Today, we are going to leave the city behind and drive south in the direction of the Toubkal Massif. This mountain range is known for its jagged peaks and deep valleys. As we travel over the Haouz Plain, we make our way into the teeny-tiny village of Asni. It is from here that our route starts to wind its way up towards the Massif's foothills. As we make our approach towards the town of Imlil, the valley of the Oued Rhirhaia spreads out below us into the distance, and little settlements cling to the slopes of the high hills as we go down the winding path.

We leave our vehicle here and begin our hike with our mountain guide, making our way up the Mizane Valley, first in the direction of the town of Aremd and then on to the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch. Aremd is the largest settlement in the valley and was built on a moraine spur that overlooks the valley bottom. It features a unique combination of traditional terraced farming, gites, and roadways that appear to be continuously gridlocked by goats and cattle. These difficult grounds have been exploited by the local Berber villagers for many years, and they have been able to produce maize, potatoes, and walnuts despite the environment. As we go eastward and through the flood plain, our path leads us along mule routes and eventually up into the steep rocky cliffs that are located above the valley.

After making our way across the river, we find ourselves at the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamarouch, which is frequented by tourists as well as pilgrims (although only Muslims are allowed to cross the stone bridge to visit the marabout shrine itself). The settlement is located next to a little waterfall and is comprised of a tangled cluster of dwellings that blend into one another in a disorganized manner.

We will continue to make a steady ascent, winding and zigzagging its way up until it reaches the snowline and the Toukbal Refuge (3206m), which will serve as our overnight destination. About 5hrs walking.