boulder with flags.

This shrine has a mysterious story about cleansing oneself of genies—better known as jinns. Amazigh locals say they come here to cleanse themselves of being possessed by these spirits.

Sidi Chamharouch was said to be a marabout (“Muslim holy man”), and this shrine, according to our guide, is his tomb, making it not just a pitstop for weary trekkers but a sacred pilgrimage site for Muslims.

Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the shrine.

This trail is a popular rest stop for trekkers heading onward to Toubkal base camp and the Toubkal Refuge.

Is Hiking in Toubkal Worth It If You’re Not Summiting?

Even though I didn’t summit Toubkal, I definitely enjoyed hiking in the national park and think it’s more than worth the extra time and effort to experience this side of Morocco.

The real highlight was slowing down in Aroumd village, with our Amazigh hosts, who made us lovely home-cooked tajines, and simply spending time with my travel group.

The stars and the dark, clear sky were also a major highlight of our overnight trip.

Even though it was so cold we couldn’t hardly stand to stay outside after dark a moment longer than necessary, pointing out all of the constellations was a magical moment I will always remember.

Overall, the detour into the High Atlas Mountains from Marrakesh is more than worth it for a taste of Atlas and Amazigh life in the mountains.

Now, I’m even more eager to explore this untouched, wild region.

One day, when I return, I hope to say I’ve summited North Africa’s highest peak!