Tacheddirt and the Tizi n Tamatert: The Other Side of Imlil
East of Imlil, over a pass, sits one of the highest permanently inhabited villages in the High Atlas. Very few visitors go.
Where is Tacheddirt?
East of Imlil, reached over the Tizi n Tamatert pass, Tacheddirt is one of the highest permanently inhabited villages in the High Atlas — a cluster of flat-roofed houses on a steep hillside with terraces stacked below it. It sees a small fraction of the traffic of the Toubkal valley.
Why go there?
Because it is what people imagine the Atlas is like before they arrive: working villages, mule paths, terraced agriculture, and long valley views without a queue. It is also the natural staging point for crossing towards Setti Fatma and the Ourika valley, the traverse described in our Imlil to Setti Fatma guide.
What is the walking like?
| Section | Character |
|---|---|
| Imlil to the Tizi n Tamatert | Steady climb on a clear track and path, big views back over Imlil |
| Pass to Tacheddirt | Traverse and descent into a quieter valley |
| Around Tacheddirt | Terraces, hamlets, high pastures, options to climb further |
| Onward east | Passes towards the Ourika headwaters and Setti Fatma |
It is trekking rather than summiteering: no altitude drama, no technical ground, just sustained walking at moderate altitude on real mountain paths.
Can it be done in a day?
The pass crossing from Imlil to Tacheddirt is a walkable day for a fit hiker, and it makes an excellent alternative to the standard valley day trip. Continuing beyond it, though, is multi-day country and best done as part of a planned traverse.
Is it good in winter?
The pass can hold snow, and the village sits high enough for genuinely cold nights. It is beautiful and quiet in those conditions, but it needs the same judgement as any winter Atlas walking — see the winter guide.
How does it compare to the Toubkal valley?
Fewer trekkers, fewer guesthouses, less infrastructure, and a stronger sense of ordinary mountain life. If Toubkal is the objective, Imlil is your base; if the Atlas itself is the objective, Tacheddirt is the better direction. Our Atlas peaks and valleys trek and the 8-day summer traverse both link this kind of ground.
What should I know before going?
Bring cash, dress modestly, and expect simple hospitality rather than services — the etiquette guide applies with force here. If you are choosing between a taste of the mountains and a real crossing, the day hike versus multi-day guide will help, and the Morocco trekking planning guide covers how to shape a longer route.
Message us on WhatsApp if you want a High Atlas trek that avoids the busiest valley entirely — this is the direction we would point you.
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Tacheddirt?
- East of Imlil over the Tizi n Tamatert pass, it is one of the highest permanently inhabited villages in the High Atlas.
- Can you walk from Imlil to Tacheddirt in a day?
- Yes, the pass crossing is a walkable day for a fit hiker and makes a quieter alternative to the standard valley day trip.
- Is Tacheddirt busier than Imlil?
- No, it sees far fewer trekkers and has much less infrastructure, which is a large part of its appeal.
