Day 1: Marrakech - Imi Ourhlad - Imsker

Early morning departure from Marrakech for a pleasant drive way up into the foothills of the Western High Atlas ranges to arrive at our trailhead in the Berber village of Imi Ourhlad (1430m) from whence we shall start today's 2 hour walk.

We meet up with our mules and Berber muleteer crew - always a fun part of our hikes in the Western High Atlas.

With paths branching out all around us we set out up along a trail across the Assif Imlil Once over the hump we shall picnic around midday on the Imi ourhlad of the Assif Imlil near the Berber village of tagadirt.

Our afternoon's hike takes us up and along the river's side until we reach the assif n' imnan to cross the Tizi n'Imsker (1708m). Overnight at Berber gite.

Day 2: Imsker- Oussertek - Oukam Eden Plateau

After breakfast we strike out for today's 6½-hour walk up between nut trees and through several Berber hamlet and villages, including those of Tidili and Gueliz until we reach the village of agadir n'osrtk (2406m), where we shall stop for a break and our picnic in a private garden in the village centre. Our afternoon hike takes us up through the Tizi n'Oukaïmeden (2668m) and thence on down to our reufeg and dinner for the night.

1 nights in mountain refuge with L (includedmeals: B, L, D).

Day 3: Summit Of Jebel Oukaimden – Ouanskra Village

Your first peak waits! As you make your way to the summit of Jebel Oukaimeden (3,262 metres) it is possible to view the route you will follow over the next few days.

A steep descent brings you to some high meadows where you? Ll have lunch, before crossing the pass or? Tizi? Near Addi and descending to the small village of ounskra. (Approx. 8 hours walking).1 night (BLD).

Day 4: Ouanskrra - Tizi n'tamatert - Aremd Village

After yesterday's hard slog, today's is a relatively easy hike down a narrow, winding piste along the splendid Imenane Valley which splits the foothills of the Jbel Aksouâl and the Adrar n'Oukaïmeden ranges and the several Berber villages clinging to the upper slopes.

After some 2 hours we continue up to the Tizi n'Tamatert (2272m) which affords us a panoramic vista of the Imlil Valley and thence a further 2 hours easy hike down winding mule tracks, passing through the village of Tamatert (1810m) with its orchards of apple, nut and cherry trees, until we reach largest village in high atlas.

Overnight in Berber village house L (included meals: B, L, D)

Day 5: Aremd Village - Naltner Reufege

Leaving the green fields and walnut trees of Arroumd, we follow the Mizane valley and come to the small shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, a place of pilgrimage for many Moroccan people.

There is time to view the tomb of the local marabout (holy man) albeit from a distance as non-Muslims are not allowed to cross the footbridge.

After stopping for a drink we continue the climb up to the Neltner refuge at an altitude of 3,209 m. If conditions are right and the hut crowded, we may bivouac. Refuge (or Camping).

Day 6: Toubkal Summit - Aremd Village

We make an early start for the ascent of Toubkal, climbing steeply through scree before traversing the southern ridge to reach the summit at 4,167 m.

On the April and October (and occasionally May) departures there could well be snow on the mountain in which case crampons and ice-axes may be necessary (please see equipment section). After enjoying the magnificent views in all directions we descend to the Neltner hut and walk back to the village house in Arroumd. Village house.

(Total walking approx. 9 hrs)Overnight in Berber village house L (included meals: B, L, D).

Day 7: Aremd Villages - Tizi Oussem

WToday we trek across the Tizi Mzik Pass (2500m) from where there are good panoramic views of Mount Tazaghakht and the High Atlas, towards the beautiful Oussem Valley and the high summer pastures of Azib Tamsoult (2300m). Approx. 6 hours walking. Grade hard. Overnight in gite.

Day 8: Tizi Oussem – Marrakiech

An excellent final day's trekking. The descent continues to the village of Tizi Oussem, an attractive route across forested hillsides which are home to wild boar, mouflon and a favourite hunting ground for many species of birds of prey.

There will be time to visit the village before heading down through terraced fields and groves of fruit trees to Id Issa.

The village of Id Issa is the most important in the region, with an established wool-weaving and handicraft industry, and beautiful views over the Ait Ouzaddeb Valley.

After a break for mint tea in a local Berber house, the trail turns south-east and ascends to the Tizi n'Techt (2000m). We have a picnic lunch on the pass, and the trek ends with a fairly steep descent to the village of Imiourghlad (1350m). Approx. 6 hours walking. Grade hard.

Fourwheel- drive transport will be waiting at the roadhead at the end of the trek for the 1hrs- drive to marrakich. Overnight hotel H (included meals: B.).