Signature trip
Nine summits above 4,000 metres. Classic option: based at the Toubkal refuge, the most flexible way to take on the challenge.
Trip overview
9x4000 Challenge in the High Atlas · Classic
The High Atlas is much more than Toubkal. The 9x4000 Challenge brings together nine great summits of the massif in a single trip: Toubkal, West Toubkal, Imouzzer, Ras, Timesguida, Akioud, North Afella, South Afella and Biguinnoussene. The Classic option prioritises flexibility, using the Toubkal refuge as a base for almost the whole trek. An Ecotour guide, who has personally walked the main routes, plus a local High Atlas team.
The character of the trip
How much adventure, culture and nature you'll experience.
Who will be with you on this trip
Toubkal, West Toubkal, Imouzzer, Ras and Timesguida have been walked personally by the head of Ecotour, who guides the trip together with the local mountain team.
The aim is the nine summits, but the priority is always to get down safely from each one. This option gives more room to rearrange the plan as you go.
Flexible dates
This experience runs with our partner team on the ground, who organise and sell the trip's services directly. At Ecotour we design the itinerary, explain how it works, answer your questions and put you in touch with the organising team when you're ready to go ahead.
Local team on the ground
You travel through Morocco with the local team, who organise and guide the trip on the ground. Ecotour helps you decide.
Start day
Pick your start day: the 8 days of the trip are marked automatically.
We explain how the trip works, answer your questions and put you in touch with the organising team when you want to go ahead.
We design the itinerary and support you throughout your decision. Sending the form is not a booking or a payment.
Flexible dates: get in touch and we'll tell you about the next departure windows and how the trip is organised.
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll contact you personally. It isn't a booking or a payment, just a request for information.
Complete freedom
A route just for you and your group, with the freedom to adapt the dates, pace and priorities of the trip.
We tailor the itinerary and pace, and shape the proposal with you. No commitment until every detail is settled.
2026
Choose a month and we'll tell you the availability and price for those dates. The price varies with dates, group size and available accommodation.
Arrival, transfer, group introductions, kit check and rest before entering the massif.
Imlil / Armed
A gradual approach to the massif. The Toubkal refuge will be the base for practically the whole trek.
Toubkal refuge
All three are official objectives of this option: Toubkal (4,167 m), West Toubkal and Imouzzer, in a single ridge day.
Toubkal refuge
The two summits of the Ouanoukrim cirque, Ras and Timesguida, linked together on the same day.
Toubkal refuge
A ridge day through the Ouanoukrim cirque to add Akioud and the two Afella summits. Exact variant and gear to be confirmed with the local team.
Toubkal refuge
The last summit of the Classic option and the descent to Imlil/Armed. Exact route to be confirmed with the local team depending on the season.
Imlil / Armed
Transfer from the valley to Marrakech. Free time in the city after several days in the mountains.
Marrakech
Transfer to Marrakech airport. End of the trip or connection to your flight home.
Detailed itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival, transfer, group introductions, kit check and rest before entering the massif.
DAY 2
A gradual approach to the massif. The Toubkal refuge will be the base for practically the whole trek.
DAY 3
All three are official objectives of this option: Toubkal (4,167 m), West Toubkal and Imouzzer, in a single ridge day.
DAY 4
The two summits of the Ouanoukrim cirque, Ras and Timesguida, linked together on the same day.
DAY 5
A ridge day through the Ouanoukrim cirque to add Akioud and the two Afella summits. Exact variant and gear to be confirmed with the local team.
DAY 6
The last summit of the Classic option and the descent to Imlil/Armed. Exact route to be confirmed with the local team depending on the season.
DAY 7
Transfer from the valley to Marrakech. Free time in the city after several days in the mountains.
DAY 8
Transfer to Marrakech airport. End of the trip or connection to your flight home.
Trip highlights
Marrakech, gateway to the Atlas
The trip starts in Marrakech: meeting the team, checking technical kit and a last taste of the city before entering the massif.
The Toubkal refuge, base for almost the whole trek
Unlike the Integral option, here the Toubkal refuge is the base for practically every day: you set out, climb and return to sleep in the same place each time.
Nine summits, two days of greater concentration
Toubkal, West Toubkal and Imouzzer are tackled together on one day; Akioud and the two Afellas on another. The rest are spread out with more room to adapt to the group's pace.
The other way to do it: the Integral
If you are looking for more of a traverse and more commitment, there is also the Integral option, which crosses the massif from the Tazaghart refuge to Toubkal. The same nine summits, a different experience.
An Ecotour guide, who has personally walked the main routes, plus the High Atlas guide team.
Ecotour guide and local teamMarrakech - Imlil/Armed - Marrakech by road, as per the programme.
Transfers on the groundNights in Imlil/Armed and at the Toubkal refuge as per the programme, with the meals listed for each day.
Accommodation on the routeRoute organisation and support from the local team throughout the activity.
Mountain logisticsInternational flights to and from Marrakech, travel insurance and mountain rescue cover (compulsory), personal technical gear, drinks and personal expenses, hotel nights in Marrakech before or after the programme, and tips.
What is not includedThe weather, ground conditions, snow, wind, how the group is going and any other relevant factor may mean changing a day or giving up a summit. The final decision rests with the guide team. Booking the trip does not guarantee reaching all nine summits.
