The High Atlas is much more than Toubkal. The 9x4000 Challenge brings together nine great summits of the massif in a single trip: Toubkal, Toubkal West, Imouzzer, Ras, Timesguida, Akioud, Afella North, Afella South and Biguinnoussene. The Full Traverse option crosses the massif from the Tazaghart refuge to Toubkal: the experience closest to a small expedition in the whole catalogue, with more logistical commitment and less room to reorganise days. An Ecotour guide, who has personally walked the main routes, plus the local team.
nine summits, one traverse9x4000 Challenge · Full Traverse option: from Tazaghart to Toubkal
DestinationMorocco · High Atlas · Tazaghart and Toubkal massifs
Duration8 days and 7 nights
GuideEcotour guide + local High Atlas team
Group sizeSmall group
EcosystemsHigh Atlas mountains, 9 summits above 4,000 m
The character of the trip
How much adventure, culture and nature you'll experience.
Adventure5/5
Culture4/5
Nature4/5
Ecotour guide + High Atlas guide team
Who will be with you on this trip
Ecotour (Javier Gil) and the local High Atlas team
Toubkal, Toubkal West, Imouzzer, Ras and Timesguida have been walked personally by Ecotour's founder, who leads the trip alongside the local mountain team, with more experience of the Tazaghart massif than of the rest of the catalogue.
The goal is the nine summits, but the priority is always to come down well from each one. This option demands more planning because it is a traverse between refuges.
Flexible dates
Interested in this trip?
Who organises this trip?
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
Travel with our local team
You travel through Morocco with the local team, who organise and guide the trip on the ground. Ecotour helps you decide.
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Start day
MTWTFSS
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.
How you experience it
We design the itinerary and support you throughout your decision. Sending the form is not a booking or a payment.
How does it work?
You get in touch. Fill in the form or send us a WhatsApp message. No commitment: it isn't a booking or a payment.
We talk it through. We give you all the details, answer your questions and see whether the trip is right for you.
We put you in touch. When you're ready to go ahead, we connect you with the organising team, who handle the booking.
All that's left is to enjoy it. Your guide is with you every step of the way. You just live the trip.
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.
A route just for you and your group, with the freedom to adapt the dates, pace and priorities of the trip.
Morocco, at your own pace
We tailor the itinerary and pace, and shape the proposal with you. No commitment until every detail is settled.
How does it work?
Tell us your ideas, dates and preferences.
We design a tailor-made proposal for you or your group.
We fine-tune the itinerary, accommodation and pace with you.
We put you in touch with the organiser and support you throughout.
Available months
2026
JanuaryFebruaryMarchJulyAugustNovemberDecember
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.
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1: Marrakech → Imlil
Arrival, transfer, group introductions, technical kit check and rest before the traverse.
Imlil
Day 2: Imlil → Tazaghart refuge
Entry into the western sector of the massif, far less frequented than the Toubkal cirque, gaining height gradually.
Tazaghart refuge
Day 3: Biguinnoussene
Summit and return to the Tazaghart refuge.
Tazaghart refuge
Day 4: Afella North and South → Toubkal refuge
You climb the two Afella summits and then cross to the other massif, descending to the Toubkal refuge. Exact variant, luggage and logistics to be confirmed with the local team.
Toubkal refuge
Day 5: Toubkal West, Toubkal and Imouzzer
The central day of the traverse: Toubkal West, the summit of Toubkal (4,167 m) and Imouzzer, in a single day along the ridge.
Toubkal refuge
Day 6: Ras and Timesguida
The two summits of the Ouanoukrim cirque, Ras and Timesguida.
Toubkal refuge
Day 7: Akioud → Imlil
The last summit of the traverse and a full descent to the valley. Variant, timings, elevation gain and possible porterage to be confirmed with the local team.
Imlil
Day 8: Imlil → Marrakech / airport
Transfer to Marrakech and connection with your return flight.
Detailed itinerary
The trip, day by day
DAY 1
Marrakech → Imlil
Imlil
Dinner
Arrival, transfer, group introductions, technical kit check and rest before the traverse.
DAY 2
Imlil → Tazaghart refuge
Tazaghart refuge
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
Entry into the western sector of the massif, far less frequented than the Toubkal cirque, gaining height gradually.
DAY 3
Biguinnoussene
Tazaghart refuge
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
Summit and return to the Tazaghart refuge.
DAY 4
Afella North and South → Toubkal refuge
Toubkal refuge
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
You climb the two Afella summits and then cross to the other massif, descending to the Toubkal refuge. Exact variant, luggage and logistics to be confirmed with the local team.
