Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains climax at 4,167 meters (13,676 feet) at the top of Jbel Toubkal (a.k.a. Mount Toubkal). Claiming its fame as North Africa’s highest peak, it’s no wonder visitors come in multitudinous troops to crest the summit. Something like the lower mandible of Jaws, the undulating Middle Atlas and High Atlas Mountains in the distance creates its own atmosphere of beauty, serenity and, what Edmund Burke would howl from his grave as sublimity. With the Tessaout, Ait Bouguemez and Ait Bou Oulli valleys dawdling the distance, Jbel Toubkal is the ultimate photo-tunity to break-in every mega-pixel your camera offers.

Hiking or Trekking in the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco does not require years of backwoods experience. However, the altitude, language barrier and lack of Western amenities make it a little less than the coziness of suburbia. But, you came to escape the SUVs and cookie-cutter clans for a while anyways. Ergo, aside from the discomforting squatter toilets, you’ll have a bed and pillow to rest your weary limps and head. And, if you manage to rise from your supine position after day one, then you’ll be on your way to the top. Here’s what it will be like.

The first day will involve working your way to Imlil. This tiny town seemingly glued to a hillside is only an hour and a half from Marrakech. Nearly everyone starts here to begin the Mount Toubkal trek. Imlil, too, is the starting point for other hikes and treks in Morocco. A Morocco tour operator can give you all your choices and options for the most popular to most peaceful Morocco hikes.

On the way up, you’ll pass the Lilliputian community of Armed. At 1900 meters, the houses and walls are made of stone. The villagers have been growing food in cultivated terraces for hundreds of years. It may look as if the town could slide down its own mountainside at any time. However, given its longevity, it’s not likely to happen any time soon. This quintessential Morocco mountain village may be the real Morocco you’ve been looking for.

As you keep on trekking you’ll soon pass Sidi Chamharouch. Pilgrims come here year round to pay their respects to the king of the genies. Five hours up from Imlil, this Morocco trek arrives at the Neltner Hut. The word "hut" here does not mean hut of hay and straw mats. No, there (generally) are hot showers, meals, bathrooms, beds and bunks available for rent. You can sleep indoors or pitch a tent out front. This is the stopping point before the summit. At 3,200 meters (10,500 feet), the "hut" is open year round, with a newer "hut" being built with more swankness next door.

The summit of Jbel Toubkal awaits early risers. Donning headlamp, flashlights and hiking poles, wannabe summiteers gather before sunrise for a breakfast of hobs (homemade bread), jam and coffee before hitting the trail again. The summit is about three to four hours from the Neltner Hut. Hikers and Morocco trekkers can either sleep another night at the Neltner Hut on the way back down or hike all the way back to Imlil.

Though maps are said to be found in Imlil, I wouldn’t recommend waiting till then to get one—It will be a trek in and of itself. Though the trail is discernable in most places, it may be wise to hire a Morocco tour operator to set up your Jbel Toubkal hike. This way, at least, you’ll be certain to get the best prices, best guides (and mules!) and best trail orientations money can buy.