You must travel with insurance that covers medical assistance, high-altitude mountain activity and rescue, as well as cancellation cover.
Depending on the time of year and snow or ice conditions, the guide team may ask for additional gear such as crampons or an ice axe. Whether a helmet or rope is needed on Akioud, Afella and Biguinnoussene is confirmed with the local team before each departure.
Before confirming a booking we ask for a short form about your mountain experience (routes in the last year, maximum elevation gain in a day, previous altitude reached) to make sure this challenge suits your level.
Frequently asked questions
Both go for the same nine summits. The difference is not in the peaks but in how you cross the massif: the Classic uses the Toubkal refuge as a base for almost the whole trek, with more scope to rearrange days; the Integral crosses the massif from the Tazaghart refuge to Toubkal, with more of a traverse feel and less flexibility.
Summits are never guaranteed. The weather, ground conditions, snow, wind and how the group is going may mean changing a day or giving up a summit. The final decision always rests with the guide team.
You do not need to be a climber, but you do need to be used to walking for several hours, to significant elevation gain, to stony terrain, to several consecutive days, to dealing with cold and changing weather, and to moving above 4,000 m. Before accepting a booking we ask you to fill in a short questionnaire about your previous experience.
The basic mountain kit (boots, thermal layers, windproof jacket, gloves, hat, sunglasses, poles). Depending on the time of year and snow or ice conditions, the guide team may ask for additional gear such as crampons or an ice axe.
Write to us and tell us about your mountain experience, and we will help you choose between the 8x4000, the 9x4000 Classic or the Integral traverse. The price and final conditions are confirmed with you before going ahead.
Gallery
Reviews
Sara Rojas3 months ago
Morocco
Just back from spending a few days in Morocco with Ecotour, all I can say is that the experience was wonderful, the kind that leaves unforgettable memories and makes life even more beautiful!!! Thank you
Hector Rus2 years ago
Morocco
I went on a trip to Morocco with Ecotour and Javi: 4 people and two specialists in snake spotting and rescue. Honestly, the number of different species we saw was surprising, from cobras to vipers and grass snakes, very big desert lizards, geckos and so on. It was non-stop, including getting into Western Sahara, with a group that from minute one felt like we'd known each other all our lives, great vibes and lots and lots of passion for animals and sharing. I learned a ton of things and was able to handle these animals in complete safety. I'd also say that I never felt we were going through tourist spots, quite the opposite. The places we passed through hadn't seen outsiders for days. That means that, besides everything being cheaper, you feel you've really got into the heart of a trip. One hundred percent adventure; more than a tour, it was a trip among friends passionate about animals. Thanks for everything, Javi, and for being there looking out for everyone. A big hug, and I'll do it again as soon as I can, no doubt. 🫂🙌
Sergio Gonzalez Yagüe2 years ago
Morocco
The trip to Morocco was one of the best moments of my life, 10/10, nothing more to add.
Lara Redondo González2 years ago
Morocco
How lovely it is when things are done with passion! A truly authentic trip with Javi in Morocco. If I were you, I'd rush to grab the next place :)
Juan Pablo Bernalte Toledo2 years ago
Morocco
This trip to Morocco was magical, the organisation and the guides super professional, every day an adventure. 100% recommended.
Carlos Buil3 years ago
High mountain
As always, it's an unforgettable experience to do high mountain climbing safely with Javier. Climbing two 3,000-metre peaks and enjoying the scenery in an educational and passionate way. Looking forward to doing it again 💪💪💪
ines piazuelo3 years ago
Vallibierna
Very professional and fun guiding on the Vallibierna. With guides like this, it seems possible to climb any peak. Thanks for the encouragement during the ascent, Javi, we'll surely see each other again 🏔️🥾👏🏻…
Adrian Romero Fernandez2 years ago
Patagonia
I set off on a trip to the southernmost point in the world with Eco Tour and the experience couldn't have been better. Without a doubt, I'd do it again a thousand times!
Veronica Bimba2 years ago
Patagonia
I went on a trip to Chilean Patagonia with Javi last Christmas and it was impressive!! Besides the scenery, which is truly incredible, Javi's management and organisation were great. Before the trip he advises you on everything you need, and during the trip he was one more companion and friend. A good person and a good professional, I'd definitely travel with him again.
rajae azelmad3 months ago
Honest and good experience
Rut V2 weeks ago
Red deer rut
A wonderful experience in a luxury setting. We got in touch with Javi after finding him online and it was a great decision. He's a young guy, passionate about his work and about nature, and it shows. He explained so many things about the rut and the surroundings, and brought samples to show us how animals are tracked, always with respect and without disturbing their habitat. He also took loads of souvenir photos, both of us and of the animals, which we really appreciated. I loved the equipment he uses: he has a screen that attaches to the camera, so we could all enjoy the views without needing telescopes. Thank you so much, Javi, for the experience. You're a truly lovely person.
M. Villar (Proska)2 weeks ago
Red deer rut
Without a doubt an unforgettable experience. Several companies offer the rut, but not like this one: his knowledge of the subject, together with the technology he uses, guarantees a complete outing and lets you enjoy the activity to the fullest. 100% recommended
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