DAY 5
Toubkal West, Toubkal and Imouzzer
Toubkal refuge
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
The central day of the traverse: Toubkal West, the summit of Toubkal (4,167 m) and Imouzzer, in a single day along the ridge.
DAY 6
Ras and Timesguida
Toubkal refuge
Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner
The two summits of the Ouanoukrim cirque, Ras and Timesguida.
DAY 7
Akioud → Imlil
Imlil
Breakfast and packed lunch
The last summit of the traverse and a full descent to the valley. Variant, timings, elevation gain and possible porterage to be confirmed with the local team.
DAY 8
Imlil → Marrakech / airport
Breakfast
Transfer to Marrakech and connection with your return flight.
Trip highlights
What makes this route special
Marrakech, gateway to the Atlas
The trip starts in Marrakech: meeting the team, checking technical kit and a last taste of the city before the traverse.
Meeting the team
Technical kit check
Transfer to Imlil
Tazaghart, the refuge few people reach
The first stage of the traverse does not go through the Toubkal cirque but through the Tazaghart massif, far less frequented. This is the real difference from the Classic option: without crossing here there is no Full Traverse.
Tazaghart refuge, base for the first two days
A far quieter sector of the massif
The stage that defines the Full Traverse option
The big day: Toubkal, Toubkal West and Imouzzer
After crossing to the Toubkal refuge, one of the fullest days of the traverse links Toubkal West, Toubkal and Imouzzer.
Toubkal West, Toubkal and Imouzzer
A long ridge in a single day
The central day of the traverse
The other way to do it: the Classic
If you prefer more flexibility and less logistical commitment, there is also the Classic option, with a fixed base at the Toubkal refuge. The same nine summits, a different experience.
Same goal, a different way to live it
See the Classic option
Choose according to your experience and what you are looking for
Included
An Ecotour guide, who has personally walked the main routes, plus the High Atlas guide team.
Ecotour guide and local team
Marrakech to Imlil and back by road, as per the programme.
Transfers at the destination
Nights in Imlil and in the Tazaghart and Toubkal refuges as per the programme, with the meals listed for each day.
Accommodation on the trek
Organisation of the traverse and support from the local team throughout the activity.
Mountain logistics
Not included
International 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 included
Additional information
Safety always comes before the itinerary
The weather, the condition of the terrain, snow, wind, how the group is going and any other relevant factor may force a change to a day or the abandonment of a summit. The final decision rests with the guide team. Booking the trip does not guarantee reaching all nine summits.
Travel and rescue insurance
You must travel with insurance covering medical assistance, high-mountain activity and rescue, as well as cancellation cover.
Gear depending on conditions
Depending on the time of year and snow or ice conditions, the guide team may ask for additional equipment such as crampons or an ice axe. Whether a helmet or rope is needed on the Afella and Akioud sections is confirmed with the local team before each departure.
A traverse between two refuges
It is the option with the most logistical commitment in the catalogue: two high-mountain refuges, less room to reorganise days and a crossing stage between massifs. It is best to arrive with previous experience of multi-day traverses.
Previous experience questionnaire
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, highest altitude reached) to make sure this traverse suits your level.
What's not included, in detail
Flights and insurance
International flights to and from Marrakech
Travel insurance, assistance and high-mountain rescue (compulsory)
Technical gear
Personal high-mountain gear
Additional equipment (crampons, ice axe, helmet) if conditions require it
In Marrakech and extras
Hotel nights in Marrakech before or after the programme
Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Frequently asked questions
What people ask us
01How does it differ from the Classic option?
Both go for the same nine summits. The difference is not in the summits but in how you travel through the massif: the Full Traverse crosses the range from the Tazaghart refuge to Toubkal, with two high-mountain refuges, more commitment and less flexibility; the Classic uses the Toubkal refuge as a base for almost the whole trip. It is not necessarily more technical; its greater difficulty lies in the accumulation of days, the elevation gain, the fatigue and the logistics of a traverse.
02Are all nine summits always completed?
No summits are guaranteed. The weather, the condition of the terrain, snow, wind and how the group is going may force a change to a day or the abandonment of a summit. The final decision always rests with the guide team.
03What previous experience do I need?
It is the most demanding option in the High Atlas catalogue: you need good fitness, previous multi-day mountain experience and the ability to manage the accumulated fatigue of a traverse between refuges. Before accepting a booking we ask you to complete a short questionnaire about your previous experience.
04What gear do I need?
Basic mountain gear (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 equipment such as crampons or an ice axe.
05How do I book and how does payment work?
Write to us and tell us about your mountain experience and we will help you choose between the 8x4000, the Classic 9x4000 or this Full Traverse. The final price and conditions are confirmed with you before going ahead.
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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